Christmas in Kansas, a city in Missouri, is a spectacular celebration. Everywhere you go here is bright and festive during the season. Union Station Kansas City, a grand train station, turns into a delightful holiday destination with its Yuletide decor and activities. You’ll also find several light displays such as the brightly lit tunnel in Kessler Park and lighting ceremonies of iconic landmarks such as Country Club Plaza, a sprawling shopping block. There are also endless shopping, dining, drinking, and ice-skating opportunities all over the city. If these don’t suffice in filling up your trip’s itinerary, read on for our list of the top things to do at Christmas in Kansas City, Missouri, to make the most of your visit to the Heart of America.
1. Visit the cheerful Holiday Reflections at Union Station Kansas City
The iconic Union Station is a former small Union Depot that was restored in 1996. It has become one of the busiest Amtrak stations which also features museum exhibits, theaters, and other attractions.
This Christmas, they are presenting Holiday Reflections, a walk-through Holiday-themed village installed in the Grand Plaza of the station. It features soaring lights, festive trees, huge, shiny ornaments, and lively music. There’s also a mini train ride that goes around Rudy’s Wonderland.
Holiday Reflections at Union Station Kansas City
Address: 30 West Pershing Road, Kansas City, MO 64108
Website: Holiday Reflections at Union Station Kansas City
Opening hours: Nov 1, 2022 - Jan 1, 2023: 10am - 8pm
Price: starts at 7 USD
2. Go ice skating at Crown Center Ice Terrace
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Crown Center Ice Terrace will be closed tomorrow and Thursday (Jan 5th & 6th). It will reopen to the public on Friday,...
Posted by Crown Center on Tuesday, January 4, 2022
Crown Center Ice Terrace is Kansas City’s favorite and original outdoor skating rink. It continues its 50-year Christmas tradition of gathering families and friends for some ice-skating fun. The season starts in November and goes up to March. Children under four years old are free if they come with a paying adult.
It offers free skating for its opening date on November 4. The center also offers skating lessons if you’re willing to learn. You can get discounts if you learn with a group, with options such as a six-week class for 120 USD.
Crown Center Ice Terrace
Address: 2425 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States
Website: Crown Center Ice Terrace
Opening hours: Nov, Dec, Jan (Sun-Thu): 10am - 9pm; (Fri-Sat): 10am - 11pm; Feb and Mar (Sun) 10am - 9pm; (Mon - Thu): 11am -9pm; (Fri) 11am - 10pm; (Sat) 10am - 10pm; varies on holidays
Price: starts at 8 USD; free for children under 4 years old
3. Drive through Winter Magic in Kessler Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
' , ! Thank you for another successful season! Your continued and ever-growing support is why we are...
Posted by Winter Magic on Wednesday, January 12, 2022
The historic Cliff Drive located in Kessler Park, Kansas City’s first park, will soon be decorated with festive lights. This unique holiday light exhibit consists of an animated tunnel of lights, the longest of its kind in the Midwest. It also boasts holiday music and plenty of themed displays. At the end of the tunnel is Pixel Town.
While you are cruising through the tunnel riding your car, you can dance and sing along to the modern versions of Christmas songs being played along the way.
Winter Magic
Address: 1800 Cliff Drive, Kansas City, MO, United States, Missouri
Website: Winter Magic
Opening hours: Nov 3, 2022 - Jan 1, 2023 (Sun - Thu): 6pm - 9pm; (Fri - Sat): 6pm - 10pm or 11pm
Price: starts at 25 USD
4. Watch the Kansas City Plaza Lights in Country Club Plaza
The Kansas City Plaza Lights is one of the most awaited holiday events in Kansas City. Presented by Evergy this year, the beloved tradition is the lighting up of the city’s premier dining and shopping destination, Country Club Plaza. It’s a huge 15-block commercial property offering a variety of shops and restaurants. The plaza is celebrating its 100th birthday this year, so admission to witness this spectacular event is free.
Kansas City Plaza Lights
Address: Country Club Plaza, 4706 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64112, United States
Website: Kansas City Plaza Lights
Opening hours: November 24 (Thu): 5pm - 8pm
Price: Free
5. Listen to the Christmas Festival by the Kansas City Symphony
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by The Kansas City Symphony on Monday, October 10, 2022
Watch a concert to get into the Christmas vibe with your friends and family. Kansas City Symphony, KC Symphony, and other artists will be performing in this yearly festival of beautifully arranged Christmas songs. The familiar carols will surely put you in the Christmas spirit.
The festival also features a family sing-along, a sleigh ride with music, and a special appearance by Santa Claus.
Christmas Festival by the Kansas City Symphony
Address: 1601 Broadway, Kansas City, Missouri
Website: Christmas Festival by the Kansas City Symphony
Opening hours: Dec 15 - 17: 7pm; Dec 17 (Sat): 1pm; Dec 18 (Sun): 2pm
Price: starts from 21 USD
6. Watch A Christmas Carol at Kansas City Repertory Theatre
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Photo by Don Ipock
Posted by Kansas City Repertory Theatre on Tuesday, December 8, 2015
The Christmas classic, A Christmas Carol, is retold by the talented thespians of the Kansas City Repertory Theatre. Feel the Christmas spirit of the past, present, and future as the cast performs this beloved Christmas story with a grand stage and colorful costumes. This Charles Dickens classic is a must-see for everyone of all ages, so bring your kids along so they can get to know Ebenezer Scrooge and the rest of the characters.
A Christmas Carol at Kansas City Repertory Theatre
Address: Spencer Theatre, 4949 Cherry St, Kansas City, MO 64110, United States
Website: A Christmas Carol at Kansas City Repertory Theatre
Opening hours: Nov 20, 23: 7pm; Nov 18, 19, 25: 8pm; Nov 25, 26: 2pm
Price: starts at 83 USD
7. Sing and dance at A Spectacular Christmas at Music Theatre Heritage
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
A 90 minute singing and dancing spectacular Christmas Show featuring holiday tunes from Musical Theater, innovative...
Posted by Music Theater Heritage on Friday, December 6, 2019
A great tradition in Kansas City is A Spectacular Christmas at the Music Theatre Heritage. This lively show is packed with song and dance numbers and a ground-breaking musical arrangement of classic holiday tunes. Each year there is an improved and innovative version of last year’s show. Make sure you and your loved ones enjoy this Yuletide-themed funfest.
A Spectacular Christmas at Music Theatre Heritage
Address: 2450 Grand Blvd, Suite 301 Kansas City, MO 64108
Website: A Spectacular Christmas at Music Theatre Heritage
Opening hours: Dec 8 - 10, 15-17, 20-23: 7:30pm; December 11, 17-18: 2pm
Price: starts at 35 USD
8. Shop and be merry at Merry Market
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by The City Market - Kansas City on Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Merry Market opens every year beginning Thanksgiving weekend up until Christmas. This outdoor market gathers 90 curated makers and artisans in one venue, the historic City Market. While exploring the market for unique gift items, you can also sip on a beer or specialty cocktails or gorge on specialty food. During Farmers Market hours, you’ll find a seasonal selection of vendors selling fresh produce and handmade products.
You can also enjoy live performances while walking through holiday pop-ups and restaurants.
Merry Market
Address: City Market, 20 E. 5th Street Suite 201 Kansas City, Missouri
Website: Merry Market
Opening hours: Nov 25 - 27, Dec 3 - 4, 10 - 11, 17 - 18: 10am - 5pm
Price: Free
9. Drop by The Soul of Santa Annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Celebration
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by The Soul of Santa on Friday, April 22, 2022
The Soul of Santa Annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Celebration is an exciting tradition that locals and visitors alike wait for. This year, the Christmas tree lighting will be at 18th & Vine on December 2 and on December 9 at The Shops on Blue Parkway. There will be a lot of food, holiday music, performances, and special guest speakers such as Mayor Quinton Lucas. You can also indulge in community breakfasts or participate in giveaways throughout the event.
The Soul of Santa Annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Celebration
Address: 18th & Vine, bound by 18th St., Woodland Ave., 19th St. and The Paseo, Kansas City, Missouri; The Shops on Blue Parkway 4209 E 50th Terrace, Kansas City, Missouri
Website: The Soul of Santa Annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Celebration
Opening hours: Dec 2, 9: 6pm
Christmas in the Heart of America
Use our list of top things to do at Christmas as your guide when visiting Kansas City, Missouri. With these, you will be able to maximize your time and enjoy the holidays in the Heart of America where Christmas is celebrated with lots of festive activities and lights!
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