Best of November in Kansas City: 2012

This November, enjoy family fun in Kansas City with live theater for all ages ranging from classic literary masterpieces to new live theater productions with dazzling music and special-effects, then wrap up autumn traditions and begin to prepare for the Holiday Season with Kansas City's Christmas traditions!

Shrek the Musical

• When, Where, What: thru Dec. 30 at Coterie Theatre http://www.coterietheatre.org/shrek.aspx
• Why We LOVE It: Coterie is loved for their professional productions for families in Kansas City and this year, they bring everyone's favorite ogre to stage! Shrek, an unsociable ogre, becomes an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey, a feisty princess who resists her rescue, and a cast of banished fairy tale misfits.  Through heroic feats, Shrek reverses a curse and learns to raise his Freak Flag high.  It’s a story of adventure, friendship and ogre love that’s bringing ugly back! 

Crown Center Ice Terrace: FREE Skating on Opening Day and 2-for-1 Tuesdays!

• When, Where, What: the Crown Center Ice Terrace, Kansas City's own outdoor ice skating rink kicks off the season with FREE Ice Skating for everyone from 6am-9am on November 2nd! Regular admission is $6, or free for adults over age 60 and children age 4 and under. Skate rental is $3, or skaters may bring their own. Skaters age 12 and under must be under the supervision of a parent or guardian (21 or older).

• Regular hours through January: Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. February and March hours: Monday through Thursday, Noon to 9 p.m.; Friday, Noon to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Holiday Hours: Thanksgiving Day 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Christmas Eve 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Christmas Day CLOSED; New Year's Eve 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; New Year's Day 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. Two-for-One Tuesdays! After 5 p.m., pay one full price admission and receive a second for FREE. (Skate rental not included, but it's just $3 per person.) Group rates Monday through Thursday for groups of 20 or more people. Reservations are required. Call for more details about group rates and private parties. Call 816-274-8411 for more information.
• Why We LOVE It: It's a winter tradition to take a spin on the Ice at Crown Center. Bring the camera and lace up those skates to kick off a fun winter tradition.

KC Ballet's Nutcracker

• When, Where, What: On Nov. 2 at 6pm, enjoy a FREE preview of the Kansas City Ballet's Nutracracker. This FREE Family Fun Night is offered with no reservations required at The Frost Studio in Kansas City Ballet’s Bolender Center 500 West Pershing Road, KCMO.
• Why We LOVE It: You and your family will experience the unique opportunity to peek behind the curtain of Kansas City’s favorite holiday tradition for a 90 minute Open Rehearsal.  Enjoy different sequences of The Nutcracker as you move throughout the Bolender Center, visiting multiple studios where the ballet is being worked on by the professional company, plus dancers from the Kansas City Youth Ballet. It’s a casual, come as you are, stay as long as you’d like evening. Then, make reservations to attend the full production of The Nutcracker showing Dec. 1-23.

Great Pumpkin Smash at the Zoo

• When, Where, What: Watch as the Zoo's animals crush, play, kick, bounce those big orange pumpkins! The Schedule for the Great Pumpkin Smash is: 10:00 Chimpanzees. 10:30 Hippos. 11:00 Rhinos. 11:30 Red River Hogs. Noon Elephants. 12:30 Golden Lion Tamarins in Tropics. 1:00 Saki Monkeys in Tropics. 1:30 Meerkats. 2:00 Orangutans. 2:30 Tigers. 3:00 Nikita the Polar Bear. 3:30 River Otters.Nov. 3 at the Kansas City Zoo. 
• Why We LOVE It: Ever wonder what happens to all those pumpkins after Halloween?! The animals roll, tromp, toss, and eat pumpkins thrown to them by the keepers. You'll see how a variety of animals, including elephants, hippos, rhinos, meerkats, and more, interact with these orange globes. Event is included with paid admission and as always FOTZ members get in free.

The Culture House presents Tales from Hans Christian Anderson & Into the Woods

• When, Where, What: Culture House presents Tales from Hans Christian Anderson and Into the Woods Nov. 8 -10 at Youthfront Auditorium.
• Why We LOVE It: An ambivalent Cinderella? A blood-thirsty Little Red Ridinghood? A Prince Charming with a roving eye? A desperate baker? A Witch...who raps? They're all among the cockeyed characters in James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim's fractured fairy tale. When a Baker and his Wife learn they've been cursed with childlessness by the Witch next door, they embark on a quest for the special objects required to break the spell. Swindling, lying to and stealing from Cinderella, Little Red, Rapunzel and Jack (the one who climbed the beanstalk) just to get what they need. Enjoy this crazy adventure through the woods!

¡Sofrito!

• When, Where, What: Nov. 10 at 7:30pm at the Lied Center.
• Why We LOVE It: ¡Sofrito! is a rousing combination of storytelling, music, dance and audience participation. Onstage, Gonzalez tells traditional stories from Latin America and tales from his childhood in the Bronx. These stories bring to life some of the rich culture and imagery that resonates through the Latino world. The Latin Legends Band spices up the mix with salsa, bomba, jibaro, funk, soul and rap music.

US Toy Mommy & Me Event

• When, Where, What: Nov. 13 from 10am-12pm at U.S. Toy 2008 W. 103rd Terr., Leawood, KS. 913.642.8247. 
• Why We LOVE It: US Toy Mommy & Me Day features Door Prizes, fun craft projects, and entertainment provided by Reggie the Magician! BONUS: Save 15% off purchases with our exclusive coupon!

Winter Warm Up & Free Skating at The Ice at Park Place

• When, Where, What: Nov. 15 - 17 at The Ice at Park Place. Thursday, November 15: FREE ICE SKATING for the GRAND OPENING of The Ice at Park Place includes skate rental and skating for ALL AGES from 5-9 PM. Enjoy free samples from Shatto Dairy from 5-9 PM & live entertainent from 7-9 PM. Friday, November 16: Support families in need with items from JOHNSON COUNTY CHRISTMAS BUREAU from 10 AM to 3 PM accepting "wish list: items in the charity tent located in from of 801 Chophouse. There will be store specials and activities until 8pm and music from 6-9pm  throughout Park Place including Max Groove Duo, Cool Breeze, Scott Duncan and Michael O. Saturday, November 17: ICE SKATING SPECIAL throughout the day and Ice Skating Games hosted by the Kansas City Skating Club in the afternoon. Free samples from Shatto Dairy from 5-9 PM, Kid's TLC will be on site from 10 AM- 4 PM accepting "wish list" items in the chairity tent in front of 801 Chophouse, and there will be store specials and activities until 8pm. Live music throughout Park Place from 12-4 PM, Experience a fire performance and performances by the Kansas City Figure Skating Club's skaters from 7 - 8:30pm. PRIZES AND GIVEAWAYS, featuring items from nearly all stores and restaurants, pairs of Chiefs tickets, gifts from Shatto Milk and more. 
• Why We LOVE It: The Ice is Johnson County's only outdoor skating rink and the Winter Warm Up is a fun-filled way to celebrate the winter season with the entire family!

A Christmas Carol

• When, Where, What: An annual holiday tradition returns as the Kansas City Rep presents A Christmas Carol showing Nov. 16 - Dec. 30 at the Spencer Theatre in the James C. Olson Performing Arts Center at UMKC. Appropriate for All Ages. Call 816.235.2700 or visit www.kcrep.org for tickets.
• Why We LOVE It: No one presents A Christmas Carol like the Rep! In honor of the show's 30th anniversary in Kansas City, the production received a “make over” with a rebuilt set including a revolving stage and other theatre magic. The enchanting production brings Dickens' tale to life with a message of strong family values, hope and redemption. This year, fall in love with the Christmas classic all over again as the Rep adds new magic and sparkle to the tale!

Holiday Lights & Moonlight Magic at Legends Outlets

• When, Where, What: Holiday Tree Lighting Nov. 17  with Santa and Live Holiday Music 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. (Lighting Ceremony at 7 p.m.). Moonlight Magic Begins at 10 p.m. on Thursday, November 22nd and includes a DJ, Giveaways and the Best Savings of the Year. Stores remain open through Black Friday, November 23rd at 9 p.m. at Legends Outlets.
• Why We LOVE It: As the region’s largest synchronized lighting ceremony, Legends Outlets Kansas City offers a unique holiday lighting experience with a display created by world-renowned technology-driven holiday lights experts. The lighting display showcases dazzling lights synchronized to classic holiday tunes and serves as a backdrop to live music and entertainment. Santa Claus makes his debut at the Legends Outlets Kansas City lighting ceremony with a surprised arrival that changes from year to year. Then, return for Moonlight Magic and Black Friday Shopping Events after Thanksgiving! Legends Outlets Kansas City offers a special destination for shopping before Black Friday with an evening event to kick off the gift giving season. The center’s retailers participate with exclusive sales, promotions, live music and entertainment with extended hours on Thanksgiving leading up to Black Friday. As the Kansas City area’s only destination for 23-hours of holiday shopping, Legends Outlets Kansas City offers specials for early birds, along with festive activities. This year, Legends Outlets Kansas City offers new ways to shop and save during the holiday season with shopping technology programs, social media and mobile app. Redeem coupons, check Legends Outlets Kansas City gift card balance and transactions or access a full center map with the mobile app. Extending holiday shopping exclusives, the mobile app helps shoppers find the latest store specials and promotions. Also, a holiday QR is available on-site at Legends Outlets Kansas City shopping center offers shoppers access to retailer and restaurant daily specials, sales and coupons.

Northern Lights at Zona Rosa

• When, Where, What: Nov. 17 at 6pm. For more information, visit us at www.zonarosa.com.
• Why We LOVE It: It’s another cherished tradition — holiday shopping at Zona Rosa. Come experience the thrill as thousands of colorful lights transform Zona Rosa into a glittering wonderland of winter magic. The annual Northern Lights ceremony, sponsored by Citizens Bank & Trust, blazes to life just before 6 p.m. on Saturday, November 17. But the fun begins earlier with a 50-foot-tall

• Christmas tree and golden crowns cheerily hung above the streets. Be sure to join Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, live reindeer and the Kansas City Museum’s Fairy Princess as we kick off the holidays with special musical performances and a host of family-friendly activities. Bring your list and check it twice. As your traditional giftshopping stop, you know Zona Rosa will treat you right. Food, fashion, friends and more – find it all at Zona Rosa. 

Holiday Lighting in Independence

• When, Where, What: Nov. 17 at Historic Independence Square, Main, Lexington, Liberty & Maple. For more information www.theindependencesquare.com or 816.461.0065.
• Why We LOVE It: This is an old-fashioned holiday event for all ages! Kick off the holiday season by visiting our charming shops before the tree lighting to see what new merchandise they will be displaying, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.  Sleigh rides at noon.  Santa visits and Kids Winter Wonderland 4 p.m. - 5 p.m..  Dancers, carolers and entertainment for all ages untl 6 p.m.  Tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m

Clara's Tea: Mystery of Christmas

• When, Where, What: Nov. 18 1:30-3:30pm Dramatic Truth production at Henry's Tearoom, 401 SE Douglas Street, Lee's Summit, MO. Tickets $30. 816.767.9222. 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.  Bring your camera to capture these memories!
• Why We LOVE It: You are cordially invited to Clara's Tea Join us for lunch, tea, sweets, and pictures with your favorite Nutcracker ballet dancers. Wear your prettiest Christmas dress. This will be a formal occasion. You'll enjoy a fine lunch and sweets from Henry's Teahouse. A lesson in tea etiquette, parlor games, and special visit from the cast of Dramatic Truth's Nutcracker, Mystery of Christmas. 

Junie B in Jingle Bells Batman Smells

• When, Where, What: Nov. 20 - Dec. 29 a Theatre for Young America Production. Tickets: $9 per person, $7 for USKC members - at ticketing counter or by phone only. $5.50 for groups of 15 or more with advanced reservations by phone.
• Why We LOVE It: Barbara Parks’ Junie B. Jones books are a favorite for children and parents to enjoy together. The play, adapted by Allison Gregory, is a happy musical featuring Junie B. Jones herself, a first grader who is a funny, silly, but very lovable rascal! It’s holiday time and the kids in Room One at Junie's school are doing a lot of happy things to celebrate—like making elf costumes and singing joyful songs.  Tattletale May keeps ruining Junie’s holiday glee.  To make things worse Junie draws Tattletale May as her Secret Santa and has to think of a secret present to give her.  Junie thinks up a lot of mischievous plans but eventually learns an important lesson about the joy of giving.  

83rd Annual KCP&L Plaza Lighting Ceremony

• When, Where, What: The 83rd Annual KCP&L Plaza Lighting Ceremony Thanksgiving Night (November 22, 2012) on the Plaza. The 2012 KCP&L Plaza Lighting Ceremony will be broadcast LIVE on 41 Action News. Sporting Kansas City players Matt Besler, Kei Kamara and Jimmy Nielsen will Flip the Switch at 6:50pm from the ceremony stage on Nichols Road & Pennsylvania.* *The ceremony will be held at a new Plaza location - on Nichols Road & Pennsylvania near Brio Tuscan Grille and Burberry. The stage will be located on Nichols Road, just west of Pennsylvania, and will face east. The new location features a larger gathering area that will allow for more attendees to have great views of the ceremony’s exciting onstage entertainment and the Flip of the Switch.  Incredible community performances will fill the ceremony from beginning to end.  The Elders will perform during the ceremony (and at the post-ceremony concert).  Choirs from KSHB-TV’s “Sounds of The Holiday” will kick-off the entertainment with holiday favorites.  Along with them will be finalists and previous winners from the KC Superstar singing competition, sponsored by the Jewish Community Center.  The KCP&L Plaza Lights shine daily from 5pm to 3am, Thanksgiving through Sunday, January 13, 2013. 
• Why We LOVE It:  It all begins in September as workers begin installing thousands oflights. Then, in the middle of the night before Thanksgiving, they aresecretly tested to ensure every bulb is bright. On Thanksgiving Night,the magic begins as Kansas City’s “Nighttime Fairyland,” as it was knownin the 1930s, comes to life! The Lighting Ceremony features live music and FIREWORKS! Kansas City’s landmark Country Club Plaza, opened in 1922, is perhaps most famous for its Christmas Lights. The tradition began on Christmas Day, 1925, when Charles Pitrat, the maintenance supervisor for the Nichols Company, decorated the Mill Creek Building with a single strand of lights and a few small trees. Every year Pitrat added to the display, and now the Plaza boasts over 80 miles of lights. You can enjoy the Country Club Plaza Christmas Lights every evening through mid-January.

Family Day: 1920s Style!

• When, Where, What: Nov. 23 from 10am-4pm at the Toy & Miniature Museum of Kansas City.
• Why We LOVE It: Bring the whole gang to the Museum’s Family Day: 1920s Style!  The star of the show is the Art Deco Jewelry Store, a stunning new miniature acquisition opening to the public for the very first time.  Visitors can also participate in an interactive jazz program with pianist Carol Comer and get dressed for the occasion with a do-it-yourself flapper headband or a dapper fedora.  2012 marks the Museum’s 30th birthday—help us celebrate in style!

Mayor's Christmas Tree

• When, Where, What: the official start to Christmas at Crown Center is celebrated at the Mayor's Tree Lighting on 5:30pm on Novemeber 23 in Crown Center Square... but signs of the season begin sooner...
• Why We LOVE It: The first sign of the holiday season arrives at Crown Center, the culmination of a journey from Oregon. The 100-foot-tall tree arrives at 9 a.m. on November 1 and is put into its stand at approximately 10 a.m. on Friday, November 2. Then, on November 23, the day after Thanksgiving, Kansas City celebrates with music, fun and festivities for the entire family as Mayor Sly James and a celebrity guest will flip the switch to light the tree. The tree is a symbol of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund, which is dedicated to assisting the city’s less fortunate. After the holidays, the wood from the Mayor’s Christmas Tree is made into commemorative ornaments, which are sold the following year to benefit the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund. The 2012 ornament goes on sale the day after Thanksgiving at the Crown Center Customer Service office.

Luminary Walk at the Nelson

• When, Where, What: Nov. 23 from 5-9pm, FREE at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
• Why We LOVE It: One of our favorite Thanksgiving Weekend traditions is the annual luminary walk in the museum’s beautiful Kansas City Sculpture Park! Museum guides to answer questions about selected sculptures from 5-7pm. Then, enjoy Fireside Cocoa and Concoctions from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. on the Café Patio where guests kick off or conclude the luminary walk with hot cocoa and snacks for the whole family.

Luminary Walk at the Overland Park Arboretum

• When, Where, What:  This annual event will be held from 5 to 8:30 p.m., two weekends, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 23-24 and  Nov. 30 - Dec. 1. Admission is $7 per person; children 5 and younger are free.
• Why We LOVE It: Stroll down candlelit trails through the gardens and woods and around the ponds at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens' Holiday Luminary Walk. "The warm holiday ambience makes this highly acclaimed event very special," said Teri Shields, a Friends of the Arboretum member. "This is a rare opportunity for those who appreciate nature to experience the thrill of the nighttime woods."

Still looking for more great family fun ideas in Kansas City? Check out our Kansas City Calendar of Events and Going Places in Kansas City on KCParent.com.