If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to step into a holiday winter wonderland straight out of a Hallmark Christmas movie, the Hallmark Christmas Experience is your chance. This immersive event is new to Kansas City and is located in the heart of Crown Center.
Guests can browse the Holiday Hallmarket to find iconic Hallmark gifts for friends and family, such as ornaments, mugs, cards, t-shirts, kids’ toys, and more. The Christmas Market is especially enchanting, with numerous tents decorated by local vendors displaying home goods, artisan jewelry, books, and clothing boutiques. I recommend visiting the Festive Food Hall first and grabbing a hot cocoa, tea, or cocktail to keep warm while you stroll. There are numerous savory and sweet shops for a treat, and a greenspace with high-top tables and picnic tables to enjoy them. Meander through the maze of shops to find the Crayola Community Mural for adults and kids to color, and don’t miss the Card-Sending Station to send a card to a loved one — Hallmark even takes care of the postage!
Nestled among the shops are festively crafted, life-size children’s toys to climb aboard and pretend to drive. Our girls loved the multi-car train, tractor, race car, and tic-tac-toe board. Right in the middle of the square, and immediately visible from any vantage point, is the 100-foot-tall Mayor’s Christmas Tree. Dazzling light shows will take place around the tree this season as special guests perform for the whole family. Be sure to check the calendar for the dates and times of these ticketed events, as there are many throughout the month of December. For an additional fee, Crown Center’s Ice Terrace is available for an ice-skating adventure with the perfect Christmas backdrop, as well as the Light Walk among luminary holiday fixtures.
The Hallmark Christmas Experience is open now through December 22. Hours are Friday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Don’t miss this creative and festive event with activities for the whole family to enjoy this Christmas season.
Allie Cole is a writer who loves celebrating the holiday season with her family. She lives in Lenexa with her husband and two daughters, where they enjoy exploring Kansas City’s festive traditions and creating new Christmas memories.