Celebrate the festive wonders of Kansas City with our ultimate guide. Whether Kansas City is your home sweet home or your temporary haven, our guide maximizes your seasonal enjoyment.
This holiday season, experience the magic of the Kansas City Ballet's The Nutcracker, where enchanting performances bring the beloved classic to life with vibrant choreography and stunning visuals. Enjoy the electrifying sounds of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra at the T-Mobile Center, known for their dramatic fusion of rock and classical music during the holidays. And the Crown Center Ice Terrace is something you definitely don't want to miss—offering a charming ice skating experience right in the heart of the city. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Kansas City
- Trans-Siberian Orchestra - T-Mobile Center
- Kansas City Ballet's The Nutcracker
- KC Rep's A Christmas Carol
- Union Station Holiday Market
- Kansas City Symphony's Christmas Festival
- Kansas City Symphony's Handel's Messiah
- Holiday Reflections - Kansas City Union Station
- Crown Center Ice Terrace
- Christmas in the Park - Frank White Softball Complex (Lee's Summit)
- Winter Magic
See these and even more events listed below!
Kansas City Holiday Light Displays
Holiday Reflections - Kansas City Union Station
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday experience with virtual reality sleigh ride.
Description:
Holiday Reflections at Kansas City Union Station features a spectacular walk-thru holiday village with sky-reaching lights, decorated trees, and forest friends. The event includes an award-winning Model Train Gallery and a Mini Holiday Express Ride-On Train. A Magical Sleigh Ride VR experience allows guests to explore Santa's secret wonderland in virtual reality.
Where: Kansas City | More Info: Holiday Reflections - Kansas City Union Station
Winter Magic
What to Expect:
Twice the lights in a new Northland location.
Description:
Winter Magic in Kansas City features a one-mile drive-through holiday light display with breathtaking, upgraded light displays and festive music, making it a memorable holiday experience for families and friends.
Where: Kansas City | More Info: Winter Magic
Christmas in the Park - Frank White Softball Complex
What to Expect:
Spectacular light and display show with community charity support.
Description:
Christmas in the Park features over half a million lights and 200 animated displays, all designed and built in-house by talented crews. The event starts at the Frank White Jr., Softball Complex and winds through Longview Campground, offering free admission with voluntary exit donations benefiting 40 local charities.
Where: Lee's Summit | More Info: Christmas in the Park - Frank White Softball Complex
Festival of Lights - Powell Gardens
What to Expect:
Interactive light displays and local artwork.
Description:
Powell Gardens transforms into a vibrant display of color and radiance with over 20 miles of holiday lights, featuring local artwork, photo opportunities, and immersive light shows.
Where: Kingsville | More Info: Festival of Lights - Powell Gardens
Luminary Walk - Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
What to Expect:
Illuminated garden paths and gnome villages.
Description:
The Luminary Walk at Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens features illuminated garden paths, gnome and fairy villages, live music, and photos with Santa. It offers a festive family night and a peaceful, kid-free evening with candlelit woods and enchanting light displays. A limited electric lights-only version is available for low-sensory needs.
Where: Overland Park | More Info: Luminary Walk - Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
Sar-Ko Aglow - Sar Ko Par Trails Park
What to Expect:
Holiday light display with festive activities.
Description:
Sar-Ko Aglow at Sar Ko Par Trails Park features thousands of colorful holiday lights, hot cocoa, and visits from Santa and Dickens Carolers.
Where: Lenexa | More Info: Sar-Ko Aglow - Sar Ko Par Trails Park
Kansas City Holiday Markets and Shopping
Union Station Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday village with a mini train ride and VR sleigh adventure.
Description:
Union Station Holiday Market features a walk-through holiday village with sky-reaching lights, decorated trees, and a mini train ride. It includes holiday plays, performances, and planetarium shows, making it a comprehensive holiday experience.
Where: Kansas City | More Info: Union Station Holiday Market
Strawberry Hill Christmas Mart
What to Expect:
Illuminated Victorian mansion with traditional ethnic dinner and exhibits.
Description:
The Strawberry Hill Museum & Cultural Center transforms into a holiday spectacle with beautifully decorated exhibits and traditional ethnic foods, celebrating the diverse heritage of Kansas City.
Where: Kansas City | More Info: Strawberry Hill Christmas Mart
Merry Market - The City Market
What to Expect:
Holiday shopping experience with local vendors.
Description:
Merry Market at City Market is a holiday shopping experience featuring local businesses and seasonal items.
Where: Kansas City | More Info: Merry Market - The City Market
Kansas City Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Kansas City Ballet's The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
The Kansas City Ballet's production of The Nutcracker features stunning choreography, lavish sets, and memorable music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. This timeless ballet production, adapted by Devon Carney, includes beloved characters like Clara and the Nutcracker Prince, set against opulent costumes and magnificent scenery.
Where: Kansas City | More Info: Kansas City Ballet's The Nutcracker
Kansas City Symphony's Handel's Messiah
What to Expect:
World-class choral performance with nearly 150 musicians.
Description:
Handel's Messiah is a renowned choral piece featuring nearly 150 musicians and special guest vocalists. The Kansas City Symphony and Chorus, led by guest conductor Patrick Summers and chorus director Charles Bruffy, perform in the impeccable acoustics of Helzberg Hall. This iconic work is sure to impress and delight audiences with its triumphant music.
Where: Kansas City | More Info: Kansas City Symphony's Handel's Messiah
Kansas City Symphony's Christmas Festival
What to Expect:
Lush symphonic arrangements of Christmas classics.
Description:
The Kansas City Symphony's Christmas Festival features lush symphonic arrangements of Christmas classics, fresh versions of favorite carols, and special guests including an early visit from Santa Claus.
Where: Kansas City | More Info: Kansas City Symphony's Christmas Festival
Trans-Siberian Orchestra - T-Mobile Center
What to Expect:
Dazzling spectacle with pyrotechnics and lasers.
Description:
Trans-Siberian Orchestra returns to T-Mobile Center with an all-new production of "THE LOST CHRISTMAS EVE," featuring pyrotechnics, lasers, and incredible storytelling.
Where: Kansas City | More Info: Trans-Siberian Orchestra - T-Mobile Center
KC Rep's A Christmas Carol
What to Expect:
Redemptive journey with ghostly guides.
Description:
Join Ebenezer Scrooge on his redemptive journey with Christmas Past, Present, and Future. Meet the Cratchits, Tiny Tim, and the irresistible Fezziwigs, and hear the haunting and joyous Candlelight Carol. Rediscover the true meaning of the holidays in this beloved holiday tradition.
Where: Kansas City | More Info: KC Rep's A Christmas Carol
Holiday Concert - Rezound Handbell Ensemble
What to Expect:
Adaptable chamber ensemble for various events.
Description:
The Rezound Handbell Ensemble presents a holiday concert featuring traditional favorites and exciting new arrangements, showcasing the ensemble's expressive music and engaging style.
Where: Kansas City | More Info: Holiday Concert - Rezound Handbell Ensemble
TubaChristmas 2023 - Crown Center
What to Expect:
Large-scale tuba and euphonium ensemble performance.
Description:
TubaChristmas 2023 at Crown Center features a free noon-hour concert where tuba and euphonium players come together to perform holiday tunes and carols. The event is held on Crown Center Square, weather permitting, and includes a rehearsal period for participants. Bring your own lawn chairs for a comfortable viewing experience.
Where: Kansas City | More Info: TubaChristmas 2023 - Crown Center
Kansas City Other Holiday Activities
Crown Center Ice Terrace
What to Expect:
Unique outdoor ice skating experience in downtown Kansas City.
Description:
The Crown Center Ice Terrace is Kansas City's original public outdoor ice skating rink, offering a 51st season of skating fun. Enjoy regular hours from November to March, with special holiday hours. Admission is $9 for adults and children 4 and older, with children under 4 admitted free with paid admission. Skate rentals are available for $5.
Where: Kansas City | More Info: Crown Center Ice Terrace
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Kansas City (3 miles)
- Shawnee (7 miles)
- Gladstone (7 miles)
- Prairie Village (8 miles)
- Overland Park (9 miles)
- Leawood (10 miles)
- Raytown (11 miles)
- Independence (11 miles)
- Lenexa (12 miles)
- Liberty (14 miles)
- East Independence (15 miles)
- Grandview (17 miles)
- Olathe (19 miles)
- Lee's Summit (19 miles)
- Blue Springs (20 miles)
- Leavenworth (21 miles)
- Belton (22 miles)
- Raymore (24 miles)
- Gardner (26 miles)
- Lawrence (34 miles)