If Buddy the Elf lived in Kansas City, his holiday bucket list would be overflowing! After all,
“the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear”—and in KC, that also
means strolling through dazzling light displays, catching a festive show and sipping cocoa with
Santa. From Plaza Lights and Union Station’s glowing wonderland to Elf-themed performances
and holiday markets, Kansas City offers enough festive fun to keep even Buddy busy all season
long.
PERFORMANCES & SHOWS
Elf – The Musical TYA
The Coterie | 2450 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108
November 11 – December 31
First up on the bucket list is Elf – The Musical. This hour-long adaptation brings Buddy the Elf’s
holiday cheer to the stage and it’s perfect for all ages. Families can also enjoy special “Behind
the Curtain” events such as cookie decorating and Bubbles with Buddy. the Coterie offers the
following performances: ASL, sensory-friendly and audio-described.
Kansas City Symphony: Elf in Concert
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts | 1601 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108
November 28-30
Watch the fan-favorite holiday movie, Elf, on the big screen while the KC Symphony performs
the music live. With multiple showtimes throughout the weekend, it’s a great way to kick off the
festive season with your family.
LIGHT DISPLAYS & TREE LIGHTING CEREMONIES
Holiday Reflections
Union Station | 30 W Pershing Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108
November 21 – January 4
Kansas City’s largest indoor holiday lights display gets better and better every year! We have
made Holiday Reflections part of our Christmas traditions the last couple of years. My son’s
favorite part is seeing the model trains zoom throughout the miniature Christmas village.
Mayor Holiday Festival
Downtown Overland Park | 7221 W 79th St, Overland Park, KS 66204
November 21
Enjoy live music, a Maker’s Market inside Strang Reserve, food trucks and plenty of shopping
for holiday goodies that even Buddy would enjoy! Kids can enjoy arts and crafts, a train ride and
special appearances—Santa, The Grinch and even Snow Princesses.
Legendary Tree Lighting
Tanger Kansas City at the Legends | 1843 Village West Pkwy, Kansas City, KS 66111
November 22
You know nothing would make Buddy the Elf happier than seeing a beautiful 45-foot Christmas tree decorated with all sorts of lights that are synced to festive music. There will be lots of family fun to be had at the tree lighting, but if you’re not able to make it you can still enjoy the lights and music until the end of the year. And for extra fun, swing by Scooters and try one of their signature Elf-inspired drinks!
Zona Rosa Holiday Lighting Event
Zona Rosa | 8640 N Dixson Ave, Kansas City, MO 64153
November 22
This lighting event is happening in the heart of the Northland. Come watch as they flip the
switch to illuminate the giant tree as well as the iconic crowns. In addition to the lighting
ceremony, there will also be performances by local bands, food trucks and more.
Luminary Walk
Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
8909 W. 179th Street, Overland Park Nov. 26 – Dec. 30
Bring the whole family to stroll candlelit paths, enjoy live music, gnome and fairy villages, train
displays and holiday lights at the Luminary Walk.
Plaza Lights
Country Club Plaza | 4706 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64112
Thanksgiving Night – January 12
This Kansas City tradition has been going on for over 90 years and you won’t want to miss it!
The lights will turn on Thanksgiving evening and remain on through mid-Januray so make sure
you go see them during the holiday season.
Mayor’s Tree Lighting
Crown Center | 2450 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108
November 28 at 6:30 pm
You won’t want to miss the lighting of the Mayor’s 100-foot Christmas tree! It will be adorned
with over 7,000 lights and is sure to get you in the holiday spirit. There will be additional
lighting times throughout each weekend leading up to Christmas.
Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane
Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead | 13800 Switzer Rd, Overland Park, KS 66221
November 28 – December 31 from 5:00-10:00pm
Each night you can tune into 90.5 Rose FM to listen to festive Christmas songs that go along
with the lights on the red barn we all know and love.
Sar-Ko Aglow Lighting Ceremony
Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park | 8801 Greenway Ln, Lenexa, KS 66215
December 5 – January 19
Enjoy the ceremonial switch flip on December 5 from 6:00-7:00pm. Not only will this event
include one of the best holiday light displays in the metro, but families will also be able to enjoy
hot cocoa, carolers and a visit with Santa.
Tree Lighting & Santa Visit
Corinth Square | Mission Rd & W 83rd St, Prairie Village, KS 66207
December 7 at 6:00pm
You won’t want to miss this neighborhood celebration! Make sure you’re there in time to see the
tree light up, enjoy some festive treats and get a chance to see Santa.
FAMILY HOLIDAY FUN
GloWild
Kansas City Zoo | 6800 Zoo Dr, Kansas City, MO 64132
November 1 – December 28
Even though most of the animals will be asleep, you and your family can visit the zoo after dark
to see all sorts of festive lights. A glowing lantern festival lights up the zoo after dark. While
most animals will be asleep, the Sobela Ocean Aquarium is open on select nights, adding to the
experience.
Winter Magic: KC’s Favorite Holiday Light Party
November 1 – January 4
Experience a magical mile of holiday cheer in the Northland all from the comfort of your car!
With Christmas tunes pumping through the radio and dazzling lights synchronized to the music,
this illuminated adventure is spectacular! Buddy the Elf would call this “the world’s best
Christmas car ride,” perfect for singing loud for all to hear while surrounded by sparkling
holiday magic.
Holiday Bricktacular
LEGOLAND | 2475 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108
November – December
If you have a Lego lover, then you must make a trip to the Holiday Bricktacular. You’ll be able
to explore the Winter Wonder Miniland, design ornaments for the Lego tree, meet Lego Santa
and more!
Feed the Fish & Enjoy a Coffee
Family Tree Nursery + Cafe Equinox | 7036 Nieman Rd, Shawnee, KS 66203
November – December
Grab a coffee and a treat from Cafe Equinox and then take it out to the temperature-controlled
greenhouse. Santa will also be stopping by all three of the Family Tree Nursery locations
throughout the month of December, so mark your calendar! Make sure you bring your quarters
for some fish food to feed the fish.
Hallmark Christmas Experience
Crown Center | 2450 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108
Weekends November 28 – December 21
Is there anything that could get you into the holiday spirit quite like stepping into a Hallmark
Christmas movie? Head to Crown Center to wander around the cutest Christmas market with a
variety of vendors, walk through the magical lights, send someone you love a card from the card-
sending station and more!
Candy Cane Hunt
Lenexa Old Town Activity Center | 9301 Pflumm Rd, Lenexa, KS 66215
December 12 from 6:00-8:00pm
We all know candy canes are one of Buddy the Elf’s main food groups, so come and let your
kids hunt for candy canes before heading inside for crafts, cookies, story time and a visit from
Santa.
SANTA SIGHTINGS
Buddy the Elf says that nothing spreads Christmas cheer quite like a visit with Santa. All across
Kansas City, families can find jolly meet-and-greets where kids can share their wish lists, snap a
festive photo and soak up the magic of the season.
Santa @ Crown Center | 2450 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108
November 29- December 24
Santa is the star of the season at Crown Center, greeting kids with a twinkle in his eye at Santa’s
Gingerbread Station.
Meet Santa @ Zona Rosa | 8600 N. Dixson Ave, Kansas City, Mo.
Nov. 29 – Dec. 24
Meet Santa in his Winter Wonderland at Zona Rosa. Online reservations highly recommended
but not required.
Santa Saturday
The Shops of Prairie Village | 6920 Mission Rd, Prairie Village, KS 66208
December 6 from 10:00am-12:00pm
Santa Saturdays
Park Place | 11549 Ash Street, Leawood, KS 66211
Saturdays late November – December
Santa Wonderland
Bass Pro Shops | 10300 Cabela Dr, Kansas City, KS 66111 • 18001 Bass Pro Dr, Independence,
MO 64055 • 12051 Bass Pro Dr, Olathe, KS 66061
November – December
Christmas on the River
Downtown Parkville | Main St, Parkville, MO 64152
December 5th @ 6:00 pm