Kansas City's Best Christmas Lights
Most displays operate from Thanksgiving through Christmas from sunset (5:30) to 10:00; however, there are a few exceptions. Check websites to verify times.
Christmas in the Park
Longview Lake Park (I-470 & View High Dr., Kansas City, MO, 816.503.4800) Sunday-Thursday, 5:30-10:00; Friday & Saturday, 5:30-11:00; Thanksgiving Eve-Christmas
This display is outstanding and worth the drive, even if you live 30-45 minutes away. It is also extremely popular, so weeknights are best to avoid a long wait to see the display. Beware of deer en route as many live nearby! And, you can make an evening of it with dinner at Next Door Pizza (3385 SW Fascination Dr., Lee’s Summit, MO), where kids eat free on Monday nights and they make their own pizza!
Country Club Plaza
Country Club Plaza (Info Center: 4745 Central, Kansas City, MO, www.countryclubplaza.com)
Kansas City’s Christmas tradition begins with a lighting ceremony from 6:00 to 7:00 Thanksgiving evening (complete with fireworks). Enjoy more than 80 miles of lights. The best view is atop the Halls parking lot! Enter from the Southeast corner (on Wyandotte) to drive to the top.
The Ultimate Tree
In Overland Park, KS, NOW in front of Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead (as of 2013). Visit theultimatetree.com/directions.html for a map.
The Ultimate Holiday Tree™ is a giant flat panel Christmas tree lighting display with thousands of LED bulbs. Enjoy a light show synchronized to music with animation, lighting effects, patterns and messages. This must-see display was featured on HGTV's "All Out Christmas" show. Watch videos of the Ultimate Tree to see a sneak preview. The Ultimate Tree turns on Thanksgiving night around 8:00. After that, it will turn on at 5:30 every night and stay on until 10:00—except Fridays and Saturdays when shours are extended until 11:30. It runs through the first week of January. This display is more than 30 minutes long if you watch in its entirety. Bring some cocoa and cookies for the fun!
Kansas City Mayor’s Christmas Tree
Crown Center Square (2450 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO, www.crowncenter.com)
The tree is lit with a special ceremony (including fireworks choreographed to music) on Friday following Thanksgiving at 5:30. The 100-ft.-tall tree is adorned with 7,200 lights. It is on display through Christmas. Tip: Beneath the mayor's tree enjoy a delightful wooden playground, making a wonderful backdrop for family photos!
Downtown City Lights
Downtown Kansas City Convention Center Area (Barney Allis Plaza, 12th & Wyandotte, Kansas City, MO, www.downtownkc.org)
The Christmas lighting display encompasses Barney Allis Plaza and several nearby buildings, including the Downtown Marriott Hotel, which features spectacular computer-generated holiday images across its 22-story facade.
Vince & Associates Animated Lights
Vince & Associates Clinical Research (101st & Metcalf, Overland Park, KS)
This Christmas light display is beautifully choreographed to music for an animated light show your children will love! Turn your radio to the station listed on their sign and watch the show! Tip: Park at Emanuel Baptist Church (directly across the street) for the best view!
Northern Lights at Zona Rosa
Zona Rosa (I-29 & Barry Rd., Kansas City, MO, www.zonarosa.com)
Zona Rosa restores the local tradition of using crowns as holiday décor, with a variety of lighted crowns featured throughout the center during the holidays, as well as the featured Christmas tree in the town square. Lighting ceremony (with the arrival of the Fairy Princess, Santa and real reindeer) on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Dickens carolers will perform on the square on select dates throughout the season. After seeing the lights, visit The Grove for a fun indoor playground.
Gospel in Christmas Lights
Formerly the Chicago Street in Blue Springs, this display moved to Buckner in 2013! http://www.kctv5.com/story/24078740/buckner
This display depicts the story of Jesus in Christmas lights. Animated lighted figures tell the story from His birth to the Resurrection.