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!
JINGLE!
“I’m so excited!” my oldest daughter exclaimed when I told her we would be going to JINGLE! later that evening. Her eyes widened with every activity I described: snow tubing, ice skating, meeting Mr. and Mrs. Claus, exploring huge Christmas light sculptures, drinking hot chocolate by a fire pit, and making a holiday craft. Bundled up in snow pants, coats, and gloves, we set off for an evening of festive fun!
JINGLE! Kansas City returns to Legends Field for the 2024 season in collaboration with the nationally acclaimed Enchant Christmas. After a rocky opening weekend in November, the event is now fully operational. Guests can stroll through the Winter Wonderland Extravaganza, a dazzling holiday light experience featuring towering light sculptures and over four million twinkling lights. Entertainment opportunities abound. We marveled at a glow-in-the-dark juggler, performances by a dancing candy cane and Christmas gymnasts on stage, and even posed for a picture with a costumed polar bear. Pop-up holiday bars, complete with fire pits and heaters, serve seasonal snacks and beverages throughout the field. Concessions for heartier dinner options are also available around the stadium concourse.
Two standout attractions you won’t want to miss are the Magic Forest Ice Skating Trail and the Glacier Slide Snow Tubes. The Magic Forest Ice Skating Trail lets skaters glide along an enchanting ice path lined with twinkling trees, connecting to a more traditional rink. We appreciated the wide range of ice skate sizes, which accommodated even our toddler’s tiny feet, as well as supportive skating aids for little ones. Another highlight was the Glacier Slide. The snow tubing hills feature two options: one for adults and kids taller than 42 inches and a gentler slope designed for small children with appropriately sized inner tubes. Helpful staff members carry the inner tubes up the hill, allowing for endless sliding fun!
JINGLE! offers activities for all ages. Our young girls adored the North Pole Playground, where they met Santa himself. Nearby, in a warm and cozy area, Mrs. Claus delighted children with storytime and holiday crafts. The space also included colorful building blocks for fort-building and imaginative play.
This Christmas extravaganza runs until December 31st. Be sure to check the website to purchase tickets and reserve your spot for this magical experience!
Tips for Attending JINGLE!:
- Dress warmly: Wear comfortable, water-resistant shoes. The ground can be wet or slick, especially near the ice skating and snow tubing areas. Thick, warm socks are essential for ice skating. Snow pants and gloves are also great for keeping dry and warm during activities.
- Bring a stroller: For families with young children, a stroller is highly recommended as there is a fair amount of walking. A ramp provides easy access to the Winter Wonderland Extravaganza for strollers.
- Plan for cold-weather breaks: While there are heaters, fire pits, and warmed tents, dressing warmly ensures comfort throughout your visit. Snow pants kept our kids’ clothes dry after snow tubing and ice skating.
- Arrive early: Crowds tend to pick up after sunset. We started our adventure at 4:30 p.m. with snow tubing. Not only was the sunset view breathtaking, but there was practically no line.
- Time your visit: Plan to spend about three hours at the event if you want to enjoy ice skating, tubing, and the light walk.
Allie Cole is a writer who finds joy in celebrating the holiday season with her family. She lives in Lenexa with her husband and two daughters, where they love discovering Kansas City’s holiday traditions and making special Christmas memories together.
Best of December
Get ready for magical shows, dazzling exhibits, and jolly family fun! Our top December picks in Kansas City are here to spread the cheer:
For more inspiration, check out these seasonal guides:
No More Toys: 20 Memberships to Gift This Season
As the holiday season approaches, many of us start pondering the perfect gifts for our loved ones. Reflecting on my own childhood, I realize that some of my most cherished memories stem not from toys but from unforgettable experiences. I vividly remember the thrill of receiving tickets to see American Idol on tour at the T-Mobile Center when I was thirteen. Even earlier, I fondly recall the weekly trips to the local zoo thanks to a family membership gifted by my grandparents.
While toys can be exciting, the gifts that resonate most deeply are often those that create lasting memories. Experiences allow us to bond with family and friends, turning fleeting moments into cherished stories that last a lifetime. Gifts like family memberships to local attractions keep on giving throughout the year by providing opportunities for connection and adventure long after the holiday season has ended.
Numerous Kansas City attractions offer memberships that allow families to enjoy free admission, exclusive events and discounts at venues across the country. My friend asks the grandparents for a different membership each year so her family can explore all that Kansas City has to offer. Here are some great options to consider:
SEA Life Aquarium/Legoland Memberships here vary based on availability, with basic options offering discounts and combo memberships allowing free entry to both attractions. These destinations provide immersive experiences that spark imagination and curiosity.
Wonderscope Members enjoy free admission and special programming, along with discounts at local businesses. Reciprocal arrangements with children’s museums across the nation are an added bonus, ensuring a fun-filled day of learning and exploration.
Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium This membership offers various levels to cater to your family’s needs. You can choose basic admission or include unlimited rides-perfect for families with kids who enjoy the railroad train or the carousel! And rain or shine, the new Sobela Ocean Aquarium is a must-visit for all Kansas Citians!
Science City This wonderful indoor venue is perfect for all seasons and offers members special events and discounted admission to ticketed exhibits. Memberships also allow for reciprocal entry at science museums across the country, making it an excellent option for families who enjoy traveling.
Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead This membership is incredibly budget-friendly-an annual family pass is just $50. It offers hands-on experiences like petting farm animals, fishing, riding ponies and learning about agriculture, making it an ideal place for children to explore farm life.
Johnson County Museum This is another affordable membership-annual passes for a family of 6 costs only $60. This membership offers free admission, discounts on events and a 10% discount at the gift shop. Members also receive invites to special events and exhibit openings. The KidScape children’s museum located here is a favorite in our family.
The Culinary Center of KC Although this premier culinary center doesn’t sell memberships, they offer gift cards that can be used toward their range of 500 cooking classes that both adults and kids will enjoy.
Powell Gardens A big perk to this membership is that it grants free admission to Powell Gardens’ annual events such as the Festival of Butterflies and the Festival of Lights. It also includes free or discounted access to many other gardens and arboretums across the nation.
The National WWI Museum and Memorial Members enjoy free admission and special events, with the option to purchase additional museum tickets for guests at half price. It provides a profound learning experience about history, making it a thoughtful gift that fosters appreciation for our past.
The Rabbit Hole This unique storybook-themed museum offers family, individual and teacher memberships that include bookstore discounts and invites to exclusive events. It’s Kansas City’s newest magical space where stories come to life, fostering a love for reading and creativity.
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Memberships include free admission to featured exhibitions and complimentary parking.The Nelson is stroller-friendly and perfect for kids from tots to tweens! Spend a day immersed in art and culture, exploring everything from classical to contemporary works.
Urban Air Trampoline Park With locations in Lenexa and Overland Park, Urban Air offers four different membership levels, ensuring something fun for everyone. Beyond trampolines, the park features a ropes course, climbing walls and a large indoor playground.
Overland Park Arboretum This 300-acre nature sanctuary in Overland Park features diverse landscapes, including gardens, woodlands and prairies. Plus, memberships have reciprocal benefits at other arboretums and gardens.
Live Performances Local theaters offer a variety of performances suitable for all ages. Season tickets often provide significant savings compared to single-show tickets. For families, The Coterie features shows tailored for children, while KCRep and Midwest Trust Center offers productions better suited for teens and adults.
Paint Your Own Pottery Although Ceramic Cafe doesn’t offer memberships, gift cards are available and sure to please any artistic family. Gift cards can be used toward their weekly Creative Story Time for kids, seasonal classes or just popping in to paint.
STEAM Classes or Summer Camps IDEA Space offers after school STEAM classes that develop science, technology, engineering, arts and math skills. Or head to KCParent.com’s Summer Camp Guide and find dozens of enriching summer camps that would make the perfect holiday gift.
Swim Lessons or Pool Passes Consider gifting a membership to your local indoor pool, or provide endless summer fun with outdoor pool passes for next year. Or give the gift of swim lessons at Goldfish or Emler-swim schools that teach necessary, lifelong skills for all ages.
Sports Tickets It’s been quite a fall for Kansas City’s winning teams. Whether it’s the Kansas City Royals, Chiefs, Sporting KC, KC Mavericks or our newest team, KC Current, season tickets can make a thrilling gift for any sports enthusiast.
Animal Destinations Near Wichita, Tanganyika Wildlife Park lets you swim with penguins or feed capybaras. The Wonders of Wildlife in Springfield, Mo., has breathtaking exhibits showcasing the history of the Ozark region, Native American heritage and the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Both provide memberships that will create memories all year long.
This list is just a starting point for your holiday shopping. For more local inspiration, check out KCParent.com, where you can discover even more unique attractions. This holiday season, let’s create memories that will last a lifetime by giving the gift of experiences.
Luminary Walk
Do you love nature? Do you love Christmas lights? Then the Luminary walk at the Overland Park Arboretum is the perfect outing for you! Gather your family and friends and make a night of it!
The new LongHouse Visitor Center is where we began our journey. The lights reflecting off the water of the pond set the scene for how our night would be. We walked in to the warmth and handed the attendants our tickets. They had glow in the dark and light up accessories available for purchase. A fun way for you to be part of the lights. Jack Stack Catering and Storia Cater also have food and drinks available for purchase. All of this before we even stepped back outside to see the lights!
Once outside you are greeted with multiple reflecting pools that glisten with the lights and the sound of live instruments playing. Throughout your walk you will come across different stations with live music. Have a seat, warm up by the heaters and enjoy the music! Check the website to see the schedule for the live performances. You will also come across family picture set up scenes. Snag a selfie, or have one of the volunteers stationed there take a picture for you.
After you warm up, continue your walk to the train depot area. There is a lightcicle covered caboose you can climb onto and overlook the model train Christmas displays. There is another chance to purchase food and drink in this area as well.
Once you are back on the walking path you can warm up by a small fire, then run through the light tunnel! Careful, the height decreases as you go through. There are bathrooms located in this area. From there you follow the lights to a firepit filled with the sound of Christmas carols and the smell of Louisburg apple Cider. Enjoy complimentary hot or cold cider served by local scouts while singing carols.
Since you no longer have a voice, head up to the scenic overlook to see the lights from above. Next comes the candle lit walk. You can take the bypass or the path that is ¼ mile. This was my favorite part! They ask that you are quiet on this path while walking through the woods by candle light with the snow glistening. Even the littles enjoyed that! This led us out by the old entrance. From here you can go look at the gnome and fairy villages, snap a picture with Santa (he heads back to the North Pole at 8:30) or walk around the lake to head back to the LongHouse Visitor Center. We loved this walk and want to go visit again!
You can enjoy this wonderful walk Dec 6th, 7th, 13th or 14th. They also have a week night walk through the electric gardens, but with no Santa, candlelit woods, musicians, cider, or trains. It opens at 5pm, last entrance is 8pm and the lights shut off at 9pm. Dress for the weather! Though there are many warming stations throughout, the majority of your time will be spent walking. We were there for 90 minutes and I don’t think that was long enough for our group. For tickets or FAQ visit https://www.showclix.com/tickets/luminarywalk2024
Halie Campain lives in Overland Park with her husband and 3 children. She enjoys trying new things to create lasting memories for her children. The Campain family wishes you all a Merry Christmas!