Kansas City, MO transforms into a festive wonderland during the holiday season, offering a variety of enchanting events for locals and visitors alike. Experience the magic of the Kansas City Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting at Crown Center Square, where a 100-foot-tall Douglas fir dazzles with thousands of lights and ornaments, or take a scenic drive through the twinkling wonderland of Christmas in the Park at Longview Lake Park, featuring over 500,000 lights and animated displays.
Don't miss the iconic Plaza Lights at the Country Club Plaza, where miles of lights outline the Spanish-inspired architecture, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Whether you're looking for family-friendly activities or enjoying the holiday cheer with friends, Kansas City offers something for everyone to make the season truly special.
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The Top Christmas Events in Kansas City
- Kansas City Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting
- Plaza Lights
- Union Station Holiday Reflections
- Christmas Festival by the Kansas City Symphony
- Kansas City Ballet's "The Nutcracker"
- Santa's Wonderland
- Zona Rosa Northern Lights
- Christmas Carnival at Worlds of Fun
- Strawberry Hill Museum's Victorian Christmas
Kansas City Holiday Light Displays
Kansas City Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Massive 100-foot-tall Douglas fir tree
Description:
A towering 100-foot-tall Douglas fir takes center stage at Crown Center Square. This annual tradition dates back to 1908, symbolizing the Mayor's Christmas Tree Fund charity. Visitors can marvel at the tree's 10,600 white lights and 1,200 ornaments. The lighting ceremony features live performances by local musicians and choirs. You can purchase commemorative ornaments made from the previous year's tree, continuing a unique recycling tradition that began in 1981.
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Kansas City Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting
Plaza Lights
What to Expect:
Spanish-inspired architecture adorned with lights
Description:
The Country Club Plaza bursts with color as thousands of lights outline its distinctive Spanish-inspired architecture. This Kansas City tradition began in 1925 with a single strand of lights. Now, over 80 miles of lights adorn the buildings, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Visitors can stroll through the 15-block district, admiring the intricate displays. The event pays homage to the Plaza's unique design, inspired by Seville, Spain, and showcases the area's rich history.
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Zona Rosa Northern Lights
What to Expect:
Massive crowns suspended over streets
Description:
Zona Rosa's Northern Lights display features unique, oversized crowns suspended above the streets. These illuminated crowns pay homage to Kansas City's nickname, the "City of Fountains," with each crown representing a famous local fountain. The tradition began in 2004, quickly becoming a hallmark of the area's holiday celebrations. Visitors can stroll beneath the glowing crowns, taking in the festive atmosphere. You'll find an array of holiday-themed activities throughout the shopping district, complementing the distinctive overhead display.
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Kansas City Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas Festival by the Kansas City Symphony
What to Expect:
Symphony performance with audience sing-along
Description:
The Kansas City Symphony fills Helzberg Hall with the rich sounds of holiday classics. This annual concert blends orchestral arrangements with choral performances, creating a powerful auditory experience. The event includes a unique audience sing-along, allowing you to join in beloved carols. Dating back to the symphony's founding in 1982, this festival has become a cherished tradition. Visitors can admire the hall's striking architecture while immersing themselves in the joyous melodies of the season.
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Christmas Festival by the Kansas City Symphony
Kansas City Ballet's "The Nutcracker"
What to Expect:
Locally designed sets and costumes
Description:
The Kansas City Ballet brings Tchaikovsky's classic to life with a local twist. This production features stunning sets and costumes designed specifically for the Kansas City stage. The performance incorporates elements of the city's history, including a scene inspired by the Country Club Plaza. Dancers glide across the stage, telling the timeless tale with grace and precision. You'll be transported to a world of sugar plum fairies and toy soldiers, all while experiencing a uniquely Kansas City interpretation of this holiday favorite.
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Kansas City Ballet's "The Nutcracker"
Kansas City Other Holiday Activities
Union Station Holiday Reflections
What to Expect:
Indoor holiday village in historic train station
Description:
Union Station's Grand Plaza transforms into a whimsical indoor holiday village. The 100-year-old architectural gem provides a stunning backdrop for this festive display. Visitors can wander through a forest of decorated trees, each sponsored by local organizations. The event showcases Kansas City's railway heritage, with model trains chugging through miniature landscapes. You'll discover photo opportunities at every turn, including a larger-than-life snow globe perfect for capturing memories.
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Union Station Holiday Reflections
Santa's Wonderland
What to Expect:
Interactive Santa experience with activities
Description:
Santa's Wonderland offers more than just a photo opportunity. This immersive experience transports visitors to the North Pole through a series of interactive stations. Children can write letters to Santa, create holiday crafts, and even "test" new toys. The event incorporates Kansas City themes, with local landmarks recreated in miniature. You'll encounter costumed characters from holiday stories, bringing beloved tales to life. This hands-on approach to meeting Santa creates lasting memories for families, going beyond the traditional mall Santa visit.
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Christmas Carnival at Worlds of Fun
What to Expect:
Amusement park rides combined with holiday festivities
Description:
Worlds of Fun amusement park transforms into a winter playground during its Christmas Carnival. This unique event combines thrilling rides with holiday celebrations, creating an exciting atmosphere for all ages. The park's iconic attractions take on a festive flair, adorned with lights and decorations. Visitors can enjoy special holiday-themed shows, blending the park's entertainment expertise with seasonal cheer. You'll discover a perfect blend of adrenaline and holiday spirit as you explore the transformed park grounds.
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Christmas Carnival at Worlds of Fun
Strawberry Hill Museum's Victorian Christmas
What to Expect:
Authentic Victorian-era holiday decorations
Description:
Strawberry Hill Museum transports visitors to a Victorian-era Christmas. This meticulously restored mansion showcases authentic holiday decorations from the late 19th century. The event highlights the diverse ethnic heritage of the Strawberry Hill neighborhood, incorporating holiday traditions from various cultures. Visitors can explore rooms adorned with period-appropriate ornaments and décor, each telling a story of Christmases past. You'll gain insight into the holiday customs of Kansas City's early residents, experiencing history through the lens of seasonal celebrations.
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Strawberry Hill Museum's Victorian Christmas
Nearby Events
Christmas in the Park (Lee's Summit)
What to Expect:
Drive-through light display in Longview Lake Park
Description:
Longview Lake Park transforms into a twinkling wonderland with over 500,000 lights. This drive-through experience spans a 2-mile scenic route, showcasing animated displays and holiday scenes. The event began in 1987 and has grown into a beloved Kansas City tradition. Visitors can tune their car radios to a special station for synchronized holiday music. The park donates a portion of proceeds to local charities, spreading holiday cheer beyond its illuminated borders.
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Holiday Light & Magic Drive-Thru (Bonner Springs)
What to Expect:
Interactive light displays synchronized to music
Description:
This innovative drive-through experience elevates holiday lights to new heights. Cutting-edge technology synchronizes dazzling light displays with holiday tunes, creating an immersive audiovisual spectacle. The event showcases over a million LED lights, arranged in intricate patterns and animations. Visitors can interact with certain displays using their smartphones, adding a modern twist to traditional light shows. This eco-friendly event uses energy-efficient bulbs, illuminating the season while minimizing environmental impact.
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Holiday Light & Magic Drive-Thru
The Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting (Overland Park)
What to Expect:
One of America's tallest Christmas trees
Description:
Crown Center Square hosts one of America's tallest Christmas trees, standing at an impressive 100 feet. This Kansas City tradition dates back over a century, symbolizing the city's spirit of giving. The lighting ceremony features performances by local artists and community groups. Visitors can admire the tree's thousands of lights and ornaments, each carefully placed to create a stunning display. You'll witness a piece of Kansas City history as the mayor continues this long-standing holiday custom.
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The Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting
KC Wine Co. Christmas Festival (Olathe)
What to Expect:
Wine tasting combined with holiday activities
Description:
KC Wine Co's Christmas Festival blends wine tasting with holiday cheer. This unique event takes place at a local winery, offering a grown-up twist on seasonal celebrations. Visitors can sample a variety of wines, including special holiday blends, while enjoying festive activities. The winery's rustic barn transforms into a cozy holiday haven, complete with twinkling lights and seasonal décor. You'll have the opportunity to create wine-themed holiday crafts, adding a personal touch to your celebrations.
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KC Wine Co. Christmas Festival
Holiday Luminary Walk (Overland Park)
What to Expect:
Candlelit paths through botanical gardens
Description:
The Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens glow with the soft light of thousands of candles during this enchanting event. Luminaries line the paths, guiding visitors through the winter landscape. This peaceful walk offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of the season. Visitors can warm up with hot cocoa while enjoying live music performances scattered throughout the gardens. You'll discover the beauty of nature in winter, with the gardens' diverse plant life creating a serene backdrop for this illuminated stroll.
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Gladstone's Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting (Gladstone)
What to Expect:
Community-focused event with local performances
Description:
Gladstone's annual tree lighting ceremony emphasizes community involvement. Local school choirs and dance troupes perform, showcasing the city's young talent. The event highlights Gladstone's history, with displays detailing the city's growth since its incorporation in 1952. Visitors can participate in holiday-themed games and activities, fostering a sense of neighborly connection. You'll witness the mayor light the tree alongside a child selected through a city-wide contest, symbolizing the passing of traditions to the next generation.
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Gladstone's Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting