Holiday Magic in KC: Activities for a Festive Season

The holiday season is nearly upon us, and residents of Kansas City are ready to celebrate in style! If previous years are anything to go by, a winter wonderland transformation is in store, with a cornucopia of activities that capture the season’s spirit. 

Make your first stop at Kate’s Kitchen to enjoy a delicious cup of hot chocolate or coffee with a hearty meal. Whether you’re looking to follow a cozy tradition, venture through a magical light display, or participate in winter sports, this roundup of festive seasonal activities in Kansas City has something for everyone!

1. Marvel at the Plaza Lights

Each year, the officials at the Country Club Plaza ensure a spectacular display of lights. This is essential to kick off your holiday festivities in Kansas City. The Plaza lights are a wonderful tradition that has been going on for over 90 years, and this year will be no different! Stroll with loved ones through the Plaza, enjoying the illumination from every dome and tower. Make an evening of it and sit down at one of the many eateries or drinking establishments. Finish off the festivities with a spirited ride in a horse-drawn carriage, and then go home and dream of this magical time of year!

2. Explore Union Station’s Holiday Reflections

You may know that Union Station is a cherished Kansas City landmark. As in past years, Union Station is taking things up a notch with its annual Holiday Reflections exhibit. During this time of year, the Grand Hall is transformed into a festive display featuring dazzling decorations, larger-than-life ornaments, and holiday scenes that will put anyone in the holiday spirit. There will be many family photo ops, so bring the young ones and grandma and grandpa!

Features include the miniature train exhibit, sure to be a hit with the child in all of us, visits with good old Santa Claus, and holiday-themed movies to enjoy in comfort inside the Regnier Extreme Screen Theatre. Your kids will thrill from exploring the interactive elements, while adults can take in the nostalgic charm of Union Station’s beautifully decorated halls.

3. See the Mayor’s Christmas Tree at Crown Center

The spectacular Mayor’s Christmas Tree is a stunning sight in Crown Center Square. At over 100 feet tall, it is officially one of the nation’s tallest holiday trees! The tree is decorated with lights and ornaments, and it holds great significance for Kansas City residents, symbolizing our dedication to community and charity during the holiday season.

Crown Center is a must-visit destination for holiday shopping, ice skating, and more fun at this time of year. A favorite hot spot for skating under the holiday lights, the Crown Center Ice Terrace is also a great place to reenact the movie Serendipity, with a visit to one of the nearby cafes for a hot chocolate.

4. Stroll Through the Kansas City Zoo’s Holiday Wild Lights

During select evenings, the Kansas City Zoo is lit up with an immersive holiday light display appropriately billed the  Holiday Wild Lights. Holiday Wild Lights offers you and your loved ones a chance to see the zoo in a new light. This fun, family-friendly experience adds a wild twist to the traditional holiday light tour, from exploring the various light displays to roasting marshmallows at the fire pits.

5. Indulge in Holiday Shopping and Treats at KC Holiday Markets

There’s arguably no better place to shop than the Kansas City Holiday Markets. The Strawberry Swing Holiday Market is one of the city’s most popular, showcasing over 100 local artisans selling handmade gifts, crafts, and holiday décor. If you need an excuse to skip online shopping, this is it!

There are even more markets to explore, such as the Holiday Market at Union Station and the Holiday Mart hosted by the Junior League of Kansas City.

6. Catch a Classic Holiday Show

Are you an art lover? Kansas City has a vibrant arts scene, as you know, and the holiday season is filled with the most popular performances that have become KC traditions. Kansas City Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” is a must-see for ballet lovers, with breathtaking performances and beautiful sets that bring this classic tale to life. The Kansas City Repertory Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol” is another beloved tradition that the whole family can appreciate.

For live music, grab tickets for the Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s electrifying holiday rock concert or the Kansas City Symphony’s Christmas Festival, a blend of holiday classics and sing-alongs in the stunning Helzberg Hall at the Kauffman Center.

7. Walk Through the Lights at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead

Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead transforms into a holiday wonderland during winter with its Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane display. It’s ideal for families who want to see holiday lights from the comfort of their car or anyone with mobility-challenged family members. The farmstead’s radio station ensures you can listen to their synchronized holiday music that accompanies the dancing light displays at sound levels you are most comfortable with.

Kids will love spotting their favorite holiday characters in the lights, and adults can sit back, relax, and take in the festive sights and sounds. This family-friendly event is free, though donations are encouraged to support Deanna Rose’s educational programs.

8. Try Winter Sports in Kansas City

Are you looking for something with more action and less sitting? Kansas City has lots of options for those who want to be active. In addition to Crown Center’s famous Ice Terrace, there are other rinks around the city where you can skate, including Line Creek Community Center Ice Arena and the Silverstein Eye Centers Arena.

For a more unique experience, head to Snow Creek in Weston, MO, just a short drive from KC. Snow Creek offers skiing, snowboarding, and tubing, so you can hit the slopes without leaving the Midwest! This winter sports park is excellent for all ages and skill levels, making it perfect for a fun, snowy adventure.

9. Take a Trolley Ride Through Christmas in the Park

The magic word here is “free.” Each year, Jackson County’s Christmas in the Park at Longview Lake is one of the area’s largest holiday light displays, featuring over 500,000 twinkling lights and 175 animated displays. This drive-through light show is free of charge for all, which is a nice benefit for anyone with a large family or who is budget-constrained.

For a unique twist, hop on the Holiday Trolley Tour, which takes you in style through Christmas in the Park. The trolley offers an open-air, festive experience with music, hot chocolate, and blankets to keep you cozy.

10. Sip Hot Cocoa at Cozy Cafes Around the City

There’s something about a cup of hot cocoa that just feels like the holidays, and Kansas City has plenty of cozy cafes where you can indulge in a festive drink. Messenger Coffee offers hot chocolate with house-made marshmallows, and Parisi Coffee serves seasonal flavors perfect for warming up.

For an extra special treat, try Andre’s Confiserie Suisse for European-style hot chocolate or Blip Roasters for unique flavors. Many of these cafes also offer festive lattes and other seasonal drinks, so you can sip your way through the holiday season in KC style.

Plan Your Festive Holiday Adventure in Kansas City!

With so many things to do in Kansas City for the holidays, the season is brimming with opportunities for festive fun. From sparkling lights to classic holiday shows and thrilling winter sports, there’s something magical for everyone in Kansas City this holiday season, and don’t forget to stop into Kate’s Kitchen!