Christmas Stories come to Life in Kansas City
Sugarplum Fairies, Tiny Tim, visits with the Fairy Princess, Charles Dickens, and the Grinch! Celebrated Christmas stories come to life on stage and at festive events all season long!
= Top Pick!
We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information, especially with the possibility of weather impacts. Tip: The green titles link to the website for each event. MOST of the events in this guide require advance tickets.
Kansas City's own classic: The Fairy Princess
Kansas City Museum Fairy Princess
Dec. 1 - 16, The First 3 Weekends in December: Saturdays: 10-4, Sundays-noon-4. COST $8/child atKansas City Museum 3218 Gladstone Blvd. Kansas City, MO.
In 1935, Kline’s Department Store of downtown Kansas City was celebrating the Grand Opening of their Toyland. Santa came to other stores; Kline’s wanted to do something original to attract visitors. So they introduced the Fairy Princess. For 25 cents, children visited the Princess, telling her their Christmas wishes. Then, she waved her magic wand and a surprise gift would appear! Over the years, gifts were presented sliding from chutes, appearing on revolving turn tables, hiding in fairyland trees or magically opening trunks. The tradition continued, at just 25 cents, until Kline’s closed in 1970. The Fairy Princess returned in 1987 when the Kansas City Museum brought her back for Christmas. You can visit “The Princess Pavilion” for a photo, Princess activities and, of course, a “magically presented gift” for every child. You can visit the Fairy Princess on the weekends in December.
A Dickens Christmas
Kansas City Repertory Theatre's production of A Christmas Carol
Nov 16, 2012 to Dec 26, 2012 at Spencer Theatre at the James C. Olson Performing Arts Center 4949 Cherry Street Kansas City, MO.
Who doesn’t like a bit of Christmas cheer during the holidays? Join us, and the ghost of Christmas Present with his famed Christmas Cheer in hand, for this Kansas City family holiday tradition, 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 costuming, 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! Contact KC Repertory Theatre for Show times at 816.235.2700.
Offered various times and locations in November.
Join Charles Dickens in his study for a very special night. On this evening in 1843, he creates his holiday classic, "A Christmas Carol." Renowned Dickens scholar, author, playwright and lecturer, Elliot Engel has crafted a work that allows David zum Brunnen to portray the 17 "Christmas Carol" characters and Charles Dickens himself. Recommended highly by the Dickens family, MCPL is privileged to offer this performance to continue its Dickens tradition!
Dec. 21 & 22 at 8pm each evening at Chestnut Fine Arts Center 234 N Chestnut Olathe , KS.
The voices of the Dickens Carolers have been compared to those of heavenly angels! Treat yourself to a special holdiay gift as you relax and listen to your favorite holiday meloidies sung by the Dickens Carolers in Concert. (Rated G). COST ALL TICKETS - $20. 913.764.2121
The Nutcracker
The Nutcracker, the beloved Christmas ballet set to Tchaikovsky’s memorable music, is celebrated at these unforgettable productions:
Kansas City Ballet's Production of The Nutcracker
Dec 1, 2012 to Dec 23, 2012 at Muriel Kauffman Theatre at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts1601 Broadway Kansas City, MO.
Todd Bolender’s The Nutcracker is the heart of Kansas City’s holiday season! As soon as the lights dim, you’ll be transported to a magical place. From the magnificent sets and costumes to the acclaimed Kansas City Symphony playing Tchaikovsky’s wondrous music, you’ll witness some of the most glorious dancing on earth. 816.931.2232
Nov 18, 2012 1:30 pm until 3:30 pm at Henry's Tearoom 401 SE Douglas St Lee's Summit, MO.
You are cordially invited to Clara's Tea. Enjoy lunch, tea, sweets, and pictures with your favorite Nutcracker ballet dancers. Wear your prettiest Christmas dress. This will be a formal occasion. A lesson in tea etiquette, parlor games, and special visit from the cast of Dramatic Truth's Nutcracker, Mystery of Christmas. Tickets for the Mystery of Christmas ballet can be purchased at Clara's Tea party ticket at a discounted price of $7.50. This ticket price will only be offered at Clara's Tea. Tickets must be purchased online. www.dramatictruth.org Bring your camera to capture these memories! COST $30. 816.767.9222
Nov 29, 2012 to Dec 1, 2012 at YouthFront Theater 4715 Rainbow Blvd Westwood, KS.
Dramatic Truth School of the Arts has brought 15 years of The Mystery of Christmas that combines the music of Tchaikovsky with the greatest story ever told. Twenty Five years ago, a young ballet teacher dreamed of a Nutcracker Ballet that actually told the story of Christmas. This new Mysterious version of the Nutcracker is inviting all previous cast members to take the stage for a 15 year reunion bow. Creator and Artistic Director Liz Dimmel states "I was on my way to see the Nutcracker and mentioned to my husband, 'wouldn't it be great if there was a Nutcracker that actually told the Christmas story?'" The production includes the classical music of Tchaikovsky, appearing angels, a teenage pregnancy, war between two kingdoms, a birthday celebration and a little girl discovering the importance of following her heart. The MOC times and ticket prices are: Thursday, Nov. 29 - 9:30 am Student Field Trip - $6 Students & Teachers / $20 Non Students, $15 in adv. / $10 Seniors; Friday, Nov. 30 - 6:30 pm Dinner Show $50 plate - Balcony / Show Only $20, $15 in advance / $10 Seniors/Students; Saturday, Dec 1 - 2:00 pm Matinee - $20 Door / $15 in advance / $10 Seniors/ Students; Saturday, Dec 1 - 7:00 pm Evening - $20 Door / $15 in advance / $10 Seniors/ Students. 816.767.9222
The Nutcracker and the Mouse King
Nov 30, 2012 6:30 pm until 7:30 pm. Free event at Kansas City Public Library 4801 Main Street Kansas City, MO.
Members of Kansas City’s Owen/Cox Dance Group usher in the holiday season with an entertaining and tuneful re-interpretation of The Nutcracker. The show features both original music and radical rearrangements of Tchaikovsky’s score by some of Kansas City’s most innovative jazz musicians under the direction of Brad Cox. The choreography is by award-winning Jennifer Owen. Local artist Peregrine Honig designed the costumes; Mark Southerland’s saxophone-inspired “horn sculptures” provide the settings.
Dec. 1 & 2 with Shows at 2pm & 7pm at Blue Valley North High School 12200 Lamar Avenue Overland Park , KS.
Clara’s Dream is a condensed version of “The Nutcracker” that tells the tale of a little girl and her magical journey to the land of sweets. It has become a holiday tradition for the Miller-Marley Youth Ballet in Overland Park, Kansas. COST $10/ticket
Dec. 1 & 2. Saturday, 12/1, Noon - 2 pm, Sunday, 12/2, Noon - 2 pm and 4 - 6 pm. at Ritz Charles 9000 W. 137th Overland Park, KS.
Enjoy a tea party as you watch this mini version of The Nutcracker ballet. COST $40/ticket for adults; $25/ticket for children over 3. 913.895.6390
Dec 1, 2012 10:30 am until 4:00 pm at The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center One East Pershing Road Kansas City , MO.
Clara cordially invites you to attend the 18th annual Sugar Plum Fairy Luncheon! Immediately followed by the 2:00 p.m. performance of Kansas City Ballet’s The Nutcracker at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. The Sugar Plum Fairy Luncheon is a benefit for Kansas City Ballet School.
Guests will park at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts and be whisked of to The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center and magic of Christmas at Clara’s. Children will delight in having their complimentary picture taken with the Sugar Plum Fairy, watching traveling magicians and interacting with costumed characters. Parents will enjoy shopping at our fantastic silent auction. Dine on a delicious three-course lunch as you enjoy entertainment provided by Kansas City Youth Ballet. Shuttles will transport you to the matinee performance of everyone’s holiday favorite, The Nutcracker.
Dec.7 at 7pm, Dec. 8 at 2pm and 7pm at Trilogy Cultural Arts at Indian Creek Community Church 12480 South Blackbob Olathe, KS.
Trilogy's School of Dance tells the tale of "The Nutcracker and the Mice" through their own unique dance style. COST Youth/$8; Adults/$10. 913.254.4444
You're a Mean One Mr. Grinch
Seuss fans know the story by heart! This holiday season you can meet the Grinch in person for fun photo ops celebrating his conversion from the "mean one" to a friend of Whoville.
Nov. 24 - Dec. 22 from 10:00 am until 1:30 pm on Saturdays at City Market 400 Grand, Suite 428 Kansas City, MO.
Whos of all ages are encouraged to bring their camera to get a picture with the Grinch in the warmth of Cindy Lou Who’s home. Little Whos will enjoy the Whoville Holiday children’s activity area where they can make Whoville themed tree ornaments, a Grinch mask and more! Whoville Holidays will be open Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. November 24, December 1, 8, 15 and 22. The Grinch will be present for photos between the hours of 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. and Noon- 1:00 p.m. Whoville Holidays will be located at 400 Grand, Suite 428 at Northeast corner of the City Market. On opening day, Saturday, November 24, the first 20 children to arrive dressed as their favorite Who character will receive a special holiday prize pack! Whoville Holidays is a FREE event, but donations are encouraged in our “Help A Who” campaign. Bring either three canned goods for Harvesters, or, a new, unwrapped toy for the Salvation Army.
Dec 15, 2012 11:00 am until 1:00 am. FREE Event at Shawnee Books & Toys 7311 Quivira Rd Shawnee, KS.
Join us as we discover the heart of the Grinch! We will be reading The Grinch Who Stole Christmas with special guest The Grinch himself! We will be reading every 1/2 hour. Be sure to bring cameras and autograph books.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Dec. 28 - Jan. 3 at 2pm each day at Screenland Crown Center 2450 Grand Blvd. Suite 301 Kansas City , MO.
Screenland Crown Center is showing Holiday Classics all season long for just $5 (including popcorn and a drink). The season of films concludes with the Grinch! Other shows include: ELF - November 23rd-29th; SMURFS - November 30-December 6th; ARTHUR CHRISTMAS - December 7th - 13th; POLAR EXPRESS - December 14th - 20th; A CHRISTMAS STORY - December 21th-27th; HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS - December 28-January 3rd.816.842.0202