Best of November in Kansas City

The Great Pumpkin Smash, the Pompeii: The Exhibition, live shows, holiday traditions, and more events featuring fine arts, attractions, and family. This November, give thanks, give back, and create family memories with celebrations and events for the entire family. These are our top picks for November in Kansas City:

17th Annual Storytelling Celebration

• When, Where, What: 17th Annual Storytelling Celebration, Nov. 2-5, 2016 sponsored by MCC-Maple Woods.
• Why We LOVE It: The Kansas City Storytelling Celebration, hosted by MCC-Maple Woods, will be celebrated with lively stories, anecdotes, myths, legends and lessons. Our 17th Annual Celebration will celebrate the time honored tradition of storytelling and will be held in more than 100 sites across the Kansas City metro area.  For a schedule of public events visit kcstorytelling.org.

American Girl Fashion Show

• When, Where, What: American Girl Fashion Show Nov. 5 at Deer Creek Country Club
• Why We LOVE It: Celebrate the experience of being a girl, whether yesterday or today, through a colorful presentation of historical and contemporary fashions. The American Girl Fashion Show is a fun-filled event for girls and their families, friends, and favorite dolls! Make your young girls experience at the show even more memorable by signing them up to be a Guest Model.  As a guest model they will walk the runway after intermission while a short bio is read. 

Day of the Dead Festival

• When, Where, What: FREE Nov. 6 from 10am-4pm at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
• Why We LOVE It: Experience a towering centerpiece in Kirkwood Hall­ featuring over one hundred paper maché skulls decorated in collaboration with the Mattie Rhodes Center, local artists, area students and the museum community. You are invited to add your own special remembrance. Enjoy traditional Mexican dances with El Grupo Atotonilco, a Mexican folkloric dance group made up of dancers of all ages founded in 1979. Delight in the Mariachi music of Los Musicos with the Dancing Calacas. Dance the cumbia to the acoustic stylings of Trio Aztlan. Decorate a paper skull mask with traditional motifs and wear a temporary tattoo. Hear stories inspired by Mexican culture with storyteller Joyce Slater during this special story time for preschoolers. Enjoy delicious Mexican food. These are just a few of the festivities to enjoy!

Friends of Johnson County Library Big Fall Kids Book Sale

• When, Where, What: Big Fall Kids Book Sale Nov. 16-19 at Central Resource Library
• Why We LOVE It: The huge – and hugely anticipated – Friends Book Sale attracts fans from across the region. The funds we raise support early literacy programs, staff professional development and special events. 

November at the Kansas City Zoo

• When, Where, What: The zoo is open year-round and November is loaded with fun at the Kansas City Zoo. A few highlights: Family Science Night: Awesome Astronomy: November 3. Great Pumpkin Smash: November 5-6. Zootastik Learning Fest- Red Panda: November 12-13. Cheetah Run: November 19-20. Ice Age Collision Course: November 23-27. FOTZ Members Bring a Friend Free: November 25-27. Penguin March: November 25-27. Santa Dives: November 25-27. Species Spotlight- Tigers & Cheetah: November 26-27
• Why We LOVE It: The Kansas City Zoo is a blast year-round, but many of our favorite and most unique events happen in November - Penguin March, The Great Pumpkin Smash, and Santa Dives with Penguins - all one-of-a-kind events you don't want to miss. 

Ben Franklin and his Kite

• When, Where, What: Ben Franklin and his Kite Nov. 16 at The Folly
• Why We LOVE It: The Folly Kids Series is an excellent educational series - and tickets are just $6! Over 250 years ago, Ben Franklin shocked the world with his discovery that lightning held electricity and thus rendered scientists “thunderstruck” This entertaining and educational play brings history and science to life!

Pompeii:The Exhibition at Union Station

• When, Where, What: Pompeii: The Exhibition at Union Station opens Nov. 18
• Why We LOVE It: We can't wait for this educational, interactive, and inspiring exhibit at Union Station. Featuring nearly 200 artifacts — some never before seen in the United States—including vibrant frescoes, detailed mosaics, lifelike statues and precious personal objects,Pompeii: The Exhibition tells the story of a city hidden from view and forgotten for centuries until its rediscovery over 250 years ago.

Mid-Continent Public Library's Marty's First Birthday

• When, Where, What: All through November at Mid-Continent Public Library Branches.
• Why We LOVE It: We LOVE the library and KC Parent is proud to sponsor this event! Marty the Martian, the Library’s mascot and star of its signature book Grow A Reader: An Interplanetary Tale, will be celebrating his first Earth birthday throughout the month of November in celebration of MCPL’s Grow A Reader early literacy program. It’s Marty’s birthday, and Dino O’Dell is throwing a party. Join the fun as Dino and Marty celebrate together with singing, dancing, and swimming in peanut butter. Don’t miss the fun! All ages.

JCCC Performing Arts Series

• When, Where, What: Johnson County Community College Performing Arts Series.
• MARIACHI REYNA DE LOS ANGELES FEATURING AIDA CUEVAS 'MÉXICO Y SU MUJER': Nov. 4 An all-female mariachi spectacle — join Latin GRAMMY® award-winning singer Aida Cuevas, “The Queen of Ranchera Music,” and GRAMMY®-nominated Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles for an explosive two-hour program featuring their greatest hits and new musical numbers arranged by mariachi legend, José Hernández.
• 'THE OFFICIAL BLUES BROTHERS™ REVUE' SANCTIONED BY DAN AYKROYD, JUDITH BELUSHI AND MUSIC DIRECTOR PAUL SHAFFER: Nov. 6 Discovered in Las Vegas, performers Wayne Catania and Kieron Lafferty capture the infectious humor and unbridled spirit of the Blues Brothers like no one since John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd. Backed by a powerhouse band, they’ll give you a show to remember, packed with classic hits from the Blues Brothers catalog, including "Soul Man," "Rubber Biscuit," "Sweet Home Chicago" and more. A night of laughter, dancing and foot-stomping fun!
• CHILDSPLAY PRESENTS 'ROCK THE PRESIDENTS': Nov. 16 This high octane, multimedia-filled musical revue looks at the lives of the 43 people who have held the highest elected office in America. "Rock the Presidents" makes facts fun and empowers young people with the belief that they too can get involved in civic life.
• FOREIGNER – THE HITS UNPLUGGED: Nov. 18 With 10 multi-platinum albums and 16 top 30 hits, Foreigner is universally hailed as one of the most popular acts in the world with a formidable musical arsenal that continues to propel sold-out tours and album sales, now exceeding 75 million.
• 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.

Holiday Shopping in Downtown Lee's Summit

• When, Where, What: Downtown Lee's Summit shopping district hosts special events all month as shoppers prepare for the holidays.
• Holiday Open House: Nov. 4-5 Enjoy classes taught by local experts and business owners while shopping for the holidays. Customers can also enter to win a Downtown Lee’s Summit shopping spree. Check back for more information about participating businesses. There is always free parking at the City Hall Parking Garage located on 2nd Street between Douglas and Green streets.
• Christmas Lighting Ceremony: Nov. 18 from 6:30-8:30pm. Free hot drinks and cookies, choir performances, a visit from Santa, and much more will get you in the holiday spirit. Many local shops and restaurants are open late for any of that last-minute holiday shopping that still needs to get done.
• Small Business Saturday: Nov. 26 Small Business Saturday is a nationwide shopping event that encourages holiday shoppers to patronize brick and mortar businesses that are small and local. In Downtown Lee's Summit, over 20 businesses participated in the holiday in 2015, and we hope to make 2016 even larger! This national holiday always falls between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. In additional to finding unique items to give as gifts (or to keep for yourself), we will be giving away great prizes like Amtrak tickets
• 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. Plan a ladies day out, a weekend of fun, or visit during a special event.

Journey to Judea

• When, Where, What: Journey to Judea Nov. 20 and Dec. 1- 4 Countryside Baptist Church, 14150 W 175th Street, Olathe, KS. Free. (913) 592-3270. Admission is free, but tickets must be reserved online in advance. www.journeytojudea.com 
• 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. Our goal is to make this a yearly event that families can enjoy together as a part of their Christmas celebration.

A Christmas Carol at The KC Repertory Theatre

• When, Where, What: Christmas Carol at The KC Rep Nov. 28 - Dec. 24.
• Why We LOVE It: Kansas City’s favorite holiday tradition is back for its 36th season, presented in the magnificent new Spencer Theatre! 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!

Victorian Christmas at National Museum of Toys and Miniatures

• When, Where, What: Darling Daguerreotypes Nov. 25 at the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Cure your turkey coma with a day of family fun! Get into the holiday swing of things with Victorian-themed family-friendly activities. Included with museum admission.
• Why We LOVE It: In Victorian photographs, children were often posed with their prized toys. During the museum’s day-after-Thanksgiving workshop, bring your favorite toy or choose one from the museum’s education collection to get your snapshot taken and turned into a faux daguerreotype. Then, decorate a case for your new portrait just like those in the temporary exhibit, Forever Young: Victorian Photographs of Children and Their Toys. Included with museum admission.

17th annual Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens' Holiday Luminary Walk

• When, Where, What: Nov. 25 & 26; Dec. 2 & 3; Dec. 9 & 10 at Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Cost:eTickets $9; $10 at the door; Children 5 and under free. Purchase online at www.opabg.org. Tickets can also be purchased the night of the event. 
• 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

• When, Where, What: Nov. 26 & Dec. 3 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. You could even ride in the cab of the locomotive with the engineer. 

Holidays at Legends Outlets

• When, Where, What: Legends Outlets Kansas City (1843 Village W Pkwy, Kansas City, KS. 913.788.3700), Kansas City’s only designer outlet shopping center, announces its holiday calendar filled with multiple events and prize giveaways throughout the season.
• 12th Annual Legendary Tree Lighting Ceremony Saturday, Nov. 19, 6 – 8 p.m. (center courtyard). Live holiday music and prize giveaways: 6 – 7:45 p.m. Tree lighting countdown: 7:45 – 8 p.m. Legends Outlets will kick off the 2016 holiday season with its 12th Annual Legendary Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 19, from 6 to 8 p.m.Centered around its 45-foot holiday tree, the ceremony will include live holiday music, prize giveaways and a special appearance from Santa Claus, who will lead the tree lighting countdown and ignite a center-wide light display – one of the region’s first and largest displays of animated lights synchronized to music. The holiday lights will remain on display through early January 2017.
• #LegendsHoliday Social Media Contest ​Nov. 19-Dec. 19. Starting at the Legendary Tree Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 19, shoppers can show their holiday spirit by taking pictures in front of Legends Outlets’ 45-foot tree and posting to Instagram, Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #LegendsHoliday. Legends Outlets will track the hashtag #LegendsHoliday and award social media followers with various prizes throughout the contest, including a $500 Legends Outlets gift card as the grand prize. For more information, “like” Legends Outlets on Facebook (facebook.com/LegendsOutlets), follow on Twitter (@LegendsShopping) and follow on Instagram (@LegendsOutlets). Full contest details will be available at LegendsShopping.com by Nov. 18. 
• Black Friday Shopping ​Nov. 25, 6am-9pm. In previous years, Legends Outlets was among many Kansas City-area shopping centers that opened its doors Thanksgiving night for extended Black Friday shopping hours. This year is different. For the first time since 2009, Kansas City’s signature outlet center plans to remain closed for the Thanksgiving holiday. While some retailers may opt to open on Thanksgiving Day, the center will remain closed and officially open at 6 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 25, for Black Friday shopping and savings at its more than 75 designer outlet and retail destinations. Additionally, Legends Outlet is planning a number of fun activities, giveaways and in-store promotions for Black Friday. Please visit LegendsShopping.com for updates and stay tuned for more details to be released in the coming weeks.
• 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. You could even ride in the cab of the locomotive with the engineer. 

Operation Christmas Child

• When, Where, What: Operation Christmas Child delivers shoeboxes of goodies to children around the world. For locations and hours of collection in Kansas City, visit www.SamaritansPurse.org. There you can find the nearest place to take your shoe box by entering your ZIP code, or you can call 1.800.353.5949. Collection week is Nov. 14-21.
• Why We LOVE It: Samaritan's Purse staff and partners will collect and hand-deliver some 8.5 million shoe box gifts to hurting children in more than 100 countries on six continents. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has hand-delivered more than 86 million shoe box gifts to needy children around the world.

Christmas Lights

• When, Where, What: Kansas City is decorating for the holidays and we have your Guide to KC Lighting Ceremonies and 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 on KCParent.com.