See all Kansas City Christmas happenings this year!
Kansas City marks Christmas 2025 near the downtown plaza and Nelson-Atkins Museum, where lights and performances create festive nights. Winter parades, holiday shows and seasonal celebrations bring markets, concerts and family activities to neighborhoods across the city.
Find the best Kansas City Christmas happenings this year!
Top Christmas Events In and Around Kansas City
- Trans-Siberian Orchestra
- Kansas City Ballet's The Nutcracker
- Union Station Holiday Reflections
- Crown Center Ice Terrace
- Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art - Christmas Day Closure
- Kansas City Merry Market
- Crown Center Ice Terrace Opening Day Free Skate
- Santa's Arrival at Crown Center
- Westport Winter Market
- Evergy Plaza Lights
See even MORE Christmas events below!
Kansas City Christmas Events
Kansas City Christmas Markets and Shopping
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Step into the festive spirit at the Kansas City Merry Market, a vibrant holiday celebration at the historic City Market. Discover unique gifts from local artisans, savor seasonal treats, and soak in the cheerful atmosphere. It's the perfect destination for holiday shopping and community fun.
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Discover the charm of the Westport Winter Market, a curated event showcasing the talents of 45 selected artists. This market offers a unique opportunity to find handcrafted gifts and artisanal products, perfect for the holiday season. Explore a diverse range of art and crafts, and immerse yourself in the festive winter atmosphere.
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Experience Kansas City's premier handmade holiday shopping event at The Holiday Swing. This cherished tradition, now in its 14th year, brings together local artisans and makers at the historic J. Rieger & Co. distillery. Discover unique, handcrafted gifts under twinkling lights and festive decor, while enjoying seasonal treats and sips. It's the perfect opportunity to support local talent and find one-of-a-kind treasures.
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Experience the magic of the season at Holidays in Crestwood, a multi-day celebration featuring unique shopping, festive activities, and charitable giving. Explore local shops offering special events and contributing 10% of sales to the Child Protection Center. Admire and bid on stunning Gingerbread Houses crafted by local pastry chefs, and enjoy live holiday music. Santa Claus will be making special appearances, offering a memorable photo opportunity, especially from a horse-drawn sleigh on Saturday.
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Immerse yourself in holiday magic at the Westport Christmas Market, Kansas City's beloved tradition. Discover unique gifts from local artisans, enjoy festive music, and savor warm seasonal drinks. Families can create cherished memories with Santa and Buddy the Elf, making it a perfect day of Christmas cheer.
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Capture the holiday spirit with your canine companion at the Santa Paws Holiday Mart. This festive event offers a unique opportunity for pets to meet Santa Claus and get their photos taken, creating lasting holiday memories. Browse a curated selection of artisanal goods and holiday gifts from local vendors, perfect for finding unique presents for your loved ones. It's a delightful celebration for dog enthusiasts and their furry family members.
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Discover unique treasures at the Mistletowne Market, a curated holiday shopping event featuring local fine art and artisan goods. Browse ceramics, jewelry, candles, and one-of-a-kind pieces perfect for gifting. Enjoy live music and festive treats while supporting local creators.
Kansas City Christmas Movies, Theater and Entertainment
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Prepare for an unforgettable holiday experience as the Trans-Siberian Orchestra returns with "THE LOST CHRISTMAS EVE." This spectacular show features a dazzling new production with pyrotechnics and lasers, bringing their signature storytelling to life. Following the captivating narrative, the band will launch into a high-energy second set, performing their greatest hits and beloved fan favorites.
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Step into a world of wonder with Kansas City Ballet's 'The Nutcracker,' a cherished holiday tradition. Follow Clara's magical journey from a Christmas Eve party to the Land of the Sweets, encountering a Nutcracker Prince, a Mouse King, and the Sugar Plum Fairy. This enchanting performance boasts dazzling costumes, breathtaking scenery, and mesmerizing choreography, all set to Tchaikovsky's iconic score performed by the Kansas City Symphony.
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The Kansas City Symphony presents a spectacular season of holiday and cinematic concerts. Experience beloved films like "Elf" and "Harry Potter" with live orchestral scores, or immerse yourself in festive traditions like "Handel's Messiah" and "The Christmas Festival." Renowned artists and diverse programming ensure a magical experience for all.
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Experience the hilarious and heartwarming "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" at Union Station's City Stage Theatre. This beloved holiday play, based on Barbara Robinson's novel, follows the chaotic but ultimately joyful journey of the Herdman siblings as they take over the annual Christmas pageant. It's a story filled with relatable characters and unexpected holiday cheer.
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Get ready for a hilarious and heartwarming holiday experience with Maxine's Christmas Carol! This beloved Kansas City tradition, back by popular demand, offers a unique, grumpy take on the classic Dickens tale. Starring local favorite Cathy Barnett as the iconic Maxine, the show features singing, dancing, and the famous ghosts, all performed live at Union Station.
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Step into the festive spirit with a special screening of the classic holiday film "White Christmas" at the historic Tivoli Cinema. This beloved musical tells the story of WWII vets putting on a show to help a general's inn. Enjoy this heartwarming tale in the elegant Atkins Auditorium.
Kansas City Christmas Light Displays
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Step into a world of enchantment at Union Station's Holiday Reflections, Kansas City's premier indoor holiday celebration. This year, discover a dazzling new entrance, a recreated 1920s Petticoat Lane, and magnificent Crown Chandeliers. Marvel at a towering 30-foot tree, enjoy a festive VR sleigh ride, and ride the historic mini train. With returning favorites like singing reindeer and a massive model train exhibit, it's a magical experience for all ages.
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For over 90 years, the Evergy Plaza Lights have illuminated Kansas City, transforming the Country Club Plaza into a breathtaking 15-block holiday spectacle. This cherished tradition officially kicks off the festive season with a grand lighting ceremony, after which the dazzling lights shine nightly, creating a magical atmosphere for all to enjoy.
Kansas City Christmas Food, Drink and Parties
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Celebrate the holiday season with Tinsel & 'Tinis, an adults-only evening event at Union Station's Holiday Reflections. Indulge in festive craft cocktails and enjoy live entertainment, including Santa, carolers, and a DJ. Experience the magic of the season in a spectacularly decorated setting.
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Step into a world of holiday magic at the Kansas City Ballet's Sugar Plum Fairy Children's Ball. This enchanting event offers a delightful three-course luncheon, exciting silent auction, and captivating entertainment. Children will cherish their photo with the Sugar Plum Fairy and enjoy festive face painting, while parents can browse the Nutcracker Marketplace. The celebration includes a special performance by Kansas City Ballet School students and a reading of Clara's journey, culminating in an invitation to attend Kansas City Ballet's matinee performance of The Nutcracker.
Kansas City Other Christmas Activities
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Lace up your skates for a quintessential winter experience at the Crown Center Ice Terrace. This beloved outdoor rink offers a perfect opportunity for friends and family to glide across the ice amidst the festive atmosphere of Crown Center. Skate rentals are available on-site, making it easy to enjoy this classic seasonal activity.
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The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art will be closed on Christmas Day, December 25, 2024. While the museum is not open for visits on this holiday, the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park remains accessible from sunrise to sundown, offering a peaceful outdoor space for reflection.
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Join the excitement as Kansas City's beloved Crown Center Ice Terrace opens for the season with a special free skate event. From 6 am to 9 am, enjoy complimentary ice skating, along with free coffee and hot chocolate to warm you up. It's the perfect way to embrace the cooler weather and kick off a season of fun on the ice.
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Get ready for the holiday season as Santa Claus makes his grand entrance at Crown Center! Watch him arrive in a charming horse-drawn carriage, signaling the official start of the festive period. Join the joyful procession as Santa makes his way to his temporary home, Santa's Gingerbread Station, where he'll be greeting visitors throughout the season.
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Step into a winter wonderland at Crown Center's Santa's Gingerbread Station, where holiday magic comes alive. This festive destination offers a chance to meet Santa Claus himself and create cherished memories. Beyond the station, the entire Crown Center complex buzzes with holiday spirit, featuring the Mayor's Christmas Tree, unique shops, and the immersive, free Hallmark Christmas Experience.
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Step into a winter wonderland at Crown Center's Santa's Gingerbread Station. This beloved holiday tradition invites families to meet Santa Claus himself, creating cherished memories. Beyond Santa's station, the entire Crown Center complex buzzes with festive spirit, featuring ice skating under the Mayor's Christmas Tree and the enchanting Hallmark Christmas Experience.
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Ring in the New Year at noon with an exciting celebration at Science City! This family-friendly event offers a day packed with interactive science exhibits, creative crafts, and live entertainment. Kids can make their own festive headbands and dreamcatchers, race Spheros, and enjoy shows like 'Martian New Year' and 'The Great Science Show.' The day culminates with a special balloon drop at 6:00 PM, allowing even the youngest attendees to celebrate the countdown to 2025.
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Lace up your running shoes for the Westport Santa Dash, a thrilling holiday race event. Choose from the main 5K Santa Dash, the 1K Reindeer Trot, or the 200M Elf Dash for younger participants. Bundle deals are available, offering a discount when combined with the Ward Parkway Thanksgiving Day Run.
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