This Weekend in Kansas City
Friday, December 1
Looking for something to do this weekend in the Kansas City area?? We’ve got a few suggestions for you!
This Weekend Only
SAR-KO AGLOW LIGHTING CEREMONY at Sar Ko Par Trails Park - Lenexa, KS
Friday, December 1 | 6p | Ground Pavilion East of Rose’s Pond | Free
Listen to the Dickens Carolers, enjoy hot cocoa and coffee, and visit with Santa Claus while Mayor Boehm flips the ceremonial switch!
CHRISTMAS ON THE RIVER in Historic Downtown Parkville - Parkville, MO
Friday, December 1 | 5p | Free
Enjoy some of the best holiday festivities including local choirs, dance groups and musicians, photos with Santa, hayrides, train rides, kids crafts and parents lounge, dining, shopping, Christmas movies and more! Oh yea, don’t forget the fireworks!
THE NUTCRACKER BALL at Crown Center - Kansas City, MO
Friday, December 1 | 6-7p Cocktail Hour | 7p Ballroom Opens | The Weston Kansas City at Crown Center | Black Tie | Starting at $350/adult | GET TICKETS
The Nutcracker Ball is a great way to celebrate the holiday season and support the KC Ballet School students. You’ll enjoy a delicious dinner, a performance by the KC Ballet School students and music and dancing by local band Kokomo.
SUGAR PLUM FAIRY CHILDREN’S BALL at Crown Center - Kansas City, MO
Saturday, December 2 | 10:30a - 1p Children’s Ball | 2p The Nutcracker | The Weston Kansas City at Crown Center | Starting at $85/child | GET TICKETS
During the Ball, you’ll enjoy a three-course luncheon, a performance by the students of the KC Ballet School, silent auction, face painting, a photo with the Sugar Plum Fairy, and attend the performance of The Nutcracker at the Kauffman. This event benefits the KC Ballet School.
WINTER WREATH WORKSHOP at Powell Gardens - Kingsville, MO
Saturday, December 2 | 4 - 6p | $75/person | GET TICKETS
Come decorate a premade wreath for your home with natural materials harvested from Powell Gardens. Guests 21+ will also enjoy a seasonal cocktail while decorating and your ticket includes one admission to the Festival of Lights.
TEEN FASHION SHOW at The Nelson-Atkins Museum - Kansas City, MO
Sunday, December 3 | 12-1p | Atkinson Auditorium | $8/Person | GET TICKETS
Check out beautiful fashion pieces inspired by artwork from the museum’s collection and created by local teen designers!
ACOUSTIC CHRISTMAS at The Midland Theatre - Olathe, KS
Tuesday, December 5 | 7p-10p | $21.50-$31.50/person + fees online | GET TICKETS
See Chase Matthew, Morgan Evans, Jackson Dean, Dylan Scott and Russell Dickerson this holiday season!
Seasonal
TERRACE ROOM (FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS) at Powell Gardens - Kingsville, MO
Now - December 30, 2023 | 5 - 10p | $10 parking | GET TICKETS
Enjoy holiday grazing boards, wine, beer, desserts and more in the Terrace Room. This mid-century holiday themed space makes the perfect start to the evening. You’ll enjoy dinner and drinks or sit down with a decadent dessert to end the evening on a sweet note.
Purchase your Holiday Grazing Board for Two ($98) in advance. Then, take a walk through the botanical gardens as they turn into a winter wonderland! Look for the Neon Magic Tree and enjoy some great photo stops!
ICE TERRACE at Crown Center - Kansas City, MO
Now through December 31 | $9/person | $5 skate rentals
Ice skating season is here! Lace up your skates and get out on the ice.
THE RINK at Zona Rosa - Kansas City, MO
Now through February 19, 2024 | starting at $12/person | $5 skate rentals | BOOK RESERVATION
Enjoy ice skating, pond hockey, special events and more!
THE 13TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY SWING at Crown Center - Kansas City, MO
Fridays 4-8p, Saturdays 10-8p, and Sundays 10-4p, now through December 17th | FREE to attend
Shop local vendors while enjoying food trucks and seasonal sips!
RUDOLPH THE RED NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL at The Coterie Theatre in Crown Center - Kansas City, MO
Now through March 10, 2024 | tickets start at $5/person | GET TICKETS
GloWild at the Kansas City Zoo - Kansas City, MO
Weeknight now - Saturday, December 30 | $18-25/person | GET TICKETS
Follow a 1-mile trail of beautifully lit lanterns that wind around the zoo and take you through a variety of cultures from around the globe! Food and beverages are available for purchase.
SNOW GLOBE CHRISTMAS at Calaveras - Lee’s Summit, MO
Now - Sunday, December 31, 2023 | Reservations available from 11a - 9:30p | GET RESERVATIONS
Enjoy an incredible experience of dining in an actual snow globe! Be prepared for an insane amount of Christmas decorations and lights.
Walk-through Lights
LUMINARY WALK 2023 at Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens - Overland Park, KS
Fridays and Saturdays from November 24 - December 16, 2023 | 5 - 9p | $15/person | GET TICKETS
Take a walk along the lit paths of the magical gnome and fairy villages, Marder Garden and the colorful Children’s Garden. There will be musical performances throughout, Santa, train rides and hot cider.
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS at Powell Gardens - Kingsville, MO
Wednesday - Sunday now - December 30, 2023 | 5 - 10p | starting at $8/child & $16/adult | $10 parking | GET TICKETS
Take a walk through the botanical gardens as they turn into a winter wonderland! Look for the Neon Magic Tree and enjoy some great photo stops!
Available Fridays & Saturdays, November 24 - December 23: You’ll get to experience pop up performances from Quixotic from 6-9p, and Mrs. Claus and Santa will be at Santa’s Workshop in the Children’s Garden for story time, crafts and cookie decorating from 5-9p.
ENCHANT at Legends Field - Kansas City, KS
November 24 - December 31 | Beginning at 4:30 PM | tickets from $34/adult, $24/junior & $10 parking online | GET TICKETS
Weave your way through the Mischievous Elf light maze and help Eddie the elf find the missing toys! Enjoy the ice skating trail, village featuring artisan vendors and boutiques, visit with Santa and play in the Little Elves Play Place!
WINTER WONDERLAND at KC Pumpkin Patch - Olathe, KS
Friday, November 24 - Saturday, December 23, 2023 | Beginning at 5:30 PM | $12.25/person online | GET TICKETS
A family holiday light experience where you’ll enjoy walking in a winder wonderland with photo ops, photos with Santa and “The Mean One.” Food, drinks and more are available for purchase.
ELECTRIC GLOW 2023 at Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens - Overland Park, KS
Tuesdays and Wednesdays from November 28 - December 20, 2023 | 4:30 - 8p | $10/person | GET TICKETS
Enjoy a more low-key version of the Luminary Walk to view only the electric lights. You’ll be able to wander through the lighted gardens and study the intricate gnome and fairy houses.
KNIGHTS OF LIGHTS at KC Renaissance Fairgrounds 2023 - Bonner Springs, KS
Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays now - December 31 | opens at 5:30p | starting at $9/child & $17/adult online | GET TICKETS
Stroll through a Renaissance wonderland of lights, shopping, food, entertainment and fun! Meet Santa, Mrs. Claus and Barbie the Christmas Elf. You can also make a reservation for a private igloo dinner! Call 913-721-2110 for more information.
SAR-KO AGLOW at Sar-Ko-Park Trails Park - Lenexa, KS
December 1 - January 15, 2024 | 6-11p | Free admission & parking
Take a nighttime stroll around Rose’s Pond to view the stunning spectacle and its reflections on the water!
Drive-through Lights
WINTER MAGIC in Downtown KC - Kansas City, MO
Now through December 31 | opens at 6p | starting at $25/car | Kessler Park | GET TICKETS
One-mile drive-thru holiday lights display
NORTH POLE ACRES in Oak Grove - Oak Grove, MO
Now through the beginning of January 2024 | 5:30 - 10p | $20/car | GET TICKETS
Tune in to 87.9FM for this one-mile drive-thru holiday lights display.
LANE OF LIGHTS on Lover’s Lane - Excelsior Springs, MO
Saturday, November 18 - December 31 | opens at 5:30p | starting at $5/car
Drive-thru holiday lights display
CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK at Longview Lake - Lee’s Summit, MO
Wednesday, November 22 through December 31 | 5:30 - 10p(11p Friday/Saturday) | voluntary donations at exit
Drive-thru holiday lights display
HOLIDAY LIGHT & MAGIC - Bonner Springs, KS
Now through December 31 | 6p | starting at $25/car | GET TICKETS
One-mile rive-thru holiday lights display That benefits UG Parks Foundation and Children’s Mercy Kansas City
Walk or Drive-through Light Displays
NORTHERN LIGHTS at Zona Rosa - Kansas City, MO
PLAZA LIGHTS at KC Country Club Plaza - Kansas City, MO
Other Light Displays
HOLIDAY LIGHTS ON FARMSTEAD LANE at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead - Overland Park, KS
Thursday, November 23 - December 31, 2023 | 5 - 10p | FREE
You’ll park at the main entrance to view the light and listen to the music on 90.5 Rose FM in the warmth of your own car
HOLIDAY REFLECTIONS at Union Station - Kansas City, MO
Now - January 1, 2024 | 10a - 8p | starting at $7/person (cards only) | GET TICKETS
Walk through Union Station’s indoor holiday village. Kids can ride the Mini Holiday Express Train, there are dozens of decorated trees, trains and much more!
My Favorite Weekend Picks
CAFE EQUINOX - Overland Park, KS
SHOP LOCAL KC BROOKSIDE - Kansas City, MO
Always an Option
Chicken n Pickle - Overland Park, KS
Board & Brush - Lenexa, KS
TOP GOLF - Overland Park, KS
KANSAS CITY ZOO & AQUARIUM - Kansas City, MO
KIDS EMPIRE - Olathe, KS
PAINT GLAZE & FIRE - Overland Park, KS
Sports
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS at Green Bay Packers - Green Bay, WI
Sunday, December 3 | 7:20p | NBC
Looking Ahead
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS vs Buffalo Bills - Kansas City, MO
Sunday, December 10 | 3:25p | CBS
KANSAS CITY MAVERICKS vs Idaho Steelheads - Independence, MO
Friday, December 8 | 7:35p | Cable Dahmer Arena | GET TICKETS
KANSAS CITY MAVERICKS vs Idaho Steelheads - Independence, MO
Saturday, December 9 | 6:05p | Cable Dahmer Arena | GET TICKETS
WESTPORT CHRISTMAS MARKET in Westport - Kansas City, MO
Saturday, December 9 | 9a
Enjoy shopping local vendors while sipping hot cocoa and savoring festive treats!
WINTER WREATH WORKSHOP at Powell Gardens - Kingsville, MO
Saturday, December 9 | 4 - 6p | $75/person | GET TICKETS
Come decorate a premade wreath for your home with natural materials harvested from Powell Gardens. Guests 21+ will also enjoy a seasonal cocktail while decorating and your ticket includes one admission to the Festival of Lights.
SKATE WITH SANTA at Summit Ice - Lee’s Summit, MO
Saturday, December 16 | 6-8p | $11/person (Lee’s Summit residents $8/person) & $3 skate rentals
Meet and skate with Santa under the twinkling lights!
SKATE WITH SANTA at Summit Ice - Lee’s Summit, MO
Saturday, December 23 | 6-8p | $11/person (Lee’s Summit residents $8/person) & $3 skate rentals
Meet and skate with Santa under the twinkling lights!
DISNEY ON ICE INTO THE MAGIC at T-Mobile Center - Kansas City, MO
January 25-28, 2024 | Multiple show times
Tickets go on sale November 14.