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Kansas City Christmas Traditions

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It wouldn’t be Christmas in Kansas City without a visit downtown to Union Station and Crown Center, or an excursion to watch the Plaza Lighting Ceremony on Thanksgiving evening. And don’t forget the many spectacular light shows around the metro that bring the magic of Christmas to everyone. Kansas City has many great traditions for all to experience and enjoy during the holiday season.

Crown Center (2405 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO): A family tradition for several generations now, Crown Center is a great place to kick off the holidays. The mayor’s Christmas tree will arrive all the way from Oregon at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 5, and set in place the next day, Friday, Nov. 6, at 10:00 a.m. The arrival of this 100-foot Douglas fir also coincides with the opening of the Crown Center Ice Terrace. The mayor’s Christmas tree, one of the tallest Christmas trees in the United States, is decorated with 7,200 twinkling lights! Another Crown Center highlight is when Santa Claus comes to town! On Friday, Nov. 27, Santa will arrive in a horse-drawn carriage and then make his way to Gingerbread Station, where he will reside until Dec. 24. After visiting Santa, children can play in the festive Gingerbread Village (open until Dec. 31) and watch the model Christmas train travel through the miniature North Pole. Lastly, be sure to get a good viewing spot for the Christmas tree lighting ceremony that takes place at 5:30 on Friday, Nov. 27. Mayor Lucas will flip the switch to light the mayoral tree, along with a special guest. Did you know that every year, beautiful keepsake ornaments are made by Hallmark from the previous year’s mayor’s Christmas tree? They are available for purchase at the customer service desk inside Crown Center; proceeds benefit the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund, serving area charities. Throughout the holiday season, choirs and musicians perform in Crown Center, and kids can frolic at a special play area set up for them under the mayor’s Christmas tree.

Because of COVID-19, please check Crown Center’s calendar of events and hours of operation, as some events may be changed, postponed or canceled.

Roy Inman

Union Station (30 W. Pershing Rd., Kansas City, MO): After visiting Crown Center, walk to Union Station using the indoor walkway, the Link (located in the Westin Hotel). The holidays truly come alive as you stroll into the Grand Hall and marvel at the beautiful decorations bedecking this iconic KC building. Your family will spy many picture-perfect spots for a family photo. Children can take a ride on the historic Jones Store miniature train, and the whole family will admire the model trains exhibits in the Grand Plaza that have been transformed into scenes of winter wonderlands. Outside in the rail yard, step aboard Rudy, the Christmas train, when he comes through town on select dates. Indoors, have dinner at Harvey’s Restaurant or check out all the hands-on learning Science City has to offer. You also can catch a holiday movie, like The Polar Express,  at the Regnier Extreme Screen Theatre, always a hit with the kids! Toward the end of November, Union Station usually has an official opening to the holiday season with a lighting ceremony, local musicians and choirs, and a performance by Quixotic (a local contemporary aerial circus company).

Because of COVID-19, please check Union Station’s calendar of events and hours of operation, as some events may be changed, postponed or canceled.

While downtown, catch a ride on the Downtown Dazzle holiday trolleys and explore stops along the downtown loop. Better yet, make a weekend of it and book a room at the Westin Crown Center or Sheraton Crown Center hotels!

Country Club Plaza (4706 Broadway Blvd., Kansas City, MO): The holiday season in Kansas City officially begins the evening of Thanksgiving. That’s when the Plaza lights are turned on with great fanfare and ceremony. For 90 years, the Plaza lights have been a classic and beloved Kansas City tradition. Take a drive or stroll through the Plaza to take in the lights that festoon the Spanish Revival-style buildings, enjoy dinner at one of the popular restaurants and do some holiday shopping at one of the many retail stores.

Because of COVID-19, this event is subject to change. Check KC Parent.com for up-to-date holiday events.

Holiday Light Shows: Kansas City shines with spectacular holiday light displays throughout the metro area. Pack some hot cocoa and go for a drive to explore the illuminations or take a brisk walk to enjoy the lights up close. Here is a list of the most popular displays:

Because of COVID-19, these events are subject to change. Check KCParent.com for up-to-date events.

Margaret Bristow is a lifelong Kansas City resident who especially loves her hometown during the holidays.

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