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 list was compiled by the staff of KC Parent Magazine. It may not be reprinted online or in print without permission. This is your guide to Kansas City Lighting Ceremonies, for Kansas City Light Displays, click here. Do you have an addition for our list? Email kristina@kcparent.com.
Arrival of the Mayor's Christmas Tree Nov. 3, 9:00 AM, Crown Center . The first sign of the holiday season arrives at Crown Center, the culmination of a journey from Oregon. The 100-foot-tall tree arrives at 9 a.m. on November 3 and is put into its stand at approximately 10 a.m. on Friday, November 4. FREE. 816.274.8444 www.crowncenter.com/Event/Event.asp
Weston "Holiday Open House" & Tree Lighting Nov. 12, 4:00 PM, Shops, all dressed for the holidays will stay open until 8 p.m. for Second Saturday. At the city tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. you will enjoy caroling by choirs all down at the end of Main Street next to the caboose and historic depot. Weston’s own Father Christmas arrives this evening to begin the holiday season in Weston. Refreshments and souvenirs available. 816.640.5235 www.westonmo.com/entertainment/calendar.html
City Lights Ceremony November 17, 6:00 PM. Barney Allis Plaza. Sporting Kansas City’s star goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen will help kick off The Salvation Army’s 2011 Christmas Campaign at City Lights Thursday, November 17 at 6 pm at Barney Allis Plaza, 12th and Wyandotte. City Lights, the annual downtown holiday lighting ceremony, is also the official kickoff of The Salvation Army’s 2011 Christmas Campaign. The City Lights display encompasses Barney Allis Plaza and several nearby buildings including the Kansas City Marriott Downtown, which features spectacular computer-generated holiday images across its 22-story façade. Fox 4 meteorologist Mike Thompson will emcee the event, which will also feature remarks from dignitaries including Mayor Sly James, entertainment by the Raymore-Peculiar High School marching band and a special appearance by Santa Claus! Complimentary refreshments, including Christmas cookies, hot chocolate and coffee provided by the Roasterie will be served at Barney Allis Plaza prior to the ceremony, beginning at 5 p.m.
Mission Farms Tree Lighting November 17, 6:00 PM. Mission Farms. Watch the unveiling of 17 local artists' paintings which will be displayed in every storefront. The artists will bring the holiday spirit to you with their depiction of Hooray for Holidays! The preview party and shopping night will benefit Variety Children's Charity, then enjoy entertainment by the Shawnee Mission East Lancer Dancers and Kansas City's "Vocalocity" and a Variety Children's Charity program with Lauren McCarthy; SME Drum Line, Santa and Holiday Tree Lighting at 7pm. http://www.mission-farms.com/HurrayForHolidays076000000.htm
Vince and Associates Animated Lights November 12, 6:00 PM. Vince and Associates 101st and Metcalf, OPKS. The Lighting Ceremony features hot cocoa and cookies! This Christmas Light display is beautifully choreographed to music for an animated light display your children will love! Turn your radio to the station listed on their sign, and watch the show! Tip: Park at Emanuel Baptist Church (directly across the street) for the best view!
Mayor's Tree Lighting Ceremony: Lee's Summit Nov. 18, 6:30 PM, Downtown Lee's Summit. Join the Mayor as he lights the downtown with over 100,000 sparkling lights! Free hot chocolate, choir performances, and a visit from Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the elves will get you in the holiday spirit! Visit with Santa, then shop participating businesses open late. Free. 816.246.6598 downtownls.org
Independence Square Tree Lighting Nov. 19, 2:00 PM, Historic Independence Square. Santa on hand from 2-5 pm; sleigh rides, live entertainment and music until 6 pm. Tree lighting ceremony at 5 pm. 816.325.7370 visitindependence.com/CalendarOfEvents.aspx
Northern Lights at Zona Rosa Nov. 19, 4:00 PM, Zona Rosa. Zona Rosa restores a longtime local tradition of using crowns as holiday decor with a variety of lighted crowns featured throughout the center during the holidays. Zona Rosa commences the holiday season with a special lighting ceremony to spotlight the large crowns hung above the streets, as well as the featured Christmas tree in the Town Square. The community is invited to the free program including the official arrival of the holiday Fairy Princess, as well as holiday musical performances, live reindeer and a variety of other children’s activities. The evening concludes with the announcement of Zona Rosa’s Hometown Hero, an annual award given to a well-deserving Kansas Citian. 816.587.8180 www.zonarosa.com
Illumination at Union Station Nov. 19, 5-7:00 PM, Union Station. Bring your family and be part of the festivities as the Union Station Grand Tree in the Grand Hall is illuminated for the holidays! Lights go on at 5pm, after the ceremony experience the Holiday Model Railroad Experience and KC's Holiday Memories at the end of the Sprint Festival Plaza. FREE Train Rides for kids on the historic Jones Store Holiday Train (Nov. 19 from 5-7pm ONLY). Plus a special visit from the KC Museum Fairy Princess! www.unionstation.org
A Legendary Light Show Nov. 19, 5:00 PM, The Legends. A Legendary Light Show: November 19 - January 2 from 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. every night. Every 15 minutes, The Legends will come alive with dancing lights synchronized to concert-quality, holiday music, providing guests an experience unlike anything they have seen before. This dazzling spectacle is the region's first display of animated lights synchronized to music. The majestic, 45-foot, holiday tree will continue to stand in the center of the Civic Courtyard Fountain, which is the focal point of the shopping center. The musical show in the center courtyard will take place at the top and bottom of every hour. A second show will be featured at a quarter after and a quarter till the hour at the new holiday tree and display located near Helzberg Diamonds. The entire shopping center is adorned with majestic holiday displays, including larger-than-life wreaths, garland wrapping light poles and single giant holiday ornaments. 913.788.3700 www.legendsshopping.com
Holiday Lighting: Briarcliff Village Nov. 20, 5:00 PM, Briarcliff Village. Holiday Lighting Ceremony and Fireworks: Come celebrate the beginning of the holiday season at the Briarcliff Village Holiday Lighting and Fireworks Ceremony! There will be musical entertainment by the 5-Star Jazz Band, face painting, hot apple cider, popcorn, and more! Classic Holiday Cartoons will be playing outside for everyone to enjoy prior to the ceremony so bring some warm blankets and chairs! Plus FREE Photos with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus! www.briarcliffvillagekc.com
Holiday Lighting: Leawood Nov. 21, 6:00 PM, 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 2011 holiday season by illuminating City Hall at the 14th Annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony. www.leawood.org/parks/holidaylighting.aspx
Mayor's Tree Lighting: Raymore Nov. 21, 6:00 PM, Raymore City Hall. Activities include photos with Santa, horse drawn buggy rides, guest Christmas carolers, cookies and hot cocoa. 816.322.2791 www.raymore.com
Christmas in the Sky Nov. 23, 6:00 PM, Longview Lake Christmas in the Park. 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 Jackson County’s Christmas In The Park. Direction to Christmas In The Sky: Take 470 East to the Raytown Road Exit, Exit South on Raytown Road and follow to the Longview Lake Beach entrance. Directional signs will be posted off of Raytown Road for Christmas In The Sky. 816.503.4800 www.jacksongov.org
Country Club Plaza Christmas Lighting Ceremony Nov. 24, 5:00 PM, 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. The Lighting Ceremony features live music and FIREWORKS! www.countryclubplaza.com
Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Nov. 25, 5:30 PM, Crown Center. The 100-foot-tall Mayor’s Christmas Tree is a symbol of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund, which is dedicated to assisting the city’s less fortunate. 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. This year's ornament, a tribute to Hallmark Cards' centennial, is on sale now at the Crown Center Customer Service office. FREE. 816.274.8444 www.crowncenter.com/Event/Event.asp
Mayor's Tree Lighting: Grandview Dec. 1, 6:45 PM, Grandview City Hall . Donations will be accepted for this event to benefit the Grandview Assistance Program (GAP). 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 Grandview Assistance Program. www.grandview.org/index.aspx?page=17&recordid=1704
Christmas on the River: Parkville Dec. 2, 9:00 AM, 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! Dec. 2 & 3 www.parkvillemo.com
Holiday Lights and Festive Sights Dec. 2, 5:30 PM, Santa and his Cyber Sleigh, caroling, hot chocolate and smores, kids activities and musical fireworks! sylvesterpowell.com/pdf/CityOfMission_FALL2011.pdf
Old Town Lenexa Lighting Ceremony Dec. 2, 6:30 PM, Lenexa Community Center. Old Town Lighting is an annual holiday lighting ceremony that takes place across from Old Town at the Lenexa Community Center on the first Friday in December. This year's event will be held on December 2, 2011. The community is invited to gather at 6:30 p.m. in the parking lot between the Lenexa Community Center and Lenexa Senior Center for a panoramic view of the lighting of Old Town’s historic row of buildings. This long-time holiday tradition includes a variety of festive entertainment for all ages, school choir performances, visits with Santa, holiday refreshments, dance performances and the holiday secret shop for kids where gifts can be purchased for an average price of $2 to $5. 913.541.0209 www.ci.lenexa.ks.us/parks/lightingceremony.html
Festival of Lights Parade Dec.2, 7:00 PM, Lexington Missouri celebrates the Holiday season with a magical holiday parade with bright lights and festive floats! www.visitlexingtonmo.com
Christmas Around Town: Shawnee Dec. 3, 4:30 PM, City Hall. Join Santa and Mrs. Claus for Christmas Around Town. An evening full of holiday activities awaits you, including 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. Various Downtown businesses will also be hosting open houses throughout the afternoon. www.cityofshawnee.org
Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting: Merriam, KS Dec. 3, 5:00 PM, Merriam Marketplace. Outdoor tree lighting, holiday music and a special visit from Santa! Santa hides candy canes around the Merriam Marketplace for children (ages 1-7) to find, starting at 5:30pm. Then, the Mayor’s tree is lit starting the ceremony at 6pm. 913.322.5550 merriam.org/calendar/index.htm
Holiday Lighted Parade/Mayor's Tree Lighting Dec. 3, 7:00 PM, Landing Park. Santa arrives, followed by the Mayor’s Tree Lighting and entertainment with fireworks over the MO River. 913.682.3924 www.visitleavenworthks.com
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