Christmas in Kansas City is a truly magical time of year. We’re excited about the all-new WinterFest at Worlds of Fun, Astro Botanicals at Union Station, the Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens, and more. And, it wouldn’t be Christmas without enjoying our favorite annual traditions like Kansas City Repertory Theatre’s production of A Christmas Carol this year with a new spin, a visit with Santa at Crown Center and Gingerbread Village and the Kansas City Ballet’s The Nutcracker. Top it off with a visit to see the Fairy Princess, Santa, and other holiday friends, experience a living nativity, and celebrate with a holiday festival. This is your ultimate guide to a Kansas City Christmas!
For additional KC Christmas Guides check out our:
- KC Holiday Shopping Guide
- Best Christmas Lights in Kansas Cityc
- KC Lighting Ceremonies Guide
- All-New KC Holiday Traditions
Note: We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always verify dates, times, location and other information, especially with the possibility of weather impacts. Please submit corrections and additions to this guide to kristina@kcparent.com.
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Christmas in KC Categories:
- Holiday Shows in Kansas City
- Nativities
- Create Holiday Arts & Crafts
- Santa Sightings in Kansas City
- Walkin’ in a Winter Wonderland
- Christmas Exhibits & Tours
Holiday Shows
Nov. 7 – Dec. 31 at The Coterie 2450 Grand Ave, Kansas City, MO. Tickets: $12-$17. Experience the power of this wonderful story live onstage as Charlie Brown turns to his best friend Linus to learn the season’s real meaning. Special encore: Snoopy’s Christmas eve encounter with the Red Baron! Read our review of A Charlie Brown Christmas.
KC Rep presents A Christmas Carol
Nov. 17 – Dec. 24 at Spencer Theatre, 4949 Cherry Street, Kansas City, MO. Kansas City’s favorite holiday tradition is back for its 37th season, with an all-NEW adaptation by KCRep Artistic Director, Eric Rosen! 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 costumes, 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!
Union Station, 30 W. Pershing, Kansas City, MO. Watch your favorite holiday films on the Extreme Screen for just $3! Nov 17-22 – National Lampoons Christmas Vacation. Nov 24-30 – Elf. Dec 1-7 – Home Alone. Dec 8-14 – Polar Express in Your PJs.
A Christmas Carol with Gerald Dickens, A Special Engagement
Nov. 19-21 at various Mid-Continent Public Library Branches. The great-great-grandson of Charles Dickens is returning to MCPL for a special engagement. A professional actor in England, the energetic Gerald Dickens leaps, laughs, and sobs as he portrays the voices of A Christmas Carol. His striking resemblance to his great-great-grandfather and his dramatic rendition of A Christmas Carol bring the classic to life. Refreshments will be served. Registration is required. FREE!
Nov. 24- Dec. 30 at Worlds of Fun. Holiday cheer rings out at Worlds of Fun during the first annual WinterFest celebration. Thousands of sparkling lights transform the park with an inviting glow that warms the heart and lifts the spirit. Witness 10 live shows, meet over 16 iconic holiday characters, join 9 holiday activities like ice skating and cooking decorating, ride select park attractions, and create lasting memories with family and friends. We’re especially excited to celebrate with Charlie Brown and Snoopy! Charlie, the gang, and a cast of 18 singers and dancers will present a Christmas Holiday Spectacular! This stunning display of holiday cheer includes high-kicking and a hefty amount of sequins to dazzle the audience. Charlie Brown even takes the stage to impress the audience with his extra special dance moves, but you can be assured the Snoopy and Lucy won’t let him steal the spotlight. All of the PEANUTS gang will be represented in this fast-paced spectacle, brought together with the talented performers who will delight with their harmonious vocals and fancy footwork in this Broadway-caliber show!
Nov. 24 – Dec. 23 at Crown Center Shops, Level 1 Atrium, 2500 Grand, Kansas City, MO. Beautiful music fills the halls of Crown Center, as more than 130 area school, church and community choirs perform Monday-Friday and Sunday. FREE!
Nov. 27-28 at various Mid-Continent Public Library Branches. 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. Registration is required. FREE!
Raggedy Ann and Andy’s Christmas Adventure
Nov. 28 – Dec. 30 at Union Station, 30 W. Pershing Rd, Ste 800, Level B, City Stage, Kansas City, MO. Those lovable cotton-stuffed dolls with their bright red yarn hair go on a fearless adventure in the Deep Woods to rescue light, warmth and the spirit of Christmas for the diverse population that lives inside Marcella’s toy chest.
Simple Strings Dulcimers Christmas Concert
Nov. 29 – Dec. 21 at various Mid-Continent Public Library branches. Enjoy Christmas classics played by members of the Simple Strings Dulcimers, and learn the history of the songs and instruments they play. Registration is required. FREE!
Legendary Tree at Legends Outlets Kansas City
Nov 18 – early Jan 2018 at Legends Outlet 1843 Village W Pkwy, Kansas City, KS. 913.788.3700. Kansas City’s only designer outlet shopping center, announces its holiday calendar filled with multiple events and prize giveaways throughout the season. 13th Annual Legendary Tree Lighting Ceremony Saturday, Nov. 18, 5 ‘ 8 p.m. (center courtyard). The ceremony will include live holiday music and a special appearance from Santa Claus, who will lead the tree lighting countdown and ignite a center-wide light display ‘ one of the region’s first and largest displays of animated lights synchronized to music. The holiday lights will remain on display through early January 2018. Also mark your calendar for: KCKPD COPPS UNIT HOLIDAY DRIVE: Nov. 1- Dec. 11 – Join Legends Outlets to help support the community this holiday season by making a donation to the KCKPD COPPS Unit holiday gift drive. Legends Outlets will accept donations in the management office during operating hours, and in the security office after-hours. Black Friday Shopping – Nov. 24, 6am-9pm. Legends Outlets will be closed on Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 23) and open at 6 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 24, for Black Friday shopping. Some store and restaurant hours on Thanksgiving and Black Friday may vary.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Nov. 30 – Dec. 10 at Blue Springs Civic Center, 2000 NW Ashton Dr., Blue Springs, MO. In this hilarious Christmas classic, a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant is faced with casting the Herdman kids’probably the most inventively awful kids in history. You won’t believe the mayhem ‘ and the fun ‘ when the Herdmans collide with the Christmas story head on!
Liberty Light Show Dec. 1 -3 from 6-9:30pm at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church 1600 North 291 Highway, Liberty, MO. This FREE drive-in Christmas light display will be synchronized with live musicians in the PV parking lot. It’s a family-friendly show that will capture the hearts of many. Audiences will tune their radios to hear live performances of Christmas favorites from the comfort of their own cars. Through a simple narrative the Gospel story will be weaved throughout the show – inviting guests to discover the true reason for the season. Guests can view the 15-minute show from the warmth of their vehicles on a first-come, first-serve basis. Shows are 15 minutes long, and begin every 45 minutes at 6:00pm, 6:45pm, 7:30pm, 8:15pm, 9:00pm.
Friday Night Family Fun: StoneLion Puppets present “Gingerbread Revue”
Dec. 1 at 6:30pm at Kansas City Public Library Plaza Branch, 4801 Main Street, Kansas City, MO. Free event. Kansas City’s StoneLion Puppet Theatre delivers a festive start to the holiday season with a delightful marionette show about what all the toys and goodies do when no one is watching. FREE!
The Canadian Brass: Christmastime is Here!
Dec. 1 at Helzberg Hall, Kauffman Center. The herald trumpets sing – along with French horn, tuba and trombone in this most wonderful holiday concert together with your Kansas City Symphony. These five brass masters always amaze audiences with their exquisite playing, wide-ranging repertoire and the sheer joy of their music-makinghear classic carols and sacred music along with fun Christmas tunes, such as the treasured A Charlie Brown Christmas.
Dec 2 & 3 at Ritz Charles, 9000 W. 137th Street, Overland Park, KS. Friends of Overland Park Arts presents the 12th Annual Nutcracker Tea Party, a family-friendly event perfect for the child in everyone. It’s a festive tea, a magical ballet, an amazing time. The one-hour version of the classic Nutcracker ballet – perfect for young attention spans – is performed by Crescendo Conservatory and follows each tea party which features food and beverages and strolling costumed dancers. There are four parties from which to choose – 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Saturday and 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Sunday.
Lanesfield School Country Christmas Concert
Dec. 2 at Lanesfield Historic Site, 18745 S Dillie Road, Edgerton, KS. Enjoy a special Christmas concert in the schoolhouse, featuring the Edgerton Rainbow Connection Children’s Choir. The performance will begin at 1:30 pm, followed by a visit from Santa, crafts, and free refreshments.
Liberty Symphony Presents Ring in the Holidays
Dec. 2 at 7:30pm at Liberty Performing Arts Theatre, 1600 S Withers Road, Liberty, MO. Enjoy the popular Holiday concert, featuring the William Jewell College Handbell Choir.
Powell Gardens’ Holiday Concert
Dec. 3 from 5-6pm at Powell Gardens, 1609 NW US HWY 50`, Kingsville, MO. Arcana Quartet is comprised of students attending the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory, under the direction of Professor Zachary Shemon.
Kansas City Symphony Presents TubaChristmas
Dec. 4 & 8 at Helzberg Hall, Kauffman Center. TubaChristmas in Kansas City has happened annually since 1979, often bringing together over 500 tuba and euphonium players from all walks of life, and sometimes multiple generations of the same family who have made TubaChristmas an annual tradition. FREE!
Cirque Musica Holiday Presents BELIEVE
Dec. 5 at 7pm at Silverstein Eye Centers Arena, 19100 E Valley View Pkwy, Independence, MO. 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The Cirque Musica Holiday Presents BELIEVE is a fun filled holiday entertainment event for the entire family. The perfect celebration for the holidays as the cast of Cirque Musica performs incredible feats of strength, skill, and grace to great Holiday music favorites performed by a live symphony.
Dec. 6-16 at various Mid-Continent Public Library branches. Get into the Christmas spirit with a performance by these festive singers dressed in beautiful Victorian attire. FREE!
KC Ballet presents The Nutcracker
Dec. 7-24 at Muriel Kauffman Theatre at Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, 1601 Broadway, Kansas City, MO. Following its Kennedy Center premiere in Washington, D.C., the acclaimed holiday production returns to its Kansas City home. See your children’s wonder ignite and feel the glimmer once more as your childhood dreams return and inspire you to IMAGINE AGAIN as The KC Ballet presents this timeless classic.
Children’s Christmas Opera: Amahl and the Night Visitors
Dec. 8 at 7:00pm at St. John’s UMC, 6900 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, MO. One evening three kings, following the Star of the East to Bethlehem, seek shelter for the night. They stop at the home of Amahl, a poor crippled boy who lives with his widowed mother. Inspired by the tale of a kingdom built on love,’ Amahl offers his own simple gift to the Christ Child. FREE!
Dec. 8 from 6-8:30pm at Summit Fair, 860 NW Blue Pkwy, Lee’s Summit, MO. Come out for a FREE, holiday themed version of the Mesner Puppet Theater’s, Comical Adventures of Old Mother Hubbard and help support Furry Kids’ Refuge in the process! Kiddos get to sit with Santa Claus during the show and will have the opportunity to take photos with Santa. FREE!
Best Christmas Pageant Ever presented by Culture House
Dec. 8-10 at Oak Park Mall, 11149 W 95th St, Overland Park, KS. Don’t miss this darling Christmas favorites where the zany Herdman family topples all the normal plans, but reveals the heart of Christmas at the same time.
Kansas City Symphony Presents Handel’s Messiah
Dec. 8-10 at Helzberg Hall, Kauffman Center. The power of more than 250 voices combined with the impeccable acoustics of Helzberg Hall provides a triumphant experience of Handel’s majestic choral masterpiece.
Christmas with Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant
Dec. 8 at Sprint Center, 1407 Grand Boulevard, Kansas City, MO. Multi-platinum, Grammy winners Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith co-bill their popular Christmas tour this holiday season. They will be joined for the second consecutive year by Republic recording artist Jordan Smith, Season 9 winner of NBC’s “The Voice.” Each performance will incorporating a full symphony orchestra under the direction of Musical Director and Conductor David Hamilton.
A Christmas Gathering: Danú and the Kansas City Chorale
Dec. 9 at Performing Arts Series at JCCC, 12345 College Blvd, Yardley Hall, Overland Park, KS. Local community choirs singing traditional songs for Christmas and Wren’s Day (Dec. 26) are a common sight throughout Ireland each December. For generations, music and dance gatherings, in communities both urban and rural, have combined to offer a great variety of songs, music and stories for the holidays. In honor of this tradition, the Kansas City Chorale will join Danú onstage for a few songs.
A Kansas City Christmas December 9, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. and December 10, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. at 10am at Lenexa Baptist Church 15320 W 87th St Pkwy, Lenexa, KS. Enjoy a wonderful evening of Christmas music, food and fun for the entire family that celebrates of the birth of Christ.The program features a 130 voice Worship Choir, a 40 piece Worship Orchestra and a tremendous muliti-media presentation. Chad McDonald, the Senior Pastor, will share the true story of Christmas and what it means for us today. Following the program, you are invited to attend a dessert buffet in our Koinonia Hall. The entire evening is the church’s special gift to you. The program is free to the public and child-care is provided for ages 3 and under.
Dec. 9 at Sprint Center, 1407 Grand Boulevard, Kansas City, MO. Over the past 20-plus years, Trans-Siberian Orchestra has become a critically-acclaimed, multi-platinum, musical powerhouse, and its annual winter tours a beloved, multi-generational holiday tradition. 2017’s tour, a completely updated presentation of TSO’s unforgettable “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve.”
Reflections Across the Pond: An English Christmas
Dec. 9 at 4 & 7pm at Lee’s Summit High School, 400 SE Blue Pkwy, Lee’s Summit, MO. Annual Holiday Concert performed by Lee’s Summit Symphony.
Dec. 9 at County Club United Methodist Church, 400 W 57th Street, Kansas City, MO. A day filled with the merry sounds and songs of Christmas! Remember: The best way to spread Christmas cheer is [playing the cello] for all to hear!
Dec. 9 & 16 at 11am and 2pm at Puppetry Arts Institute, 11025 E. Winner Rd, Independence, MO. $6/ea. Enjoy a festive holiday puppet show presented by Kraig Kensinger puppeteer.
Ms. Dennise’s Christmas Puppet Theater
Dec. 9-18 at various Mid-Continent Public Library branches. Santa visiting the library! Join the LS Puppeteers for two charming and lively tales that star the “jolly old elf” himself! Then stick around for two more delightful stories about Little Blue Riding Hood and a hilariously forgetful dog! Registration is required. FREE!
Dec. 9-22 at various Mid-Continent Public Library branches. Jim Cosgrove presents Mr. Stinky Feet’s Christmas! Celebrate the holidays with singing, dancing, and stinky feet! Fun for the whole family! Registration is required. FREE!
Dec. 9-21 at various Mid-Continent Public Library branches. Terry Bell and his band, the Cool Cats, squeeze the most out of all those holiday favorites in this fun-loving holiday accordion concert. FREE!
Line Creek Figure Skating Club Winter Holiday Show
Dec. 10 at 11am at Line Creek Community Center, 5940 NW Waukomis Dr., Kansas City, MO. Come see the Line Creek Figure Skating Club perform in their big holiday show! This is a free figure-skating and synchronized skating show, so don’t miss out! FREE!
Contemporary Christmas Concert
Dec. 10 at 4:30pm at Woods Chapel UMC Blue Springs, 3609 SW State Route 7, Blue Springs, MO. Join the Woods Chapel Praise Band as we celebrate the Christmas season with some modern flair! FREE!
Dec. 10 from 6-8pm at First Baptist Church of Shawnee, 11400 Johnson Dr., Shawnee, KS. The Christmas concert Carols & Cookies will feature the FBC choir, handbells, and the Kansas City Homeschool Choir. A cookie reception to follow. FREE!
Dec. 12 at various Mid-Continent Public Library branches. Join Hampstead Stage for this classic holiday tale of miserly Ebenezer Scrooge and the four ghosts who teach him the true meaning of Christmas. Registration required. FREE!
The Holly & The Ivy presented by Culture House
Dec. 15-17 at Oak Park Mall, 11149 W 95th St, Overland Park, KS. Great musicians come together to inspire with holiday classics and the soul of Christmas. Join players like Kelsie Clark, Brandon Graves, Eddie Smith, Christina Graves, Joey Panella and Kenny Carter while they weave Folk, American and Jazz sensibilities with the spirit of Christmas for a night you’ll never forget.
Kansas City Symphony’s Christmas Festival
Dec. 15-19 at Helzberg Hall, Kauffman Center. We’re sending a musical Christmas card to you! Join the Kansas City Symphony and Chorus for this spectacular holiday celebration filled with lush symphonic arrangements of Christmas classics, fresh versions of your favorite carols, and many melodic surprises. Share the spirit of the season with your entire family as you enjoy enchanting performances by the Symphony, Symphony Chorus, Allegro Children’s Choir, the Rezound! Handbell Ensemble and a special early visit from Santa Claus!
Dec. 15-17 at Avila University’s Goppert Theater, Kansas City, MO. A Christian re-write of Tchaikovsky’s original Nutcracker. With breathtaking sets and beautiful costumes, the Holy Spirit (Sugar Plum Fairy) takes Clara back to Bethlehem to witness the birth of Christ, the heavenly host rejoicing, and the Nations of the world presenting their dances before the King of Kings. The plan of salvation thru the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus is dramatically portrayed through the closing grand pas de deux.
American Youth Ballet “The Nutcracker”
Dec. 16 & 17 at Performing Arts Series at JCCC, 12345 College Blvd, Yardley Hall, Overland Park, KS. Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic, The Nutcracker, performed by the American Youth Ballet. Don’t miss the magic and tradition. A 40ft growing tree, snow falling on stage, and a live orchestra highlight an Overland Park tradition.
The Nutcracker Ballet: Staley Performing Arts Theatre
Dec. 16 & 17 at Staley Performing Arts Theatre, 2800 NE Shoal Creek Pkwy, Kansas City, MO. $14 GA. Ibsen Dance Theatre ballet students and members of Ibsen Ballet Theatre Youth Company proudly present the holiday classic “The Nutcracker Ballet” benefiting The Northland Christmas Store. Completely volunteer and not-for-profit, this full-length ballet is beautifully performed, with professional costumes and scenery.
A Charlie Brown Christmas at Lied Center
Dec. 16 at Lied Center, 1600 Stewart Drive, Lawrence, KS. A Charlie Brown Christmas, the Emmy and Peabody Award-winning story by Charles M. Schulz, has warmed the hearts of millions of fans since it first aired on television over fifty years ago. Now, the classic animated television special comes to life in this faithful stage adaptation, featuring all of your favorite characters and the classic Vince Guaraldi score. Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the rest of the Peanuts gang as they mount a play, save a tree and uncover the true meaning of Christmas.
Clara’s Dream and Holiday Showcase
Dec. 16 & 17 at Olathe South High School Performing Arts Center, 1640 E 151st St, Olathe, KS. This beautiful adaption of the classical Nutcracker Ballet follows Clara on a magical journey through the land of Snow and Sweets. Performances feature the artistic talents of the Miller Marley Youth Ballet and Youth Ballet 2 companies, along with over 60 guest performers, all adorned in beautiful costumes. Miller Marley’s performance companies kick off with Act 1 with a lively variety of holiday songs and dances by performers ranging in age from 5 to 18. This inspiring holiday tradition is a wonderful way to introduce families to the Nutcracker Ballet, while enjoying the talents of so many young performers.
Dec. 16 – Jan. 7 at Union Station, 30 W. Pershing, Kansas City, MO. Celebrate the holidays with your favorite songs set to a choreographed laser show.
Dec. 16 at Union Station, 30 West Pershing Road, Kansas City, MO. The Trombone Christmas Kansas City Concert was founded by Dr. Frank Perez and Mr. William Biggs in 2017 and is presented to promote and encourage the fellowship and musicianship of trombone players through the performance of Christmas Music. Participation in the concert is open to trombone players of all ages and experience levels. FREE!
Clara and the Land of Sweets: A Nutcracker Story
Dec. 16 at Eudora High School Performing Arts Center, 2203 Church St, Eudora, KS. Tickets are $6-$10. Clara and the Land of Sweets: A Nutcracker Story features Act II of the Nutcracker, where Clara dreams of a magical land called “the Land of Sweets.” There candies, angels, peppermints, chocolate, the sugar plum fairy, and more welcome their guest with dances.
Dec. 20 at 5 & 7pm at Westside Family Church, 8500 Woodsonia Dr, Lenexa, KS. Jingle Jam is a Christmas party big enough for the whole family! Come and experience a live band singing your favorite Christmas songs. FREE!
The Magic of the Holidays with Eric Vaughn
Dec. 20 at 2pm at Mid-Continent Public Libary, Lee’s Summit Branch. Eric Vaughn and his furry sidekick, Mr. Tinkles, perform amazing, lighthearted magic to bring wonder, mystery, and merriment to the holiday season. Registration required. FREE!
Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker
Dec. 22 at Arvest Bank Theater at The MIdland. Celebrate this Christmas with the experience taking North America by storm! Marking the 25th Anniversary Tour, Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker features over-the-top production and world class Russian artists. Larger than life Puppets, Nesting Dolls and gloriously hand-crafted costumes bring the Christmas spirit to life. Gather the family and see why the press is raving “Knock Out!” ‘ New York Times “Christmas Cheer!” ‘ LA Times. Get the best seats today and memories for a lifetime at Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker!
Kansas City Symphony presents Disney in Concert: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
Dec. 22 & 23 Helzberg Hall, Kauffman Center. It’s the wildly inventive world of Tim Burton’s macabre classic shown in its entirety on a huge screen in Helzberg Hall. Danny Elfman’s rambunctious, colorful score will roar to life in the hands of the Kansas City Symphony as you follow Jack the Pumpkin King’s quest to seize Christmas.
Shen Yun Dec. 22-23 at The Music Hall, 301 W. 13th St, Kansas City, MO. Experience SHEN Yun’s unique artistic vision as it expands theatrical experience into a multi-dimensional, inspiring journey through one of humanity’s greatest treasures-the five millennia of traditional Chinese culture. This epic production immerses you in stories reaching back to the most distant past. You’ll explore realms even beyond our visible world. Featuring one of the world’s oldest art forms-classical Chinese dance -along with patented scenographical effects and all-original orchestral works, Shen Yun opens a portal to a civilization of enchanting beauty.
Dec. 30 at The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, 5235 Oak St., Kansas City, MO. Free with admission. Take a break from the hectic season to enjoy traditional holiday music on stringed instruments in the museum’s Tureman Education Center.
Nativities
Nov. 17-19, Dec. 1-3 at Countryside Baptist Church, 14150 W. 175th Street , Overland Park, KS. Journey to Judea is an interactive Christmas experience that allows you to walk through the narrative of the Bible, learning the twists and turns that lead us to the birth of Christ and reveal the true significance of His com