Weekend events happening around the Kansas City metro

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - It looks like there will be great weather for many outdoor events this weekend. Here's a list of some of them.

Downtown Holiday Lighting Festival - 4-7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30, at City Hall Plaza in Kansas City, Kan.

There will be entertainment, food, decorated trees from the neighborhood associations, a visit with Santa, goodie-bags for the first 1000 children, free movies, popcorn, cotton candy and crafts for the children. The Mayor's tree will be lit.

Old Town Lighting Ceremony - 5-9 p.m. Friday, Nov 30, at the Lenexa Community Center. 

The community is invited to gather in the parking lot between the Lenexa Community Center and Lenexa Senior Center for a panoramic view of the annual lighting of Old Town’s historic row of buildings. This long-time holiday tradition includes a variety of festive entertainment for all ages, school choir performances, visits with Santa, holiday refreshments, dance performances and the holiday secret shop for kids where gifts can be purchased for an average price of $2 to $5.

Lexington Festival of Lights Parade - 7-8 p.m. Friday, Nov 30, in Historic Downtown Lexington Mo. 

Enjoy a Christmas parade and live performances of festive holiday music. Have your picture taken with Father Christmas.

Ugly Sweater 5k Run - 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, in downtown Lawrence, Kan. 

Near the starting line at Watson Park there will be snow machines, reindeer games and holiday music. Participants are urged to bring a toy to donate to Toys for Tots.

Christmas around Town - 4:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, at Shawnee City Hall. 

An evening full of holiday activities awaits you, Dickens Carolers, hand Painting, holiday arts and craft activities, and of course Santa Claus!

Candy Cane Hunt and Mayor's Tree Lighting - 5:30-6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec 1, at Merriam Marketplace. 

Enjoy holiday music performed by area singers. Mayor Ken Sissom will light this year's holiday tree followed by a visit from Santa, arriving via a Merriam Fire Department truck.

Beyond the Diagnosis: Autism Across the Lifespan - 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30 and Saturday, Dec. 1 at the Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, Kan.

This conference will answer questions for children and adults. Registration is $20 for students for one or both days; $60 for individuals for one day or $90 for both days; and $140 for one day or $250 for both days for professionals with CEUs. Professionals earn 11.8 CEUs for full two-day participation.