Looking for ways to have some festive fun with your little ones? Kansas City is packed with festive events and activities that will get the whole family in the holiday spirit.
1. Santa’s Express | Dec. 6, 10:00-3:00
If your kids love trains, you have to take them to the National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame for their Santa’s Express event. Children will not only get the chance to take a free photo with Santa — they will also be able to participate in hayrides, listen to holiday stories, work on holiday activities and, of course, ride the train with Santa. Admission is $5 per person; children 1 and under are free.
2. Winter Magic KC | Thru Jan. 4, starting at 6:00 p.m.
One of my son’s favorite holiday experiences last year was driving through the Winter Magic KC light show. Located at Platte Purchase Park, this elaborate holiday drive-thru is one of the most festive experiences in the Northland. Put on your favorite holiday pajamas and bring some festive snacks to enjoy during your drive. You can also purchase Topsy’s popcorn and saltwater taffy when you arrive.
Pro tips:
- You must purchase timed tickets and arrive within that 30-minute window.
- There is an additional gate fee if you do not purchase your tickets in advance, and Winter Magic KC does not accept cash.
- You can save money by going during the week (Mon.-Thu.) as opposed to the weekend.
3. Holiday Lights
Nothing puts you in the holiday spirit quite like looking at holiday lights around the city. From houses and neighborhoods that put on their own light shows to larger ceremonies and displays, there are so many opportunities to admire beautiful lights.
If you’re up north, stop by Zona Rosa to see the light displays throughout their shopping center, as well as their Grand Tree at North Park. Families down south should head to Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park for Sar-Ko Aglow, which features miles of holiday lights every night from 6:00-11:00 thru Jan. 19.
4. Skate with Santa | Dec. 13, 2:00-4:00
Ice skating is a fun and festive activity already, but imagine if you could ice skate with Santa Claus! Fortunately, this dream can be your reality this year. Line Creek Community Center is hosting an event for you and your family to skate with Santa, take festive photos and get in the holiday spirit. This is a free event, but canned food donations are appreciated.
5. Holiday Reflections and Model Train Exhibit | Thru Jan. 4
These festive activities at Union Station have become annual traditions for our family! Holiday Reflections is the largest indoor light display in Kansas City. It’s perfect for families — especially families with younger children — because you don’t have to worry about bundling up in layers. There are countless photo opportunities and a holiday train for children to ride. You might even see Santa wandering around while you’re there. If your children love trains as much as my son does, they will be thrilled to see the model train holiday village. We are always amazed by the tiny, festive decorations and we love to watch the trains go by.
If you’re looking for a free holiday train experience, check out the Model Train Gallery on the other side of the Grand Hall. This is always free to enter, and while there aren’t quite as many holiday decorations, there are still some festive touches to the train displays.
6. Holiday Story Times
One of the simplest ways to get in the holiday spirit is to find a holiday-themed story time near you. Most of our local libraries host one or more free holiday story times this time of year. They often even have special events with visits from Santa, Mrs. Claus, The Grinch and more. Check out the events page for your local library to find a holiday story time that works with your schedule.
7. Festive Coffee Shops
My son and I love exploring new coffee shops, and it’s even more fun during the holiday season. Several local coffee shops go all-out and put up some fun holiday decor. Bring your favorite holiday coloring book, some crayons and some holiday books to read, then enjoy a cozy, festive morning with your family.
Follow your favorite coffee shop on social media to see if they have any festive decor this season. Last year, the following coffee shops had some of our favorite holiday decor:
- Rochester Brewing and Roasting | 100 S. Main St., Parkville
- Fitti’s Espresso | 7612 NW Prairie View Rd., Kansas City, Mo.
- Filling Station Coffee | 2980 McGee Trfwy., Kansas City, Mo.
8. Santa’s Destination North Pole | Thru Dec. 24
This year Crown Center has a new destination – the North Pole! This exhibit is completely free, and it’s such a fun way for children to get excited about the holiday season. There are several components for children to walk through and climb on. And of course, Santa will be there to take pictures — you can take your own pictures for free or you can purchase a photo package starting at $12. Destination North Pole is open during Crown Center hours, including Christmas Eve.
While you’re at Crown Center, you can continue your holiday fun by walking across the street to see the Mayor’s Christmas Tree, ice skating on the Crown Center Ice Terrace and checking out the Hallmark Christmas Experience.
9. Stores with Holiday Decor
Sometimes you just need a lowkey activity to get out of the house with your children. When we find ourselves in that position during the holiday season, we head straight to a store with festive decorations. One of our favorite places to visit is Family Tree Nursery. They have some of the most elaborate Christmas trees in the Kansas City area, and you’re bound to get in the holiday spirit looking at all of their unique decorations.
You can also stop by your local Home Depot, Lowe’s or Menards to see even more holiday decorations.
10. Christmas Market Whether you are shopping for friends and family or you just want to browse, a Christmas market is for you! One of the best every year is the Westport Christmas Market. This year the market will be held on Saturday, Dec.13 from 10:00-5:00. There will be tons of local vendors selling their goods, plus fun activities for children: kids can take photos with Santa, see Buddy the Elf and even write their own letter to Santa to send to the North Pole.
Taylor Seidel is a toddler mom who enjoys exploring and searching for the best kid-friendly places and activities in the Kansas City area. You can follow Taylor on Instagram at @kc.mom.adventures for more recommendations.