Last updated: November 11, 2024
Ready for the holidays in Gladstone? Our guide has all the events and activities you need. Whether you're a familiar face or a new visitor, our guide reveals the holiday wonders of Gladstone.
One highlight of the season is the Holiday Reflections, where sparkling lights and festive decorations transform the landscape into a winter wonderland. Evergy Plaza Lights brings the community together with a dazzling display that brightens the night sky, creating a warm atmosphere for gatherings. And the Christmas in the Park is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring enchanting displays and activities for the whole family. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Gladstone Holiday Light Displays
Holiday Reflections
- What to Expect
- Immersive holiday experience with VR sleigh ride and model trains.
- Description
- Holiday Reflections at Union Station features sky-reaching lights, dozens of decorated trees, forest friends, and a model train gallery. Explore Santa's secret wonderland with a virtual reality sleigh ride and enjoy the holiday spirit in Kansas City's historic home.
- Where
- Kansas City | More Info : Holiday Reflections
Evergy Plaza Lights
- What to Expect
- Synchronized lighting of historic marketplace buildings.
- Description
- The Evergy Plaza Lights is a 15-block holiday spectacle on the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, featuring thousands of glimmering lights that illuminate every dome, tower, and window.
- Where
- Kansas City | More Info : Evergy Plaza Lights
Christmas in the Park
- What to Expect
- Spectacular light and animated display event benefiting local charities.
- Description
- Christmas in the Park features over one million lights and 200 animated displays, all designed and built in-house by talented crews. The event is free, with voluntary exit donations benefiting 35 local charities.
- Where
- Lee's Summit | More Info : Christmas in the Park
Winter Magic
- What to Expect
- Twice the lights in a new Northland location.
- Description
- Winter Magic is a drive-thru holiday light display in Kansas City, featuring twice the lights from previous years, a new location in the Northland, and affordable weekday ticket prices. The event includes a one-mile drive through breathtaking light displays and festive music, making it a memorable experience for families and friends.
- Where
- Kansas City | More Info : Winter Magic
Gladstone Holiday Markets and Shopping
St. Joe Thanksgiving Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Unique holiday market with vendor booths and festive activities.
- Description
- St. Joe Christmas Tree Farm hosts a festive market with over 30 vendors selling crafts, gifts, and seasonal items. Enjoy Big Hungry BBQ, train trolley rides, and hot cocoa on weekends. Raffle drawings and a variety of holiday decor are also available.
- Where
- St. Joseph | More Info : St. Joe Thanksgiving Christmas Market
Gladstone Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Local vendors selling handmade crafts and holiday gifts.
- Description
- The Gladstone Christmas Market is a seasonal event featuring local vendors selling handmade crafts, holiday gifts, and festive treats. It offers a cozy atmosphere perfect for finding unique holiday items and enjoying the community spirit.
- Where
- Gladstone | More Info : Gladstone Christmas Market
Gladstone Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Union Station Holiday Events
- What to Expect
- Immersive holiday experience with unique attractions and activities.
- Description
- Union Station in Kansas City offers a variety of holiday events, including the Holiday Reflections walk-thru village with sky-reaching lights, decorated trees, and a mini train ride. The Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium features holiday laser shows, and the Regnier Extreme Screen Theatre screens classic holiday movies. Science City hosts special exhibits and activities for kids.
- Where
- Kansas City | More Info : Union Station Holiday Events
Kansas City Ballet's The Nutcracker
- What to Expect
- World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
- Description
- Kansas City Ballet's The Nutcracker is a timeless ballet production featuring stunning choreography, lavish sets, and memorable music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The enduring story, written by E.T.A. Hoffman during the Victorian era, unfolds with beloved characters like Clara, the Nutcracker Prince, Dr. Drosselmeier, and the enchanting Sugar Plum Fairy. The production includes opulent costumes and magnificent sets, making it a must-see for ballet lovers.
- Where
- Kansas City | More Info : Kansas City Ballet's The Nutcracker
Gladstone Other Holiday Activities
Crown Center Ice Terrace
- What to Expect
- Free skate sessions on opening day with coffee and hot chocolate.
- Description
- Crown Center Ice Terrace is Kansas City's original public outdoor ice skating rink, offering a fun and family-friendly experience with regular skating sessions and special events throughout the season.
- Where
- Kansas City | More Info : Crown Center Ice Terrace