Evergy Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens
Visitors bundle up to stroll along a lighted outdoor path through the winter landscape and garden architecture. Inside the glass Conservatory, guests can view the miniature Winter Holiday Train chugging through snowy peaks and festive scenery, or stop by the 1980s-themed Totally Rad Holiday warming station in the Garden Galleries. The Missouri Barn area features cozy fire pits overlooking the Villandry Garden, plus silo views of the illuminated grounds from above.
What to Expect
Lighted outdoor path turning Kansas City's botanical garden into a winter wonderland.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Organizer
Powell Gardens
Food & Drink
The event offers hot food, sweet and savory snacks, hot chocolate, cider, coffee, bakery treats, charcuterie cones, beer, wine, and cocktails at its Visitor Center and Missouri Barn locations.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday light fans
Vibe
Festive, glowing, cozy
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: Winter Holiday Train: Daily, 5-10 p.m.; Totally Rad Holiday Warming Station: Daily, 5-9:30 p.m.; Grand Hall Bar + Bites: Daily, 5-10 p.m.; Garden Galleries food and drinks: Daily, 5-9:30 p.m.; Holly Jolly Rest Stop: Daily, 5-10 p.m.; Sip & Sugar Coffee Shop: Daily, 5-10 p.m.; The Marketplace at Powell Gardens: Daily, 5-10 p.m.
- Accessibility: Paved paths are ADA accessible.
Tips & Advice
- Buy your tickets online ahead of time because every guest needs one, and your confirmation arrives by email once the purchase goes through.
- Bundle up in warm layers and comfortable shoes, since most of the visit is a stroll along an outdoor lighted path through the gardens.
- Visit the Totally Rad Holiday warming station and the Garden Galleries food early in your evening, because they close a little before the rest of the festival.
- Head up the Silo at the Missouri Barn to see the whole illuminated garden from above, then warm up by the fire pits below.
- Note that the festival is closed on Thanksgiving Eve and Day, Christmas Eve and Day, and New Year's Eve and Day, so choose another open night.
Special Events & Promotions
- New this year: charcuterie cones at Grand Hall Bar + Bites in the Visitor Center.
- New this year: a 'Uniquely Powell' coffee blend from Post Coffee at Sip & Sugar Coffee Shop.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see besides the lighted path?
Inside the glass Conservatory, the Winter Holiday Train runs through a miniature mountain village with snowy peaks, tiny cabins and winter critters. The Garden Galleries hold Totally Rad Holiday, a 1980s-themed warming station. At the Missouri Barn there are fire pits facing the display in the Villandry Garden, and you can climb the Silo to see the lights from above.
Where can we get food and drinks?
Grand Hall Bar + Bites in the Visitor Center has beer, wine, hot chocolate and hot cider with spiking options. The Garden Galleries also serve food and drinks. The Holly Jolly Rest Stop at the Missouri Barn and Silo offers warm drinks (spiked or not), hot food, sweet and savory snacks, beer, wine and cocktails. Sip & Sugar Coffee Shop has local roasted coffee and bakery treats.
Is it good for young kids?
Yes. The Winter Holiday Train display is made for guests of all ages, and families can gather around the fire pits at the Missouri Barn.
Can I do some holiday shopping while I'm there?
Yes. The Marketplace in the Visitor Center sells garden-inspired and locally made gifts, including poinsettias grown at Powell Gardens. Sip & Sugar Coffee Shop carries unique and traditional toys, games, candies and stocking stuffers.
What's new this year?
The Visitor Center now has charcuterie cones. Sip & Sugar Coffee Shop is pouring a new 'Uniquely Powell' blend from Post Coffee.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.