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Last updated: November 11, 2024

Celebrate the festive wonders of Kansas City with our ultimate guide. Whether Kansas City is your home sweet home or your temporary haven, our guide maximizes your seasonal enjoyment.

This holiday season, experience the magic of the Kansas City Ballet's The Nutcracker, where enchanting performances bring the beloved classic to life with vibrant choreography and stunning visuals. Enjoy the electrifying sounds of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra at the T-Mobile Center, known for their dramatic fusion of rock and classical music during the holidays. And the Crown Center Ice Terrace is something you definitely don't want to miss—offering a charming ice skating experience right in the heart of the city. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!

Contact information and details below.

Kansas City Holiday Light Displays

What to Expect:

Immersive holiday experience with virtual reality sleigh ride.

Description:

Holiday Reflections at Kansas City Union Station features a spectacular walk-thru holiday village with sky-reaching lights, decorated trees, and forest friends. The event includes an award-winning Model Train Gallery and a Mini Holiday Express Ride-On Train. A Magical Sleigh Ride VR experience allows guests to explore Santa's secret wonderland in virtual reality.

Where: Kansas City | More Info: Holiday Reflections - Kansas City Union Station

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What to Expect:

Twice the lights in a new Northland location.

Description:

Winter Magic in Kansas City features a one-mile drive-through holiday light display with breathtaking, upgraded light displays and festive music, making it a memorable holiday experience for families and friends.

Where: Kansas City | More Info: Winter Magic

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What to Expect:

Spectacular light and display show with community charity support.

Description:

Christmas in the Park features over half a million lights and 200 animated displays, all designed and built in-house by talented crews. The event starts at the Frank White Jr., Softball Complex and winds through Longview Campground, offering free admission with voluntary exit donations benefiting 40 local charities.

Where: Lee's Summit | More Info: Christmas in the Park - Frank White Softball Complex

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What to Expect:

Illuminated garden paths and gnome villages.

Description:

The Luminary Walk at Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens features illuminated garden paths, gnome and fairy villages, live music, and photos with Santa. It offers a festive family night and a peaceful, kid-free evening with candlelit woods and enchanting light displays. A limited electric lights-only version is available for low-sensory needs.

Where: Overland Park | More Info: Luminary Walk - Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

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Kansas City Holiday Markets and Shopping

What to Expect:

Immersive holiday village with a mini train ride and VR sleigh adventure.

Description:

Union Station Holiday Market features a walk-through holiday village with sky-reaching lights, decorated trees, and a mini train ride. It includes holiday plays, performances, and planetarium shows, making it a comprehensive holiday experience.

Where: Kansas City | More Info: Union Station Holiday Market

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What to Expect:

Illuminated Victorian mansion with traditional ethnic dinner and exhibits.

Description:

The Strawberry Hill Museum & Cultural Center transforms into a holiday spectacle with beautifully decorated exhibits and traditional ethnic foods, celebrating the diverse heritage of Kansas City.

Where: Kansas City | More Info: Strawberry Hill Christmas Mart

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Kansas City Holiday Shows and Entertainment

What to Expect:

World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.

Description:

The Kansas City Ballet's production of The Nutcracker features stunning choreography, lavish sets, and memorable music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. This timeless ballet production, adapted by Devon Carney, includes beloved characters like Clara and the Nutcracker Prince, set against opulent costumes and magnificent scenery.

Where: Kansas City | More Info: Kansas City Ballet's The Nutcracker

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What to Expect:

World-class choral performance with nearly 150 musicians.

Description:

Handel's Messiah is a renowned choral piece featuring nearly 150 musicians and special guest vocalists. The Kansas City Symphony and Chorus, led by guest conductor Patrick Summers and chorus director Charles Bruffy, perform in the impeccable acoustics of Helzberg Hall. This iconic work is sure to impress and delight audiences with its triumphant music.

Where: Kansas City | More Info: Kansas City Symphony's Handel's Messiah

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What to Expect:

Redemptive journey with ghostly guides.

Description:

Join Ebenezer Scrooge on his redemptive journey with Christmas Past, Present, and Future. Meet the Cratchits, Tiny Tim, and the irresistible Fezziwigs, and hear the haunting and joyous Candlelight Carol. Rediscover the true meaning of the holidays in this beloved holiday tradition.

Where: Kansas City | More Info: KC Rep's A Christmas Carol

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What to Expect:

Large-scale tuba and euphonium ensemble performance.

Description:

TubaChristmas 2023 at Crown Center features a free noon-hour concert where tuba and euphonium players come together to perform holiday tunes and carols. The event is held on Crown Center Square, weather permitting, and includes a rehearsal period for participants. Bring your own lawn chairs for a comfortable viewing experience.

Where: Kansas City | More Info: TubaChristmas 2023 - Crown Center

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Kansas City Other Holiday Activities

What to Expect:

Unique outdoor ice skating experience in downtown Kansas City.

Description:

The Crown Center Ice Terrace is Kansas City's original public outdoor ice skating rink, offering a 51st season of skating fun. Enjoy regular hours from November to March, with special holiday hours. Admission is $9 for adults and children 4 and older, with children under 4 admitted free with paid admission. Skate rentals are available for $5.

Where: Kansas City | More Info: Crown Center Ice Terrace

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