From mid-November to mid-December, all across the Kansas City metro the "switches are flipped" and the City is decked out in holiday splendor! This is your Guide to Kansas City's Christmas Lighting Ceremonies... you'll find everything from sleigh rides to homemade hot cocoa, visits from Santa, Dickens Carolers, local celebrities, fireworks, and Christmas parades. From small town flavor with school choirs to the big city celebration of local celebrities and fireworks at the Country Club Plaza Lighting Ceremony, there is something for everyone.
Note: This is your guide to Lighting Ceremonies, for Kansas City Light Displays, click here.
Kansas City Christmas Lighting Ceremonies 2009:
November 7, 2009:
Mayor's Holiday Tree Lighting: Independence, MO
(Nov. 7, Festivities 4-9pm, Tree lit at 6pm)
Independence Missouri on Main Street between Maple and Lexington. Santa arrives at 4pm. Children's choirs and caroling until 6pm. Mayor lights the tree at 6pm. FREE Festivities, but fees for sleigh rides on the Square. www.ci.independence.mo.us
November 13, 2009:
Mayor's Holiday Tree Lighting: Overland Park, KS
(Nov. 13, Festivities 5-8pm, Tree lit at 6:15pm)
Downtown Overland Park Kansas. Enjoy music and food to get into the holiday spirit. Join us for this annual tradition, and watch Mayor Gerlach light the downtown OP holiday tree. Santa makes an appearance; and we'll have free hayrack rides, entertainment and lots of warm, friendly merchants to help you with your early holiday shopping needs. www.downtownop.org
November 14, 2009:
Christmas Lighting Lighting: Weston, MO
(Nov. 14, Holiday Open House, Sleigh Rides 4-8pm, Lighting 5:30pm)
Weston Missouri Holiday Open House. All the shops dressed for the holidays and open until 8pm. Sleigh Rides for $5 from 4-8pm. City Tree Lighting at 5:30pm with the arrival of Father Christmas and caroling by area churches. www.westonmo.com
November 19, 2009:
City Lights Annual Downtown Lighting Ceremony: Kansas City, MO
(Nov. 19, 5:30pm-6:25pm). Ceremony begins at 6:00 at Barney Allis Plaza. Special Features this year include cast of "Wicked" performing a Holiday Song, Countdown to lighting, Performance by Raymore-Peculiar Marching Band, Kickoff of the Salvation Army's Christmas Campaign, Free cookies, hot chocolate, and coffee, First Annual Santa Parade to Cosentino's Market. www.downtownkc.org
November 20, 2009:
Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting: Kansas City, KS
(Nov. 20, 6pm) City Hall. Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. www.wycokck.org Light the Square: Liberty (Nov. 20, 6pm) Clay County Courthouse. Ring in the holiday season with the lighting of Liberty’s historic downtown square! Prior to the lighting of the square, spectators will be treated to a collection of holiday songs sung by students from area elementary schools. The evening’s events will culminate with the flip of a switch that will turn on the thousands of lights that trim the historic buildings around the square.
Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting: Lee's Summit, MO
(Nov. 20, 6:30 PM), Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street. The Mayor will light the downtown with over 100,000 sparkling lights. Free hot chocolate, musical performances and a visit from Santa, Mrs. Claus and his elves will get you in the holiday spirit. Bring your camera and snap photos with Santa, then stay awhile and visit businesses open late. 816.246.6598 www.lschamber.com/aspwebcalendar2008/events.asp?action=viewevent&eventid=3958
November 21, 2009:
Winter Wonderland & Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting: North Kansas City, MO
(Nov. 21, Festivities begin at 1PM, Tree lit at 5pm), North KC Community Center. North Kansas City's holiday celebration with activities for the whole family. There will be face painting, caricature artists, balloon artists, stilt walkers, rock climbing, holiday arts and crafts, Santa's Corner, Mrs. Claus Storytime, moonwalk, and more!!! All activities are FREE and open to the public. The Mayor's Tree will be lit at 5pm in neighboring Caboose Park. www.nkc.org/calendarView.aspx?cid=1736&id=0&catid=0
Tree Lighting and Parade: Excelsior Springs, MO
(Nov. 21, Festivities begin at 1pm, Parade at 6pm, Tree Lit at 7pm) The Mayor's Tree Lighting is an annual event that kicks off our season! As always, the opening of the Hall of Trees in the historic Hall of Waters will be a highlight of this evening that includes live entertaining, refreshments and pictures with Santa.
• Progressive Taste of Christmas, 1-4 p.m.
• Activities continue with singing, dancing and pictures with Santa, 4-6 p.m.
• Christmas Parade in Lights, 6 p.m.
• Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting, 7 p.m.
• Hall of Trees in the Hall of Waters opening
• "Lane of Lights" a drive through lighting display opens www.exspgschamber.com/christmas.html
Northern Lights at Zona Rosa - Holiday Lighting Ceremony
(Nov. 21, 6PM) Zona Rosa. Zona Rosa restores the local tradition of using crowns as holiday decor with a variety of lighted crowns featured throughout the center during the holidays. Zona Rosa kicks off the holiday season with a special lighting ceremony to spotlight the large crowns hung above the streets, as well as the featured 50 ft. Christmas tree in Town Square. The community is invited to the FREE program including the official arrival of the holiday Fairy Princess and Santa Claus and his live reindeer, as well as holiday musical performances, carolers and a variety of other children's activities. www.zonarosa.com
The Legends Annual Lighting Celebration
(Nov. 21, 6PM) The Legends. The holiday season kicks off with The Legends Annual Lighting Celebration. The ceremony features live holiday music, the illumination of a 50-foot holiday tree, an appearance by Santa and much more. 913.788.3700 www.legendsshopping.com
November 22, 2009
Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting: Mission, KS
(Nov. 22, 5:30PM) City Hall . Tree Lighting Ceremonywww.missionhillsks.gov/CurrentEvents.aspx?EID=415
Briarcliff Village Christmas Lighting Ceremony: KCMO
(Nov. 22, 6-8pm) Briarcliff Village (4151 Mulberry Dr) Shopping Center Lighting Ceremony. Followed by Fireworks.
November 23, 2009
Holiday Lighting: Leawood, KS
(Nov. 23, 6PM), Leawood City Hall. Join Leawood Mayor Peggy Dunn and members of the community for holiday caroling, refreshments and much more as the City kicks off the 2009 holiday season by illuminating City Hall at the 12th Annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony. www.leawood.org/parks/holidaylighting.aspx
Lighting of the Mayor's Holiday Trees: Prairie Village, KS
(Nov. 23, 6:30PM) Corinth Square. Join City Council representatives, City staff, and residents at Corinth Square, 83rd & Mission Rd, as Mayor Ron Shaffer, with a little help from a special guest from the North Pole, lights the Holiday Tree. Bring your family, friends and neighbors for an evening of holiday entertainment provided by Corinth Elementary School and Dancerz Unlimited, refreshments, and a visit with Santa! Let’s join together to make this Holiday season a warm and joyous one for all!
November 24, 2009
Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting: Gladstone, MO
(Nov. 24, 6PM) First Bank Of Missouri. Join Gladstone Mayor Carol Rudi and former mayors for this holiday tradition. The annual lighting event will serve as a visual symbol of Gladstone's efforts to assist those in need during the holiday season. Proceeds to benefit the Northland Christmas Store and Gladstone Nieghbors. Monetary donations are accepted at Gladstone City Hall and First Bank of Missouri. 816.423.4091 www.gladstone.mo.us
November 25, 2009
Christmas in the Sky
(Nov. 25, 5PM) Longview Lake Christmas in the Park. KUDL’s Christmas in the Sky is a kick-off celebration for your holiday season. Enjoy this evening filled with local celebrities, holiday stage productions and an amazing fireworks display, synchronized to your favorite holiday music. This event sets the stage for opening night of Christmas In The Park. 816.503.4800 www.jacksongov.org
Annual Holiday Lighting Celebration: Platte City, MO
(Nov. 25, 5:30PM) Platte County Courthouse Lawn. Holiday Lighting and Christmas music www.plattecitymo.com
November 26, 2009
80th Annual Plaza Christmas Lighting Ceremony
(Nov. 26, 5PM), Country Club Plaza. The most magical time of the year, Holidays on the Plaza, is upon Kansas City once again. The Plaza Lights have been carefully strung, and are ready to illuminate the Country Club Plaza for the 80th year. The Lighting Ceremony features live music and FIREWORKS! www.countryclubplaza.com
November 27, 2009
Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony: KCMO
(Nov. 27, 5:30PM), Crown Center Square. The 100-foot-tall Mayor’s Christmas Tree, one of the nation’s tallest, is the centerpiece for an illuminating holiday celebration. The tree is a symbol of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund, which is dedicated to assisting the city’s less fortunate. 816.274.8444 www.crowncenter.com
November 28, 2009
Thanksgiving Weekend: Tree Lighting & Holiday Concert at the Nelson
(Nov. 28, 3PM) Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. The Museum’s 25th annual tree lighting ceremony will feature a concert of holiday music from the renowned Kansas City Chorale and family caroling. On view through January www.nelson-atkins.org
November 29, 2009
Winter Festival: Fairway, KS
(Nov. 29, 3PM) The festival includes music, crafts for children and plenty of food for all. Children attending the event can decorate sugar cookies to take home and create their own holiday cards. As part of the Winter Festival, Fairway Parks & Recreation sponsors a Chocolate Chip Cookie Contest! The winner will lead the countdown during the Holiday Lighting Ceremony and receive a $50.00 gift card to a Fairway business. Everyone will get to sample the entries! The holiday light display at Peterson Park features over 20,000 white lights and a 6-piece Toyland Scene, including a rocking horse, Jack-in-the-Box and blocks. Live music includes a variety of holiday songs for everyone to enjoy throughout the evening. www.fairwaykansas.org
November 30, 2009
Candy Cane Promenade (Parade and Lighting): Bonner Springs, KS
(Nov. 30, 6PM) Centennial Park. Kick off the Holiday Season with the “Candy Cane Promenade” Parade and Activities. The magic of Christmas will transform Oak Street into a festive Candy Cane Promenade for the Holidays.
PARADE: At 6:00 P.M. the Vaughn Trent Christmas Parade, sponsored by BPW, will travel from the First Christian Church to Oak Street, where the Mayor will cut the ribbon to open Oak Street as “Candy Cane Promenade”. The VFW Color Guard, leading the parade, will escort Santa and Mrs. Claus to Centennial Park where entertainment, treats and the Clauses will be waiting to hear children’s Christmas wishes. Lighted floats, walking units and individuals are all welcome. The first 200 children in the parade will receive a holiday light stick.
MAYOR’S CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING AND ACTIVITIES Once the parade reaches Centennial Park, members of the Mayor’s Youth Council will throw the switch that lights up the beautiful Mayor’s Christmas Tree. Activities include: Christmas Carols, Santa, Mrs. Claus and Elves. www.bonnersprings.org
Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting: Belton, MO
(Nov. 30, 6PM) Downtown Belton. Santa arrives at 6:15 by Fire Truck, Free Sleigh Rides, Food & Entertainment, Bring 2 canned goods or new unwrapped toys, and receive a free ticket for prize drawings. Free Hot Dogs, Popcorn, Coffee & Hot Chocolate. www.belton.org/Calendars/calendar_November.htm
December 3, 2009
Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting: Tonganoxie, KS
(Dec. 3, 6:00PM) Tonganoxie in the 4th Street Courtyard between Green and Bury. Live music, Mayor's Speech, and the arrival of Santa as he leads visitors to the Tonganoxie Public Library for gifts and the Festival of Mini Trees. www.tonganoxiechamber.org/index.htm
Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting: Grandview, MO
(Dec. 3, 6:45PM) Grandview City Hall . Get into the Holiday Spirit at this beautiful community event. Gather with friends at Grandview City Hall for the lighting of the Mayor's Christmas tree and enjoy live entertainment from area school music programs. Santa is there to pass out candy canes and everyone is in good cheer. Donations accepted to benefit the Grandview Assistance Program (GAP) for those who are in need. Donations accepted to Grandview Assistance Program . www.grandview.org/index.aspx?recordid=625&page=406
December 4, 2009
Holiday Lights and Festive Sights in Mission, KS
(Dec. 4, 5:30PM) Santa Claus will be arriving in Mission, Kansas to the delight of anxiously awaiting children as a part of the annual “Holiday Lights and Festive Sights” event. Holiday Lights and Festive Sights is a the family-friendly event beginning at 5:30 p.m. and including entertainment, free S’mores, tree lighting ceremony, street vendors, and face painting. At 8:15 p.m. there will be a festive musical fireworks display. 913.671.8564 www.MissionCVB.org
WinterFest - Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting: Olathe, KS
(Dec. 4, 5:30PM) Olathe City Hall. This popular event features the Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting, choirs from Olathe school's, a variety of local talent and the arrival of Santa Claus. Other attractions include ice sculpting, a visit with Santa, food and drinks. Proceeds raised for the Mayor's Christmas Tree Fund from businesses, civic groups and the sale of holiday ornaments go to benefit agencies in our area that address the needs of the less fortunate in our community. www.olatheks.org/calendar/2009/12/04/WinterFest
Christmas on the River: Parkville, MO
(Dec. 4, 6PM) Downtown Parkville. Live Music and Dance Performances, Santa Arrives with Live Reindeer, Fireworks! Visit Santa at his house on Main Street (Free Photos!). Downtown Shops and Restaurants Open Late! Free Shuttles Available from Park Hill South High School and from the South Platte County Community Center (YMCA). www.parkvillemo.com
Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting: Raymore, MO
(Dec. 4, 6PM) Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting. Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting www.raymore.com
Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting: Raytown, MO
(Dec. 4, 6:15PM) The Raytown Holiday Lighting Ceremony will be held at the Pocket Park at 63rd Street and Raytown Road. Immediately following from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM, families are invited to kickoff the holiday season in downtown Raytown. Visit Santa Claus at UMB Bank at 63rd St and Raytown Rd with holiday music from the Raytown School District. Take a free hay ride around downtown. Sip cider, eat cookies and sing holiday carols with Santa's Elves and carolers from the Raytown Schools in the Downtown Greenspace at 62nd St and Blue Ridge Boulevard. Shop the downtown businesses open late that evening. The event is FREE and great for all ages.
Old Town Lenexa Lighting Ceremony
(Dec. 4, 6:30PM) Lenexa Community Center. This long-time holiday tradition has also been updated to include new features and activities. After the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will be chauffeured in by the Lenexa Fire Department, the event will move to the warm indoors of the community center where visitors of all ages can enjoy a variety of festive entertainment, including school choir performances, visits with Santa, holiday refreshments and dance performances. Two new features this year include a holiday secret shop for kids where children can purchase gifts for under $5, and free trolley rides to and from Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park to view the holiday lights. Trolley rides will run from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. The event will conclude at 9:30 p.m. 913.541.0209 www.ci.lenexa.ks.us/parks/lightingceremony.html
December 5, 2009
Christmas Around Town & Tree Lighting: Shawnee, KS
(Dec. 5, 4:30PM) Join Santa and Mrs. Claus on Saturday, December 5, for Christmas Around Town. Enjoy sleigh and carriage rides, Dickens Carolers, Face Painting, holiday arts and craft activities by Wonderscope, and of course Santa Claus. The evening will begin at 4:30 p.m. with local music and dance groups performing in the City Hall parking lot, followed by the Mayor and Santa throwing the switch to light up the Mayor’s Christmas tree at 5:30 p.m. Then the festivities continue from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Shawnee Town. Click here for more information on Christmas Around Town.
Holiday Lighted Parade & Tree Lighting: Leavenworth, KS
(Dec. 5, 5:30PM) Leavenworth Landing Park. Holiday Lighted Parade through Downtown Leavenworth. Parade ends at Leavenworth Landing Park at 6:30pm with the culmination of the Mayor's Tree Lighting and Fireworks over the Missouri River. www.leavenworthmainstreet.com/special_events.htm
Country Christmas on the Square and Lighting Ceremony: Harrisonville, MO
(Dec. 5, 5:30PM) Sharp Hopper Log Cabin & Cass County Courthouse . Help kick-off the Christmas season! At 5:30 p.m., we will throw the switch to light the Mayor's Christmas Tree, located on the grounds of the Sharp-Hopper Log Cabin. Following that, the lights at the Cass County Courthouse will be illuminated, there will caroling on the square, train rides, and a visit from Santa Claus! Everyone is welcome. www.ci.harrisonville.mo.us