A Nighttime Fairyland
Starting in September, workers begin installing thousands of lights. Then, in the middle of the night before Thanksgiving, they secretly test the lights to ensure every bulb is bright. On Thanksgiving Night, the magic begins as Kansas City’s “nighttime fairyland,” as it was known in the 1930s, comes to life! Kansas City’s landmark Country Club Plaza (CountryClubPlaza.com), 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 more than 80 miles of lights. You can enjoy the Country Club Plaza Christmas lights every evening Thanksgiving through mid-January.
Sugarplum Fairies Dancing in Your Head
Every year, the Kansas City Ballet (KCBallet.org) brings their world-class production of The Nutcracker to stage at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts (Dec. 7-24). The classic Victorian-era story by E.T.A. Hoffman features Clara, the Prince and Dr. Drosselmeier completely reimagined with exquisite costumes by Holly Hynes, grand sets by Alain Vaës and captivating choreography by artistic director Devon Carney.
Bah! Humbug!
The Kansas City Repertory Theatre (KCRep.org) brings Kansas City’s favorite holiday tradition back for its 37th season, with an all-new adaptation by KC Rep artistic director Eric Rosen! Enjoy A Christmas Carol (Nov. 17-Dec. 24), the classic story of Ebenezer Scrooge, the curmudgeonly businessman who requires the intervention of a few spectral guides to understand the true meaning of Christmas and life, as it comes to the holiday stage.
300,000 Christmas Lights
Take the family on a magical journey through 300,000 lights and more than 175 animated displays on a drive through Christmas in the Park, Kansas City’s own winter wonderland. This free holiday tradition accepts donations benefiting 39 local charities. The lights are lit the night before Thanksgiving with Christmas in the Sky, a fireworks extravaganza, and they remain lit every evening through Dec. 31. Your ride begins at the Frank White Jr. Softball Complex, 3901 SW Longview Rd., Lee's Summit, MO.
Kansas City’s Own Fairy Princess
In 1935, Kline’s Department Store of downtown Kansas City celebrated the grand opening of their Toyland. Santa came to other stores. Kline’s wanted to do something original to attract visitors, so they introduced the Fairy Princess. For 25 cents, children visited the princess, telling her their Christmas wishes. Then she waved her magic wand, making a surprise gift appear! Over the years, gifts were presented sliding from chutes, appearing on revolving turntables, hiding in fairyland trees or magically opening trunks. The tradition continued, at just 25 cents, until Kline’s closed in 1970. The Fairy Princess returned in 1987, when the Kansas City Museum brought her back for Christmas. You can visit the Fairy Princess on Dec. 13-17 at the Kansas City Museum at the Historic Garment District. Reservations are required.