Oh, what fun there is in Kansas City during the holiday season! Kansas City families have tons of fun and festive ways to celebrate the holidays. Browse our list of the best Kansas City Holiday events of 2025 by date, and make this cheery season your favorite one yet.
OUR TOP PICKS
Various times & days
Winter Magic: KC’s Favorite Holiday Light Party
Dates: November 1 – January 4
Drive through a magical mile of synchronized holiday lights and Christmas tunes in the
Northland. This illuminated adventure is the perfect family experience!
GloWild
Kansas City Zoo | 6800 Zoo Dr, Kansas City, MO 64132
Dates: November 1 – December 28
Enjoy a glowing lantern festival at the zoo after dark. While many animals will be asleep, the
Sobela Ocean Aquarium is open on select nights to enhance the experience.
Christmas Open House & Holiday Workshops
Family Tree Nursery | Liberty, Overland Park, Shawnee
Dates: November 8 & 16
For the Nov. 8 Christmas Open House, shop from beautiful Christmas showrooms, enjoy
significant savings, live music, free wine samples, and extended shopping hours. Join us
for Holiday Workshops (Nov 13-16), where we supply everything you need to create a beautiful
holiday container, perfect for outdoor spaces. Register today at familytreenursery.com.
Legendary Tree Lighting
Tanger Legends Outlets | 1843 Village West Pkwy, Kansas City, KS 66111
Date: November 15
Come see the stunning 45-foot Christmas tree decorated with sparkling lights, all synced to
festive music! There will be plenty of family fun at the tree lighting event. If you can’t make it,
you can still enjoy the lights and music through the end of the year.
Festival of Lights
Powell Gardens | 1609 NW US Hwy 50, Kingsville, MO 64061
Dates: November 20 – January 3
Stroll along a lighted outdoor path while experiencing the natural beauty of Powell Gardens
during the holiday season.
Holiday Reflections at Union Station
30 W. Pershing Rd., Kansas City, MO
Dates: Nov. 21 – Jan. 4
Step into a winter wonderland at Union Station’s Holiday Reflections. With over one million
LED lights, a shimmering gingerbread village, singing snowmen, and a tree slide for younger
guests, this indoor spectacle is perfect for all ages. Bring your camera: the dazzling displays and
festive photo spots make it a favorite for families and holiday enthusiasts alike.
Journey to Judea
Journey to Judea | 14150 W. 175th Street, Overland Park, KS 66221
Dates: November 21–23 & December 5–7
This immersive experience takes you across twenty acres where live animals, actors, and
dramatic scenes tell the full story of the Bible and the birth of Christ.
A Christmas Carol 2025
Spencer Theatre | Date: Nov 22 – Dec 27, 2025
Celebrate the legacy of Gary Neal Johnson’s 24 years as Ebenezer Scrooge in this Kansas City
holiday tradition. Join Scrooge on his redemptive journey with Christmas Past, Present, and
Future. Rediscover the true meaning of the holidays in this beloved production.
Zona Rosa Holiday Lighting Event
Zona Rosa | 8640 N Dixson Ave, Kansas City, MO 64153
Date: November 22
Head to the heart of the Northland for this festive lighting event! Watch as they flip the switch to
illuminate the giant Christmas tree and iconic crowns. Along with the lighting ceremony, enjoy
performances by local bands, food trucks, and plenty of holiday spirit.
Luminary Walk
Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens | 8909 W. 179th Street, Overland Park
Dates: November 26 – December 30
Bring the whole family for a magical stroll along candlelit paths at the Overland Park
Arboretum. Enjoy the beauty of the gardens and live performances as you celebrate the season.
Mayor’s Tree Lighting
Crown Center | 2450 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108
Date: November 28 at 6:30 pm
Don’t miss the lighting of the Mayor’s 100-foot Christmas tree, adorned with over 7,000 lights! The lighting ceremony will get you in the holiday spirit, with additional lighting times throughout the weekends leading up to Christmas.
Hallmark Christmas Experience
Crown Center | 2450 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108
Weekends: November 28 – December 21
Step into a Hallmark Christmas movie! Wander around a charming Christmas market, enjoy
magical lights, send a card at the card-sending station, and more. It’s a perfect way to kick off the
holiday season.
Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane
Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead | 13800 Switzer Rd, Overland Park, KS 66221
Dates: November 28 – December 31, 5:00 – 10:00 pm
Tune into 90.5 Rose FM to enjoy festive Christmas songs that accompany the lights on the iconic
red barn at Deanna Rose Farmstead. A perfect spot for a relaxing holiday stroll!
Santa at Crown Center
2450 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO
Dates: Nov. 29 – Dec. 24
Visit Santa at Destination North Pole at Crown Center. Enjoy festive fun, photos, and holiday
cheer as Santa greets visitors and spreads holiday magic.
Louisburg Cider Mill – Holiday Events
14730 K68 Hwy, Louisburg, KS
Dates: Nov. 29, Dec. 6., Dec. 13
Take a break from the holiday hustle and soak in the season at Louisburg Cider Mill. Browse the festive holiday store, pre-order fresh pies and curated gift baskets, and savor warm cider and famous cider donuts. Join the Holiday Open Houses on November 29th & December 6 or bring the family back on December 13 for special Santa Visits—perfect for photos, treats, and memory-making.
Pictures with Santa
Inspired Play Cafe – Merriam | 5900 Antioch Dr, Merriam, KS 66202
Date: November 29 @ 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Inspired Play Cafe – Overland Park | 7900 W 135th St, Overland Park, KS 66223
Date: December 21 @ 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Bring your family for a memorable photo session with Santa at Inspired Play Café. Capture the
magic of Christmas with photos the whole family will cherish!
Störling Dance Theater’s Child of Hope
The Culture House | 14808 W. 117th, Olathe, KS 66062
Dates: December 5 – 14
Child of Hope has become a holiday favorite for the entire family! Experience the beauty of the
Christmas story through dance in this captivating musical performance by Störling Dance
Theater. Witness the truth and power of the most important story ever told.
Sar-Ko Aglow Lighting Ceremony
Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park | 8801 Greenway Ln, Lenexa, KS 66215
Dates: December 5 – January 19
Ceremony: December 5, 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Kick off the season with one of the best holiday light displays in the metro! Enjoy hot cocoa,
carolers, and a visit with Santa while you take in the dazzling lights.
Santa at Family Tree Nurseries
Overland Park & Shawnee & Liberty
Date: December 6, 13, 14
Bring your cameras and kiddos to our Liberty store (Dec. 6), Overland Park (December 13), and
Shawnee (Dec 14) to get a free picture with Santa with beautiful backdrops.
A Kansas City Christmas
Lenexa Baptist Church | 15320 W. 87th St. Pkwy, Lenexa, KS
Dates: December 6 – 7
Times: December 6 at 1:00 pm & 5:00 pm | December 7 at 5:00 pm
Enjoy this beautiful, free holiday performance with childcare available for children ages 3 and
under. A perfect way to celebrate the season with family!
Christmas at Resurrection
Resurrection Leawood | 14101 Overland Park Dr, Leawood, KS 66224
Dates: December 11 – 14
This Kansas City musical tradition features over 300 actors, singers, dancers, and
instrumentalists in a celebration of Christmas and the tradition of the Christmas story. For
tickets: resurrection.church/car or contact 913-544-0214.
The Fairy Princess
Kansas City Museum | 3218 Gladstone Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64123
Dates: December 11 – 14, 2025
Ceremony: By appointment, timed tickets required
Experience the magic of the season with a visit to the Fairy Princess at the Kansas City Museum.
Each $15 ticket includes a meet-and-greet with the Fairy Princess, a special gift, a sweet treat,
and a printed photo. Advance timed tickets required for each child.
Candy Cane Hunt
Lenexa Old Town Activity Center | 9301 Pflumm Rd, Lenexa, KS 66215
Date: December 12
Time: 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Let your kids hunt for candy canes before heading inside for crafts, cookies, story time, and a
visit from Santa. A festive evening for the whole family!
Other events to enjoy!
MistleTowne Market 2025
North Kansas City Parks & Recreation | Date: Nov. 15 & 16, 2025
Holiday shopping fun with local vendors and workshops.
Mayor Holiday Festival
Downtown Overland Park | November 21, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Live music, food trucks, shopping, and visits from Santa, The Grinch, and Snow Princesses.
Holiday Kid Makers Market
City of Lenexa | Date: Nov. 23, 2025
Kids sell their creations—festive, fun, and locally made.
Kansas City Symphony: Elf in Concert
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts | November 28-30
Watch Elf on the big screen with live music from the KC Symphony.
Plaza Lights
Country Club Plaza | Thanksgiving Night – January 12
Kansas City’s iconic 90-year-old tradition of dazzling holiday lights.
Holiday Bricktacular
LEGOLAND | November – December
Explore Winter Wonder Miniland, design ornaments, and meet Lego Santa.
Lee’s Summit Magic Tree
I-470 & View High Drive, Lee’s Summit | Nov. 21- Mid-Jan.
Celebrate lighting, photo ops, and community giving.
Lighted Christmas Parade
Excelsior Springs | Date: November 22
Join the annual parade with lights, magic, and holiday cheer.
Independence Square Lighting
106 S Liberty St., Independence, MO | November 22, 6:00–6:30 PM
See the tree light up with holiday magic.
Ward Pkwy Lighting Ceremony
8815 State Line Rd., Kansas City, MO | November 22, 6:00–8:00 PM
Celebrate the holiday season with a tree lighting.
Christmas in the Park at Longview Lake
Longview Lake Campground | Date: November 26 – December 31
Enjoy over one million lights and 200 animated displays. On 11/23 only, bike through the lights!
The Arboretum by Candlelight
November 26 – December 30, 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Stroll through illuminated pathways, Gnome and Fairy Villages.
Winter Wonderland
Nov 28 – Dec 21, 2025 (Fridays-Sundays)
Visit the KC Pumpkin Patch for a magical winter experience with dazzling light displays, photo
ops, and festive fun.
KC Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Nov 29-December 2025
A magical family holiday ballet performance at the beautiful Kauffman.
Holiday Concerts by Kansas City Symphony
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts | Dec 5-7 & Dec 18-21, 2025
Experience timeless holiday music with “Handel’s Messiah” and “Christmas Festival” at the
Kauffman.
Sugar Cookie Decorating @ Inspired Play Cafe – Both Locations | Dec. 5, 9:30-10:00 AM
Get creative and decorate festive sugar cookies with your little ones at Inspired Play Cafe.
A Christmas Celebration
Missouri Town 1855 | December 6, 2025
Step back in time and experience a Victorian-style Christmas with live music and activities.
Santa Saturday
The Shops of Prairie Village | Dec. 6, 10:00 AM – Noon
Meet Santa and share your holiday wishes at The Shops.
Hometown Holidays
Downtown Liberty | December 6, 2025, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Enjoy live entertainment, horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday shopping, and festive treats.
Tree Lighting & Santa Visit
Corinth Square | December 7, 6:00 pm
Celebrate the season with tree lighting, treats, and a visit from Santa.
Cookies & Cocoa with Mrs. Claus
Bingham-Waggoner Mansion & Estate | Dec. 13, 2025
Sweet holiday gathering with Mrs. Claus and treats.
KC Running Company | Dec. 14, 2025
Festive family run with Santa-themed fun.
Tivoli Presents: White Christmas
The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art | Dec. 19, 2025
Classic film screening in a stunning museum setting.
Still looking for more holiday fun, check out our Buddy’s KC Bucket List of Fun