Santa Sightings in Kansas City
Santa Claus is coming to town! Children love to visit Santa at Christmas! This year, Kansas City welcomes the Jolly Old Elf with trains, sleigh rides, carriage rides, pancakes, pajama parties and much more! This is your guide to Santa Celebrations in Kansas City!
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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.
Shopping Trips & Santa Visits
Christmas at Crown Center is a Kansas City Tradition! With a whimsical playground made of super-sized Crayola® products, model trains traveling through a gingerbread village, visits with Santa, holiday movies, ice skating, and more... there is something for everyone!
- Santa's Arrival at Crown Center - Nov. 23 10am-Noon. Santa Claus arrives in a horse-drawn carriage to kick off the holiday season. Perry the Penguin, Casey Bear and other costume characters help greet Jolly Ol’ St. Nick. Join Santa as he makes his way to Crayola Christmas Land, where he resides through December 24.
- Santa's Crayolaland - (Nov. 23 - Dec. 24) Open during shopping hours. Children can play on super-sized Crayola® products, while waiting to tell Santa all their holiday wishes. Santa is in residence November 23 through December 24. The Crayola Christmas Land play area is open through December 31.
- Santa's Gingerbread Village - (Nov. 23 - Dec. 31 during shop hours) Three locomotives travel through a Santa’s gingerbread village in the North Pole, all created by the chefs at The Westin Kansas City hotel. See the reindeer stable, Santa’s sleigh garage, the elves’ dorm, a doll, rocking horse, and ball factory, and even Mr. & Mrs. Claus' home.
- Christmas Movies at the Screenland Crown Center The Screenland shows Holiday Classics at 2pm on select dates (following) and tickets are just $5 (includes small popcorn and juicebox or small soft drink)! 2012 Holiday Film Schedule: 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.
- FREE Children's Holiday Concerts - Enjoy holiday music for kids and families on three Saturdays in December. The lineup: The La La's (December 1), Dino O'Dell & The T-Rex All-Stars (December 8), The Doo-Dads (December 15). Concerts at Noon and 2pm on Level I in the Atrium of Crown Center.
- More Holiday Fun at Crown Center: Take a spin on the ice at the Crown Center Ice Terrace, treat the kids to Shrek: The Musical at the Coterie Theatre, watch Nuncrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical at the American Heartland Theatre, enjoy the music of A Spectacular Christmas at Off Centre Theater, and free weekday holiday choir performances by local groups.
Santa Visits Downtown Lee's Summit
Santa Claus will take time out of his busy schedule to visit with customers shopping in Downtown Lee's Summit.
Schedule:
- November 17, 2012 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
- November 24, 2012 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
- December 1, 2012 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
- December 15, 2012 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
- December 16, 2012 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Visits with Santa at Zona Rosa
Nov 30, 2012 to Dec 24, 2012 at Zona Rosa I-29 & Barry Rd. Kansas City, MO
Sitting in his traditional storybook scene at Zona Rosa, Santa Claus will listen to children's Christmas wishes every day now through December 24th. Santa's hours:
Monday-Saturday, Noon - 8:00 p.m.; Sunday Noon - 6:00 p.m.; December 24th (Christmas Eve) Noon - 6:00 p.m. Santa will take breaks to send up children's wishes to the elves- Monday - Saturday, 3:00-3:45 p.m. and Sunday 3:00-3:30 p.m.
Photos with Santa at Legends Outlets Weekends only Nov 17 - Dec 23. Schedule: November 17 - 3-9 pm. Saturdays 11a-8p, Sundays 11a - 6p
Santa will be at Legends Outlets every weekend beginning November 17th through December 23rd. Families can schedule a Santa photo appointment or visit with Santa at their convenience. Jordan Photography also offers additional options including pet photos with Santa, Sensory Friendly Santa as well as family portraits. Click here for additional information and to book your appointment TODAY! Santa's studio is located across from Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse on the yellow brick road. TIP: Sensory-Friendly Santa Experience: A sensory-friendly Santa optional experience offered by Jordan Photography for children that might be sensitive or emotional about the experience and still capture holiday photos as Santa remains unnoticed to children during the session. The Sensory-Friendly Santa Experience will be offered every weekend, except December 22 - 23. Parents are encouraged to call in advance to create the most comfortable environment. While you're there, enjoy FREE Holiday Movies at Legends 14 Theaters every Sunday from December 2 Through December 23!
Get in the holiday spirit with free classic holiday movies offered at Legends Outlets Kansas City’s Legends 14 Theater every Sunday from December 2 through December 23. Limited seating is available and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, call The Legends 14 Theater at 913-428-2979. The free holiday movie schedule at The Legends 14 is:
- Sunday, December 2 – A Christmas Story
- Sunday, December 9 – Polar Express
- Sunday, December 16 – It’s A Wonderful Life
- Sunday, December 23 – Miracle on 34th Street
Celebrate with Old St. Nick at a Party or Special Breakfast with Santa!
NOTE: This does not include Santa's many appearances at Kansas City's Holiday Lighting Ceremonies! Read our Holiday Lighting Guide for a complete schedule.
Nov 17, 2012 from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm
Get in the spirit at Lee’s Summit Parks & Recreation “Holiday Carnival”. After all – during this busy season what is more important than making time for family? The event is set for Saturday, November 17 from 1:00 – 3:00pm and will be held at the Harris Park Community Center. There will be activities design for children up to age twelve but tons of fun for the whole family! Throughout the event there will be crafts, games and a cake walk (while supplies last). Kids can get creative in the Cookie Factory and have their face painted from 1-3pm and take part in a Candy Cane Scramble for 7-12 year olds at 1:15pm and 3-6 year olds at 1:40pm. Santa himself will arrive at 2:30pm so bring your cameras! There is a $8 fee for kids ages 3-12 and $3 for kids under three if registered by November 9. After that registration fees increase to $10 and $4. Harris Park Community Center is located at 110 SW Blue Parkway next to Summit Waves. Register online at www.lsparks.net or by calling 816.969.1500.
Holidays Under the Sea at Sea Life Kansas City!
Friday through Sunday November 23 through 25 and Saturdays and Sundays in December at Sea Life Kansas City 2475 Grand Blvd Kansas City, MO.
Holiday Festivities Include:
- Underwater Santa visits in our Ocean Tunnel Saturdays and Sundays 11am-2pm
- Merry Fishmas Education Sessions – join SEA LIFE Education Specialists to participate in holiday-themed activities. You never know what kind of special gifts you can find under the sea.
- Storybook Adventure – trace the telling of a popular holiday story throughout the aquarium with a special SEA LIFE twist and enter to win free SEA LIFE Annual Passes. This activity is available daily throughout the event.
LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Holiday Event
Friday, November 23 through Sunday, November 25 AND Saturdays and Sundays in December at LEGOLand Discovery Center 2475 Grand Blvd Kansas City , MO.
What would the holiday season be without one of the world's favorite toys? Join us as we celebrate the wonderful world of LEGO and all the fun these amazing bricks bring - especially this time of year! Note - Santa will NOT be present (he is at Crown Center across the street), but kids will love Santa's Workshop! The LEGO halls will be decked throughout the season and we will have special activities:
Festivities include:
- A limited-edition winter factory brick in the Factory Tour (while supplies last)
- A special LEGO Santa's Workshop display where you can build the toys Santa leaves under the tree
- A scavenger hunt through MINILAND for special holiday and winter scenes and a chance to win great prizes - including two annual passes to LEGOLAND Discovery Center!
- Holiday-themed builds in our Master Builder Academy
- Holiday photo opportunities
- And of course, a chance to do some holiday shopping for all things LEGO in our retail shop! In December, purchase $50 or more in merchandise and receive a free ticket to come back and visit in January or February of next year!
Santa Breakfast at Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm
Nov 24, 2012 8:30 am until 10:00 am at Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm 1200 East Kansas City Road Olathe, KS.
Enjoy the holiday inspired decorations of the Heritage Center and have breakfast with Santa! Cost is $7/person and includes a photo with Santa. Registration is due by Friday November 15.Cost is $7/person and includes a photo with Santa.
Nov 30, 2012 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm at The Grove at Zona Rosa I-29 & Barry Rd. Kansas City, MO
Families are invited to participate in this cherished night with Mr. and Mrs. Claus featuring fun and entertainment for the whole family. Activities include: special giveaways*, story time with Mrs. Claus, entertainment, and much, much more! Everyone is encouraged to wear their pajamas to welcome Santa Claus to Zona Rosa! (Santa will begin his visits with children directly following the PJ Party).
Dec. 1 & 8 Rides depart at 9:00am, 11:00am, 1:00pm, and 3:00pm at Belton, Grandview & KC Railroad 502 E. Walnut St. Belton, MO
Winter Train ride with Santa! Hot Chocolate and a cookie after. COST $14.00/ea. Reservations recommended. 816.331.0630
Dec. 1 & 2, Dec. 8 & 9 at Midland Railway 1515 High Street Baldwin City, KS.
Take an hour long train ride with Santa Claus on "The Santa Claus Express!" See Santa in his own special car, take pictures of your kids with Santa! Enjoy Hot Cocoa and a cookie! Buy Tickets in advance.
Dec. 1 all day at the Kansas City Zoo 6800 Zoo Drive Kansas City, MO.
Ho! Ho! Ho! It's that time of year again! The Zoo is turning into a winter wonderland. Join us as we celebrate the season to be jolly. We've planned a day full of festive activities. Schedule: 9:30 a.m. -11:30 a.m. - Gazebo, Tropics, Discovery Barn, SNAKES!, and the Polar Bear Passage; Take a tour led by the Dickens Carolers to four indoor exhibits and see how holidays are celebrated in different regions. Meet at the Gazebo ready to depart at 9:30 a.m. Enjoy hot chocolate as you wait.; 10 a.m. -2 p.m. - Polar Bear Passage Get your picture taken with Santa. Enjoy candy canes and chocolate treats.; 1 p.m.-2 p.m. - Lobby Listen to an area high school band performing holiday music; the show features a bell choir. 816.513.5700
Holiday Fun with Santa at Powell Gardens
Dec. 1, 8 & 15 9:00 am until 12:00 pm at Powell Gardens 1609 NW US Hwy 50 Kingsville, MO.
Enjoy breakfast with Santa (served until 10:30 a.m.), story time with Mrs. Claus, barrel train rides (weather permitting) and a take-home craft. Chris Cakes will prepare the breakfast, which includes pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, coffee and juice. Reservations Required. 816.697.2600
Holiday Open House at Shawnee Books & Toys
Dec 1, 2012 11:00 am until 1:00 pm. FREE event at Shawnee Books & Toys 7311 Quivira Rd Shawnee, KS
Santa's Coming to Town! Help us ring in the Holidays with Santa from 11am to 1pm. We will have Christmas goodies, prizes, and crafts all day. Fun for the whole family! 913.962.1428
Dec 1, 2012 10:00 am until 4:00 pm at Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm 1200 East Kansas City Road Olathe, KS.
Kick off your Christmas Season with music in the Heritage Center from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. from the Shady Grove String Band, making ornaments, hands on Living History activities, and making gingerbread houses for a small fee. Santa arrives at the Heritage Center at 1 p.m.! FREE admission, $2/person ages 3 and up for stagecoach rides, weather permitting.
Breakfast with Santa in Blue Springs
Dec 1, 2012 9:00 am until 11:00 am at Vesper Hall 400 NW Vesper Street Blue Springs , MO.
Please bring a small wrapped gift for your child. Children must have an adult chaperone, children age 1 and under are free. Admission charged and reservations required. 816.228.0137
Breakfast with Santa at Roeland Park Community Center
Dec 1, 2012 9:45 am until 10:45 am at Roeland Park Community Center 4850 Rosewood Roeland Park, KS.
Gather your family and friends for a festive holiday morning at the Roeland Park Community Center. Enjoy breakfast, a visit from Santa, plus games and holiday crafts! Make memories to last a lifetime. This magical holiday event is just $5 per person, including adults. Children 3 and under are free. Register today by going to www.jcprd.com, and then follow the “Register for Activities” link and do a barcode search for 10265. For more information, call 913.826.3160. COST $5 per person.
Dec 1, 2012 10:00 am until 11:30 am at Parkville Nature Sanctuary Highway 9 and 12th St. Parkville, MO.
For parents & children 8 & under. Meet Santa’s Elves. Make a peanut butter bird feeder. Have hot chocolate. 816.741.0820
Dec 1, 2012 10:00 am until 4:00 pm at Shoal Creek Living History Museum 7000 NE Barry Rd. Kansas City, MO
Experience Christmas as it was meant to be in the 19th century. Visit the farm house of 1889, log cabins of 1830's; Experience the Civil War Encampments; Make your Christmas purchases at the 1876 Mercantile, post your letters to St. Nicholas at the Post Office; visit the serene setting of the 1884 Church; at the Arnold Home see how Swedish immigrants of the 1880s celebrated Santa Lucia Day and watch how lace was made. Warm up by the 'potbellied' stove in the school, visit the Doctor's office and then a visit with St. Nicholas in the family home decorated in high Victorian style. At the end of your visit, you may want to ride the horse drawn sleigh for a brief ride through the countryside! For more information, call 816.792.2655. Sleigh ride available Noon to 4 p.m weather permitting. COST $5 per person, 5 and under free.
Christmas on the River: Parkville
Dec 7, 2012 6:00 pm until 10:00 pm
A long-time Parkville tradition, this wonderful, family-style celebration features live entertainment and special activities for all ages, evening holiday shopping, Santa’s long awaited arrival, and a spectacular firework display. Friday, December 7th, 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. Admission is free.
Dec. 7, 8 & 9
Experience the wonder of the season at Kansas City's Holiday Tradition--Santa's Wonderland. Gather friends and family and spend an evening celebrating the holidays with hot chocolate, festive live music, light displays and, of course, a visit from Santa and his friends. And back again for 2012, the Starlight STARS will be performing as Santa's opening act at all three Wonderlands:
- Friday, December 7, 6:00-8:00pm, Gillham Park
- Saturday, December 8, 4:00-6:00pm, Penguin Park
- Sunday, December 9, 4:00-6:00pm, Longview Tract
Dec. 8, 15 & 22 10:00 am until 2:00 pm at Paradise Park 1021 NE Colbern Rd. Lee's Summit , MO.
Visit with Santa at Paradise Park for FREE. Take your own pictures and enjoy a “holly-day” of play. Don’t forget to visit Santa’s Studio and make your Christmas gift list. Regular admission to attractions applies. 816.246.5224
Dec 8, 2012 12:30 pm until 3:00 pm at Liberty Community Center 1600 S. Withers Road Liberty, MO.
Come enjoy this family fun-filled afternoon of “reindeer” games with prizes, the opportunity to meet Santa, stories with Mrs. Claus and holiday refreshments. Register in advance to receive a discounted entry plus additional game tickets. Day of event registration accepted. All advance ticket sales will be distributed the day of the event. Additional reindeer game tickets will be available for purchase the day of event, 5/$1 or $.25 each. All proceeds of this event will benefit the Liberty Parks and Recreation Charitable Fund. COST $4 per child in advance, $5 per child day of event. 816.439.4360
Breakfast with Santa at the Irene B. French Community Center
Dec 8, 2012 9:30 am until 11:00 am at Irene B. French Community Center 5701 Merriam Drive Merriam, KS.
Bring Mom & Dad, Grandparents, Aunts & Uncles to see Santa and eat breakfast! Write letters to Santa to read at the Northpole, have photo's taken with Santa, and play some holiday games! Registration deadline: Wednesday, December 5th. 913.322.5550
Kansas City Southern Holiday Express
Dec. 14- 16 at Union Station.
KCS' Holiday Express is a six-car train that brings Santa Claus and his elves to communities throughout the U.S. network at scheduled stops. These events are free and open to the public. No tickets are required. The Holiday Express also has a charitable component. At each scheduled stop, The KCS Charitable Fund makes a contribution of gift cards to the local Salvation Army to provide warm clothing and other necessities for children in need. Over the past 11 years, thanks to the generous contributions of KCS’ employees, vendors and friends, the Holiday Express has donated over $1 million in gift cards to this cause.
Breakfast with Santa Dec 15, 2012 9:00 am until 10:30 am at Prairie Meadows Church 326 S. Kansas Ave Olathe, KS. FREE Breakfast with Santa. Reservations required 816.679.3691.
The Gingerbread Man's Christmas
Dec. 15 and 22 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.$5 includes admission and a finger puppet. Puppetry Arts Institute, 11025 E. Winner Road Independence, MO.
Puppeteer Peter Allen of Parasol Puppets performs in this show. When Mrs. Claus bakes a special cookie for Santa, the Gingerbread Man decides he doesn't want to be eaten! He hops off the cookie sheet and begins his sing-along adventure.
Father Christmas Visits the Toy & Miniature Museum
Dec. 16 at 1:30pm. Regular Cost of Admission.
Jim "Two Crows" Wallen reprises his role as Father Christmas and shares stories of Christmases past!
A Visit with Santa at Ernie Miller Nature Center
Dec 19, 2012 10:30 am until 11:00 am at Ernie Miller Nature Center 909 N. K-7 Highway Olathe, KS.
Christmas will be here soon and Santa is coming to share with us the winter habitats of his animal friends. Join us for this listen and learn activity for children ages two to six. The 30-minute program features stories, songs and a visit from a special animal friend…and of course, Santa Claus! All children must be accompanied by an adult. The cost of the program to be paid at the site is $2 per person including adults. Pre-registration is not required. For more information call 913.764.7759.
Santa Letters
Nov 26, 2012 to Dec 19, 2012
He’s making his list and he’s checking it twice, but he’s waiting to hear from you! Put your Christmas wishes in writing and drop a self-addressed, stamped envelope and letter to Santa in our special mailbox located in front of the Civic Center to receive a special note directly from St. Nick. Mail between Nov. 26 and Dec. 19 for Christmas arrival. Mail to: Oak Grove Civic Center, 2100 S Broadway, Oak Grove, MO 64075
Free Letters to Santa from Toys 'R Us on the TRU Website.
Help your child get in the holiday spirit by writing a letter to Santa! Just visit this site for instructions. Your child will then have the chance to write their very own letter to Santa, telling him what they’d like to to find under the Christmas Tree on Christmas morning! Once the letter is finished, hit ''Send'' and it’s off to the North Pole... with a copy emailed to you, too! Save on postage and receive your child's wishlist right in your own inbox.
FREE Printable Letters to and From Santa
With all the letters Santa gets from kids around the world, worrying that your letter may go unread is understandable. Never fear! Just print off and color these FREE Letters to Santa to make your wish list exciting, different, and, more importantly, a letter that is sure to catch Santa’s eye. Or if you’re looking for a way to make kids’ Christmas extra special, let them find a personalized letter straight from the big man in red himself. Download and print as many Letters From Santa that you need and then just fill in the blanks to bring a dash of Christmas joy to your holidays.
BEST Photos with Santa in Kansas City?
Now, we want to ask YOU (please share in the comments below).... where do you take the BEST photos with Santa in Kansas City?