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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Enchant Christmas: KCK's newest holiday experience
Kansas City Monarchs at Legends Field
Enchant Christmas is a North American based company that currently designs and hosts immersive attractions called Enchant—the cornerstone of these events are the World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze.
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Christmas in the Crown Center District
It wouldn't be Christmas in KC without an annual visit to Crown Center and Union Station.
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Kristina Light
Holiday Reflections at Union Station
This year, the magical winter wonderland in Union Station's Grand Plaza is bigger and better than ever with a Christmas-y Fountain as the star of the show.
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GloWild: North Pole Village
The holiday lanterns at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium are a delightful and whimsical experience this Christmas.
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Winter Magic 2023
Nov 2, 2023
Winter Magic
Winter Magic is Kansas City’s favorite, drive-thru, holiday party (now in our 4th season)! Come experience the most fantastic one mile of synchronized holiday lights this side of the North Pole!
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Holiday Light & Magic 2023
Nov 16, 2023
Holiday Light & Magic
Holiday Light and Magic near Legends Shopping Center
If you like HUGE displays with lots of lights and large PLAYFUL SCENES, then HLM is for you! Our one-mile drive over the river and through the woods showcases over 60 large scenes.
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Review: A Christmas Carol at KC Repertory Theatre
Kansas City Repertory Theatre takes us to Victorian London for the idyllic holiday tradition - their annual production of Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol.
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WENDY_DELZEIT
Nov 16, 2023 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Evergy Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens
During Evergy Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens, holiday lights turn Kansas City’s botanical garden into a winter wonderland. This year, Quixotic will transform the Conservatory (located in the Visitor Center) into Crystal Chambers.
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Review: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical
This year, families can make the season extra special by going to see Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer live on stage at The Coterie Theater at Crown Center.
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Nov 24, 2023
Overland Park Arboretum Luminary Walk
Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
Kick off your holiday season with a festive walk through the lights at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Choose from THREE unique experiences this year!
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Nov 24, 2023
Meet Santa at Zona Rosa
It’s that magical time of year and we are excited to be part of your holiday traditions, including meeting Santa in his Winter Wonderland at Zona Rosa.
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Unmistakably Lawrence
Nov 15, 2023 - Jan 15, 2024
Winter Wonder Pass
From one-of-a-kind events to twinkling lights to shopping local for the whole family, Lawrence, Kansas, does the holidays right. Explore Lawrence this season with the Winter Wonder Pass, a digital pass that unlocks exclusive discounts and earns y...
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Union Station
Nov 17, 2023
Classic Holiday Movie Series at Union Station
Stay warm and cozy inside Kansas City’s favorite holiday destination, enjoying a variety of unique sights, sounds and experiences this holiday season. Connect with Kansas City’s holiday history and make new memories of your own in this most elega...
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Zona Rosa
Nov 11, 2023
The Rink at Zona Rosa
Take a spin on the ice rink at Zona Rosa located by Dillard’s in North Park. The Rink is open for public skating, pond hockey, special events, and more. Reservations are recommended, but not required. View full schedule, special events, and more ...
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Nov 24, 2023 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Storytime With Scuba Claus
Wonders of Wildlife: National Museum & Aquarium
Tis the SEAson for wonder! Scuba Claus is coming to town! We are decking the halls at Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium and diving into the holidays with splashy lights, hot cocoa, and stories.
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© Inter IKEA Systems B.V. 2019
Dec 3, 2023 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Pictures with Santa at IKEA Merriam
Stop by IKEA Merriam on Sunday, December 3rd, for some Holiday fun for Ages 12 and under! Santa will be here from 11am - 3pm. Register now to get the session that works best for your family. Click here to register: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/s...
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Bricktionary: The Ultimate LEGO® A-Z: Union Station's newest Awesome Exhibit
Union Station’s new exhibit, Bricktionary: The Ultimate LEGO® A-Z, is a fun, engaging - and even educational - experience for LEGO® fans young and old. Our review...
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Dec 8, 2023
Child of Hope
Culture House Conservatory Olathe- After School Guide
CHILD OF HOPE celebrates the Christmas season by portraying the Nativity story that changed our hearts and changed the world.
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Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium
Dec 2, 2023 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Meet Santa at the Zoo
Santa will be making a special stop at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. Kids can write letters to Santa and then meet the jolly ol' guy in person. Be sure to bring your camera to capture those candid moments!
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Photo by Bernadette Hursch
Dec 1, 2023
Winter Wonderland, a holiday pop-up
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
Dining at the Kauffman Center will open on select dates in December for our Winter Wonderland holiday pop-up! Stay after a matinee performance or arrive ahead of the evening crowds and indulge in a craft cocktail and shareables just steps away fr...
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Dec 2, 2023 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
A Christmas Celebration: Missouri Town Living History Museum
Missouri Town Living History Museum
Bundle up and kick off the holiday season at this annual event! Warm up by the fire, help decorate our historic houses, join in with carolers and say "hello" to Father Christmas, as you explore the traditions of Christmas in the 19th century.
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Dec 16, 2023 noon - 4:00 p.m.
Kansas City Northern Miniature Railroad Christmas Train
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Dec 2, 2023
A Kansas City Christmas
You are invited to attend “A Kansas City Christmas” at Lenexa Baptist Church the first weekend in December. Featuring our Worship Choir and Orchestra, A Kansas City Christmas is a community favorite you don’t want to miss.
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Dec 9, 2023 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Candlelight Tour: Fort Osage
Fort Osage National Historic Landmark
Experience how the holidays were celebrated at the historic Fort in the early 19th century. Authentically attired interpreters lead guests through this unique evening event inspired by the winters at Fort Osage.
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Youthfront Inc.
Dec 1, 2023 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Christmas at Camp
Experience the wonder of the holiday season in this festive event for the whole family! Fully decked out for Christmas, Youthfront’s Camp West features a beautiful illuminated lake walk with interactive experiences to retell the Nativity story. S...
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Zona Rosa
Dec 1, 2023 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
PJ Party with Santa & Mrs. Claus
Wear your jammies and hang with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Enjoy free photos with the jolly couple, milk and cookies, plus a special book giveaway (while supplies last). To give back, Zona Rosa is suggesting a donation of mac n’ cheese cup donations t...
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Dec 7, 2023
Sing Choirs of Angels
Church of the Resurrection: Leawood
Christmas at Resurrection is a Kansas City musical tradition that takes place at Resurrection Leawood! This must-see musical presentation features more than 300 actors, singers, dancers, and instrumentalists in a celebration of Christmas.
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Dec 3, 2023 11:00 a.m. - noon
Sensory-Friendly Santa Photos
We will be offering sensory-friendly Santa Photos on two dates this holiday season in Santa’s Winter Wondering. Children with sensory sensitivities can visit with Santa in a calm, quiet setting one hour before the set opens to the general public.
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Nov 27, 2023 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Pet Photo with Santa at Zona Rosa
Bring your furry friend and get a photo with Santa!
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Dec 1, 2023 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
PJ Party with Santa & Mrs. Claus
Join us for our annual PJ Party with Santa & Mrs. Claus. Enjoy free milk, cookies & a holiday children’s book (one per family). WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!
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Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium
Dec 16, 2023 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Santa Delivers at the Zoo
Santa is back one last time before the big day and this time, he is visiting some animal residents! All weekend long, guests can catch a glimpse of Santa as he is delivering gifts to some of the animals that have made the top of the nice list thi...
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Dec 2, 2023 8:00 a.m. - noon
Breakfast with Santa: Fireflies Farm
Fireflies Farm presents Breakfast with Santa. Enjoy a pancake breakfast, photos with Santa, games, crafts and a free gift. $10/per child under 12.
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Dec 2, 2023 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Christmas Open House: Mahaffie
Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm
Enjoy the Heritage Center decorations, make an ornament and visit the historic Mahaffie House! We are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and admission is waived.
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photo courtesy of Midwest Trust Center
Dec 2, 2023 10:00 a.m. - noon
MTC Kids Jam: Hot Peas 'N Butter
The MTC Kids Jam concert series is specially designed with families in mind! Join us in the MTC lobby at 10 a.m. for art activities led by the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, followed by a 60-minute concert with an acclaimed children’s musicia...
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Dec 5, 2023 3:00 p.m.
Cookies with Santa: Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm
Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm
During Cookies with Santa you and your group can enjoy cookies, cocoa, and of course a meeting with Santa himself!
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Dec 2, 2023 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Santa Visits Family Tree Nursery Liberty
Every December, Santa visits our three Family Tree Nursery retail stores. Each store builds a beautifully unique backdrop that is perfect for capturing a memorable Christmas photo.
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Dec 9, 2023 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Santa Visits Family Tree Nursery Overland Park
Family Tree Nursery Overland Park
Every December, Santa visits our three Family Tree Nursery retail stores. Each store builds a beautifully unique backdrop that is perfect for capturing a memorable Christmas photo.
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Dec 10, 2023 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Santa Visits Family Tree Nursery Shawnee
Every December, Santa visits our three Family Tree Nursery retail stores. Each store builds a beautifully unique backdrop that is perfect for capturing a memorable Christmas photo.
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Jeff Evrard Photography
Dec 7, 2023
The Fairy Princess at Kansas City Museum
It was in 1935 that Kline’s on Main Street, downtown Kansas City, had first initiated the Fairy Princess event to promote their new “Toyland” Department. After 35 years of yesterday’s youngsters telling their fondest holiday hopes.
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© Inter IKEA Systems B.V. 2019
Dec 8, 2023 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Swedish Christmas Julbord Buffet*
Join us on December 8th from 5pm - 7pm for a fun night out with your family at our annual Swedish Christmas Buffet. This holiday feast will include tasty Swedish traditional food and desserts as well as Swedish entertainment for the family. T...
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Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium
Dec 31, 2023 10:00 a.m. - noon
Zoo Year's Eve
Roar in the New Year at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium! Why wait until midnight to celebrate the New Year? We are kicking off the party early with a countdown to noon!
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Wauk A Way Photography
Dec 2, 2023 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade
The Lawrence Christmas Parade is one of the most unique parades in the nation. Authentic horse-drawn carriages parading down Massachusetts Street is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season.
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Dec 3, 2023 8:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Breakfast with Santa: Ceramic Cafe
Grab your tickets for this annual event. Your child gets a ticket to press their hand or foot into clay to create a milestone ornament, paint our new picture frame gnome ornament.
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Kanga's Indoor Playcenter
Dec 18, 2023 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
🎅🎄 Santa is Coming Back to Kanga's Indoor Playcenter! 🎄🎅
Kanga's Indoor Playcenter and Cafe
Hey there, little elves! Guess what? Santa is making a special return to Kanga's Indoor Playcenter, and he's bringing the holiday joy with him! After the fantastic time we had last summer, Santa couldn't resist another visit to see all of your sm...
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Kanga's Indoor Playcenter
Nov 24, 2023 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
NERF Night at Kanga's!
Kanga's Indoor Playcenter and Cafe
Get ready for an action-packed evening of NERF fun and games! Join us on Friday, November 24, 2023, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM for an exclusive event that promises thrills, laughter, and unforgettable memories. What's Included: * NERF blasters & ...
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photo courtesy of What If Puppets
Dec 6, 2023 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
What If Puppets 'Animal Amigos'
In “The Adventures of Tio Conejo,” meet Tio Conejo (Uncle Rabbit), a trickster character found in traditional stories popular in Venezuela, Mexico and other Latin American countries. Tio Conejo is on the run from hungry Coyote, who would like not...
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Urban Air Adventure Park
Dec 14, 2023 9:00 a.m. - noon
Cookies With Santa: Urban Air Lenexa
Urban Air Trampoline Park Lenexa
Join us for a special holiday edition of our Jumperoo! Bring your kiddos (age 7 & under only, please) to play on our award-winning equipment, have some cookies, and visit with Santa!
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Apr 18, 2025 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Splash With Me: Lenexa Rec Center
Let your little ones splash, play and build confidence in the water during this morning swim time just for them. Soft toys are welcome. Swim diapers and swim suits are required for children that are not bathroom trained.
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Marcus Oatis
Dec 8, 2023 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Straight Outta Bethlehem
Join us as we tell the story of Christmas and how God sent His only Son to be born, STRAIGHT OUTTA BETHLEHEM. Meet Starr, Zoolie, John Luke, Gertie, Magnus, and Blake (oh, and shepherds Zeke and Ziggy!). Along with Trixie, who runs the inn, this ...
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Dec 8, 2023 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Glass Fusion Ornaments
Continue a family tradition by creating one of a kind glass fusion ornaments. Follow our patterns for traditional Christmas images or incorporate your personal touches to make your tree unique.
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Union Station
Dec 31, 2023 noon - 6:30 p.m.
Noon Year's Eve
Science City’s annual New Year’s event – Noon Year’s Eve – returns for another fun-filled, end-of-year celebration. Enjoy a festive day of science fun with the whole family. Prices: General Admission $16 Union Station MEMBERS FREE 10% Pres...
