Best of December in Kansas City

Experience the best of Kansas City this December. Whether you're hosting out of town company or celebrating with your family - there is something for everyone. Enjoy live shows, NEW Christmas traditions, holiday traditions, and more. Our readers love the Ultimate Guide to Christmas in Kansas City, your complete guide to local holiday events, but sometimes it is daunting to sort through hundreds of holiday celebrations. These are our top picks for December in Kansas City:

Christmas at Crown Center

Crown Center is a Kansas City Christmas Tradition. Crown Center (2450 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO). With live theaters, beautiful shops, holiday performances, visits with Santa, and Ice Skating, this is your premier holiday destination:

Crown Center Holiday Choirs thru Dec. 23. Beautiful music fills the halls of Crown Center, as more than 130 area school, church and community choirs perform throughout the holiday season. 

Crown Center Ice Terrace 2425 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO. 816.274.8411. Kansas City's original ice skating rink is open for its 45th season of great skating fun! Regular admission is $6, or free for adults over age 60 and children age 4 and under. Skate rental is $3, or skaters may bring their own. Hours: Sunday - Thursday, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Friday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. 

Santa’s Gingerbread Station thru Dec. 31. All aboard for a favorite holiday tradition at Crown Center! Kids and families can explore this interactive exhibit, meet and have their photo taken with Santa Claus (through December 24), climb aboard the Crown Center Express Train Engine, and enjoy Gingerbread Village. No admission fee. Photos with Santa are available for a fee, or you may take your own. Open during Crown Center Shops holiday hours. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve and noon to 5 p.m. on New Year's Eve. Closed Christmas Day. FREE! After visiting Santa, head over to The Coterie for a live production of A Charlie Brown Christmas this popular show sells out - so buy tickets early.

EBT Laughing Santa and Santa’s Countdown to Christmas Nov. 24-Dec. 31 at Crown Center Shops, 2500 Grand, Kansas City, MO. Don't miss one of Kanas City's favorite pieces of Christmas nostalgia. EBT Laughing Santa, who first appeared at KC's Emery, Bird, Thayer department store in the early 1900s, has been providing memories for new generations at Crown Center since 1979. Children of all ages will marvel at this Jolly Ol' Soul as he chuckles his way through the holiday season while counting down the days until Christmas. FREE!

Downtown Dazzle: Holiday Trolleys Saturdays from 5-9pm Nov. 25 - Dec.23, Hop on the FREE Downtown Dazzle Holiday Trolleys for a scenic ride up and down Kansas City’s Grand Boulevard. Between the KC Streetcar and our Holiday Trolleys, getting around during Downtown Dazzle is easy and free. Stop at the new Downtown Dazzle Holiday Lighting installations in Washington Square Park and KC Power & Light District. The dazzling light installations in Washington Square Park will turn on at the same time as the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting in Crown Center on Friday, November 24 and run through Jan. 1. Wander through Crown Center’s magnificent holiday lights and then make your way across Pershing Road, immediately north of Crown Center, to stroll through the Downtown Dazzle holiday lights. FREE!

NEW! WinterFest at Worlds of Fun

​WinterFest at Worlds of Fun Nov. 24- Dec. 30 at Worlds of Fun.

Why We LOVE IT: Holiday cheer rings out at Worlds of Fun during the first annual WinterFest celebration. Thousands of sparkling lights transform the park with an inviting glow that warms the heart and lifts the spirit. Witness 10 live shows, meet over 16 iconic holiday characters, join 9 holiday activities like ice skating and cooking decorating, ride select park attractions, and create lasting memories with family and friends. We're especially excited to celebrate with Charlie Brown and Snoopy! Charlie, the gang, and a cast of 18 singers and dancers will present a Christmas Holiday Spectacular! This stunning display of holiday cheer includes high-kicking and a hefty amount of sequins to dazzle the audience. Charlie Brown even takes the stage to impress the audience with his extra special dance moves, but you can be assured the Snoopy and Lucy won’t let him steal the spotlight. All of the PEANUTS gang will be represented in this fast-paced spectacle, brought together with the talented performers who will delight with their harmonious vocals and fancy footwork in this Broadway-caliber show!

Holidays Alive at Union Station and NEW! Astro Botanicals

Union Station (30 W. Pershing Rd., Kansas City, MO.  http://unionstation.org/) is one of our city's most beautiful landmarks and a favorite family destination. Enjoy favorite Union Station holiday traditions and NEW experiences as well:

NEW! ​Astro Botanicals Nov. 18 - Dec. 31 at Union Station 30 W. Pershing, Kansas City, MO. Experience a bold, new sculpture garden that’s going to catch the eye of nature lovers, art enthusiasts and will capture the hearts of the playful. Just outside Science City in the new Haverty Family Yards, eight inflatable sculptures between eight and 15 feet tall will “grow” in a unique and fantastical exhibition. The inflatable designs are purposefully massive in scale, so their multi-colored light displays give off a magical aura. “In the daytime they appear to be bigger-than-life ice sculptures, and at night, Astro Botanicals are illuminated in holiday colors for a dreamy winter wonderland feel,” says Tammy Ruder, Special Events Manager at Union Station. This newest addition to “Holidays Come Alive” will be visible from the West Yards Garage pedestrian bridge, but to truly be immersed with them, guest should plan to walk among them. During regular daytime hours, Science City guests are invited into the “garden” via Science City outdoor gates. For evening hours, Haverty Family Yards gates will be your access point. Either way, you won’t want to miss interacting and taking pictures with the sculptures titled, Magnolia Starship, Asparagus and Dragon Lotus. Astro Botanicals visits Kansas City for the first time and ONLY at Union Station. Union Station Members will experience it for FREE and non-members can expect a nominal charge. 

Mini Holiday Express Train Take a ride on our miniature train! Often referred to as the Jones Store Train and beloved by generations at the holidays, it was once a popular attraction at the Jones Store downtown. Riders must be under 48" tall (approximately 5-6 years of age and under). Union Station Members FREE. Non-members $5

Classic Holiday Throwback Movie Series Watch your favorite holiday films on the Extreme Screen for just $3! Nov 17-22 - National Lampoons Christmas Vacation. Nov 24-30 - Elf. Dec 1-7 - Home Alone. Dec 8-14 - Polar Express in Your PJs. 

Harvesters’ Big BackSnack Give Back Dec. 3 from 11am-3pm. Harvesters’ BackSnack program provides packs of nutritious food to more than 20,000 students in Kansas City and surrounding communities, so they don’t go hungry over weekends at home. The need for these packs of nutritious food more than doubles during the holiday school break. Bring the entire family and get in the giving spirit. Help Harvesters pack BackSnacks for hungry children, while enjoying kids activities, hot cocoa, snacks, music and more!

Merry Science Day Dec. 9 at Science City at Union Station, 30 W. Pershing, Kansas City, MO. A day jam-packed full of holiday-themed science and Maker fun in Science City! Visit and create at the Toy Workshop in the Maker Studio, decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus in the Test Kitchen and enjoy holiday science demos as we celebrate Merry Science.

Holiday Swing Dec. 10 from 10am-6pm at Union Station, 30 W. Pershing, Kansas City, MO. Shop over 100 handmade & vintage vendors at The 7th Annual Holiday Swing; the Midwest’s #1 handmade holiday shopping experience at historic Union Station! The Holiday Swing is proud to be one of Etsy’s "Etsy Made Local Markets" 

The KCS Holiday Express Dec. 15-19 at Union Station, 30 W. Pershing, Kansas City. The KCS Holiday Express is a festive, six-car train that brings Santa Claus and his elves to communities throughout the company’s U.S. rail network at scheduled stops. Guests to the train can visit with Santa Claus and walk through three cars filled with holiday displays. Each event is free, open to the public and no tickets are required. FREE!

Holiday Magic Laser Show Dec. 16 - Jan. 7 at Union Station, 30 W. Pershing, Kansas City, MO. Celebrate the holidays with your favorite songs set to a choreographed laser show.

Trombone Christmas Dec. 16 at Union Station, 30 West Pershing Road, Kansas City, MO. The Trombone Christmas Kansas City Concert was founded by Dr. Frank Perez and Mr. William Biggs in 2017 and is presented to promote and encourage the fellowship and musicianship of trombone players through the performance of Christmas Music. Participation in the concert is open to trombone players of all ages and experience levels. FREE!

Raggedy Ann and Andy’s Christmas Adventure Nov. 28 - Dec. 30 at Union Station, 30 W. Pershing Rd, Ste 800, Level B, City Stage, Kansas City, MO. Those lovable cotton-stuffed dolls with their bright red yarn hair go on a fearless adventure in the Deep Woods to rescue light, warmth and the spirit of Christmas for the diverse population that lives inside Marcella’s toy chest.

5th Annual Noon Year's Eve at Science City, December 31st, Noon-7PM! Noon Year's Eve is is THE place to have a fun, safe and education New Year's Eve party for children of all ages and parents, too!

Winterfest Topeka

Winterfest Topeka Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Downtown Topeka

Why We LOVE It: Featuring live reindeer and a sleigh ($5 selfie photos), horse-drawn carriage rides along the avenue ($3 per person), and everyone from the Sugar Plum Fairy to Scrooge and Tiny Tim, WinterFest will be a holiday memory-maker for all. Special features include: Ice Sculptures, Gingerbread House making, 12 Days of Christmas displays, Santa game, Discounts and specialty items at area shops, Horse and carriage rides for $3 per person, at 7th and S. Kansas, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., $5 selfie photos with the reindeer at 8th and Kansas, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Mexican hot chocolate and tamales at Lupita's, Write letters to Santa at Classic Bean, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Don't forget to give your letter to Santa!), and Meet and Greet with Santa.

NEW! adaptation of A Christmas Carol at The KC Repertory Theatre

Christmas Carol  at The KC Rep thru Dec. 24.

Why We LOVE It: Kansas City’s favorite holiday tradition is back for its 37th season, with an all-NEW adaptation by KCRep Artistic Director, Eric Rosen! A ripping good telling of the classic story of Ebenezer Scrooge, the curmudgeonly businessman who requires the intervention of a few spectral guides to understand the true meaning of Christmas and life. Complete with lively musical numbers, ornate costumes, and dashing stagecraft, Dickens’ classic tale of hope and redemption continues to remind us what’s really worth celebrating - at the holidays, or any time!

Cirque Musica Holiday presents BELIEVE

Cirque Musica Holiday Presents BELIEVE Dec. 5 at 7pm at Silverstein Eye Centers Arena, 19100 E Valley View Pkwy, Independence, MO.

Why We LOVE It:The Cirque Musica Holiday Presents BELIEVE is a fun filled holiday entertainment event for the entire family. The perfect celebration for the holidays as the cast of Cirque Musica performs incredible feats of strength, skill, and grace to great Holiday music favorites performed by a live symphony.

NEW! Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens

Powell Gardens (1609 N.W. U.S. Highway 50, Kingsville, MO) celebrates the season with special events in the gardens throughout the winter and we're especially excited for the Festival of Lights a NEW holiday tradition. 

NEW! Festival of Lights Dec. 1 - Jan. 7. A lighting exhibition, artfully curated by the Powell Gardens Horticulture staff, the Festival of Lights includes botanically-themed lighting displays that begin at the garden entrance and stretch along a winding pathway through six of the seven themed gardens.

Wonderland Workshop: Drop-in Gift Making for Families Dec. 2 from 3-6pm. Bring your little elves to Powell Gardens for a fun-filled afternoon of ornament making, Christmas card designing, bird feeder constructing, and storytelling in front of a fire! Get a family photo made for the holiday season, ask Santa for that pony you’ve always wanted, and enjoy seasonal treats to kick off Powell Gardens first-ever holiday lighting display. Festival Admission applies and includes most hands-on activities (additional fee for photographs and $2 fee per person for the ornament activity). 

Powell Gardens' Holiday Concert Dec. 3 from 5-6pm. Arcana Quartet is comprised of students attending the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory, under the direction of Professor Zachary Shemon.

Why We LOVE It: The gardens are magical at wintertime and the special events are a beautiful reminder of the season.

NEW! Child of Hope

Child of Hope a professional production and collaboration between Storling Dance Theater and The Culture House showing Dec. 1-3 at Oak Park Mall, 11149 W 95th St, Overland Park, KS.

Why We LOVE It: Enjoy a brand new production by Storling Dance Theater, also called Child of Hope, that presents the Nativity story as only Storling can tell it. Biblically accurate and sensitive to the historic nature of the coming of Jesus Christ, Storling and included dancers will tell the dramatic and moving true story of the anticipation and arrival of Jesus. Not a fairy tale, Child of Hope brings us closer to appreciation what was really going on in that manger so long ago.

Clara's Dream

Clara's Dream and Holiday Showcase Dec. 16 & 17 at Olathe South High School Performing Arts Center, 1640 E 151st St, Olathe, KS. 

Why We LOVE It: This beautiful adaption of the classical Nutcracker Ballet follows Clara on a magical journey through the land of Snow and Sweets. Performances feature the artistic talents of the Miller Marley Youth Ballet and Youth Ballet 2 companies, along with over 60 guest performers, all adorned in beautiful costumes. Miller Marley's performance companies kick off with Act 1 with a lively variety of holiday songs and dances by performers ranging in age from 5 to 18. This inspiring holiday tradition is a wonderful way to introduce families to the Nutcracker Ballet, while enjoying the talents of so many young performers.

Holidays at Summit Fair

Summit Fair 860 NW Blue Pkwy, Lee’s Summit, MO.

Why We LOVE It: The holidays are magical at Summit Fair. Shops and restaurants include: featuring Beauty Brands, Buckle, Cato, Charming Charlie, Chick-fil-A, Chico's, The Children's Place, Christopher & Banks, Complete Nutrition, Crazy 8, Dressbarn, DSW, Escapist Skateboarding, Francesca's, Freebirds World Burrito, Glo Nail Lounge, Heavenly Olive Oil & Vinegars, JCPenney, Jos A. Bank, Macy's, McAlister's Deli, Massage Heights, Maurices, Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Sakura Sushi, Smallcakes, Tip Top Tux, Visionworks, Whim Boutique, White House Black Market, Yankee Candle and Yogurtini. December Events include:

STROLLING SANTA AND MRS. CLAUS EVERY SATURDAY/SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 25TH - DECEMBER 17TH, 3:00-5:00PM. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus as they stroll about Summit Fair enjoying the cheer of the holiday season. Make sure to bring your cameras and snap a #SelfieWithSanta!

PUPPETS FOR PAWS WITH SANTA CLAUS Friday, December 8th, 6:00-8:30PM Come out for a FREE, holiday themed version of the Mesner Puppet Theater’s, Comical Adventures of Old Mother Hubbard and help us support Furry Kids’ Refuge in the process! (Check out their wish list for items to donate – donations accepted at the event!) Kiddos get to sit with Santa Claus during the show and will have the opportunity to take photos with Santa following the event. 

NEW! Shows at JCCC Performing Arts Series

Johnson County Community College Performing Arts Series December shows:

Madisen Ward & the Mama Bear: Dec. 2. Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear consists of Madisen Ward and Ruth Ward, a modern soulful/folk music duo from Independence, Missouri. The band’s debut album, Skeleton Crew, was produced by Jim Abbiss, known for his award-winning work with Arctic Monkeys and Adele, and captures Ward and the Mama Bear in their most natural setting.

A Christmas Gathering: Danú and the Kansas City Chorale Féile Na Nollag: Dec. 9. Local community choirs singing traditional songs for Christmas and Wren's Day (Dec. 26) are a common sight throughout Ireland each December. For generations, music and dance gatherings, in communities both urban and rural, have combined to offer a great variety of songs, music and stories for the holidays. In honor of this tradition, the Kansas City Chorale will join Danú onstage for a few songs.

American Youth Ballet, "The Nutcracker": Dec. 16 & 17. Tchaikovsky's holiday classic, The Nutcracker, performed by the American Youth Ballet. Don't miss the magic and tradition. A 40ft growing tree, snow falling on stage, and a live orchestra highlight an Overland Park tradition.

Hermon Mehari Quintet Winterlude Series: Dec. 17. Hermon Mehari’s anticipated debut album as a leader, Bleu, marks a new era in his career. The music covers both the ground of his contemporaries and his own original music in such a way as to illustrate his current musical path. Mehari was the winner of the Carmine Caruso International Trumpet Competition and was featured on world-renowned saxophonist and fellow Kansas Citian Bobby Watson’s release Check Cashing Day.

Why We LOVE It: The Johnson County Community College Performing Arts Series consistently brings top notch entertainment to the metro. Featuring a wide range of shows, there is something for everyone.

Shen Yun

Shen Yun Dec. 22-23 at The Music Hall, 301 W. 13th St, Kansas City, MO.

Why We LOVE It: Experience SHEN Yun's unique artistic vision as it expands theatrical experience into a multi-dimensional, inspiring journey through one of humanity’s greatest treasures—the five millennia of traditional Chinese culture. This epic production immerses you in stories reaching back to the most distant past. You’ll explore realms even beyond our visible world. Featuring one of the world’s oldest art forms—classical Chinese dance —along with patented scenographical effects and all-original orchestral works, Shen Yun opens a portal to a civilization of enchanting beauty.

Liberty Light Show

Liberty Light Show Dec. 1 -3 from 6-9:30pm at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church 1600 North 291 Highway, Liberty, MO. 

Why We LOVE It: This FREE drive-in Christmas light display will be synchronized with live musicians in the PV parking lot. It’s a family-friendly show that will capture the hearts of many. Audiences will tune their radios to hear live performances of Christmas favorites from the comfort of their own cars. Through a simple narrative the Gospel story will be weaved throughout the show - inviting guests to discover the true reason for the season. Guests can view the 15-minute show from the warmth of their vehicles on a first-come, first-serve basis. Shows are 15 minutes long, and begin every 45 minutes at 6:00pm, 6:45pm, 7:30pm, 8:15pm, 9:00pm.

​December at the Kansas City Zoo

The Kansas City Zoo is open year-round and the holidays offer some of our FAVORITE events of the year.

KC Zoo Events in December: December 2 & 3 Meet Santa at the Zoo/Holiday Wild, Santa Dives with Penguins King and Gentoo Penguin March. December 9 & 10 Zootastik Learning Fest—Caribou, Santa Dives with Penguins, King and Gentoo Penguin March. December 16 & 17 Winter Wonderland, Lion & Christmas Trees, Santa Dives with Penguins, King and Gentoo Penguin March. December 31 Zoo Year’s Eve.

Why We LOVE It: The Kansas City Zoo is a blast year-round, but really- can you think of anything more fun than watching Santa DIVE with penguins???? Tip - FOTZ passes are a PERFECT clutter free holiday gift and you'll enjoy free year-round admission to the KC Zoo and free or discounted admission to other zoos when you travel.

Mid-Continent Public Library's Holiday Programs

All through December at Mid-Continent Public Library Branches.

Why We LOVE It: We LOVE the library and this holiday season they have many special offerings. Our favorites include: A Christmas Carol-LIVE!, Mr Stinky Feet's Christmas and Storytime with Santa and Mrs. Claus! You'll also find craft classes, puppet shows, musical performances and more on the library's December calendar - and all events are FREE!

Holiday Shopping in Downtown Lee's Summit

Downtown Lee's Summit shopping district hosts special events all month as shoppers prepare for the holidays.

Santa Visits Downtown Lee's Summit: As you shop Downtown Lee’s Summit this holiday season, be sure to stop in to get your photos with Santa. He will be available for pictures with children of all ages during the following dates and times: Saturday, November 25 |GOT Art Gallery, 18 SW 3rd St. | 2-4pm. Saturday, December 2 | Lee’s Summit History Museum, 220 SW Main St. | 2-4pm. Saturday, December 9 | GOT Art Gallery, 18 SW 3rd St. | 3-5pm. Saturday, December 16 | Lee’s Summit History Museum, 220 SW Main St. | 2-4pm.

Holiday Mart: Dec. 16. The Downtown Lee’s Summit Farmers Market vendors have been working hard to prepare gifts and goodies for the indoor Holiday Mart. The event is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, December 17 at the Lee’s Summit Elementary Gym, 110 SE Green St. Be sure to stop by and cross a few things off of your holiday shopping list.

Why We LOVE It: Historic Downtown Lee’s Summit is a nationally award-wining Main Street. With more than 45 eclectic specialty stores, dozens of dining and entrainment options, and the most welcoming business owners around, Downtown Lee’s Summit is worth the trip. 

Holiday Shopping at Legends Outlets

Legends Outlets in Kansas City, KS.

Support Local Businesses: Legends Outlets is Kansas City's premier outdoor shopping and entertainment destination and the only designer outlet center in the area. With more than 100 designer outlets, retail, dining and entertainment options, Legends Outlets offers something for every style, age and price range.

45 foot Holiday Tree: A 45-foot holiday tree returns this year as the Legends Outlets' main centerpiece, located at the center of the Civic Courtyard Fountain in front of AMC Legends 14 Movie Theater. The tree is decorated with festive LED-lighted snowflakes and a three-foot-six-inch snowfall topper featuring a mix of static LED light bars and double-sided LED animated show tubes. During the ceremony, festive decorations will light up throughout the shopping center and continue through early January.

Why We LOVE It: Legends Outlets offers an amazing selection of stores for holiday shopping and delicious restaurants too - there's no wonder this is a favorite shopping destination for Kansas Citians.

Journey to Judea

Journey to Judea Dec. 1- 3 Countryside Baptist Church, 14150 W 175th Street, Olathe, KS. Free. (913) 592-3270. Admission is free, but tickets should be reserved online in advance. 

Why We LOVE It: This is one of our favorite annual traditions! Journey to Judea is an interactive Christmas experience that allows you to walk through the narrative of the Bible, learning the twists and turns that lead us to the birth of Christ and reveal the true significance of His coming. The birth of Christ is more than a historical event: it has crucial relevance for every man, woman and child. This event includes a cast of nearly 100 people, live animals, narration, live action, and music. Groups of 40-50 people will be guided through an hour-long outdoor tour of different scenes spread across twenty acres of land, literally walking through the story of the Bible. Admission is free, but tickets should be reserved online in advance. There are a limited number of walk-in spaces. For more information, go to www.journeytojudea.com FREE!

A Kansas City Christmas & Morning at the Manger

Christmas events at Lenexa Baptist Church  

A Kansas City Christmas December 9, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. and December 10, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. Enjoy a wonderful evening of Christmas music, food and fun for the entire family that celebrates of the birth of Christ.The program features a 130 voice Worship Choir, a 40 piece Worship Orchestra and a tremendous muliti-media presentation. Chad McDonald, the Senior Pastor, will share the true story of Christmas and what it means for us today. Following the program, you are invited to attend a dessert buffet in our Koinonia Hall. The entire evening is the church's special gift to you. The program is free to the public and child-care is provided for ages 3 and under.

Morning at the Manger on Dec. 16 at 10am - Enjoy some Nativity fun including a petting zoo, cookie decorating and hearing the Christmas story.

Why We LOVE It: These events are beautiful reminders of the true meaning of Christmas.

Victorian Christmas at National Museum of Toys and Miniatures

Toys bring back whimsical holiday memories and there is no better place to enjoy those moments than the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures (5235 Oak St, Kansas City, MO. 816.235.8000). 

Special Events in December: 

Coleman House Opening Dec. 2. The annual tradition returns! See T/m’s nine-foot-tall dollhouse decked out for the holiday season. Get up close as T/m opens the doors for a day of in-depth talks about this giant dollhouse. Talks at 10:30am, 1pm, and 2:30pm, or come anytime between 10am and 4pm to view the house.

Meet the Experts: Christmas Crèches at T/m Dec. 10 from 2-3pm. Free with admission. Enjoy special displays of Christmas crèches from the Bud and Jan Koupal Collectionhear a talk about the history and tradition of holiday crèches, and stay afterward for cider and cookies. The program includes a lecture and museum visit. Included with museum admission.

Christmas Stories at T/m Dec. 16 & 23 at 1pm.  Free with admission. Hear stories about holidays past in T/m’s Tureman Education Center, formerly a 1911 residential mansion. Enjoy festive decorations and admire special displays of antique Christmas crèches from the Bud and Jan Koupal Collection.

Father Christmas Comes to T/m Dec. 17 from 1-3pm. Free with admission. Father Christmas is stopping by T/m to share stories of holiday traditions. Professional storyteller Jim “Two Crows” Wallen will engage the entire family with interactive tales of Old Saint Nick in the museum’s Tureman Education Center. 

Music in the Museum Dec. 30. Free with admission. Take a break from the hectic season to enjoy traditional holiday music on stringed instruments in the museum’s Tureman Education Center. 

Why We LOVE It: Celebrate the season with holiday memories at one of Kansas City's best loved attractions. 

Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens' Holiday Luminary Walk

Nov. 25 & 26; Dec. 2 & 3; Dec. 9 & 10 from 5-9pm at Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens (8909 W 179th St, Bucyrus, KS. 913.685.3604). Admission charged. Purchase tickets online at www.opabg.org. 

Why We LOVE It: This is one of our favorite ways to kick off the holidays. Enjoy a stroll through candlelit trails in the gardens and woods. This major fundraiser features a mile of candles, holiday lights, live entertainment, Santa Claus, horse-drawn wagon rides, hot cider around a campfire and mystical Gnome and Fairy Villages.  Volunteers and staff members are transforming the Arboretum into a wonderland of candles and lights, music and holiday fun. Thousands of candles line the walkways and trails. Holiday lights will be on display from trees, buildings and bridges. Children will be thrilled to see Santa's Woodland Depot in the Train Garden and chat with him nightly from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Santa Train Rides

Dec. 2 & 9 aboard the Belton, Grandview and Kansas City Railroad.

Why We LOVE It: This magical holiday tradition is popular for children and the young at heart! Come, take a step back in time to the first half of the last century and ride a train like your grandparents may have ridden with Santa Claus! Christmas carols play, cocoa is served, and photos are taken with Santa himself. Board our 1920’s era passenger coach, or our open-air excursion car and take a ride behind our 1950’s diesel locomotive through Old Towne Belton, Missouri and the surrounding area. 

Holiday Fun at Paradise Park​

Paradise Park (1021 NE Colbern Road, Lee’s Summit, MO) is a great place to spend quality time as a family. This holiday season, they offer some of the most unique Christmas events in town: 

Ginormous Gingerbread House Party Dec. 1- 31. The magical indoor snow, laser light show, and awesome holiday music make this the best interactive gingerbread house in the world! It’s a gingerbread dream come true! Our bigger-than-life creation is the coolest place to warm your holiday spirits and have a blast, too! It’s an enchanting, fairy-tale memory your whole family will love.

Winter Break Daily Specials. Find loads of fun at Paradise Park during the winter break. Special discounts and deals change every day from Dec 22 – Jan 3.

New Year’s Eve Party December 31 from Noon to 6 p.m. 3-2-1… Happy 2018! You are invited to ring in the New Year early with the legendary Ball Drop at Paradise Park’s Foam Factory. Have a blast with friends and family. This rocking New Year’s Eve party is an early evening, totally kid-friendly celebration. Register to win awesome door prizes you can use all year long at Paradise Park. Refer a friend to join our Discovery Family Pass and we will share even more awesome gifts for you and your family to enjoy out of our grab bag of FUN.

Why We LOVE It: Paradise Park is one of our favorite attractions year-round, but it is especially great when little ones need to burn some energy inside over the winter months. December is extra special at the park with holiday themes in the Children's EduTainment Center and the Ginormous Gingerbread House!

A Very Fifties Christmas

A Very Fifties Christmas at The 1950s All-Electric House, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS 913.715.2550 thru January 6, 2018 from 9-4:30pm Mon-Sat. Fee: $5 Adults, $4 Seniors, $3 Children 1 yr - 17 yrs. On December 9, enjoy Family Day! Retro Style: Celebrate the holidays 1950s style! Explore the museum’s signature exhibition featuring the 1950s All-Electric House decorated for Christmas, and play in the past in KidScape! Tour our temporary exhibit, “Let’s Celebrate: Johnson County Museum is 50!” Have hands-on fun with retro activities and crafts in the museum from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm. Santa and Miss Yvonee will be here 10 am - 12 pm.  Purchase admission upon arrival at event. No preregistration required.

Why We LOVE It: This is a Kansas City tradition that has made a new home in the museum's new space. The 1950s All-Electric House is decorated for the holidays! Retro 1950's-style!

4th Annual Winter Solstice Torch-lit Hike

Dec 13, 2017 from 5-6:30pm at George Owens Nature Park 1601 S. Speck Rd., Independence, MO

Why We LOVE It:  The Shortest Day of 2017 December 13. Walk a forest trail lit by torches to ice sculptures, telescopes and a bonfire. View the night sky; see live owls; and drink free hot chocolate. The first 175 guests will receive free travel mugs.

Ice Skating & Winter Sports

Check out our Guide to Ice Skating & Winter Sports in Kansas City!

Why We LOVE It: This winter, spend some time with the family at a local ice skating rink, ski resort, or hockey game!

Christmas Lights

Kansas City is decorating for the holidays and we have your Guide to the Best Christmas Lights in KC!

Why We LOVE It: It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas and KC knows how to throw an amazing holiday party! You don't want to miss these festive displays.

Still looking for more great family fun ideas in Kansas City? Check out our Kansas City Calendar of Events and Going Places in Kansas City.