Sugar Plum Fairy Children's Ball
Families step into a holiday wonderland featuring dance lessons, games, crafts, face painting, and a dress-up station with authentic Kansas City Ballet costumes. Guests receive a complimentary photo with the Sugar Plum Fairy before gathering in the Imperial Ballroom for a three-course luncheon. The celebration also includes a narrated Nutcracker Suite performance by Kansas City Ballet School students, followed by an open ballroom dance party.
What to Expect
Holiday luncheon, ballet performance, and photo with the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Kansas City Ballet
Food & Drink
The event includes a three-course luncheon.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and magical
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
None
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: The details section lists activity time as 10 a.m.–11:30 a.m. and luncheon, performance and dance party as 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.; the event timeline separately lists the 11:30 a.m. activities through 1:30 p.m.
- Parking: Parking information will be provided with the event confirmation. Shuttle service from the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts will not be available this year.
Tips & Advice
- Arrive at the start so kids have time for the workshop, crafts, face painting, costume dress-up and their free Sugar Plum Fairy photo before lunch begins.
- Skip the dance clothes, since the Nutcracker movement workshop needs no special attire and kids can join in whatever they are wearing.
- Read your event confirmation closely for parking details, because there is no shuttle from the Kauffman Center to the Muehlebach Tower this year.
- Use the discount that comes with your ball ticket if you want to see The Nutcracker, since the ticket itself does not include a matinee.
Special Events & Promotions
- This year's theme is 'Clara's Dream,' bringing the Nutcracker Battle Scene to life as the toys protect Clara from the Mouse King.
- KSHB 41 anchor Lindsay Shively is this year's emcee.
- Ball tickets include a special discount on select performances of The Nutcracker at the Kauffman Center.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What do kids get to do at the ball?
The morning starts with a Nutcracker movement workshop, holiday crafts, games, face painting, a dress-up station with real Kansas City Ballet costumes and a free photo with the Sugar Plum Fairy. Next comes a Kansas City Ballet School performance with live narration in the Imperial Ballroom. The day ends with a children's ballroom dance party alongside the ballet students.
Do kids need to wear dance clothes?
No. The Nutcracker movement workshop needs no dance attire.
Is a meal included?
Yes. A three-course luncheon is served in the Imperial Ballroom as part of the event.
Does the ticket include a Nutcracker performance?
No. This year's ticket does not include a Nutcracker matinee. It does come with a special discount for select Nutcracker performances at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.
Where do we park?
Parking details come with your event confirmation. There is no shuttle from the Kauffman Center this year.
More Christmas Events Near Kansas City
More Christmas Events near Kansas City
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