Where are all the light displays? Shows? Santa? Mega-guide to Kansas City holiday fun
Here we are, not yet at Thanksgiving night’s Plaza Lighting Ceremony, and holiday activities already are humming.
Two of the area’s big drive-thru light displays are operating, and Kansas City Repertory Theatre’s annual “Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol” will open the weekend before Thanksgiving, as will the new exhibition “The Immersive Nutcracker.”
But Thanksgiving week remains the traditional kickoff to the holiday season.
In addition to the Plaza Lighting (with celebrity flip switcher Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum), the holiday spirit will crank up over the next week at Union Station with “Holiday Reflections” and at Crown Center with the Mayor’s Christmas Tree lighting. Other highlights will be Jackson County’s “Christmas in the Sky” and the popular Holiday Luminary Walk at Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens.
Ensuing weekends will feature favorites such as the Fairy Princess at the Kansas City Museum, the Kansas City Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” and the Kansas City Symphony’s “Handel’s Messiah.”
Those events merely scratch the surface of what you’ll find in our annual holiday mega-guide:
Spotlight events
▪ “Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol,” Kansas City Repertory Theatre, opens 8 p.m. Nov. 18; runs through Dec. 24, Spencer Theatre. ($35-$129). kcrep.org.
▪ “The Immersive Nutcracker,” days and hours vary Nov. 19-Dec. 31, Lighthouse ArtSpace ($30). immersive-nutcracker.com/kansas-city.
▪ “Holiday Light and Magic” drive-thru display, 6 p.m. daily through Jan. 1, Wyandotte County Park ($25-$55 per vehicle). holidaylightandmagic.com.
▪ “Winter Magic” drive-thru display, 7 p.m. daily through Jan. 1, Cliff Drive ($40-$55 for limos, commercial vans and buses). wintermagickc.com.
▪ “Holiday Reflections” walk-thru village, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Nov. 21-Jan. 1, Union Station Grand Plaza ($7-$9). unionstation.org/holidays.
▪ “Christmas in the Sky,” 5-8 p.m. Nov. 23, Longview Lake Beach (free), and “Christmas in the Park” drive-thru display, 5:30-10 or 5:30-11 p.m. Nov. 23-Dec. 31, Frank White Jr. Softball Complex (free). makeyourdayhere.com.
▪ Plaza Lighting Ceremony, 5 p.m. Nov. 24, Country Club Plaza (free). countryclubplaza.com.
▪ Holiday Luminary Walk, 5-10 p.m. Nov. 25-26, Dec. 2-3, 8-10, 15-17, Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens ($15). artsandrec-op.org/arboretum.
▪ Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, 5:30 p.m. Nov. 25, Crown Center Square (free). crowncenterchristmas.com.
▪ Christmas on the River, 6 p.m. Dec. 2, Parkville (free). parkvillemo.org.
▪ Lyric Opera of Kansas City, “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” 7 p.m. Dec. 2, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3, 2 p.m. Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10, 2 p.m. Dec. 11, Michael and Ginger Frost Production Building ($17.50-$55). kcopera.org.
▪ Fairy Princess, 3-7 p.m. Dec. 8-9, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 10, noon-4 p.m. Dec. 11, Kansas City Museum ($10). kansascitymuseum.org.
▪ Kansas City Ballet, “The Nutcracker,” opens 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7; runs through Dec. 24, Kauffman Center ($34-$250). kcballet.org.
▪ Kansas City Symphony, “Handel’s Messiah,” 7 p.m. Dec. 9-10, 2 p.m. Dec. 11, Kauffman Center ($35-$100). kcsymphony.org.
▪ Trans-Siberian Orchestra, 3 and 8 p.m. Dec. 26, T-Mobile Center ($39-$109.50). t-mobilecenter.com.
Even more light displays
▪ Festival of Lights, 4-10 p.m., days vary through Dec. 30, Powell Gardens ($7-$16). powellgardens.org.
▪ GloWild Lantern Festival, times vary Tuesday-Sunday (plus Nov. 21 and Dec. 26) through Dec. 30, Kansas City Zoo ($18-$25). kansascityzoo.org/glowild.
▪ Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane, 5-11 p.m. Nov. 24-Jan. 8, Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead (free). opkansas.org.
▪ “Knights of Lights: A Renaissance Christmas Extravaganza” walk-thru, 5:30-10 p.m., days vary Nov. 25-Dec. 31, Kansas City Renaissance Festival ($12-$20). kcrenfest.com.
▪ Sar-Ko Aglow, lighting ceremony, 6 p.m. Dec. 2; runs through Jan. 16, Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park (free). lenexa.com.
▪ Soul of Santa Christmas Tree Lighting, 6 p.m. Dec. 2, 18th and Vine (free). thesoulofsanta.org/celebration.
Union Station
▪ “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” Nov. 18-Nov. 23, Extreme Screen Theatre ($3.50)
▪ “Sky Station Live: Stars of Faith,” Nov. 18-Jan. 1, Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium ($8)
▪ “Laser Holiday Magic,” Nov. 18-Jan. 1, Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium ($8).
▪ “Elf,” Nov. 25-Dec. 8, Extreme Screen Theatre ($3.50)
▪ “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” opens 2 p.m. Nov. 26; runs through Dec. 23, City Stage ($12). tya.org.
▪ Canadian Pacific Holiday Train with live music, 7 p.m. Dec. 4, Haverty Family Yards (free). cpr.ca/en/holiday-train.
▪ “The Nutcracker, All Jazz’d Up!” Academy of the Arts, 7 p.m. Dec. 9-10, 2 and 6 p.m. Dec. 11, City Stage ($12).
▪ “The Polar Express,” Dec. 9-20, Extreme Screen Theatre ($3.50).
▪ Kansas City Southern Holiday Express, outdoor viewing Dec. 14-18, walk-thru tours 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Dec. 17, Haverty Family Yards (free). kcsouthern.com.
Crown Center
▪ “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” showtimes vary through Dec. 31 ($14-$20), The Coterie. thecoterie.org.
▪ Light the World Giving Machines, through Jan. 1, near Ice Terrace. givingmachineskc.org.
▪ Santa’s Arrival, 10 a.m. Nov. 25, Crown Center Shops.
▪ Santa’s Gingerbread Station, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday Nov. 25-Dec. 24, Crown Center Showplace.
▪ “42 Years of Mayor’s Christmas Tree Ornaments,” shopping hours Nov. 25-Dec. 31, Crown Center Atrium.
▪ Holiday Choirs, Nov. 28-Dec. 18, Atrium.
▪ “Buddy’s Holly Jolly Christmas,” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1-3, Ruby Room, MTH Theater at Crown Center ($39-$45). musictheaterheritage.com.
▪ “A Spectacular Christmas,” opens 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8; runs through Dec. 23, MTH Theater at Crown Center ($35-$59). musictheaterheritage.com.
▪ Tuba Christmas, noon Dec. 9, Crown Center Square (free).
▪ “Who’s Holiday,” 8 p.m. Dec. 9-10, 15-18, 21-23, Ruby Room, MTH Theater at Crown Center ($29). whokansascity.com.
More classical music
▪ Kansas City Chorale, “Wintersong,” 5:30 p.m. Dec. 1, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art ($125). kcchorale.org.
▪ Prelude to Christmas Concert, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 1, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception ($10-$20). preludetochristmas.com.
▪ Kansas City Chorale, “A Christmas Carol,” Dec. 2-16, multiple venues ($20-$25). kcchorale.org/concerts.
▪ “Christmas Favorites” with violinist Destiny Ann Mermagen and pianist Tatiana Tessman, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2, Village Presbyterian Church (free). villagepres.org/music.html.
▪ Tallis Scholars, “Hymns to the Virgin,” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception ($25-$40). chambermusic.org.
▪ Kansas City Symphony, “The Doo Wop Project Christmas,” 8 p.m. Dec. 2, Kauffman Center ($45-$90). kcsymphony.org.
▪ Ceremony of Lessons and Carols, 7 p.m. Dec. 3, Arrupe Hall, Rockhurst University (free). rockhurst.edu.
▪ Heartland Men’s Chorus, “’Tis the Season: A Holiday Spectacular!,” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3 and 3:30 p.m. Dec. 4, Folly ($28-$53); 3:30 p.m. Dec. 11, Yardley Hall ($25-$50). hmckc.org/holiday.
▪ Park ICM Orchestra Holiday Concert, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3, Graham Tyler Memorial Chapel (free). icm.park.edu.
▪ UMKC Choirs Holiday Celebration, 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 4, Visitation Church (free). calendar.umkc.edu/conservatory.
▪ Musica Sacra Concert, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4, Arrupe Hall, Rockhurst University (free). rockhurst.edu.
▪ KC Chamber Orchestra, “The House Without a Christmas Tree,” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5, William Jewell Gano Hall, and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6, Folly ($10-$38). kcchamberorchestra.org.
▪ Voctave vocal ensemble, 7 p.m. Dec. 9, Folly ($12.50-$75). hjseries.org.
▪ Canadian Brass Christmas, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9, Lied Center ($14-$40). lied.ku.edu.
▪ Navidad con Voces Festivas, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9, Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church (donation). festivalsingers.org/concerts.
▪ Kansas City Chorale, “A Chorale Family Christmas,” 1 p.m. Dec. 10, St. Michael the Archangel ($5-$10). kcchorale.org.
▪ Central Standard and Vocal Standard, “Holiday Harmonies,” 3 p.m. Dec. 10, Folly ($20-$45). follytheater.org.
▪ Kansas City Bronze, 4 p.m. Dec. 10, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church ($10). festivalsingers.org/concerts.
▪ Bach Aria Soloists, Holiday Concert, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church ($20-$40). bachariasoloists.com.
▪ Liberty Symphony Orchestra, Winter Concert, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10, Liberty High School (free). libertysymphony.org.
▪ Fountain City String Quartet, “Holiday Favorites,” 7 p.m. Dec. 11, Equal Minded Café ($35-$50). brownpapertickets.com/event/5632555.
▪ Kansas City Symphony, Christmas Festival, 7 p.m. Dec. 15-16, 1 and 7 p.m. Dec. 17, 2 p.m. Dec. 18, Kauffman Center ($21-$105). kcsymphony.org.
▪ William Baker Festival Singers. “Candlelight, Carols & Cathedral,” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, and 2 p.m. Dec. 18, Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral ($5-$50). festivalsingers.org/concerts.
▪ Wichita Grand Opera, “All Is Calm,” 2 p.m. Dec. 17, National WWI Museum and Memorial ($22). theworldwar.org.
▪ Lee’s Summit Symphony, “Sounds of the Season,” 3 p.m. Dec. 17, The Pavilion at John Knox Village ($11-$21). lssymphony.org.
▪ Kantorei KC, “A Star on the Horizon,” 7 p.m. Dec. 17, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, and 3:30 p.m. Dec. 18, Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church ($10-$20). kantoreikc.com.
▪ “Tidings of Joy” with Village Choirs and Kansas City Wind Symphony, 3 and 6 p.m. Dec. 18, Village Presybterian Church (free). villagepres.org/music.html.
▪ Te Deum, “O Magnum Mysterium,” 7 p.m. Dec. 19, Village Presbyterian Church, and 7 p.m. Dec. 20, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church ($20-$25). te-deum.org.
▪ Kansas City Symphony, “Elf” in Concert, 7 p.m. Dec. 21-23, 11 a.m. Dec. 24, Kauffman Center ($60-$135). kcsymphony.org.
More dance
▪ Liberty Youth Ballet Company, “The Nutcracker,” 6 p.m. Dec. 3, noon and 4 p.m. Dec. 4, Liberty Performing Arts Theatre ($20.50). libertyyouthballetcompany.org.
▪ “The Jewish Nutcracker,” 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Dec. 11, White Theatre ($4-$15). thejkc.org.
▪ Storling Dance Theater, “Child of Hope,” 7 p.m. Dec. 9, 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 10, 2 p.m. Dec. 11, 7 p.m. Dec. 16, 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 17, The Culture House ($18-$25). storlingdance.org.
Other music
▪ Mannheim Steamroller Christmas, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 20, Kauffman Center ($79.50-$104.50). kauffmancenter.org.
▪ Soul of Santa Holiday Benefit Concert featuring Eric Benét, Chanté Moore and more, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2, Gem ($85-$125). thesoulofsanta.org/celebration.
▪ TenThing Brass Ensemble, “A Feeling of Norwegian Christmas,” 8 p.m. Dec. 2, Yardley Hall ($14-$42). jccc.edu/midwest-trust-center/events.
▪ “A Soulful Christmas,” 7 p.m. Dec. 3, Delta Athenaeum ($15-$25). eventbrite.com.
▪ K-Love Christmas Tour, 7 p.m. Dec. 4, Sheffield Family Life Center ($29.75-$49.75). klove.com.
▪ TJ & The Tattletales, “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6, 13, 20, Mike Kelly’s Westsider ($20). eventbrite.com.
▪ The Wolf’s Acoustic Christmas, 6 p.m. Dec. 7, PBR Big Sky ($15). powerandlightdistrict.com.
▪ Rezound, Holiday Handbells, Dec. 9-11, multiple venues (free). rezound.org.
▪ Snow Globes Holiday Party, 6 p.m. Dec. 10, National Museum of Toys/Miniatures ($25). toyandminiaturemuseum.org.
▪ Big Band Christmas, 8 p.m. Dec. 10, Liberty Hall ($25-$40). libertyhall.net.
▪ Fountain City Brass Band, “Fountain City Christmas,” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17, Bell Center ($10-$20). fcbb.net.
▪ Kelley Hunt and Friends, “Winter Soulstice,” 8 p.m. Dec. 17, Folly ($25-$45). follytheater.org.
▪ Dickens Carolers in Concert, 2 p.m. Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20, Chestnut Fine Arts Center ($29-$32). chestnutfinearts.com.
More theater
▪ Cirque Dreams Holidaze, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 25, 3 and 7:30 p.m. Nov. 26, 1 p.m. Nov. 27, Music Hall ($31-$137). cirquedreams.com.
▪ “The Nativity,” Nativity Puppets, 7 p.m. Dec. 2, 2 and 5 p.m. Dec. 3, 2 p.m. Dec. 4, Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral ($12-$17). nativitypuppets.org.
▪ “Christmas in Song,” opens 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2; runs through Dec. 24, Quality Hill Playhouse ($42-$45). qualityhillplayhouse.com.
▪ “Milking Christmas,” opens 8 p.m. Dec. 7; runs through Dec. 24, Black Box ($25-$35). thelivingroomkc.com.
▪ “Straight Outta Bethlehem,” 6 p.m. Dec. 9-10, New City Church Kansas City ($10). eventbrite.com.
▪ “A Very Electric Christmas,” Lightwire Theater, 7 p.m. Dec. 14, Lied Center ($11-$30). lied.ku.edu.
▪ A Drag Queen Christmas, 8 p.m. Dec. 20, Midland ($42.25-$87). midlandkc.com.
Other displays
▪ Olde World Christmas, noon-3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday through Jan. 15, Strawberry Hill Museum and Cultural Center ($5-$10). strawberryhillmuseum.org.
▪ Gingerbread Lane, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday-Monday through Jan. 17, National Museum of Toys/Miniatures ($5-$8). toyandminiaturemuseum.org.
▪ Living Nativity, 5-8 p.m. Dec. 16-17, Connection Point Church (free). connectionpoint.tv.
▪ Journey to Judea, 4-9 p.m. Nov 20, 5-9 p.m. Dec. 2, 4-9 p.m. Dec. 3-4, Countryside Baptist Church (free; all tickets gone). journeytojudea.com.
Outdoor ice skating
(Hours vary at each facility)
▪ Crown Center Ice Terrace, through March 12 ($8). crowncenter.com/iceterrace.
▪ The Ice at Park Place, through Feb. 26 ($9-$11). parkplaceleawood.com.
▪ The Rink at Zona Rosa, through Jan. 31 ($10-$12). zonarosa.com.
▪ Summit Ice, Lee’s Summit, through undetermined ($4-$9). summitice.net.
Historic holidays
▪ Holiday Tours, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 1-4 p.m. Sunday, through Dec. 30, Bingham-Wagonner Estate ($5-$10). bwestate.net.
▪ Victorian Jolly Christmas, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 25-Dec. 30, Vaile Mansion ($5-$10). vailemansion.org.
▪ An 1855 Christmas Celebration, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Dec. 3, Missouri Town 1855 ($4-$8). makeyourdayhere.com.
▪ Christmas Open House, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 3, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm (free). mahaffie.org.
▪ A Very Merry Christmas at the Majors Barn, 10 a.m.-noon, Dec. 10, Alexander Majors House ($5). wornallmajors.org.
▪ “Country Christmas,” 1-5 p.m. Dec. 10, Lanesfield Historic Site (free). jocogov.org.
▪ Candlelight Tour of Fort Osage, 5-9 p.m. Dec. 10, Fort Osage National Historic Landmark ($10). makeyourdayhere.com.
▪ Holiday Open House, 2-5 p.m. Dec. 11, Harris-Kearney House (free). westporthistorical.com.
Home tours
▪ Holiday Homes Tour, noon-6 p.m. Dec. 3, Excelsior Springs ($20). visitexcelsior.com.
▪ Candlelight Homes Tour, 2-7 p.m. Dec. 3-4, Weston ($20). westonmo.com.
▪ Kappa Kappa Gamma Holiday Homes Tour, 5-9 p.m. Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Dec. 8, Mission Hills, Fairway and Kansas City ($30-$100). kappahomestour.com.
Shopping events
▪ Holiday Boutique, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Nov. 17-18, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Nov. 19, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 20, Overland Park Convention Center ($13-$15). kcholidayboutique.com.
▪ Merry Market, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 25-27, Dec. 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, City Market (free). thecitymarketkc.org.
▪ ’Tis the Season Art & Craft Show, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Dec. 2, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 3, The Pavilion at John Knox Village (free). ibdpromotions.com/tis-the-season.
▪ Christkindlmarkt, 2-6 p.m. Dec. 3, Shawnee City Hall (free). shawnee-ks.com.
More Santa sightings
▪ Meet Santa, times vary Nov. 25-Dec. 24, Zona Rosa ($20). zonarosa.com.
▪ Meet Santa at the Zoo, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 3, Kansas City Zoo ($8.50-$20). kansascityzoo.org.
▪ Northland Holiday Party/Skate with Santa, 2-4 p.m. Dec. 10, Line Creek Community Center (free for under 13). kcparks.org.
▪ Visit with Saint Nicholas, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 10, Shoal Creek Living History Museum (free). kcparks.org.
▪ Santa Delivers, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 17, Kansas City Zoo ($8.50-$20). kansascityzoo.org.
Other activities
▪ Downtown Holiday Lighting Festival, 4-7 p.m. Nov. 18, City Hall, Kansas City, Kansas (free). wycokck.org.
▪ Mayor’s Holiday Festival, 5-8 p.m. Nov. 18, Downtown Overland Park (free). life885.com.
▪ Mayor’s Tree Lighting, 6 p.m. Nov. 18, North Kansas City City Hall (free). nkc.org.
▪ Square Lighting, 6-8 p.m. Nov. 18, Independence Square (free). indepsquare.com.
▪ Mayor’s Tree Lighting, 6:30-8 p.m. Nov. 18, Downtown Lee’s Summit (free). downtownls.org.
▪ Holiday Season Premiere, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 19, Park Place (free). parkplaceleawood.com.
▪ Northern Lights Holiday Lighting Ceremony, 4-6 p.m. Nov. 19, Zona Rosa (free). zonarosa.com.
▪ Trip the Light Fantastic bicycle ride, 6 p.m. Nov. 20, Frank White Jr. Softball Complex (free). makeyourdayhere.com.
▪ Christmas in the Courtyard, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 2, Merriam Community Center (donation of toy, food or cash). merriam.org.
▪ Ugly Christmas Sweater Party, 7 p.m. Dec. 2, The Truman ($40-$75). thetrumankc.com.
▪ Hometown Holidays, 2-5:15 p.m. Dec. 3, Downtown Liberty (free). visitlibertymo.com.
▪ Candy Cane Hunt, Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting, 4:30 p.m. Dec. 3, Downtown Bonner Springs (free). bonnersprings.org.
▪ “A Christmas Story,” 1 p.m. Dec. 4, Aztec Shawnee Theater ($5). aztecshawnee.com.
▪ Mayor’s Tree Lighting, 5:30 p.m. Dec. 6, Blue Springs City Hall (free). bluespringsgov.com.
▪ “Sugar Plum Fairy Children’s Ball,” 10:30 a.m. Dec. 10, Muehlebach Tower of Downtown Marriott ($85-$175). kcballet.org.
▪ Christmas Train, noon-4 p.m. Dec. 10, KC Northern Miniature Railroad, Frank Vaydik Park (75 cents). kcnrr.com.
▪ “Joyeux Noël” screening, 2 p.m. Dec. 11, National WWI Museum and Memorial (free). theworldwar.org.
▪ Great Santa Run 5K and Little Elves Fun Run, 9 a.m. Dec. 18, Johnson County Community College ($12-$44). kcsantarun.com.
