Last December I sat beside my girls as the theater lights dimmed and the first delicate notes of Tchaikovsky’s “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” floated through the air. Their eyes widened as the ballerinas tiptoed gracefully across the stage. For me, it wasn’t just the sparkle of the costumes that made the moment special — it was the music. The familiar melody wrapped us all in the wonder of Christmas, reminding us that the season has a soundtrack of its own.
From the jingling of sleigh bells to the soaring “Hallelujah” chorus of Handel’s Messiah, the holidays in Kansas City are filled with sounds that bring joy and connection. This December, families can experience the magic firsthand through beloved performances and concerts across the metro. Whether your crew loves a lighthearted musical, a timeless symphony or the whimsical charm of The Nutcracker, there’s a stage in Kansas City ready to fill your season with music.
The Coterie’s Elf: The Musical
The Coterie brings Buddy the Elf’s hilarious and heartwarming story to life on stage! Full of laughter, singing and festive cheer, this family-friendly show is perfect for kids and parents alike. The Coterie’s delightful musical adaptation of the film classic runs through the end of the year.
KC Parent Pro Tip: Special add-on experiences make this holiday performance even more memorable. Decorate gingerbread houses at a cookie-decorating party on National Gingerbread House Day (Fri., Dec. 12) with the purchase of a ticket before the show; or ring in the “noon year” at Bubbles with Buddy (Wed., Dec. 31). Families can enjoy specialty snacks, kid-friendly bubbly drinks and a festive countdown with the cast at the final performance of the year!
Kansas City Symphony’s performance of Handel’s Messiah
Experience one of the most powerful holiday traditions with the symphony and chorus. The majestic “Hallelujah” chorus is a moment families with older kids and teens will never forget. Nearly 150 musicians from all different backgrounds come together to uplift and inspire as they perform this masterpiece with unbelievable acoustics inside Helzberg Hall. This celebration of music runs from December 5-7.
Winter Magic
Experience a magical mile of holiday cheer, all from the comfort of your car! With Christmas tunes pumping through the radio and dazzling lights synchronized to the music, this illuminated adventure is as cozy as it is spectacular. No need to bundle up the kids — just load everyone in and enjoy the show. This family-friendly favorite runs now through Jan. 4 in the Northland.
KC Parent Pro Tip: We love to load up the van for this one! Since admission is charged per car, invite grandparents or a few friends to fill the extra seats. Don’t forget to pack popcorn for the ride or grab snacks at the event.
Hallmark Christmas Experience
Step into holiday magic with Hallmark’s second annual immersive celebration. From live performances and carolers to interactive music moments, this event brings Christmas sights and sounds together in a way the whole family will love. Much of the experience is free to explore. Wander through Christmas market booths designed like a winter village, enjoy spectacular tree lighting shows, and sample delicious seasonal food and drinks. Families can also take part in low-cost fun like skating on the Ice Terrace or strolling through the twinkling Light Walk on the square. For those feeling extra festive, ticketed packages open the door to even more holiday magic, including Broadway Night and other special performances and signature dining experiences. This magical celebration runs Nov. 28 to Dec. 21.
The Nutcracker
A timeless tradition, right here in Kansas City! Tchaikovsky’s enchanting score paired with the dazzling performances of the Kansas City Ballet and local community productions makes for an unforgettable experience.
This is the show I hunt down tickets for every year, eager for my girls to see it. We’ve attended two different local productions, and our favorite was The Jewish Nutcracker: Short and Suite at the White Theatre in the Jewish Community Center. At just an hour long, with an intermission for snacks, it was the perfect introduction to this beloved classic for my 5- and 3-year-old daughters. They were captivated by the battle between the Mouse King and the Nutcracker and mesmerized by the dance of the dreidels. This year, the show is on Sunday, Dec. 7, with tickets for a tea party in the afternoon.
For a more mature audience, an evening at the Kansas City Ballet’s full production is not to be missed. The performance runs slightly over two hours, making it a great choice for families with older children. Tickets are available for performances from Nov. 29 through Dec. 24.
Between the Kansas City Ballet and community productions across the metro, The Nutcracker is a must-see.
A Charlie Brown Christmas
This stage adaptation of the beloved Christmas television special brings Charles Schulz’s classic characters to life in a whole new way. Featuring a jazzy score that captures the warmth of the season, this performance invites families to join in with group sing-alongs at the end. At just an hour and a half long, it’s the perfect introduction to the sounds of the holidays for little ones. Plus, it’s a chance for parents to enjoy the nostalgia of the Peanuts gang. This heartwarming holiday tradition takes place at Helzberg Hall on Tuesday, Dec. 9.
Kansas City Symphony’s Christmas Festival
Sing along to your favorite carols with the symphony and symphony chorus and soak in the sparkle of this joyful holiday concert. Christmas Festival is designed with families in mind and features fresh takes on beloved carols, plus heartwarming, festive surprises, including a visit from Santa himself. Enjoy the holiday magic at one of six performances running Dec. 18-21.
A Christmas Carol
This Christmas classic by Charles Dickens is one I return to year after year. I never tire of the instructive message the ghosts leave for Scrooge or of watching his transformation from a stingy miser into a joyful, generous man. The production at the Spencer Theater tells just the story my heart craves each holiday season, filled with joyous carols, lively songs and laughter the whole family will enjoy. Running approximately two hours, this festive tradition takes the stage from Nov. 30 to Dec. 27.
KC Parent Pro Tip: Before heading to the theater, listen to the novella aloud as a family. The Merry Beggars podcast offers a wonderful rendition with talented voice actors who bring the dialogue to life in a 25-day Advent calendar format. My young girls enjoyed it too. Plus, the podcast provides an activity book with coloring sheets and discussion questions to help kids engage with the story in a meaningful way.
Family Tips
- Plan ahead. Popular shows will sell out early.
- Pick your match. Shorter, upbeat concerts work best for younger kids, while ballets and symphonies can create magical memories for older children.
- Make it a tradition. Pair the performance with hot cocoa, cookies or a holiday lights drive to round out the night.
Let the music of the season be part of your family’s celebrations this year.
Allie Cole is the print editor for KC Parent and loves establishing new traditions to celebrate the Christmas season with her husband and two young girls.