Holiday Events in Kansas City

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 92nd 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. 25
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. 5-March 13, 2022
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. 26-Dec. 27
Make your way through Winter Magic at Swope Park, a mesmerizing drive-through display featuring a mile of lights. Proceeds benefit KC Parks improvement projects. Nov. 2-Jan. 2, 2022
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. 24-Dec. 31
The Soul of Santa brings a full lineup of holiday cheer to 18th & Vine, including a tree lighting, community breakfast and toy giveaway, plus a concert at the Gem Theater. This year, an expanded celebration brings a second weekend of events to the Shops on Blue Parkway. Dec. 3-4, Dec. 10-11
Independence's Vaile Mansion offers tours of the stately Victorian property dressed in its finest holiday decor during A Victorian Fashionable Christmas. Nov. 26-Dec. 30
Stroll the glowing paths of Powell Gardens during the Festival of Lights, returning for its fifth season. New this year is a holiday-themed tiki bar, plus several new and captivating light installations. Nov. 10-Dec. 30

Stellar Shows

KC Ballet Nutcracker

A favorite tradition for many years, the Kansas City Ballet performs The Nutcracker at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, offering a sparkling start to the holidays. Dec. 3-24
Also at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, the Kansas City Symphony offers a pair of holiday performances in Handel's Messiah and Christmas Festival, an energetic presentation of the season's favorite tunes. Dec. 10-12, Dec. 16-19
The Kansas City Repertory Theatre returns to the stage at Spencer Theatre for a favorite holiday tradition. Join Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim and a cast of irresistible characters for performances of A Christmas Carol, select nights each week. Nov. 19-Dec. 26
The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra presents Hallelujah Holidays, a concert celebrating the sounds and influence of soul jazz, with renowned KC artist Eboni Fondren at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Dec. 7
Embrace the holiday spirit with A Spectacular Christmas Show from MTH Theater at Crown Center. Featuring inventive arrangements of holiday favorites, the song and dance extravaganza guarantees you'll be feeling the season's spirit. Dec. 8-23

Local Shopping

Legends Holiday Shopping

The City Market's Merry Market features a major new addition this year, with the Strawberry Swing bringing more than 75 local artists and makers to the neighborhood 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. 26-28, Dec. 3-5, Dec. 10-12, Dec. 17-19
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. 13