Winter is the perfect time to enjoy ice-skating, indoor exhibits, films and delicious dinners with the ones we love.
Christmas Towns Nearby
Christmas movies often feature quaint towns with beautiful holiday decorations, strolling carolers and the magic of Christmas on every corner. We’re fortunate to have several towns with that Hallmark Christmas movie feeling less than a tank of gas away from Kansas City.
KC’s Best Holiday Lights
Kansas City twinkles with holiday magic, lighting up the metro with some truly dazzling displays! Here’s our roundup of the best Christmas lights in KC!
Most displays run from Thanksgiving to Christmas, starting at sunset (5:30) until 10:00, with a few exceptions-be sure to check online for exact times!
Holiday Drive-Through Tips for Maximum Fun:
- Dress the kiddos in cozy PJs and pack some travel mugs of hot cocoa with a side of cookies.
- Cue up your favorite holiday playlist and get ready for a sing-along!
- Fill up your gas tank and make a quick restroom stop before embarking on your festive adventure.
- Save your favorite spots in GPS for easy repeat visits and future traditions!
- Don’t forget to share your festive finds on social media! Tag us so others can enjoy KC’s best holiday lights and link to our guide to make their search even easier!
Winter Magic
Winter Magic is a popular drive-thru holiday light show in Kansas City, Missouri. For the 2024 season, the event runs from November 1, 2024, through January 5, 2025, operating every night starting at 6 PM.
This year, Winter Magic has relocated to Platte Purchase Park at 10400 N Platte Purchase Dr, Kansas City, MO 64154. The event features twice the number of lights compared to previous years, offering a dazzling one-mile drive with upgraded displays and festive music.
Ticket prices vary depending on the day:
- Monday through Thursday: $20 per vehicle
- Friday and Sunday: $25 per vehicle
- Saturday: $30 per vehicle
GloWild | Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium
GloWild: Legends & Lore is currently captivating visitors at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, running through December 29, 2024. This year’s festival features two distinct loops:
- Adventure Loop: Showcasing themes like Atlantis and dinosaurs.
- Fantasy Loop: Highlighting an enchanted forest and a fairy garden.
Santa Claus is present at Santa’s Cabin (located in the Sheep Station) from 5:30 to 9:00 pm each night GloWild is open through December 22. Visitors can meet Santa and his helper elves, with the option to take photos using personal cameras or purchase professional photos.
Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen, situated across from the Australia train station, offers cookie decorating and s’mores for purchase, along with free meet-and-greet photo opportunities with Mrs. Claus. These activities are available from 5:30 to 9:00 pm through December 22.
The festival operates on the following schedule:
- Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday: 5:00 pm ‘ 9:00 pm
- Friday and Saturday: 5:00 pm ‘ 10:00 pm
The Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Annual holiday events on select nights from November 24 through December 20, 2024. This year, attendees can choose from three unique experiences:
Luminary Walk: Stroll through candlelit woods, enjoy live musical performances, and savor complimentary hot cider in the Children’s Discovery Garden. This event is scheduled for:
- Friday, November 29 & Saturday, November 30
- Friday, December 6 & Saturday, December 7
- Friday, December 13 &Saturday, December 14
Electric Glow: Experience the beauty of the Luminary Walk’s electric displays without the candlelit woods, Santa, musicians, cider, trains, or crowds. Electric Glow limits capacity, making it ideal for a more relaxed evening. Dates include:
- Monday, November 25 – Wednesday, November 27
- Tuesday, December 3 – Wednesday, December 4
- Tuesday, December 10 – Wednesday, December 11
- Tuesday, December 17 – Wednesday, December 18
Candlelight Stroll: An adults-only evening featuring the glow of candles through the woods, dazzling light displays, and live musical performances. This event is set for:
- Thursday, December 12
Holiday Reflections at Union Station
Scheduled to run from November 22, 2024, through January 1, 2025. This expansive indoor holiday experience fills the Grand Plaza with breathtaking scenic elements and endless photo opportunities. Highlights include sky-reaching lights, a forest of decorated trees, and dazzling overhead ornaments.
New this year is the Fountain Forest, a 4,500 sq. ft. indoor illuminated fountain. This custom fountain features a 30-foot liquid fireworks dance show set to the beat of favorite holiday songs, crafted by the makers of similar fountains at Universal Studios, Sea World, and Walt Disney World.
Additionally, all 17 iconic Grand Plaza windows will be adorned with “12 Days of Christmas” themed blackout curtains, totaling more than 4,500 square feet. This enhancement ensures a consistent and brilliant lighting experience regardless of the time of day or night.
Christmas in the Park
Christmas in the Park at Longview Lake Park is celebrating its 37th year, running from November 27 through December 31, 2024. This enchanting drive-through winter wonderland features over half a million lights and 200 animated displays, all designed and built by Jackson County Parks + Rec’s talented crews.
Event Details:
- Dates: November 27 ‘ December 31, 2024
- Hours: Nightly from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM
- Location: The drive begins at the Frank White Jr. Softball Complex and winds through Longview Campground.
- Admission is free; however, voluntary exit donations are accepted, benefiting 40 local charities. Since its inception, Christmas in the Park has donated more than $1 million to community charities.
Crown Center Mayor’s Christmas Tree
Experience the magic as the 100-foot Mayor’s Christmas Tree lights up on November 29 at 6:30 PM, remaining illuminated through January 5. This Kansas City tradition, adorned with 7,200 sparkling lights, stands as a symbol of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund. At season’s end, the tree’s wood is repurposed into commemorative ornaments, with proceeds supporting local charities.
JINGLE! Kansas City Holiday Festival
Nov. 29 ‘ Dec. 31, step into a winter wonderland at JINGLE! Kansas City, an immersive holiday festival featuring dazzling light displays, festive activities, and unique entertainment for all ages. Highlights include a quarter-mile ice skating trail, a real snow tubing hill, and the spectacular Winter Wonderland Light Maze. Wander through themed neighborhoods like JINGLE! Village, Polar Park, and The North Pole, where you’ll find Santa in his cozy den and Mrs. Claus hosting crafting sessions. Enjoy performances, holiday pop-up bars, and seasonal treats.
Evergy Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens
The Evergy Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens is scheduled for select evenings from November 14, 2024, through January 4, 2025. The festival will be open from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM on the following dates:
- November: 14’16, 22’23, 29’30
- December: 1, 5’7, 12’14, 19’23, 26’29
- January: 2’4
Please note that Powell Gardens will be closed on Thanksgiving Eve, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
During the festival, visitors can enjoy a lighted outdoor path that showcases the garden’s architecture and Midwest landscape adorned with holiday lights. This year’s event features a new path highlighting the Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel as it winds through the Marlese Lowe Gourley Island Garden.
Country Club Plaza Holiday Lights
Experience the 95th annual Evergy Plaza Lighting Ceremony, a cherished Kansas City tradition. On Thanksgiving night, November 28, 2024, the Plaza will be illuminated with thousands of lights adorning its 15-block district. The ceremony begins at 5:00 PM, with the official lighting at approximately 7:05 PM, followed by a fireworks display.
The lights will remain on nightly through January 12, 2025, allowing visitors ample time to enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Northern Lights at Zona Rosa
Kick off the holiday season at Zona Rosa on November 23, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at North Park, just south of Dillard’s. Enjoy Kansas City’s historic holiday crowns and a newly crafted Grand Christmas tree lighting, along with live performances by local bands, a jingle bells giveaway, food trucks, and photo ops with The Grinch and Cindy Lou-Who. Santa will make a special appearance at 6:00 PM to officially light up the season.
Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane
From November 28 to December 31, 2024, enjoy the festive 38-minute Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane show at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead in Overland Park. This captivating display lights up the main entrance and barn, synchronized with holiday music broadcast on 90.5 Rose FM for visitors to tune in from their vehicles. The show runs nightly from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and admission is free-perfect for cozying up with blankets, cocoa, and cookies as you watch.
Sar-Ko Aglow
Experience the enchanting Sar-Ko Aglow at Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park in Lenexa from December 6, 2024, through January 20, 2025. Stroll around Rose’s Pond to admire the vibrant holiday lights reflecting on the water, creating a picturesque setting perfect for family photos. The lighting ceremony is scheduled for December 6 at 6:00 PM, featuring hot cocoa, the Dickens Carolers, and visits with Santa until 7:00 PM.
Lee’s Summit Magic Tree
The Lee’s Summit Magic Tree is now located at the Paragon Star Sports Complex, 1401 NW River Road, Lee’s Summit, MO. Adorned with over 12,000 multicolored LED lights, this beloved holiday attraction offers a stunning backdrop for family photos and festive gatherings. The annual lighting ceremony is scheduled for November 27, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Visitors are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys to support Operation Toy Soldier, benefiting children of military personnel.
Additional Beloved KC Lights to Enjoy:
Candy Cane Lane: Located at Outlook & 79th Street in Prairie Village, this neighborhood shines with festive charm! Enjoy candy canes, towering Christmas trees, and homes beautifully decked out in lights.
Christmas on Bradshaw: Head to 13810 Bradshaw Street in Overland Park, where the entire street and cul-de-sac come alive with synchronized lights set to holiday music on 99.9 FM. Just a short drive from Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, this neighborhood is a holiday must-see!
Christmas Place: At 8705 W 131st Place in Overland Park, over twenty homes in the Terrace Place subdivision light up with a coordinated theme. Kids love the playful Grinch display and a jolly Frosty the Snowman!
69th Street off Ward Parkway: Explore the many streets in the 60s and 70s blocks along Ward Parkway, where entire blocks dazzle with holiday lights-perfect to pair with a trip to the iconic Country Club Plaza Lights.
Christmas Card Lane: Near Ridgeview & 151st Street in Olathe, this neighborhood delights with brilliant Christmas lights and whimsical, oversized wooden Christmas cards.
Kansas City truly sparkles with holiday magic this time of year! We hope our guide helps you find the best spots to soak up all the festive lights and create new traditions with family and friends.
Don’t forget to share the magic on social media and tag @KCParentMagazine in your holiday light photos-we’d love to see your adventures and spread the joy! Happy holidays and happy exploring!
3 Romantic Getaways in the Midwest
Olivia Bock updated this article on 5/31/25 to ensure all featured destinations are currently open and all website links are active.
This winter is a great time for parents to plan a weekend getaway for some quality time together. Here are a few local ideas.
Weston, Missouri
Nestled on the banks of the Mighty Mo, Weston is a quaint river town about an hour north of Kansas City. With charming boutique shops, locally owned restaurants, wineries, breweries and a beautiful state park, Weston is a favorite weekend getaway.
Where to Stay: Firefly Inn (WestonFireflyInn.com). This bed and breakfast was notably featured in the filming of Lifetime’s Rebuilding a Dream Christmas. The inn has recently been renovated with luxurious accommodations. Guests enjoy a delicious homemade breakfast and Midwestern hospitality at this boutique inn.
Memorable Experiences: Sample local wines and beers at local businesses and enjoy a day of shopping for antiques and collectibles on Main Street. Weston Wine Company features a wine tasting room and hosts events throughout the year, including murder mysteries and trivia nights. Pirtle Winery, housed in a historic church, has been serving Missouri wines since 1978. Weston Brewing Company celebrates the town’s Irish heritage with its selection of craft beers.
More to Do: In the winter months, you may ski or snow tube at Snow Creek. And May through October, the Historic Weston Orchard is a wonderful u-pick farm, cider mill and winery to explore. Year-round, visitors enjoy hiking and biking at Weston State Park where trails offer scenic views overlooking the Missouri River.
Where to Eat: O’Malley’s Irish Pub is one of Weston’s most loved landmarks, serving traditional Irish fare. Tin Kitchen is a Southern smokehouse known for homestyle cooking in an old-fashioned setting. The Avalon Café, located in an 1847 home, offers fine American dining.
Ste. Genevieve, Missouri
Located near the Mississippi River in the heart of Missouri’s wine country, this small town celebrates its French heritage and history.
Where to Stay: Audubon’s Hotel and Restaurant (TheAudubons.com). The charming hotel celebrates John James Audubon and his love for birds with beautiful artwork throughout the hotel. Each room is luxuriously appointed with comfortable mattresses and bedding. The restaurant and bar are open nightly for guests and serve homemade meals and delicious drinks.
Memorable Experiences: Of the many wineries in the region, Cave Vineyard with its winery and distillery is one of the most unique. Named for the saltpeter cave on the property, this is one of the few places where you can enjoy locally made wines in a natural cave. This family owned winery sells award-winning wines made from grapes grown on property. On a tour, visitors learn about the wine-making process and have the opportunity to sample the wines, our favorite being the Chambourcin, a medium-bodied dry red. There are many more local wineries to explore in the area. MissouriWine.org
More to Do: Ste. Genevieve celebrates its French history at many local museums. The Centre for French Colonial Life features exhibits telling the area’s history and role in the Revolutionary War. The museum also tells of the state’s early settlers who became known as Creoles. The 1806 Guibourd-Vallé House is on the National Register. The home was constructed for Jacques Guibourd with vertical, hand-hewn log walls and a double-pitched roof, notable as the only historic house in town where visitors can go into the attic to see the Norman truss architecture. The Sainte Geneviève Museum Learning Center is home to Guy Darrough’s collection of dinosaur replicas.
Where to Eat: Common Grounds is a special restaurant known for hiring special needs individuals in the community. With a wide selection of affordable beverages, pastries, salads and sandwiches, this is a wonderful lunch spot. Café Genevieve is known for American fare and hospitality. And El Potosino is a favorite Mexican restaurant.
Wichita, Kansas
This small city in Kansas offers many great options for a weekend getaway. With a one-of-a-kind wildlife experience, historic shopping and dining, and boutique hotels, this is an easy trip from Kansas City.
Where to Stay: Hotel at Old Town (HotelOldTown.com) is walkable to Wichita’s Old Town district, a favorite spot for shopping and dining. The hotel features spacious accommodations, the 1906 Lounge with live jazz on weekends, and a variety of suites to suit your taste.
Memorable Experiences: Tanganyika Wildlife Park is a one-of-a-kind experience animal lovers won’t forget. This unique wildlife park is a truly exceptional place where visitors experience the adventure and wonder of meeting animals up close and personal. Whether it’s feeding giraffes and lemurs, going behind the scenes to meet and feed Amur leopards, swimming with penguins or encountering a new baby animal … the experiences guests find at Tanganyika make the park one of the most memorable getaways in the Midwest. With the Best Day Bundle, you can experience two animal encounters, unlimited feeding and unforgettable memories.
More to Do: Old Town is a favorite Wichita district with many shops and restaurants. Throughout the year, it is the spot for festivals, live music and events. Botanica, Wichita’s 17-acre botanical garden, is a beautiful place to enjoy the outdoors. Tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s Allen House to see the designs and influence of one of the world’s most famous architects and designers.
Where to Eat: One of the most romantic restaurants in Wichita is Georges French Bistro. The Sienna Tuscan Steakhouse features upscale Italian cuisine. And the Larkspur Bistro & Bar is a favorite for locals.
Parks Perfect for Winter Hikes
Heritage Park: With a 40-acre lake, multiple trails and plenty of open spaces for outdoor activities, this park is a peaceful winter retreat. In the winter, the park’s trails are ideal for hiking or cross-country skiing when covered in snow. The large hills in the park make it a favorite spot for sledding during snowy days. JCPRD.com
Blue Springs Lake: Home to a vast 720-acre lake, this park is a haven for water sports and outdoor adventures. The Lake Vista Trails, a 5-mile scenic loop, offer breathtaking views of the lake, along with bridges, hills and forested areas. In winter, the park becomes a serene escape for hiking on frosty trails or enjoying the quiet beauty of the snow-covered landscape. MakeYourDayHere.com
Stocksdale Park: While its trails provide a peaceful setting for winter walks and hikes, the park’s hills are popular for sledding. The park is also home to a large dog park, making it a great destination in Liberty for pet owners looking to enjoy outdoor activities during the colder months. LibertyMissouri.gov
Watkins Mill State Park: This park offers a peaceful, paved trail around its 100-acre lake, perfect for walking or biking. Guests can tour the antebellum-era historic home and woolen mill, which provide a glimpse into 19th-century life and a cozy, historical diversion from the cold during a winter hike. MoStateParks.com
Ernie Miller Nature Center: Children and families love visiting the nature center to see live animals and explore hands-on exhibits. The surrounding trails wind through the woods and near the creek, offering a variety of paths depending on how long you wish to hike. During winter, enjoy educational winter-themed programs or guided nature walks, and explore the serene, snow-blanketed woods. JCPRD.com
Whether you’re seeking adventure on frosty trails, a peaceful escape by a snow-covered lake, or fun-filled activities for the whole family, these parks offer the perfect winter retreat. Bundle up, embrace the season, and create unforgettable memories in the great outdoors!
Best of December
Enjoy extraordinary shows, exhibits, and family fun. Our top picks for December in Kansas City are here:
For more inspiration, check out these seasonal guides:
And, Kristina Light with KC Parent participated in an interview on KCUR’s Up To Date highlighting our Top Picks this Christmas in KC. Listen here.
Tip: Enter our 25 Days of Christmas Giveaway!
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