It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! From mid-November to mid-December all across the Kansas City metro, switches are flipped, and the city is decked out in holiday splendor!
This is the 2015 guide. Click here for the 2017 Lighting Ceremonies Guide.
Note: We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location and other information, especially with the possibility of weather impacts.
You might also like our guide to the Best Christmas Lights in Kansas City.
Nov. 17
Mayors Tree Lighting: North Kansas City – Nov. 17, 6-7:30pm at Macken Park, Corner of Howell and Clark Ferguson, North Kansas City, MO. Free. 816-300-0545. Enjoy a magical holiday evening with pony rides, hot chocolate, hear “The Night Before Christmas" and flip the switch for our new holiday light display. Santa will be here, so bring your cameras and your wish list!
Nov. 19
Holiday Lighting: Martin City - Nov. 19, 5:30-9:30pm at Downtown Martin City, 311 E. 135th St, Martin City. Get the kids bundled up and come enjoy the holiday lights while walking around Martin City! All the lights will officially be turned on at 6:00pm with the flip of a switch by our special surprise guest. The Martin City business community invites attendees to the annual Holiday Lighting in combination with the monthly Third Thursday on The Tracks. In addition to the regular invitation to sip, shop, & support the district on the tracks, Martin City invites you to participate in the KC Running Company free ugly Christmas sweater fun run while enjoying holiday music, and photos with Santa. The lighting will start at 6:00pm to start the ugly Christmas sweater fun run. During the run everyone who wishes to witness the lighting and see Santa are welcome to participate in the wine crawl throughout the district. Santa will be available for photos with families including the canine variety! Men and Women can enjoy the Third Thursday on The Tracks: Sip & See Martin City for $20. This includes an Experience Martin City tasting glass and a special bag, full from the local businesses, along with all of the tastings and food. Once it’s over Martin City invites you to stay and enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants. Come share your Kansas City Pride at Martin City’s third reawakened Third Thursday on the Tracks!
Nov. 20
Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting: Lee's Summit – Nov. 20 from 6:30-8:30pm at Downtown Lee's Summit's Howard Station Park, 3rd & SE Main, Lee's Summit, MOJoin the Mayor of Lee’s Summit as he lights the Downtown. Free hot cider and cookies, choir performances, a visit from Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elves, and much more will get you in the holiday spirit. Visit with Santa, then shop participating businesses open late and eat at Downtown restaurants.
Parkville Christmas on the River - Nov. 20, 6-9pm Downtown Parkville. The 23rd annual holiday celebration is sure to create lasting memories for everyone in the family. Enjoy live entertainment including Park Hill School District children’s choir, fun things to see and do, delicious dining and treats, plus our famous holiday fireworks. Main Street and English Landing Center are decorated with lights, displays and Santa is in his house Thursday - Sunday, 6 - 9 pm to hear children’s wishes starting November 20 till December 28, 2015. Proceeds benefit Boy Scout Troop 333 and Christmas on the River.
Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting: Overland Park - Nov. 20 5:30-7:30pm at the Clock Tower patio in Downtown Overland Park, KS. That holiday feeling is in the air just in time for the annual Mayor’s Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony. Enjoy singing, dancing and Santa, as well as the lighting of the Mayor’s Tree and a ceremonial check presentation to this year’s charity: SAFEHOME: Support for Survivors of Domestic Abuse.
Star Light, Star Bright: Jackson County Lighting Ceremony in Independence - Nov. 20 from 5-9pm at Truman Courthouse, 13903 E. Noland Court, Independence. 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. 8162521084. Ceremony at 5:10pm, Fire pits, chestnut roasting, balloon artist, Studio 3V Performance, The Ancora Chorale, Quixotic Fire Dancers, Light Show set to Music, Lighting of the Square with County Executive Mike Sanders, Mayor Weir and Royals Great Willie Wilson! Kids Winter Wonderland, Face Painting, Food Vendors, Cookie Decorating, Studio 3V Performance, and Visit from Santa.
Downtown Kansas City, KS Holiday Lighting Festival Nov. 20 at 7:15pm at the Unified Government of Wyandotte County & Kansas City, KS 701 N 7th S, Kansas City, KS. Kick off the holiday season with Downtown Kansas City, KS Holiday Lighting Festival! Children of all ages are welcome to this community event. Christmas trees decorated by neighborhood associations across Wyandotte County will be featured. Free goodie bags will be given out to the first 1,000 children Enjoy popcorn, musical and dance performances, holidays movies, kid's crafts, and snap a photo with Santa! then head outside of City Hall at 7:15 pm for the tree lighting ceremony!
Nov. 21
11th Annual Legendary Tree Lighting Ceremony - Nov. 21 from 6-8pm at Legends Outlets, 1843 Village W Pkwy, Kansas City, KS. Centered around its 45-foot holiday tree, the lighting ceremony will welcome Santa Claus to officially flip the switch and ignite a center-wide synchronized light display. The evening will also feature prize giveaways and local musicians playing holiday music. The musicians will perform from 6 - 7:30 p.m., and the countdown to the tree lighting will take place at 7:45 p.m.
Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony and "Holidays Come Alive" - Nov. 21 at Union Station, 30 W. Pershing Rd., Kansas City. All Ages. There’s nothing like the magic of the holidays at Union Station! Join us on Saturday, November 21, for a festive day filled with family-friendly activities you wont want to miss including our annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and a spectacular FREE performance by Quixotic that will fill Sprint Festival Plaza with music, dance, lights, aerial performance and sheer beauty. Station attractions open 10am and holiday music performances start at 11am with the Salvation Army Band. Then at 12:30pm it's time for the 5th Annual "Kiss Under The Clock” with Kelly Urich from 99.7 The Point. Throughout the afternoon enjoy Holiday themed activities including singing and dancing performances on the community stage. At 5:30 pm, the magic amps up as we countdown to the lighting of Union Station in spectacular style, featuring Kansas City’s largest indoor Holiday Tree and miles of lights and breathtaking decorations. It’s absolutely magical. Then, for the first time, Quixotic - the international team of talent behind our multi-award winning Monument Comes Alive - will perform an original creation designed exclusively for Union Station. “Holidays Come Alive” will fill Sprint Festival Plaza with music, dance, lights, aerial performance and sheer beauty. Original music, costumes and choreography are presented absolutely FREE to KC as a gift from Kansas City’s historic home... Union Station. Be there early so you don’t miss a minute of this immersive masterpiece. You and your family will be talking about it for months! After the performance, Union Station holidays continue with the historic Jones Store ride-on train for the kids and more. Bring your family, continue the tradition and kick off the holidays in a way only Union Station can deliver. Please Note: Da Vinci will close early at 5pm today, prior to the lighting ceremony.
Zona Rosa Northern Lights Ceremony - Nov. 21 from 4-8pm at Zona Rosa, 8640 N Dixson Ave, Kansas City, MO. Free. The holiday excitement begins at 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, in the Zona Rosa Town Square, with the lights illuminating at 6 p.m. The annual lighting ceremony showcases the large crowns hung above the Zona Rosa streets, as well at the majestic 50-foot Christmas tree on the square. The Kansas City Museum’s Fairy Princess will lend an air of enchantment to the event, and of course, Santa Claus, accompanied by his reindeer, will visit with kids and the young at heart of all ages. Following the Northern Lights ceremony, serious runners as well as casual walkers and joggers who want to make a difference in the lives of those in need are encouraged to participate in this charity event with proceeds going to the Salvation Army in Kansas City Northland. Also scheduled for the evening festivities is a Bright Lights Kids’ Run, offering a fun way for the entire family to participate in this worthwhile and festive event.
Nov. 25
Christmas In The Sky - Nov. 25 at Longview Lake Beach, Longview Lake Park . Gates open at 5:00 pm. Stage Show at 6:00 pm. Fireworks at about 7:45 pm. Jackson County Parks + Rec and 99.7 The Point kick-off your holiday season, and the opening of Christmas In The Park, with Christmas In The Sky. This magical evening showcases holiday entertainment and an amazing fireworks display, synchronized to your favorite holiday music, and simulcast on 99.7 The Point. Directions to Christmas In The Sky: I 470 East to Raytown Road, then follow the signs south two miles to the Longview Lake Beach entrance.
Thanksgiving - Nov. 26
Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane – Nov. 26 the lights are turned on (no ceremony) at Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead, 13800 Switzer Road, Overland Park, KS. 5-10pm nightly thru Jan. 3. A festive holiday light display showcasing pictures, animations and sparkling effects all synchronized to music and viewed from the warmth of your car. The display, formerly known as the Ultimate Tree Light Display was located in the Deer Creek subdivision. Mark Callegari, owner of the display, has donated his materials and continued support to make the show better and better each year! Join us in celebrating the third year of Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane.
Lee's Summit Magic Tree - Nov. 26 (no ceremony) The Lee's Summit Magic Tree I-470 And View High Dr, Lees Summit, MO will be open to the public starting Thanksgiving Thursday, November 26th. Enjoy the Magic Tree for 40 days and remember to bring canned food donations to support Lee's Summit Social Services and the families they assist. Happy Holidays!
The 86th Annual KCP&L Plaza Lighting Ceremony The 86th Annual KCP&L Plaza Lighting Ceremony – Nov. 26 from 5-9pm at Country Club Plaza, Main Stage at Nichols Road & Pennsylvania, by Brio Tuscan Grille, Kansas City, MO. 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.: Pre-show performances and giveaways from KCP&L from the stage. 6:00-7:00 p.m.: KCP&L Plaza Lighting Ceremony (broadcast LIVE on KSHB-TV). 6:54 p.m.: Flip of the Switch. 7:00-8:00 p.m.: Post-ceremony concert. This year, the switch will be flipped by Kansas City native, Gillian Flynn author of “Gone Girl,” a mystery novel that was published in 28 countries and made into a feature-length movie starring Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike. The KCP&L Plaza Lights shine daily from 5pm to 3am, Thanksgiving through Sunday, January 17, 2016.
Nov 27
Christmas Begins at Crown Center Nov. 27 at Crown Center Shops, 2450 Grand Blvd., Kansas City.
- Santa’s Arrival 10:00 am to 11:00 am. FREE. 816-274-8444. Santa Claus arrives in a horse-drawn carriage to kick off the holiday season. Perry the Penguin, Tip from Crayola and other costume characters help greet Jolly Ol’ St. Nick. Join Santa as he makes his way to Santa’s Gingerbread Station, where he resides through December 24. FREE admission. 10 a.m. 816-274-8444.
- Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm. FREE. 816-274-8444. The 100-foot-tall Mayor’s Christmas Tree, one of the nation’s tallest, is the centerpiece for an illuminating holiday celebration. Mayor Sly James and a celebrity guest will flip the switch to light the tree. The tree is a symbol of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund, which is dedicated to assisting the city’s less fortunate. Program begins at 5:30 p.m. FREE. 816-274-8444.
Nov. 28
Hometown Holiday Liberty - Nov. 28 from 2-5pm at Historic Liberty Square, Liberty, MO. Spend an afternoon visiting Santa, shopping on the square, children’s crafts and the tree lighting ceremony.
Nov. 30
Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting: Belton – Nov. 30 from 5:30-8pm at Memorial Station, Belton, MO. Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting and “Operation Santa” Kick-Off. All proceeds benefit the Belton Welfare Association. This is the Mayor’s kick-off to “Operation Santa” which benefits the Belton Welfare Association. There will be entertainment, Santa, ,popcorn, hot chocolate & coffee.
Dec. 1
City Lights from 4:30-6:30pm at Marriott 200 W 12th St, Kansas City, MO. In addition to the traditional turning on of the Marriott holiday display and refreshments, The Salvation Army is collecting unwrapped toys for our "forgotten angels." Those children each year that aren't assisted due to a lack of resources. Santa will be there and there is a short program. There is a business reception at the Marriott from 4:30-5:45. The program begins at 6:00 and the lights will turn on around 6:20. We are really hoping people will choose this as their Giving Tuesday expression of hope.
Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting: Blue Springs - Dec. 1 from 5:30-7pm at City Hall, 903 West Main Street, Blue Springs, MO. The Mayor throws the switch that lights this very special Christmas Tree. Enjoy entertainment by local schools and community groups as well as free refreshments. Santa and other special guests join the festivities.
Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting: Prairie Village – Dec. 3 from 6-7pm at Corinth Square, 82nd and Mission, Prairie Village, KS. Celebrate the start of the holiday season with friends, family and neighbors at the 30th Annual Prairie Village Mayor’s Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony! Mayor Laura Wassmer will kick off the start of the season along with Santa, Dancerz Unlimited, and the Kansas City Christian School Choir. Hot chocolate and treats will be provided. The Mayor’s Holiday Tree is lit each year to serve as a reminder of our Prairie Village community members in need. Money raised for the Mayor’s Holiday Tree Fund helps deserving and qualified Prairie Village residents with utility assistance, home maintenance needs, food assistance, and other vital needs of the community. The City works with Johnson County Human Services and Heartland Habitat for Humanity to pinpoint specific necessities. This may mean paying an electric, gas, or water bill when a resident simply cannot. Or, it could be receiving assistance with a nagging plumbing problem or adding a fresh coat of exterior paint to the home. Donations will be accepted at the event, at City Hall, or through www.prairievillagefoundation.com.
Dec. 4
Sar-Ko Aglow Sar-Ko Aglow - Dec. 4 from 6-9pm at Sar-Ko-Par Park, 87th Street Parkway & Lackman Road, Lenexa, KS. Kick off your holiday festivities this year by meeting up with friends and neighbors for a community celebration at Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park on Dec. 4 for Sar-Ko Aglow. The event will begin at 6 p.m. with the lighting of Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park. Bundle up and enjoy a stroll through the park while taking in the spectacular lights, sipping hot cocoa and listening to carolers. Santa will also be on hand to hear children’s holiday wishes in the Gazebo. Also, plan to stop by the Legler Barn Museum while enjoying the festivities. The museum will be open during the event. Inclement Weather Plan: If the weather forecast predicts temperatures to be 15 degrees or below (actual temperature or wind chill) the event will be canceled. We will make the call by noon on the day of the event. Free Admission. Parking at Indian Trails Aquatic Center and Cedar Ridge Christian Church
Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting: Raymore – Dec. 4 from 6-8pm at Raymore City Hall, 100 Municipal Circle, Raymore, MO. This festival celebration features the Ray-Pec School District Select Choir singing Christmas Carols, a live petting zoo and, of course, everyone’s favorite Santa Clause. Bring a canned food item to help kick of fthe annual Mayor’s Food Drive.
Winterfest and Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting: Olathe – Dec. 4 from 5-9pm at Olathe Community Center 1205 E. Kansas City Rd, Olathe. 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. It’s time to Celebrate Olathe with the City’s annual WinterFest and Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting! The night includes Santa, activities, crafts, local choirs and performers, a movie, the annual lighting of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree, and more! Parking will be available at Olathe North (600 E Prairie St) where a free shuttle will take guests to the Olathe Community Center.
Dec. 5
Sundown with Santa & Mayor's Tree Lighting – Dec. 5 from 5:30-6:30pm at Merriam Marketplace, 5740 Merriam Dr., Merriam, KS. Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus, right down Merriam Drive. Bring the family to share in the annual tradition of lighting the Mayor’s tree in downtown Merriam. Holiday music will be performed by students from Crestview and East Antioch Elementary. Games and hot cocoa for all and good cheer.
Festival of Lights Parade & Tree Lighting Dec. 5 at 6pm at Downtown Baldwin City at 8th and High St, Baldwin City, KS.Turn out for the annual Festival of Lights Parade and tree lighting ceremony, which welcomes Santa to town. The parade runs through historic downtown Baldwin City and features Santa Claus making his grand entrance on an antique fire truck. After the parade children can visit with Santa, have their photos taken, and enjoy warm hot cocoa and cider at area businesses. Come join the start of the holiday fun! Following the Festival of Lights Parade, the block of High Street between 8th and 7th Street will be blocked off to public transportation. There will be a tree lighting ceremony.
You might also like our guide to the Best Christmas Lights in Kansas City.