Sales, craft shows, special shopping events for children, and opportunities to support local businesses abound in Kansas City this holiday season.
Note: This guide may not be reproduced in print or online without permission from KC Parent. Please submit events for consideration in this guide to kristina@kcparent.com.
Our Favorite KC Area Shopping Districts:
Photo credit DiMartino Photography.
Shop a variety of shops and enjoy many great restaurants at Crown Center. Ice Skating at the Ice Terrace, crafts at Kaleidoscope, live shows, and a visit with Santa are all musts when visiting this local holiday landmark. The Mayor's Christmas tree, a 100-foot tree will illuminate the city throughout the holidays and acts as a symbol for the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund, which benefits the Kansas City’s less fortunate residents. After the holidays, the wood from the tree is repurposed to be commemorative ornaments, which are sold the following year to benefit the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund.
One of the highlights of a holiday visit to Crown Center is Santa's Gingerbread Station. Explore this interactive exhibit, meet and have their photo taken with Santa Claus (through December 24), climb aboard the Crown Center Express Train Engine, and enjoy Gingerbread Village. No admission fee. Photos with Santa are available for a fee, or you may take your own.
Open during Crown Center Shops Holiday Hours:
- Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
- Sunday, 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.
- Christmas Eve, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- New Year's Eve, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Closed Christmas Day and New Year's Day
Located in the heart of Village West, the state of Kansas’ top tourist destination, Legends Outlets Kansas City is the only outlet shopping destination serving the greater metropolitan region. Conveniently situated at the intersection of Interstate 435 and Parallel Parkway, just north of Interstate 70 in Kansas City, Kansas, Legends Outlets is the home to more than 75 leading designer and favorite brand-name stores including Coach, Banana Republic Factory Store, Gap Factory, J.Crew | crewcuts, Nike Factory Store, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, Tommy Hilfiger Outlet, Victoria’s Secret and Under Armour® Factory House, among many more, which offer savings of up to 65 percent off regular retail prices. Also featuring a wide array of restaurant and entertainment venues, the property welcomes more than 10 million guests annually.
Save the date for Legends Outlets' 15th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, November 16, featuring live entertainment, kids' activities, prize giveaways, Santa photos, and more! And, Black Friday at Legends Outlets is always a favorite!
Shopping at Independence Center
Boasting more than one million square feet of retail space and 12 million annual visitors, Independence Center is one of the largest regional shopping centers serving the local community since opening in 1974. Independence Center is anchored by Dillard’s, Macy’s, Sears, and Dicks Sporting Goods and includes more than 100 popular retail stores such as H&M, Forever 21, PINK, Pandora, Carhartt, Victoria’s Secret & Old Navy. Independence Center is also one of the only fully enclosed shopping centers in the Kansas City Metro area.
On Nov. 9 Santa Claus is coming to Independence Center & lighting our tree with the magic of the holidays. Yuletide carols & sweet treats will make spirits bright at this FREE event! He'll be on hand throughout the holiday season for photos!
Summit Fair, a 507,000 square foot open-air lifestyle center, serves the growing, affluent southeast Jackson County area of the Kansas City metropolitan area. The center, anchored by Macy’s and JCPenney, also includes home furnishings, men’s and women’s fashion, fast-casual eateries, sit-down restaurants and specialty retailers. Conveniently located off of Interstate 470 & Highway 50, the shopping center is just east of SummitWoods Crossing. The synergy of new shops and restaurants, combined with the design of Summit Fair featuring a Main Street shopping area with beautiful landscaping, fountains and pedestrian walkways, makes Summit Fair a shopping destination for eastern Jackson County. Be sure to visit Summit Fair on Black Friday for great specials.
DLSMS hosts over 100 days of community events, drawing hundreds of thousands of people each year to a thriving and vibrant downtown that is home to over 100 locally-owned businesses. Volunteers donate thousands of service hours each year to help ensure that Downtown Lee’s Summit continues to serve as the economic and cultural hub of the community as well as a premier destination for entertainment and shopping in the Kansas City metro.
Mark your calendar for great events at Downtown Lee's Summit including:
- Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony: Downtown Lee's Summit: Nov 22, 2019 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Small Business Saturday: Downtown Lee's Summit: Nov 30, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Selfies with Santa: Downtown Lee's Summit: Nov 30, 2019
- Selfies with Santa: Downtown Lee's Summit: Dec 7, 2019
- Candy Cane Course 5k / 10k EAST KC: Dec 14, 2019 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
- Selfies with Santa: Downtown Lee's Summit: Dec 14, 2019
- Selfies with Santa: Downtown Lee's Summit: Dec 21, 2019
Upcoming Shopping Events:
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Fat Brain Toys
Nov 6, 2019 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Grandparents Day
Grandparents save 15% off entire purchase every Wed. in November!
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Nov 7, 2019
Just Between Friends - Overland Park
Overland Park Convention Center
We understand, kids grow fast. So we created a community event where families can sell all the things their kids are no longer using and buy what they need for the next two seasons. Come shop over 70,000 name-brand items, at 50-90% off retail. S...
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Nov 8, 2019 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Ladies' Day at Family Tree Nursery
Live music, wine, and appetizers will be available from 3:30-7 p.m. While we call this Ladies' Day, men and children are welcome and are sure to have a blast. *Receive 20% off your total purchase of regularly priced items. Offer excludes sale items.
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Nov 8, 2019 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
KVC Holiday Mart
Join us for this FREE Holiday shopping event at the Ball Conference Center on November 8! Food booth proceeds will benefit our Holiday Heroes Program.
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Just Between Friends - Overland Park
Nov 8, 2019 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Selfies with Santa - Hosted by Just Between Friends of Overland Park
Overland Park Convention Center
Santa Claus is coming to town and he's making a stop at the Overland Park Convention Center and the Just Between Friends - Overland Park sale. Join us and get your selfie with Santa.
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toy time
Nov 9, 2019 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Meet & Greet with Elsa and Anna
Neighborhood Toy Store Day! Celebrate 10 Years with us! Get your photo with Elsa & Anna from 11-2pm Be sure your in line early! We have special giveaways for those first in line! Sessions will be from 11am-11:40, 12pm-12:40pm and...
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Photo courtesy of Independence Center
Nov 9, 2019 - Dec 24, 2019
Santa Photos
Take photos with your favorite jolly fellow in red this holiday season! This year, Santa brought his tree to the DICK'S Sporting Goods court on the lower level to take photos with all the naughty & nice children (and adults)! Santa's daily h...
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Nov 9, 2018
Lake Quivira Holiday Bazaar
This family friendly long lime holiday tradition features 50 local vendors offering a variety of boutique home decor, jewelry, ladies clothing/accessories, gourmet foods, children's gifts and more.
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Fat Brain Toys
Nov 13, 2019 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Grandparents Day
Grandparents save 15% off entire purchase every Wed. in November!
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Picasa
Nov 14, 2019
Brookside Holiday Season Opener Weekend
Nov. 14-17: Participating retailers will be open extended hours and hosting special events starting Thursday at 5 pm.
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Fat Brain Toys
Nov 16, 2019 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Big Save Saturday - Up to $45 Off
Save up to $45 off during Big SAVE Saturday!
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Fat Brain Toys
Nov 20, 2019 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Grandparents Day
Grandparents save 15% off entire purchase every Wed. in November!
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Nov 22, 2019
Best Little Arts & Crafts Fair
Roger T Sermon Community Center
100+ booths featuring local crafters and vendors!
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Fat Brain Toys
Nov 23, 2019 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Big Save Saturday - 2 Ways to Save
Knock your holiday shopping out of the park! For two days only, we're offering $10 off any purchase of $100 or more, OR $25 off any purchase of $200 or more. It's the perfect chance to get EVERYTHING on their list!
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Nov 23, 2019 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Mistletoe Market
Historic Downtown Excelsior Springs
Join us as we kick off the holiday season with local vendors at 215 & 217 E. Broadway where you will find fabulous Christmas gifts and décor inspiration! Vendor space is limited to 25 and sign up information will be released closer to the event.
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Nov 23, 2019 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Raymore Holiday Craft Show
Shop local at the Holiday Craft Show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 23 at the Raymore Activity Center.
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Nov 23, 2019 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Holiday Craft Show
The Holiday Craft Show is back…and it promises to be better than ever! It's a great time to get a head start on the holidays with lots of unique shopping opportunities!
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Fat Brain Toys
Nov 27, 2019 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Grandparents Day
Grandparents save 15% off entire purchase every Wed. in November!
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Photos courtesy of Independence Center
Nov 29, 2019 10:00 a.m. - noon
Black Friday Fun
Join us in the lower level Dillard's court for some Black Friday Fun featuring reindeer games & prizes from 10am-12pm.
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Fat Brain Toys
Nov 29, 2019 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Black Friday
Black Friday Shopping & Gift Card Giveaway at everyone's favorite toy store!
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Nov 29, 2019 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
A Very Merry Market: Gifts, Giving & Good Cheer
KEEP IT LOCAL, KC! Shop holiday gifts at City Market's artisan holiday market. Register for hourly prize drawings. Must be present to win! Stay tuned for details about our Jingle Bucks cash giveaway! Admission is FREE.
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Nov 30, 2019
One Day Sale: Degage Dancewear
Buy any 3 items and receive a 30% discount! Not valid with other offer or sale item.
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Fat Brain Toys
Nov 30, 2019 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Small Business Saturday
Small Business Saturday is the time to get out and show your appreciation for the local businesses within your community. Instead, we want to show our appreciation to YOU. Stop by to receive $10 off every $50 you spend!
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Nov 30, 2019 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Small Business Saturday: Downtown Lee's Summit
Small Business Saturday is a nationwide movement to shop small and support locally-owned businesses in your community. Join us on November 30 for a day of shopping, giveaways, and giving back.
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Nov 30, 2019 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Shop Small Downtown Overland Park
Support local businesses this holiday season starting with Small Business Saturday!
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Dec 7, 2019 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Louisburg Cider Mill Holiday Open House
The Louisburg Cider Mill Country Store is all decked out for the Holidays! Shop our Holiday Open House for unique gift items, gift baskets, and all our delicious specialty food & drink products. Enj...
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Dec 7, 2019 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Winterfest: Topeka
First 3 Saturdays in Dec.: WinterFest helps you stay on Santa's nice list by getting your holiday shopping done in Downtown Topeka. While shopping for loved ones at our unique and fun shops, enjoy carriage rides, & visits from Christmas characters.
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Dec 7, 2019
Liberty Hometown Holidays
Join the City of Liberty, Clay County and Historic Downtown Liberty, Inc. for Hometown Holidays and the Mayor's Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, December 7. Family friendly activities include: - Passport shopping activity (starts at...
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Property of C.W. Parker Carousel Museum
Dec 8, 2019 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
C.W. Parker Carousel Museum's Annual Children's Small Mall
The Small Mall is designed for children 3-13 years old to do their own holiday shopping for family and friends in a secure environment. This fun filled event will be held on Sat. Dec. 7, 9-5 and Sun. Dec. 8, 10-4. Kids love this event as it all...
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Dec 14, 2019 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Winter Wonder Week Celebration
Celebrate the holidays in Downtown Overland Park! All week long, downtown business owners will be hosting holiday sales and promotions just in time to help you finish up your holiday shopping.
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Dec 14, 2019
33rd Annual Elves Workshop
Martha LaFite Thompson Nature Sanctuary
ELVES' WORKSHOP Celebrate the holidays with a visit to the Elves' Workshop! Children are invited to visit the Nature Center for face painting, treats, crafts, Santa and more! The Elves’ Holiday Store will be open for children only.
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