It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! From mid-November to mid-December, all across the Kansas City metro the "flips are switched" and the City is decked out in holiday splendor! This is your Guide to Kansas City's Christmas Lighting Ceremonies.
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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. Tip: The green titles link to the website for each event.
Barney Allis Lighting Ceremony
Nov 16, 2012 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm at Barney Allis Plaza 12th and Wyandotte KCMO.
City Lights, the annual downtown holiday lighting ceremony, is also the official kickoff of The Salvation Army’s Christmas Campaign. The City Lights display encompasses Barney Allis Plaza and several nearby buildings including the Kansas City Marriott Downtown, which features spectacular computer-generated holiday images across its 22-story facade.
Mayor's Tree Lighting: Lee's Summit
Nov 16, 2012 6:30 pm until 8:00 pm in Downtown Lee's Summit
Mayor Randy Rhoads will flip the switch to light all of downtown at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16, in Howard Station Park. Enjoy free hot chocolate, cookies, performances, carriage rides, reindeer and a visit from Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elves. Be sure to visit participating businesses open late until 8 p.m. Also new this year is a sweater and hat lighting contest. Anyone who attends the event wearing a sweater or hat that is lighted in some fashion can enter the contest to win prizes. Winners will be announced before the lighting ceremony.
Legends Outlets Kansas City Eighth Annual Lighting Ceremony
Nov 17, 2012 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Legends Outlets Kansas City 1843 Village West Parkway Kansas City, KS. (Pictured at Left)
Experience the largest synchronized lighting ceremony in Kansas City at the Legends Outlets’ eighth annual holiday lighting extravaganza, with a unique lighting display on a 45-foot holiday tree created by a world-renowned technology-driven holiday lights team. As part of the celebratory holiday event, the U.S Marine Corp Reserve will officially launch the Toys for Tots program at the center with members that will escort Santa Claus to the center for the lighting. In addition, the event kicks off a new on-site location for Santa Photos and festive holiday décor on display through December. The Lighting Ceremony will include live holiday music from eleven local artists, visit from Santa Claus, and the larger-than-life holiday décor.
Northern Lights Holiday Lighting Ceremony
Nov 17, 2012 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm at Zona Rosa Town Square I-29 & Barry Rd.Kansas City, MO. (Pictured at Right)
Zona Rosa kicks off the holiday season with a special lighting ceremony to spotlight the large crowns hung above the streets, as well as the featured 50 ft. Christmas tree in Town Square. The community is invited to the FREE program including the official arrival of the holiday Fairy Princess, Santa Claus & Mrs. Claus and their live reindeer! Enjoy special holiday musical performances and a variety of other children's activities. Start your holiday season at Zona Rosa!
Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Open House: Independence
Nov 17, 2012 10:00 am until 7:00 pm at Historic Independence Square
Kick off the holiday season by visiting our charming shops before the tree lighting to see what new merchandise they will be displaying, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sleigh rides at noon. Santa visits and Kids Winter Wonderland 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.. Dancers, carolers and entertainment for all ages until 6 p.m. Tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m.
Holiday Lighting Ceremony: Briarcliff Village
Nov 18, 2012 at Briarcliff Village 4125 N. Mulberry Drive Kansas City, MO
Our biggest event of the year … and the most beautiful tree lighting North of the River. Bring the whole family for an unforgettable night of entertainment, fireworks over the water, and that magical moment when we flip the switch on thousands of dazzling colored lights. The Holidays have officially begun!
Mayor's Tree Lighting: Gladstone
Nov 20, 2012 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Gladstone City Hall 7010 North Holmes Gladstone, MO.
Come and celebrate a Gladstone tradition in our new Linden Square by switching on the Mayors Christmas Tree! There will be fun for the whole family with Ice Skating and a Visit from Santa Claus! For more information please call: 816-423-4088.
Nov 21, 2012 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm at Longview Lake Beach Kansas City , MO. (Pictured left)
Gates open at 5:00 p.m. Stage show at 6:00 p.m. Fireworks at 7:40 p.m., followed by drive through Christmas In The Park. 99.7 The Point’s Christmas In The Sky is a kick-off celebration for your holiday season. Enjoy this evening filled with local celebrities, holiday stage productions and an amazing fireworks display, synchronized to your favorite holiday music. This event sets the stage for opening night of Jackson County’s Christmas In The Park. Directions to Christmas In The Sky: Take 470 East to the Raytown Road Exit, Exit South on Raytown Road and follow to the Longview Lake Beach entrance. Directional signs will be posted off of Raytown Road for Christmas In The Sky.
Nov 22, 2012 6:00 pm until 11:00 pm at Country Club Plaza 47th and Wyandotte Kansas City, MO. (Pictured right.)
The 83rd Annual KCP&L Plaza Lighting Ceremony. Stay tuned for all the fun details surrounding the 2012 KCP&L Plaza Lighting Ceremony. The ceremony will be broadcast LIVE on NBC Action News. The KCP&L Plaza Lights shine daily from 5pm to 3am, Thanksgiving through Sunday, January 13, 2013.
Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Nov 23, 2012 5:30 pm until 9:00 pm at Crown Center Square 2450 Grand Blvd. Kansas City, MO. (Pictured at top.)
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.
After the holidays, the wood from the Mayor’s Christmas Tree is made into commemorative ornaments, which are sold the following year to benefit the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund. The 2012 ornament goes on sale the day after Thanksgiving at the Crown Center Customer Service office.
Mayor's Tree Lighting: Belton Nov 26, 2012 Downtown Belton Main Street Celebrate with the annual tree lighting. Time and details TBA.
Christmas in the Park: Gardner
Nov 26, 2012 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm at Cornerstone Park in Gardner, KS.0
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! The 22nd Annual "Christmas in the Park" holiday event kicks off with the Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Monday, November 26, 2012 at Cornerstone Park. Seasonal music will be performed by area school children. The event will include a Christmastime message from Mayor Dave Drovetta and the arrival of Santa. A lucky individual will be selected to flip the switch that turns on thousands of beautiful lights throughout the park.
Mayor's Tree Lighting: Prairie Village Nov 29, 2012 6:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Corinth Square 83rd St & Mission Rd Prairie Village, KS. Come to the Mayor's Holiday Tree Lighting.
Nov 30, 2012 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm at Lenexa Community Center
Old Town Lighting is an annual holiday lighting ceremony that takes place across from Old Town at the Lenexa Community Center. This year’s event will be held Nov. 30. The community is invited to gather in the parking lot between the Lenexa Community Center and Lenexa Senior Center for a panoramic view of the lighting of Old Town’s historic row of buildings. This long-time holiday tradition includes a variety of festive entertainment for all ages, school choir performances, visits with Santa, holiday refreshments, dance performances and the holiday secret shop for kids where gifts can be purchased for an average price of $2 to $5.
Nov 30, 2012 7:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Historic Downtown Lexington Missouri
Enjoy a lighted Christmas parade and live performances of festive holiday music. Have your picture taken with Father Christmas.
Dec 1, 2012 4:30 pm until 7:30 pm at Shawnee City Hall 11110 Johnson Drive Shawnee, KS.
An evening full of holiday activities awaits you, Dickens Carolers, hand Painting, holiday arts and craft activities, and of course Santa Claus!
The evening will begin at 4:30 p.m. with local music and dance groups performing inside City Hall, followed by the Mayor and Santa throwing the switch to light up the Mayor’s Christmas tree at 5:15 p.m. Then the festivities continue from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at Shawnee Town 1929. Various Downtown businesses will also be hosting open houses throughout the afternoon.
Candy Cane Hunt & Mayor's Tree Lighting: Merriam
Dec 1, 2012 5:30 pm until 6:30 pm at Merriam Marketplace 5740 Merriam Drive Merriam, KS.
It is rumored that Santa will leave candy canes around the Merriam Marketplace. Join us as we search for hidden candy canes. After the search we will roast marshmallows and make s'mores. (For children ages 1 to 7) Following the Candy Cane Hunt, stay for the Mayor's Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6:00 PM. Bring the entire family for this festive holiday event. Enjoy holiday music performed by area singers. Mayor Ken Sissom will light this year's holiday tree followed by a visit from Santa, arriving via a Merriam Fire Department truck. COLD WEATHER WON'T CANCEL THESE EVENTS...just add to the atmosphere! Hot chocolate and warming fire will be available to help warm you up. A great way to start off the holiday season.
Christmas Tree Lighting: Grandview
Dec 6, 2012 6:45 pm until 8:00 pm at Grandview City Hall 1200 Main Street Grandview, MO.
Donations will be accepted for this event to benefit the Grandview Assistance Program (GAP). Get into the holiday spirit at this beautiful community event. Gather with friends at Grandview City Hall for the lighting of the Mayor's Christmas tree and enjoy live entertainment from area school music programs. Santa is there to pass out candy canes and everyone is in good cheer.
Dec 7, 2012 5:30 pm until 7:30 pm at Olathe City Hall 100 E. Santa Fe Olathe, KS.
This popular event features the Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting, choirs from Olathe school's, a variety of local talent and the arrival of Santa Claus. Other attractions include ice sculpting, a visit with Santa, food and drinks. Proceeds raised for the Mayor's Christmas Tree Fund from businesses, civic groups and the sale of holiday ornaments go to benefit agencies in our area that address the needs of the less fortunate in our community.
Brookside Tree Lighting Dec 7, 2012 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm at 63rd St./Brookside Plaza Kansas City, MO. Enjoy entertainment, hot chocolate and cookies. Experience a charming evening in Brookside.