Kansas City's Winter Traditions
Take a spin on the ice at one of the local outdoor rinks, the Ice at Park Place and the Crown Center Ice Terrace.
If you’re craving snow but can’t find any locally, you don’t have to drive to Colorado to enjoy it. Weston’s Snow Creek is a short 45-minute to one-hour drive from downtown KC, appealing to skiers and snow boarders alike.
Stroll through a winter wonderland on a luminary walk at the Overland Park Arboretum, Powell Gardens or the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. George Owens Nature Park hosts a winter solstice event with beautiful ice sculptures every winter. Call the sites for a schedule.
Enjoying holiday classics at live shows is an annual tradition. The Kansas City Ballet performs The Nutcracker to the delight of thousands of visitors, and this year they have revamped the show for a new, never-before-seen-production. The Kansas City Repertory Theatre brings A Christmas Carol to stage, a celebrated tradition in Kansas City for decades.
Christmas in Kansas City wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Fairy Princess at the Kansas City Museum, where children take photos and leave with a special gift. For something more whimsical, visit the City Market for Holidays in Whoville on weekends. Kids make special Seussian crafts and take photos with the Grinch. And visit the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures for the opening of the giant Coleman Dollhouse.
Local landmarks are aglow with holiday lights from Thanksgiving through Christmas. The Country Club Plaza, Legends Shopping Center, Zona Rosa, Christmas in the Park at Longview, the Lee’s Summit Magic Tree and Candy Cane Lane are just a few of our favorites. Read our guide to the best Christmas lights in the city.