The ice skates are out at Crown Center and the Plaza lights are on. Whether you’re hungry for Kansas City Restaurant Week, or you’d rather take a walk in a winter wonderland, we've compiled a fun and thorough list of wintertime activities in and around Kansas City.
Unique for the Holidays
Santa Dives at the Kansas City Zoo
Weekends, Nov. 29th – Dec. 22nd
Ho! Ho! Holiday giggles abound when penguin bubbles follow the jolly man in the red suit - underwater! Bring the kids and the camera to capture one-of-a-kind photos of Santa diving with the penguins at Helzberg Penguin Plaza.
6800 Zoo Drive, Kansas City, MO 64132
Christmas Festival with the Kansas City Symphony
Dec. 20th – Dec. 23rd, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
This annual holiday celebration is not to be missed! Moving and festive songs of the season, along with sing-along carols, performed by the nationally and internationally recognized Kansas City Symphony. Special guests, including ol’ Saint Nick himself, top it off to create lasting memories for the entire family.
1601 Broadway Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64108
Tour Arrowhead Stadium (Even on game day!)
A great family outing or gift for the Chiefs fan in your life. Public or private tours available of the press box, club level, locker room, field, and Chiefs Hall of Honor. With a game day ticket you can add on a 60-minute guided tour of the press box and 20 minutes on the sidelines during pre-game activities.
1 Arrowhead Drive, Kansas City, MO 64129
WinterFest at Worlds of Fun
Select nights, Nov. 23rd – Dec. 31st
Typically a summertime locale, holiday cheer can also be found at Worlds of Fun during their annual WinterFest celebration. Thousands of lights, live shows, holiday characters, and select ride attractions are but a few of the activities that make WinterFest a fun destination for all ages.
4545 Worlds of Fun Ave., Kansas City, MO 64161
Tour the Roasterie
A must for any coffee lover! Tame the winter chill while you learn all about cupping, roasting, and blending processes for some of the best coffee Kansas City has to offer. Tour behind the scenes of the factory and even experience a manual coffee brewing demonstration, along with Q&A.
1204 W 27th Street Kansas City, MO 64108
Penguin March at the Kansas City Zoo
Select days, Nov. 29th – Dec. 29th
Holiday season or not, is there anything cuter than a colony of marching penguins? Stop by the Helzberg Penguin Plaza to see these adorable cold-weather birds march from the back of their exhibit to the outside area for guests to adore, then back into the building. A waddling-good time for the whole family!
6800 Zoo Drive, Kansas City, MO 64132
https://www.kansascityzoo.org/events/king--gentoo-penguin-march/
Christmas Open House at the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm
Dec. 7th, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Head out to the Mahaffie Farm the second Saturday in December for an 1860s living history spin on the holiday experience. Where else can you ride a stagecoach and watch demonstrations from a real blacksmith? Activities include ornament and gingerbread house making, all while enjoying live string band music. Of course Santa will be there as well, ready to make his list.
1200 E. Kansas City Road, Olathe, KS 66061
https://www.mahaffie.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/2902/581
Seasonal Classes at the Culinary Center of Kansas City
Families, friends, or anyone looking for totally unique fun for the holiday season should be sure to check out the plethora of cooking classes at the CCKC (“Family Holiday Cupcake Decorating Wing-Dang-Doodle” anyone?). From homemade liqueurs for “spirited” holiday parties to festive braided breads, you’ll leave with full stomachs and even fuller hearts for the culinary delights.
7920 Sante Fe Drive, Overland Park, KS 66204
Traditional Favorites
Luminary Walk at the Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
Nov. 29th – 30th, Dec. 6th – 7th, Dec. 13th - 14th
5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
A perfect way to kick off the holiday season! Walk in a candle-lit winter wonderland throughout the gardens and woods at the Overland Park Arboretum’s annual luminary walk. Live music, hot Louisburg Cider around the campfire, and horse-drawn wagon rides. Old Saint Nick has been known to stop by.
8909 W.179th Street, Overland Park, KS 66013
Country Club Plaza Lights
Thanksgiving night - mid-January
5 p.m. – 3 a.m.
A local Kansas City tradition for 90 years, this 15-block extravaganza is a must-see each holiday season. Shop under the lights while you pair it with a cup of Kaldi’s coffee or hop on a horse-drawn carriage ride to make the experience even more magical.
4750 Broadway St., Kansas City, MO 64112
https://countryclubplaza.com/event/plaza-lighting-ceremony/plaza-lights-fun-facts/
Christmas in the Sky
Nov. 27th, Longview Lake Beach
5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Free to the public!
For the 23rd year, the opening of Christmas in the Park will be kicked-off with this magical evening showcase. Talented singers and dancers perform, including the St. Thomas Aquinas Chamber Choir, Tevin Williams, and Kansas City native and Nashville recording artist, Casi Joy. Fireworks (yes, fireworks!) will be synchronized to your favorite holiday music and simulcast on 99.7, topped only by the arrival of the jolly man himself.
11101 Raytown Road, Kansas City, MO 64134
32nd Annual Christmas in the Park at Longview Lake
Nov. 27th - Dec. 31st
Sunday - Thursday, 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Friday & Saturday, 5:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
The holidays are living large at Longview Lake, with an enchanting two mile drive-thru light display of more than 500,000 lights and 175 animated figures. No charge for admission but donations for local charities are accepted at the end. Festive oohs and ahhs are free.
1499 SW County Park Road, Lee’s Summit, MO 64081
Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane at Deanna Rose
Now through mid-January
5 p.m.– 11 p.m.
Holiday lights are on at Deanna Rose! The Farmstead is closed for the season but you can still enjoy a light show synchronized to your favorite holiday music. Tune your car radio to 90.5 FM, then view the lights and hear the music from the warmth of your car in the Farmstead’s parking lot. Don’t forget the cookies and cocoa!
13800 Switzer, Overland Park, KS 66221
https://www.opkansas.org/events/holiday-lights-on-farmstead-lane/
Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Nov. 29th, Crown Center Square
5:30 p.m.
As the centerpiece for an illuminating holiday season, the 100-foot-tall Mayor’s Christmas Tree is one of the nation’s tallest. Kansas City Mayor, Quinton Lucas, and his special guest will flip the switch to light the tree. After the holidays, the wood from the Mayor's Christmas Tree is made into commemorative ornaments, which are sold the following year to benefit the Mayor's Christmas Tree Fund.
2405 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64108
https://www.crowncenter.com/events/mayors-christmas-tree-lighting-ceremony
Northern Lights Holiday Lighting Ceremony at Zona Rosa
Nov. 23rd, Zona Rosa Town Square
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Zona Rosa kicks off the holiday season with a festive lighting ceremony, featuring a 50-foot Christmas tree and the historic crowns. Enjoy hot chocolate and coffee while local bands play holiday-inspired tunes. Emcees (including Buddy the Elf) will announce the official arrival of Santa Claus! Tree lighting will happen at 6 p.m. but festivities begin at 4 p.m.
8640 N. Dixson Ave., Kansas City, MO 64153
https://www.zonarosa.com/event/northern-lights-holiday-lighting-ceremony/2145491330/
Holiday Lights Display at Altasciences
Now - mid-January
If you haven’t seen it, this show is hard to beat. Each year three men take three weeks to install 200,000 LED lights and synchronize them to music, making this holiday extravaganza a major wintertime attraction in the Kansas City area. The best place to view the animated display is across Metcalf, from the parking lot of Emmanuel Baptist Church. Tune your radio to channel 95.5 FM and enjoy the show!
10103 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS 66212
https://www.vinceandassociates.com/about/holiday-lights-display
A Christmas Carol at Spencer Theatre (KC Repertory Theatre)
Nov. 22nd – Dec. 29th
Say, “Bah, humbug!” to a boring night in. Step into the pages of Dickens and relive the magic of this classic tale at the Spencer Theatre, home of the Kansas City Repertory Theatre. Kansas City’s beloved holiday tradition returns with all the heart and spectacle you’ve come to love over 39 years. Appropriate for ages 5 to 105!
4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, MO 64110
The Nutcracker at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
Dec. 5th - Dec. 24th
Experience the magic of this fairy tale ballet at Kansas City’s most prestigious performing arts center. The Nutcracker continues to awe audiences year after year, with exquisite costumes, grand sets and breathtaking choreography. You’re be sure to leave with visions of sugarplums dancing in your head.
1601 Broadway Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64108
Ice Skating at Crown Center
Now – mid-March
10:00 a.m.– 9:00 p.m. weekdays; 10:00 a.m.– 11:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday
The best view of the 100-foot-tall Mayor’s Christmas Tree is from ice skates at the Crown Center Ice Terrace. After all, you’re never too old to practice your triple axel! In addition to skating, kids will love playing on the holiday playground located right underneath the tree.
2425 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64108
https://www.crowncenter.com/Attractions-Theaters-List/Ice-Terrace
The Ice at Park Place
Now – Feb. 17th, including holidays
No need to go downtown to skate the night away. Take a break from shopping and take advantage of the pop-up rink nestled in the middle of Park Place, near Town Center Plaza. Warm food and drink and local shopping surround the rink, so bring the kids and make a day of it!
11565 Ash St. Leawood, KS 66211
Admission is $8, skate rental is $4. (But you’re welcome to bring your own skates.)
https://www.parkplaceleawood.com/event/THE-ICE-AT-PARK-PLACE/2145529774/
Snow Creek in Weston, MO
Mid-December – Mid-March
Regardless of the weather outside your window, it’s always snowy at Snow Creek in Weston, MO! Hit the slopes close to home and enjoy skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing, too. (Planning to open around December 15th, dependent upon Mother Nature. Check website for up-to-date info.)
1 Snow Creek Dr, Weston, MO 64098
KC Restaurant week
Jan. 10th – 19th
It’s the most wonderful time of the … meal! 200 of Kansas City’s hottest restaurants are prepping their kitchens and specializing their menus in honor of KC Restaurant Week. Take your taste buds on vacation to this culinary spectacular, with spots you have yet to try or your go-to favorites, all for either $15 or $35. Prepare your palate and check the official website for participating restaurants.
Holidays Come Alive at Union Station
Nov. 23rd - December 31st
From the “Merry Science” exhibit at Science City to classic holiday movies and live shows, Union Station offers festive activities for the whole family. Catch the Trombone Christmas or thrill the kids with laser holiday magic at the planetarium. Hop on the Holiday Express Train when it comes through town or dance the night away at New Year’s Swinging Eve. There’s a whole lot to see and do, so check out the link below for the full list and let Union Station be your one-stop place for holiday fun!
30 W. Pershing Rd., Kansas City, MO 64108
Holiday Lights Ride
Nov. 23rd - Dec. 31st
7:00 p.m. or 9:00 p.m. tours
Tickets are $20.00 per person, lap kids 3 and under are free.
Listening to seasonal music aboard a heated old-time trolley is a festive and toasty way to see the holiday lights of Kansas City. Enjoy the twinkling goodness of lights at Crown Center, the Country Club Plaza, and homes along Ward Parkway. Plaza lights history and fun facts are shared along the way. The trolley departs from and returns to the main entrance of Union Station. Book early, tours fill up quickly!
30 W. Pershing Rd., Kansas City, MO 64108
Holiday Homes Tour
Dec. 4th – Dec. 5th
Take a break from Pinterest and get some real-life inspiration from five of Kansas City’s finest holiday homes. Each house is dressed to the nines in holiday decor and enhanced by the magical touch of local florists.
Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 day of the tour.
Did you miss the official holiday homes tour? Not to fear, you can schedule a personal homes tour with us any time of the year!
