Holiday Events in Kansas City

Dazzling lighting ceremonies to illuminated shopping excursions and everything in between, Kansas City is an unforgettable holiday getaway. As you plan your travel itinerary, make sure these must-see holiday events are on your list.


Dazzling Lights and Stunning Sights

Country Club Plaza Lights

  • Kansas City's most iconic holiday display makes its return for the 93rd year as the Country Club Plaza is adorned in thousands of twinkling lights. Explore the neighborhood and soak in the Evergy Plaza Lights all season. Beginning Nov. 24
  • Lace up your skates and take in the picturesque sights at the Crown Center Ice Terrace, recognized by USA Today as one of America's top ice skating rinks. Skate rentals, lessons and private parties are available. Nov. 4-March 2023
  • Every moment of the season shines bright at Union Station. In addition to towering trees, festive decorations and classic seasonal films, the Holiday Reflections walk-thru village returns to offer a mesmerizing stroll through one of Kansas City's most historic spaces. Nov. 21-Jan. 1, 2023
  • Make your way through Winter Magic at Cliff Drive, a mesmerizing drive-through display featuring a mile of lights. Proceeds benefit KC Parks improvement projects. Nov. 3-Jan. 1, 2023
  • Thanksgiving week marks the return of Christmas in the Park, a festive drive-through display in Longview Lake Park with more than 500,000 lights. The event is free, but donations are accepted to benefit local charities. Nov. 23-Dec. 31
  • The Soul of Santa brings a full lineup of holiday cheer to 18th & Vine and the Shops on Blue Parkway, including a tree lighting, community breakfast and toy giveaway, plus a concert at the Gem Theater. Dec. 2-3, Dec. 9-10
  • Independence's Vaile Mansion offers tours of the stately Victorian property dressed in its finest holiday decor during A Victorian Fashionable Christmas. Nov. 25-Dec. 30
  • Stroll the glowing paths of Powell Gardens during the Festival of Lights, returning this season with new sparkling sights and installations to explore. Nov. 10-Dec. 30

Stellar Shows

KC Ballet Nutcracker

Local Shopping

Legends Holiday Shopping

  • The City Market's Merry Market brings an outdoor shopping extravaganza to the neighborhood, with Holiday Swing by the Strawberry Swing featuring more than 75 local artists and makers in a European-inspired, open-air market. Stop by to explore all kinds of shopping options along with local food, warm drinks and more, every weekend between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Nov. 25-27, Dec. 3-4, Dec. 10-11, Dec. 17-18
  • For more local shopping from the Strawberry Swing, stop by J. Rieger & Co. during the first three weekends of December. Featuring a rotating selection of seven vendors each weekend, it's the perfect chance for local shopping paired with cocktails and caroling. Dec. 2-3, Dec. 9-10, Dec. 16-17
  • Find everything on your list and step into the holiday spirit at Legends Outlets in KCK. The shopping destination offers more than 75 stores and plenty of seasonal celebrations, including a nightly Christmas tree light show, holiday movies on the lawn and more. Beginning Nov. 12

 

Access more holiday resources to find all the ways you can celebrate the season in Kansas City, from stunning displays to shopping hotspots.

Holidays in KC

More KC Holiday Events