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Best of November in Kansas City

2018 Edition

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The Great Pumpkin Smash at the Kansas City Zoo, Winterfest at Worlds of Fun, A Christmas Carol at the KCRep, and more live shows, holiday traditions, and events featuring fine arts, attractions, and family. This November, give thanks, give back, and create family memories with celebrations and events for the entire family. These are our top picks for November in Kansas City:

Disney's Beauty and the Beast

Disney's Beauty and the Beast Nov. 2-3, Yardley Hall. Tickets $13 - $15; $18 day of show. ​Step into the enchanted world of Broadway's modern classic, Disney's Beauty and the Beast, an international sensation that has played to over 35 million people worldwide in 13 countries. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature, the stage version presented by the Culture House includes all of the wonderful songs written by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, along with new songs by Mr. Menken and Tim Rice. The original Broadway production ran for over thirteen years and was nominated for nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

Celebrate Armistice at the National World War I Museum & Memorial

This year, the National WWI Museum and Memorial is commemorating the centennial of the armistice of World War I (Nov. 11, 1918). They will be hosting special events throughout the weekend to mark the occasion.

Special programs include:

Rock It!

Rock It! hosted at Union Station 30 W. Pershing, Kansas City, MO. on Nov. 3. ROCK IT is a free, family-friendly event sponsored by Crittenton Children's Center and Honeywell, and you're invited! Join us at Union Station to play games and interact with our presenters–including some special friends from Sesame Street! Young guests can spend the morning learning from our presenters about healthy eating, safety, proper coping skills, and keeping an active lifestyle through hands-on, interactive tables and activities and plenty of fun giveaways. Saint Luke's Crittenton Children's Center has been helping the families in our community and surrounding areas overcome difficult times and traumatic events for over 120 years, and is proud to partner with Sesame Street in Communities to help build stronger families right here in KC.

Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Festival

Nov. 4, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. This lively festival celebrating Mexican art and culture, including an altar installation which tributes loved ones who have passed away, has become a fall tradition for many families. Enjoy art activities, live music and entertainment, and Mexican food.

Marty's 3rd Birthday Party

Mid-Continent Public Libraries celebrates all month long. Marty the Martian, the Library’s mascot, will be celebrating his third Earth birthday and the Grow A Reader early literacy program throughout the month of November!  Also, during the month of November, anyone can sign up to win one of three special birthday parties from our Marty Party sponsors, Paradise Park in Lee's Summit, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, and SEA LIFE Kansas City or runner up prizes (see branches for complete details and rules).

Special events include:

Marty's Party It’s Marty’s birthday and he wants to celebrate with you! Come to the party, meet Marty, and enjoy stories, songs, refreshments, and fun!

Dino O'Dell's Happy Birthday, Marty! It’s Marty’s birthday and Dino O’Dell is throwing a party. Join the fun as Dino and Marty celebrate together with singing, dancing, and swimming in peanut butter. Don’t miss the fun!

Carlsen Center presents...

Enjoy a full season of professional shows at Carlsen Center. Concerts, live theater, dance performances, educational programs, magic... you’ll enjoy a variety of spectacular shows all year long.

November’s shows at Carlsen Center:

Worlds of Fun Winterfest

Worlds of Fun is hosting WinterFEST Weekends Nov. 23 - Dec. 30. Holiday cheer rings out at Worlds of Fun during the annual WinterFest celebration. Thousands of sparkling lights transform the park with an inviting glow that warms the hearts and lifts the spirit. Witness festive live shows, meet iconic holiday characters, join holiday activities like ice skating and cookie decorating, ride select park attractions and create lasting memories with family and friends. This holiday celebration takes place on select nights in November and December

Kansas City Zoo Fall Fun

This year the zoo celebrates the opening of the brand new Stingray Bay, and Bam Bam, a new polar bear to join Berlin at the Kansas City Zoo. At stingray bay, visitors may touch cownose and southern stingrays and white-spotted bamboo sharks in this shallow touch pool. This indoor/outdoor facility is ideal for year-round guests, but most importantly, the state-of-the-art exhibit features a water filtration system providing a healthy habitat for the animals. Entrance to Stingray Bay is included with regular zoo admission. For an additional fee, you may participate in one of a limited number of feeding opportunities. The Kansas City Zoo is open year-round (except Jan. 1). (6800 Zoo Dr., KCMO. 816.513.5800). Pack a picnic and bring it to the zoo!

November’s Special Events at the Kansas City Zoo:

CYT presents Newsies: The Broadway Musical and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

CYT Kansas City presents two fabulous family friendly shows this November:

ELF The Musical

Elf: The Musical at Lied Center Nov. 7 at Lied Center, 1600 Stewart Dr, Lawrence, KS. ELF The Musical is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. This modern-day Christmas classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner ELF. Based on the beloved 2003 New Line Cinema hit, ELF features songs by Tony Award nominees Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin (The Wedding Singer), with a book by Tony Award-winners Thomas Meehan (Annie, The Producers, Hairspray) and Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone).

Holidays at Crown Center

Crown Center is one of Kansas City’s best-loved holiday landmarks with many great events all season long. Christmas at Crown Center is a Kansas City Tradition! With a whimsical playground, model trains traveling through a gingerbread village, visits with Santa, ice skating, and more... there is something for everyone!

Upcoming Events in November:

Johnson County Library Big Fall Kids Book Sale

Big Fall Kids Book Sale Nov. 15 -17, Johnson County Library 9875 W. 87th St., Overland Park, KS. Shop thousands of gently-used children's books, DVDs & audiobooks at bargain prices ranging from board books to YA/teen titles. All proceeds benefit the Johnson County Library system.

A Christmas Carol

KCRep presents A Christmas Carol Nov. 16 - Dec. 30 at Spencer Theatre, 4949 Cherry, Kansas City, MO. Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly, cold-hearted creditor, continues his stingy ways on Christmas Eve. He rejects a dinner invitation and all the good tidings of the season from his nephew, Fred; he yells at charity workers; and he overworks his earnest employee, Bob Cratchit. Until, he is visited one-by-one, by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come, who show him the errors of his ways until he ultimately discovers what’s really worth celebrating at Christmas-time and beyond.

Nutcracker Tea Party

Nutcracker Tea Party Nov. 17 & 18 at The Sheraton Overland Park Hotel, 6100 College Blvd., Overland Park, KS. Tickets: $55/$85. A festive tea . . a magical ballet . . and an amazing time! The Annual Nutcracker Tea Party is a family-friendly event perfect for the child in all of us! Enjoy a one-hour version of the holiday classic, The Nutcracker Ballet, performed by Crescendo Conservatory, along with a delightful tea party. Watch the joy on children’s faces as they delight in the ballet and our extensive collection of nutcrackers and gift items in the Nutcracker Boutique, as well as have photos taken with the dancers as they visit each table at the party.

Journey to Judea

Journey to Judea Nov. 16-18, Nov. 30 – Dec. 2, Countryside Baptist Church, 14150 W. 175th St., Overland Park, KS. FREE admission. Come listen to Moses, David, Isaiah and others foretell the coming of the King. See the busy innkeeper and the young pregnant couple who were denied residence by him. Watch the angels tell good news to shepherds. Witness the empty cross and the open tomb and hear the next chapter of the story.

Holidays in Downtown Lee's Summit

Downtown Lee's Summit is one of the best "Main Streets" in America with many events for the whole family this holiday season:

Holidays Alive at Union Station

Photo credit Roy Inman

Holidays Come Alive at Union Station Nov. 17, The Holidays Come Alive at historic Union Station on Saturday, November 17, with a magical lighting ceremony, spectacular Quixotic performance, breathtaking decorations, and a day filled with special performances and family fun. ALL FOR FREE! Enjoy holiday fun from 10am-9pm.

$3 Classic Holiday Movie Series at Union Station Union Station, 30 W. Pershing, Kansas City. $3/ea. Polar Express in your PJs! Elf! Christmas Vacation! Home Alone! Your favorite holiday classic movies are back at Union Station’s GIANT 5-story Extreme Screen starting November 16. Relive the magic of these beloved family favorites at KC’s BIGGEST SCREEN for JUST $3 per ticket. All movies featured daily at 12:30pm, 3:00pm, 5:30pm, 8:00pm. Polar Express also featured at 10am Saturdays and Sundays. PLEASE NOTE: Polar Express shows typically sell out and advance ticket purchase is highly recommended to avoid disappointment.

2018 Schedule:

Holidays at Family Tree Nursery

Family Tree Nursery locations become a winter wonderland mid-November. Enjoy these special events:

Holidays at Legends Outlets

Shop for your loved ones and kick-off the holiday season at Legends Outlets.

Downtown Dazzle

Downtown Dazzle Nov. 22 - Dec. 31, Downtown Kansas City, MO. Downtown KC’s all-encompassing holiday experience features five unique neighborhoods and something for everyone, including tours of trendy, urban homes, exclusive shopping offers and other festive sights and sounds. Experience this signature holiday event with a free KC Streetcar ride connecting downtown’s holiday events and happenings. From Crown Center and Union Station to the Crossroads and Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts to the Power & Light District and City Market – visit the mobile-friendly KC Streetcar site at KCStreetcar.org and jump to the Streetcar Tracker for real-time location of the Streetcars. Special Dazzle pop-ups are planned throughout the season at various downtown locations where the Dazzle team will be handing out holiday swag, including the Dazzling Deals booklet, featuring more than 60 special offers from downtown-area merchants and attractions for exclusively for Dazzling Deals booklet holders!  On Dec. 8 from 10am-5pm, participate in the Urban Homes Tour. Downtown’s trendiest residential properties—from the Crossroads Arts District to the River Market—will open for public tours during the most popular event of Downtown Dazzle. Participants are invited to explore at their leisure from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. while traveling from one property to the next by using the KC Streetcar, walking or driving. Pick up your Downtown Dazzle Urban Homes Tour Guidebook at Visit KC’s office on Dec. 8 located at 1321 Baltimore Ave., Kansas City, MO 64105. For more information, visit DazzleKC.com.

Black Friday at Summit Fair

Black Friday Fun at Summit Fair Nov. 23, Summit Fair, 840 NW Blue Pkwy, Lee's Summit, MO. Gather the family and head to Summit Fair for festive Black Friday fun! Stores will be offering huge holiday savings all weekend long, but that’s not where the excitement ends! Head to the courtyard in front of Macy’s, between Noon and 2:00pm, where Buddy the Elf will be waiting with a special gift for shoppers and “kids at heart” that are 18 years of age and older! (Hint: It’s a free gift card from the Summit Fair holiday grab bag! Stores/amounts may vary. Luck of the draw!) Kids that stop by for a visit will also receive a festive elf hat to help spread holiday cheer as only Christmas elves can do! *All giveaways are provided on a first come, first served basis and are only available while supply lasts.

Luminary Walk at Overland Park Arboretum

Luminary Walk: Overland Park Arboretum The Luminary Walk will be held from 5 to 9 p.m., three weekends, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 23-24, Nov. 30-Dec.1, and Dec. 7-8. This Arboretum fundraiser features a mile of candles, holiday lights, live musical entertainment, Santa Claus in the Depot, horse-dawn wagon rides, hot cider around a campfire and mystical Gnome and Fairy Villages. Volunteers and staff members are transforming the Arboretum into a wonderland of candles and lights, music and holiday fun. Thousands of candles line the walkways and trails. Holiday lights will be on display from trees, buildings and bridges. Children will be thrilled to see Santa's Woodland Depot in the Train Garden and chat with him nightly from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

KC Ballet presents The Nutcracker

KC Ballet presents The Nutcracker Nov. 30 - Dec. 23 at Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, 1601 Broadway Blvd., Kansas City, MO. Last year, Kansas City Ballet’s The Nutcracker awed Kennedy Center audiences in Washington, D.C., and hailed as “positively oozing charm” by The Washington Post, and is “especially lovely with its bright, fresh decor.” The classic, Victorian-era story by E.T.A. Hoffman featuring Clara, the Nutcracker Prince, Dr. Drosselmeier and the Sugar Plum Fairy is a magical theatrical experience wrapped with exquisite costumes, grand sets and captivating choreography. Let your wonder ignite and feel the glimmer once more as your childhood dreams return and inspire you to IMAGINE AGAIN. Also, Dec 1, 2018: Sugar Plum Fairy Children’s Ball at Muehlebach Tower of the Kansas City Marriott Downtown, 200 W. 12th St, Kansas City, MO. Ball from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm. Immediately followed by the 2:00 p.m. performance of Kansas City Ballet’s The Nutcracker at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Guests will park at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts and be whisked off to the beautiful Muehlebach Tower and the magic of the holidays. Children will delight in having their complimentary picture taken with the Sugar Plum Fairy, watching traveling magicians, and interacting with costumed characters. Parents will enjoy shopping at our fantastic silent auction. You will dine on a delicious three course lunch, enjoy entertainment provided by Kansas City Youth Ballet and dance with your family and friends to holiday music. The excitement continues as you see the wonderful re-imagined holiday favorite, The Nutcracker. The Sugar Plum Fairy Children’s Ball is a benefit for Kansas City Ballet School and its scholarship program.

Enter our Sugar Plum Fairy Ball Giveway! Deadline: Nov. 19

Child of Hope

Child of Hope Nov. 30 - Dec. 2 at The Culture House Stage & Studio (in Oak Park Mall, 2nd floor by Nordstrom), 11149 W 95th St, Overland Park, KS. The richness and inspiration of Christmas and the Nativity story brought to life as only Storling Dance Theater and The Culture House can do it. Join us to see the Gospel story of the birth of Jesus like you’ve never seen it. Stunning music, costumes and design set the stage to bring us all to the child that changed the world forever. Bring your friends and family to this unforgettable event.

Liberty Light Show

Liberty Light Show FREE Nov. 30, Dec. 1, 2, 7, 8, & 9 at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, Liberty, MO. Shows are 15 minutes long, and begin every 45 minutes at 6:00pm, 6:45pm, 7:30pm, 8:15pm, 9:00pm. This FREE drive-in Christmas light display will be synchronized with live musicians in the PV parking lot. It’s a family-friendly show that will capture the hearts of many. Audiences will tune their radios to hear live performances of Christmas favorites from the comfort of their own cars. Through a simple narrative the Gospel story will be weaved throughout the show - inviting guests to discover the true reason for the season. Guests can view the 15-minute show from the warmth of their vehicles on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

The Pigeon Comes to Topeka! A Mo Willems Exhibit

The Pigeon Comes to Topeka! A Mo Willems Exhibit thru Jan. 4 at the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center. Co-organized by Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh and The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, the exhibition is inspired by the art and characters of the beloved children’s book author and illustrator, Mo Willems. Many familiar characters will be featured including best friend duo Elephant and Piggie, faithful companion Knuffle Bunny and The Pigeon, the wily city bird best known for his antics in Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! Activities will give visitors the opportunity to make art that is inspired by Mo Willems and to learn about the rich social and emotional lives of the author’s characters. The exhibit will also feature prints of illustrations, including sketches and other preliminary materials, by Mo Willems. In this play-and-learn exhibit, visitors can: Have a hilarious conversation in the voices of Elephant Gerald and Piggie at a double-sided phone booth. Make Elephant and Piggie dance with old-time animation. Put on a wearable bus and take a drive around the exhibit. Spin the laundromat washing machine and uncover Knuffle Bunny and other surprises! Dress up Naked Mole Rat and send him down the runway for a one-of-a-kind fashion show. Stack lightweight blocks to create their own terrible monster or funny friend. Launch foam hot dogs at The Pigeon and play the plinko game to give the Duckling a cookie. Try out art techniques that Mo uses for his own books.

Dinosaurs Revealed

Dinosaurs Revealed: Journey Across America, a world premiere exhibition at Union Station! Come face-to-face with 26 life-size dinosaurs. See them move, hear them roar. Examine two massive full body skeletons and dozens of real fossils. Get hands-on digging for new evidence. Walk through the most prolific North American dinosaur dig sites. Visit the Paleontologist Hangout and meet real dinosaur hunters. Interact with a 3D augmented reality volcano, dinosaur tracks, puzzles and more. It’s an adventure that promises to educate, fascinate and excite imaginations of every age.

Celebrate Christmas in Kansas City

Find even MORE events to celebrate Christmas in Kansas City with our ultimate guide!

Brought to you by KCParent.com! Follow KC Parent Magazine on Facebook for more family fun inspiration all month long!

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.

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