Kansas City Lights Up for the Holidays!
As the holiday season approaches, Kansas City is ready to sparkle! Get your warmest coats and mittens ready because this year’s celebration promises to be a blast! While the Country Club Plaza lights might be the most talked about, there’s a whole lineup of equally enchanting light displays set to dazzle onlookers across the region.
Let’s Talk Traditions!
Even before the big moment when Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt and his wife Tavia flip the coveted switch to light up the Plaza, Kansas City will be packed with holiday cheer! From the northland to the south, you’ll find festive events that are practically bursting with joy. Whether you’re in Missouri or Kansas, you won’t want to miss these delights!
The Jolly Good Light Displays
Among the biggest draws are the Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department’s Christmas in the Park in Lee’s Summit, the heartwarming Knights of Lights at the Kansas City Renaissance Festival in Bonner Springs, and the whimsical Luminary Walk at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. These displays are sure to put a twinkle in your eye and brighten your spirits!
And let’s not forget about the dazzling lights at Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park in Lenexa and the delightful Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead in Overland Park. These spots are favored by both families and individuals looking for a magical evening out. Plus, you can take part in several tree-lighting ceremonies like the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting at Crown Center Square, which will surely lift your holiday spirit!
Your Holiday Checklist
Here’s a handy roundup of the incredible holiday festivities you can expect:
- Legendary Tree Lighting: 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16; Legends Outlets, Kansas City, Kansas (free).
- Johnson County Parks and Recreation District’s Holiday Tree Lighting: 5:15 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20; Shawnee Mission Park, Shawnee (free).
- Independence Square Lighting and Santa’s Village: 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22; Truman Courthouse, Independence (free).
- Holiday Lighting Ceremony: 4-6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23; Zona Rosa (free).
- Christmas in the Park: 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27; Longview Lake Beach (runs until Dec. 31; free).
- Magic Tree Lighting: 6-10 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27; Paragon Star, Lee’s Summit (free).
- Plaza Lighting Ceremony: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 28; Country Club Plaza (free).
- Knights of Lights: 5:30-10 p.m. Nov. 29-Dec. 31; Bonner Springs ($9-$17).
- Luminary Walk: 5-9 p.m. on select dates; Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens ($12-$17).
- Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29; Crown Center Square (free).
- Sar-Ko Aglow: 6-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 (runs nightly through Jan. 20; free).
Holiday Cheer Awaits!
That’s just a snippet of what’s happening. There’s something for everyone, from romantic walks under twinkling lights to family outings filled with laughter. The spirit of the season is alive and well in Kansas City! So gather your friends and family, grab some hot cocoa, and immerse yourself in the joy of the holidays. This time of year is all about creating beautiful memories, and what better way to start than with a parade of lights?
Make sure you mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate—the holidays in Kansas City are here, and they’re brighter than ever!
