It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Christmas in Kansas City is a truly magical time of year. This year, celebrate with traditional events including the Kansas City Repertory Theatre's production of A Christmas Carol, a visit with Santa at Crown Center and the Kansas City Ballet's The Nutcracker as well as new events the entire family will love including many living nativities, live shows, and festivals. This is your 2014 Guide to Christmas in Kansas City.
Note: This guide may not be reproduced in print or online without permission from KC Parent Magazine. Also, please keep in mind that some events may change due to weather or reservation policies. Always verify events with venues in advance.
= Top Pick
Christmas in KC Categories:
- Holiday Shows in Kansas City
- Santa Sightings in Kansas City
- KC Nativity Guide
- Special Holiday Events
Holiday Shows in Kansas City
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer thru Jan. 4, 2014 at Coterie Theatre. This marks the 50thAnniversary of the beloved holiday television classic,Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and The Coterie brings all our favorite characters to stage in Kansas City for a must-see holiday treat showing through Jan. 4, 2015. Read our review of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
A Christmas Carol Nov 21 - Dec 26, 2014 Kansas City Repertory Theatre production at the Spencer Theatre 4949 Cherry Street Spencer Theatre, MO. Kansas City’s favorite holiday tradition returns for a 34th Season! For audiences, the theater truly becomes 1843 London and the cast are now the living embodiment of the characters they portray. A ripping good telling of 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. Complete with lively musical numbers, ornate costuming, and dashing stagecraft, Dickens' classic tale of hope and redemption continues to remind us what's really worth celebrating - at the holidays, or any time!
Santaland Diaries Nov 21 - Dec 26, 2014 Kansas City Repertory Theatre production at the Copaken Stage. Brian Sills returns as America’s favorite irreverent elf Crumpet! David Sedaris’ hysterical tale of elfin’ woe is a hilarious send-up of his brief, misguided career as a Macy’s elf. The show skewers our sentimental love of all things Christmas—the happy children, the gifts, the spritely elves and the good cheer. Appropriate for ages 13 & up.
Jingle Arrgh the Way! Nov 25 - Dec 27, 2014 at Theatre for Young America at Union Station 30 W. Pershing Kansas City, MO. From the creators of How I Became a Pirate, another pirate adventure–this one to the North Pole. The comical plot comes to life with extravagantly improper characters, rollicking adventures and great songs.
Legends Outlets FREE Holiday Movies Saturdays Dec. 6 - 20, 2014 at Legends Outlets. The FREE Holiday Movies are offered each Saturday in December at 10:00 am. Doors open at 9:30 am and seating is available on a first come first served basis. Saturday, Dec. 6, 10am: The Polar Express. Saturday, Dec. 13, 10am: How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000). Saturday, Dec. 20, 10am: The Santa Clause
Holiday Classic Movies all season long at Union Station 30 W. Pershing Kansas City, MO. Holiday classics are on their way back to Union Station in the Regnier Extreme Screen Theatre for ONLY 2 BUCKS! Starting Friday, Nov. 28th, showtimes at: 12, 2:30 & 7PM. Nov 28 - 30 Elf. Dec 5 - 7 National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Dec 12 - 14 Home Alone. Dec 19 - 23 Polar Express
Old MacDonald's Holiday Hoedown Dec. 10-14, 2014 at Paul Mesner Puppets A charming puppet show: a merry time visiting the farmer and his animals.
Polar Express Nov 28, 2014 at 6:30 pm at Kansas City Public Library Plaza Branch 4801 Main Street Kansas City, MO. Kick off the holiday season with a great FREE movie on the big screen! All ages welcome!
Holiday Choirs at Crown Center Nov. 30 - Dec. 18, 2014 at Crown Center Shops Atrium, Level 1 2450 Grand Blvd. Kansas City , MO. Beautiful music fills the halls of Crown Center, as more than 130 area school, church and community choirs perform on weekdays and Sundays.
Night Before A Christmas Carol at Mid-Continent Public Libraries. Join Charles Dickens in his study for a very special night. On this evening in 1843, he creates his holiday classic, "A Christmas Carol." Renowned Dickens scholar, author, playwright and lecturer, Elliot Engel has crafted a work that allows David zum Brunnen to portray the 17 "Christmas Carol" characters and Charles Dickens himself. Recommended highly by the Dickens family, MCPL is privileged to offer this performance to continue its Dickens tradition! Multiple Showings, visit MCPL site for details.
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Nov. 23 at 3:30 & 7:30pm at Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts 1601 Broadway Kansas City, MO. MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS by Chip Davis has been America’s favorite holiday tradition and this year marks the 30th Anniversary of the group’s annual tour. Grammy Award winner Chip Davis has created a show that features the beloved Christmas music of Mannheim Steamroller along with dazzling multimedia effects performed in an intimate setting. The spirit of the season comes alive with the signature sound of Mannheim Steamroller music. Join in the 30th Anniversary celebration of Mannheim Steamroller Christmas. Don’t miss this ultimate holiday tradition from the #1 Christmas music artist in history!
Tuba Christmas Dec 5 & 8 at noon at Helzberg Hall Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts 1601 Broadway Kansas City, MO. The Kansas City Symphony will host Tuba Christmas for the eighth consecutive year. Due to high demand, two dates for participation are being offered. All area tuba and euphonium players are invited to join in the festivities. Early registration is encouraged due to limited space for participation. Friends, family and the general public are invited to attend the lunch hour concert to listen to the sounds of the season, tuba-style! Tickets are free, however advanced registration is required for concert goers.
The 12th Day Dec 5 -7 at The Culture House Arts Academy 14808 W 117th St. Olathe, KS. The guests of a mountain inn are trapped by a blizzard on Christmas Eve, and that’s just the beginning of their troubles. Viola has to pretend to be a boy so that she can share a room with her nerdy friend Orville, who is madly in love with Olivia, the young owner of the inn. So Viola agrees to help Orville woo Olivia, even though she herself has fallen for Orville, and since Olivia thinks Viola is a guy...you can see where this is going. Throw in the unexpected arrival of Viola’s twin brother, a cruel prank played on the stuffy manager of the inn by the rest of the employees, and an elderly couple who just can’t stand the madness, this quiet mountain inn will never see a crazier Christmas. Based on William Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night”.
It's a Wonderful Life Dec 4 - 14 at Blue Springs Civic Center 2000 NW Ashton Dr. Blue Springs, MO. Based on the beloved 1946 film, this musical faithfully follows George Bailey's life from his childhood dreams to his midlife disappointments and beyond, as we all take a journey to discover whether his life has mattered at all. Cinematically scored and theatrically staged, this adaptation breathes musical life into a familiar story, while retaining the warmth, humor, and pathos of the original. A new holiday classic for devotees and newcomers alike.Tickets: $10 Adults; $8 Seniors
Handel's Messiah Dec 5 - 7 presented by the KC Symphony at Helzberg Hall 1601 Broadway Blvd Kansas City, MO. The Messiah performance of the year! More than 250 powerful voices brings Handel’s choral masterpiece to life. The Independence Messiah Choir joins with the Symphony and Symphony Chorus to continue the 98-year tradition of performing Handel’s glorious Messiah, bigger and better than ever in the acoustically marvelous Helzberg Hall at the Kauffman Center. From “The Passion of the Christ” to the “Hallelujah” chorus, this is the perfect way to kick off your holiday season.
Kansas City Christmas: Heartland Men's Chorus Dec 5 - 7 at Folly Theatre 300 W. 12th St Kansas City , MO. With more sparkle than the Plaza lights, Heartland Men’s Chorus reminds you why there’s no place like home for the holidays.
The Mystery of Christmas Dec. 5 & 7 at Liberty Performing Arts Center 1600 S Withers Rd Liberty, MO. Twenty Five years ago, a young ballet teacher dreamed of a Nutcracker Ballet that actually told the story of Christmas. Creator and Artistic Director Liz Dimmel states "I was on my way to see the Nutcracker and mentioned to my husband, 'wouldn't it be great if there was a Nutcracker that actually told the Christmas story?'" The production includes the classical music of Tchaikovsky, appearing angels, a teenage pregnancy, war between two kingdoms, a birthday celebration and a little girl discovering the importance of following her heart.
Heart of America Christmas Pageant Dec. 5 - 14 (Fri-Sun each week) at First Baptist Church of Raytown 10500 East 350 Highway Raytown, MO. This December, the Heart of America Christmas Pageant presents The Unseen. If Christmas were only a memory, what would you want to remember? Join us December 5-7 and 12-14 as we travel both back into history to follow the story of Jesus and forward into the future and follow the...
The Nutcracker: KC Ballet Dec. 6 - 24, KC Ballet production at Muriel Kauffman Theatre at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts 1601 Broadway Kansas City, MO. The Nutcracker is Kansas City’s favorite holiday entertainment! You’ll see why as soon as the curtain rises and you experience the breathtaking sights and sounds … a magic Christmas tree, dazzling costumes and scenery, stunning choreography and dozens of beautiful dancers, all paired with the Kansas City Symphony playing Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable music.
Musical Fun For Kids at Crown Center first two Saturdays in Dec. at Crown Center Shops, Level 1 Atrium 2450 Grand Blvd. Kansas City , MO Shows at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Enjoy holiday music for kids and families.
Clara's Dream Dec. 6 & 7 Shows at 2pm & 7pm at Blue Valley North High School 10448 Mastin Overland Park, KS. Miller Marley Youth Ballet presents their annual production of Clara's Dream, their version of The Nutcracker.
Holiday Performances Dec. 13 & 14 at Powell Gardens 1609 NW US Highway 50 Kingsville, MO. The Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel is an extraordinary venue in which to enjoy seasonal music.
Holiday Magic Concert Dec 13, 2014 shows at 4 pm and 7 pm performed by the Lee's Summit Symphony at Lee's Summit High School Performing Arts Center 400 SE Blue Parkway Lee's Summit, MO.
Mr. Stinky Feet's Christmas Various dates and library branches Mid-Continent Public Join Jim Cosgrove, aka Mr. Stinky Feet, as he celebrates the holidays with singing, dancing, and stinky feet. Bring the whole family for this holiday entertainment treat. This program is free and registration is required.
Christmas with the Cool Cats Various dates and branches at Mid-Continent Public Library. Christmas with a twist! Join Terry Bell and his band, the Cool Cats, in some fun-loving Christmas songs accordion style.
Christmas Spectacular Dec. 11-13 at Trilogy Cultural Arts at Indian Creek Community Church 12480 S Black Bob Rd Olathe, KS. An original Christmas production that you won’t want to miss!
Polar Express Pajama Party Dec 19, 20, & 23 2014 at 7:00 pm at Union Station 30 W. Pershing Kansas City, MO. Come see the Polar Express in your PJs; free for members $2/person for non-members. Reservations required (this events sells out fast!). As an added gift, Union Station will give every child who attends a FREE mini train ride! Your Polar Express ticket will be your boarding pass to the Mini Holiday Train in Sprint Festival Plaza. Reservations required - this event sells out!
Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Christmas Attic Dec 23, 2014 at Sprint Center 1407 Grand Boulevard Kansas City, MO. Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) will wrap up 2014 by performing their rock opera The Christmas Attic live for the first time in arenas across the nation on their Winter Tour 2014, visiting Sprint Center in Kansas City on Dec. 23 for two incredible performances.
Santa Sightings in Kansas City
Penguin Waddle & Santa Dives with the Penguins Nov 28 - 30, 2014 at the Kansas City Zoo (see website for times). Bring your flock to the Zoo on for a day of Zoo-rific fun with our feathered friends. Our penguins are getting into the spirit by wadding down the red carpet outside Helzberg Penguin Plaza. Bring your camera and take a photo with our underwater Santa inside the cold weather penguin exhibit. St. Nick will be diving with our penguins. Find out what they think of his fluffy white beard.
Santa's Arrival at Crown Center Nov 28, 2014 from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at Crown Center Square 2450 Grand Blvd. Kansas City , MO. Santa Claus arrives in a horse-drawn carriage to kick off the holiday season. Perry the Penguin, Casey Bear and other costume characters help greet Jolly Ol’ St. Nick. Join Santa as he makes his way to Crayola® Christmas Land, where he resides through December 24.
Santa's Crayola Christmas Land Nov 28 - Dec 31 at Crown Center Shops, Level 1 Showplace 2450 Grand Blvd.Kansas City , MO. Children can play on super-sized Crayola products, while waiting to tell Santa all their holiday wishes. Santa is in residence November 28 through December 24. The Crayola Christmas Land play area is open through December 31. FREE admission. Photos with Santa are available for a fee.
Breakfast with Santa at Mahaffie Nov 29, 2014 from 8:30 am until 10:00 am at Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm 1200 Kansas City Road Olathe, KS. Enjoy breakfast with Santa in the beautifully decorated Heritage Center. Cost is $8/person ages 3 and up Includes breakfast, a craft and one family photo with Santa. This event is limited to 125 participants. Registration and payment is required before event. Registration is open until Friday November 21st. An account with Olathe Parks and Recreation must be created before registering. Create Olathe Parks and Recreation Account.
Santa Train Rides Saturdays Saturdays Nov 29 - Dec 6, 2014 at 9:00am, 11:00am or 1:00pm at Belton, Grandview, & Kansas City Railroad 502 E. Walnut St. Belton, MO. Santa is coming back to visit the Belton, Grandview, & Kansas City Railroad this year. We hope your family will join us for a train ride with Santa. Santa will join us for a 45 minute train ride, will visit with guests, and will stop for photos if you wish, all while the train moves down the track. Be sure to bring a camera! We will sing songs and talk to Santa about activities at the North Pole. After the train, Santa will await the kids in a different train car, so little ones may sit on Santa's lap to share Christmas wishes. He even has a small gift for the children. The Railroad will serve hot chocolate and a cookie for each passenger. The Gift Shop will be open too! Reservations are required! There will be no ticket sales on the day of the train ride. Reservations are processed in the order they are received. Only 50 seats are available per train and they sell quickly. The cost is $15 per passenger three years and older. All tickets will be handled on a "will call" basis, and can be picked up on the day of the train ride. Although the train is not permanently heated, we do our best to keep the enclosed coach as comfortable as possible with portable heat. Once we leave the station, the temperature will vary. Please dress for the weather, and we recommend layers that can be easily added or removed. While we do our best to accommodate all of our guests, we are unable to accommodate persons in wheel chairs or those very limited mobility. If you have any questions about the accessibility of our facilities please call the depot at (816) 331-0630 or email us info@beltonrailroad.org
Breakfast with LEGO® Santa Saturday, December 6 and Saturday, December 13 from 8:00 am - 10 am at LEGOLAND Discovery Center. Give your child a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity by visiting our LEGO Santa for breakfast and enjoy LEGOLAND Discovery Center Kansas City before the crowds! Join us for this exclusive event by purchasing your tickets here. Tickets are available at 8 am or 9 am and there’s limited availability. Purchase your tickets before they’re gone!
Dear Santa... Dec 1- 19, 2014 at Civic Center 2100 S. Broadway Oak Grove, MO. He's making his list and he's checking it twice, but he's waiting to hear from you! Put your Christmas wishes in writing and drop a self-addressed, stamped envelope and letter to Santa in the special mailbox located in front of the Civic Center to receive a special note directly from St. Nick.
Santa's Wonderland Experience the wonder of the season at Kansas City’s holiday tradition, Santa’s Wonderland! Gather friends and family and spend an evening celebrating the holidays with festive live music, entertainment by the Starlight STARS, hot chocolate, light displays and, of course, a visit from Santa and his friends.
- Dec. 12 from 6-8pm at Gillham Park 39th Street and Brush Creek Boulevard Kansas City , MO
- Dec. 13 from 4-6pm at Penguin Park North Vivion Road and North Norton Avenue Kansas City , MO
- Dec. 14 from 4-6pm at Longview Tract 7101 Longview Rd. Kansas City , MO
Northpole Communication Station Dec. 5-7 at Crown Center. This holiday season, Hallmark is bringing Santa's magical city - Northpole - to Kansas City, and all families are invited. Join us at Northpole Communication Station and watch the magic and anticipation of the season come to life for all, young and old. The Northpole Communication Station is a larger-than-life, interactive portal that lets kids interact with magical new friends directly from the Northpole. Imagine the possibilities as native Northpolians, full of magic and delight, respond in real time. We'll be sure to capture it all on camera, too! Each visitor will receive a FREE printed photo of their magic experience to take home. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. FREE admission. 816-274-8444.
Christmas Open House Dec 6, 2014 from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm at Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm 1200 Kansas City Road Olathe, KS. FREE event to enjoy music, stringing popcorn and cranberries, stagecoach rides (weather permitting) and a visit from Santa! Suggest Donation $2/ea
Santa Dives with Penguins weekends in December at Kansas City Zoo 6800 Zoo Dr Kansas City , MO. Repeats every week every Sunday and every Saturday until Mon Dec 22 2014 at 1:00 pm. Bring your camera and take a photo with our underwater Santa inside the cold weather penguin exhibit at Helzberg Penguin Plaza. St. Nick will be diving with our penguins. Find out what they think of his fluffy white beard at 1 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Be sure to catch Santa diving with penguins during the first three weekends of December before he heads back to the North Pole.
Holiday Wild at the Zoo Dec 6, 2014 from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm at Kansas City Zoo 6800 Zoo Dr Kansas City , MO. Santa will be at the Zoo for Holiday Wild on Saturday, December 6, and this is your chance to tell him what's on your wish list. Join us from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for polar-riffic activities. Bring your camera and have your picture taken with Santa! Friends of the Zoo (FOTZ) members will enjoy an exclusive breakfast snack and a special meet and greet with Santa from 8:30 to 10 a.m.
Christmas on the Farm Dec 6, 2014 from 2:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Watkins Woolen Mill Historic Site 26600 Park Road North Lawson, MO. Visit with costumed interpreters as you stroll along lantern lit paths to the Watkins family home, where you will be greeted by the smell of hot apple cider and the sound of Christmas carols. Enjoy free samples of traditional treats, flaming of the plum puddings, reading of the family letters and a visit with Father Christmas. Activities at the visitor center will include kids crafts and live traditional holiday music and a performance by the Lathrop Singing Mules grade school choir. This event is free of charge and the Watkins home is open for the duration of the event. For more information, contact the historic site.
Storytime with Santa & Mrs. Claus Various dates & branches at Mid-Continent Public Libraries (see website for specifics). Santa and Mrs. Claus are making a special trip from the North Pole to visit the library! Enjoy this FREE event as they read a holiday story, then sit on Santa's lap and tell him what you want for Christmas. Parents, don't forget your cameras!
Christmas Around Town Dec 6, 2014 from 5:30 pm until 7:30 pm at Shawnee Town 1929 11501 W. 57th Street Shawnee, KS. Many downtown businesses will be hosting open houses with special promotions. Jolly Old Saint Nick will be riding into town and is scheduled to arrive around 5:15 p.m. to help Mayor Jeff Meyers throw the switch at the annual lighting ceremony for the Mayor’s Christmas Tree. Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Mayor Meyers will take part in a special check presentation for the Mayor's Christmas Tree Fund. This year’s donations will benefit Head Start of Shawnee Mission. After the tree lighting, Santa and Mrs. Claus will ride to Shawnee Town 1929 (11600 Johnson Drive) where more fun will await. Children will have the opportunity to tell Santa their Christmas wishes from 5:45 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall. Other Shawnee Town activities and entertainment are planned for all ages. Take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage, sing along with the carolers, have your face painted with candy canes, take home a balloon from our balloon artists, and visit live reindeer! And this year for the very first time at Christmas, have a guided tour of our newly-opened 1920’s farmhouse decorated for the season with real German tinsel and 1920’s ornaments on the tree. Then, take the chill off the evening with hot apple cider and cookies.
Fun with Santa: Powell Gardens Dec. 13 & 20 at Powell Gardens 1609 N.W. U.S. Highway 50 Kingsville, MO. Registration required. Join Santa and Mrs. Claus for a morning of fun at Powell Gardens! Festivities include a pancake breakfast by Chris Cakes (for an additional fee), storytelling and make-and-take crafts.
Mrs. Claus Decorating Holiday Cookies Dec 20, 2014 fat Union Station 30 W. Pershing Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Southern’s Holiday Express Train with Santa from Dec 18 - 21 at Union Station 30 W. Pershing Kansas City, MO.
Skate with Santa Dec 20, 2014 from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm at Line Creek Community Center Ice Arena 5940 N.W. Waukomis Drive Kansas City , MO. Join the jolly big man for some fun and festivity on ice! $6, skate rental included.
Breakfast with Father Christmas Dec. 20, 2014 from 9-noon at Alexander Majors House Barn 8201 State Line Road Kansas City , MO. Father Christmas will be here to listen all your Christmas wishes. Enjoy Christmas storytelling and Christmas crafts that are fun for all ages. Breakfast provided by Chris Cakes. Come to the Alexander Majors House Barn and celebrate Christmas with us! Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for children under 12.
Kansas City Nativity Guide
Journey to Judea Dec 4 - 7, 2014 at Countryside Baptist Church 14150 W. 175th Street Olathe, KS. Four separate nights of outdoor tours this year. New tours will begin every ten minutes and will take about one hour to complete. You can pick your departure date and time as well as print your ticket when you register for the event. Ticket Cost: FREE admission, but please register.
The Nativity Dec. 5 - 7 presented by Paul Mesner Puppets at Grace & Holy Trinity Cathedral 415 W 13th St Kansas City, MO. This celebrated annual spectacle comes alive for the 11th time this December. Come see the beautiful seven-foot puppets gracefully move through the aisles of the historic cathedral with live musical and chorale accompaniment. A cast of over forty puppeteers bring these larger-than-life Biblical characters to life. A sure Sell-Out event!
Redeeming Birth: A Walk Through Bethlehem. Dec. 5 & 6, 12 & 13, from 6:30–9:00 (last tour starts at 8:30) at Grace Christian Fellowship Church (7320 Quivira Rd., Shawnee, KS). An opportunity for the whole family to experience the Christmas story. You are invited on an interactive walk through the city of Bethlehem at the time of Jesus’ birth. See people at work in the marketplace with busy shopkeepers and vendors everywhere (you will have the opportunity to purchase fine Christmas gifts or mementos there). Smell the fragrant scents of herbs, spices and breads. See the potters, weavers and carpenters at work. Visit a crowded inn and a humble stable where the King of Kings was born! Tours will be conducted every 20 minutes. 913.268.6300
Very Merry Morning Dec. 6, 10:00-1:00, at Westside Family Church (8500 Woodsonia Dr., Lenexa, KS). Come experience the nativity story through the eyes of your preschoolers.
Christmas at Resurrection 2014 Dec. 10-14, The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection (13720 Roe Ave., Leawood, KS). Christmas at Resurrection is a Kansas City musical tradition! This must-see musical presentation features more than 300 actors, singers, dancers and instrumentalists in a celebration
of Christmas and the depiction of the traditional Christmas story. Enjoy a great family holiday tradition!
Christmas in the Barn Dec 24, 2014 from 4:30 pm until 5:15 pm at Johnson Farms Plants and Pumpkins (17701 S State Route D (Holmes Road) Belton, MO). Come hear the story that all the world longs to hear and know. Lord of Love Lutheran pastor Megann Prosser-Gebhardt will preside over a service in our barn with animals stirring in the wings, as we reenact the miracle of the birth of a savior who can change lives. The barn will be heated, but still chilly so please dress warmly and feel free to bring blankets. Refreshments will be served. Check Facebook and www.johnsonfarms.net for updates especially if there is inclement weather.
Giant Puppet Nativity Dec 24, 2014 from 4:00 pm until 5:00 pm at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ 110th and Holmes Kansas City, MO. The Christmas story performance features larger-than-life Wise Men, each with three church members inside to move the puppet figure and arms. A Christmas Eve candlelight service, including communion, will also be held at 11 p.m.
Special Holiday Events
Holiday Bricktacular at LEGOLand Discovery Center thru Christmas at LEGOLAND Discovery Center 2450 Grand Blvd., KCMO. In December, something magical comes over LEGOLAND Discovery Center as we celebrate the holidays and the amazing world of LEGO® bricks! Our LEGO halls will be decked throughout the season and special weekend activities include: Limited-Edition Holiday Brick from our LEGO Factory (while supplies last). Santa’s Gingerbread Village – join our model builders as they unveil our amazing new building table ! For the holidays, help Santa add on to a giant LEGOGingerbreadVillage. MINILAND Winter Wonderland Scavenger Hunt – explore our display of Kansas City icons and search for special holiday and winter scenes and a chance to win great prizes – including two annual passes to LEGOLAND Discovery Center! Santa’s Turbo Sleigh Challenge – visit our build and test area and help Santa design an even faster, high-performance sleigh. Events will be hosted at 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays in December. Meet LEGO Santa - Meet and Greets will be from 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. every 30 minutes on Saturdays and Sundays. Don't forget to check our LEGO Shop for special holiday happenings!
Kansas City's Largest Gingerbread House Dec 1, 2014 to Dec 30, 2014 at Paradise Park. It's a Gingerbread dream come true! Our bigger-than-life sugar-and-spice creation is the coolest place to warm your holiday spirits. Don't miss the best interactive gingerbread experience in Kansas City - it's an enchanting, fairytale memory your family will love.
Weston's Candlelight Homes Tour thru Dec. 5-7, Weston. MO.Start your holiday season off right with a tour through five historic homes in Weston, Missouri – voted Kansas City’s “Best Day Trip” 10 years straight by Ingram’s Magazine. This year’s homes tour features three antebellum homes, a 1920’s cottage and a downtown loft.
Holiday Celebration at the Nelson Nov 28, 2014 at Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art 4525 Oak Kansas City , MO. Events include: Thanksgiving Weekend Family Performances of St. George & the Dragon as well as the annual Luminary Walk - Explore a winding path illuminated by candlelight in the beautiful Sculpture Park. Museum guides will be stationed at selected sculptures from 5-7 p.m.
Family Holiday Candlelight Tour Nov 28-29, 2014at 1855 Harris-Kearney House Museum 4000 Baltimore Kansas City, MO. Enjoy a Fabulous 50s Christmas in Westport at the Historic Harris-Kearney House.
Victorian Christmas Magic Nov 28 - Dec 30, 2014 at Vaile Mansion. Tour the elegant rooms with marble fireplaces and crystal chandeliers decorated with elves, pixies, snowmen, and fairies in a magical setting. Mansion Open: Monday - Saturday 10 AM - 4 PM. Sunday 1 PM - 4 PM. Adults $6, Children $2
All Wrapped Up Nov. 28 - Dec. 30, 2014 at Bingham-Waggoner Estate in Independence. The Christmas season begins Friday, November 28th and will continue daily through December 30th (closed Dec 23, 24 & 25). Walk-in tours are offered Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Enjoy a Twilight Tour on Sunday, December 7th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. This annual event will give you the opportunity to stroll at your leisure, enjoying light refreshment and live music. In addition to the annual Twilight Tour, for those of you that work or just want to come of an evening, rather than during the day we’ll be open until 8:00 p.m. on December 9th. Your visit will begin in the Carriage House Boutique where you will find many unique items to choose from. Following your tour, you may wish to relax in the 3rd floor Tea Room, enjoying music, cookies and hot spiced tea or coffee. If you're looking for somewhere special to bring your group for lunch or dinner during the holidays, the beautifully decorated Carriage House welcomes 10 to 50, by advance reservation, in a large comfortable area. Please call 816-461-3491 with any questions or to reserve a date. All adult admissions - $6.00 Youth 6 – 16 - $3.00
Whoville Holidays Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. on November 29 - Dec. 20 at City Market 400 Grand, Suite 428 Kansas City, MO. Calling Whos of all ages!! Celebrate the season with the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who. You're invited to their Whoville home to enjoy Whoville Holiday hospitality! Bring your camera: the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who will be present for photos between 10:30-11:30 a.m. and Noon-1:00 p.m. Whoville Holidays will be located on the north end of the City Market Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Nov. 29, Dec. 6, 13, and 20
A Very Fifties Christmas Nov 29 - Jan 3, 2015 at 1950's All-Electric House 6305 Lackman Shawnee, KS. The 1950s All-Electric House is decorated for the holidays! Rock around our aluminum Christmas tree on the guided tour and celebrate the holidays 1950s-style! Tickets: $5 Adults, $4 Seniors, $3 Children 5 yr - 12 yrs.
Holiday Luminary Walk Nov. 28-29, Dec. 5 - 6, 2014 from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm at Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens 8909 W. 179th Street Overland Park, KS. Stroll candlelit trails through the gardens and woods of the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. Tickets: $8 per person; 5 and under Free.
Fairy Princess Weekends in Dec. thru Dec. 21 at Kansas City Museum 3218 Gladstone Blvd Kansas City , MO. Kansas City Museum’s historic Fairy Princess once again spreads holiday cheer at the Kansas City Museum. There will be Fairy Princess themed arts and crafts activities and beautiful holiday décor for visitors to enjoy. A complimentary photo and Fairy Princess gift is included with your visit. Also, check out the Fairy Princess Boutique to stock up on your Fairy Princess essentials. Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays noon-4 p.m. Tickets: $10/ea.
Nutcracker Tea Party Dec. 6 & 7 at Ritz Charles 9000 W. 137 Street Overland Park, KS. Spend a holiday afternoon enjoying this mini-version of the classic ballet along with a delightful tea party after. Tickets required.
Downtown Dazzle Fireworks Display Dec 6, 2014 from 7:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Crown Center Square. Add some spark to your Christmas season with a special holiday fireworks show at Crown Center. Watch the show, then take a picture in front of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree or call the North Pole from the North Pole Communication Station. Show begins at 7 p.m. FREE admission. 816-274-8444.
Winter Solstice Torch-Lit Winter Hike Dec 9, 2014 from 5:00 pm until 6:30 pm at George Owens Nature Park 1601 S. Speck Rd. Independence, MO. Walk through the woods; get your picture taken in an ice sleigh and watch ice sculpting. See live birds of prey. View the night sky thru a telescope. Free hot chocolate and commemorative mug.
A Christmas Celebration Dec 13, 2014 from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm at Missouri Town 1855, Fleming Park MO. The Christmas customs of English, German and French settlers are brought to life in this historic antebellum community. The smell of wood burning fireplaces, period music and authentic decorations, make this a “must attend” holiday experience. A special visit and candy treat from “Belsnickle” will thrill children of all ages. Tickets: Adults $5.00 Youth 5-13 and Seniors $3.00 Under 5 free
Christmas in the White House Dec 13, 2014 from 11:00 am until 12:00 pm at Truman Presidential Library 500 W. US Hwy. 24. Independence, MO. Archivist David Clark takes you inside America's most exclusive address for a peek at the Truman family's celebration of Christmas at the White House. This intimate holiday portrait is painted with photographs, letters, Christmas cards, and sound recordings from the Truman Library's extensive collection. This presentation is one in the series of "Talkin' Truman" programs, offered each Second Saturday at 11 a.m. The program is included with Museum admission; seating is first come, first served.