Kansas City Christmas Event Guide 2026

Celebrate the holidays in Kansas City with dazzling light displays, Christmas markets, and family-friendly events! This guide takes you through the top things to see and do for the 2026...

Kansas City comes alive during the holidays, and our 2026 Christmas Event Guide highlights the best ways to soak up the excitement of the season. From sparkling light displays and festive markets to classic holiday performances and family friendly winter adventures, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

1. Evergy Festival of Lights — Kingsville

Kansas City's botanical gardens become a glowing winterscape every holiday season at the Evergy Festival of Lights. This outdoor experience gives guests the opportunity to wander past the iconic Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel, across lighted bridges, and through shimmering gardens to the Meadow Pavilion. Make a Holly Jolly Rest Stop at the Missouri Barn and Silo for warm drinks (spiked and non-alcoholic!), hot food, and sweet and savory snacks around cozy fire pits. Beyond the trail, the season features Santa’s Workshop in the Children's Garden, live chapel concerts, holiday dinners, and tea experiences. It's a can't miss outing for the whole family and one of the region's most photographed light displays.

Dates: November 19th, 2026 through January 3rd, 2027, on select evenings.
Admission: Paid (pricing varies by date and age)
Street Address: Powell Gardens, 1609 N.W. U.S. Highway 50, Kingsville, MO 64061
Kid-Friendly: Yes
Pet-Friendly: No
Parking: Paid
Website: https://powellgardens.org/festival-of-lights/

Insider Tip: Visit Dec 12th-13th or 19th-20th to score free Russell Stover chocolates straight from Santa! Pair your sweet haul with a spiked hot cocoa around the fire pits at the Missouri Barn.

2. Country Club Plaza Lights — Kansas City

For nearly a century, the Country Club Plaza's Spanish inspired architecture has transformed every holiday season into a glowing 15 block spectacle. Thousands of jewel toned bulbs outline every dome, tower, and courtyard, making it Kansas City's quintessential winter landmark. The tradition kicks off with the famous Evergy Plaza Lighting Ceremony on Thanksgiving night and remains lit every evening through mid January. Visitors can stroll the district on foot to admire the window displays, shop, and grab a warm drink, or drive through the glowing streets after sunset.

Dates: Thanksgiving Night, November 26th, 2026 through mid January 2027
Admission: Free
Street Address: Country Club Plaza, 4750 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64112
Kid-Friendly: Yes
Pet-Friendly: Yes (Outdoor sidewalks and public streets)
Parking: Free parking in Plaza garages (Seville, Central, and Granada)
Website: https://countryclubplaza.com/

Insider Tip: Skip the heavy vehicle traffic on Thanksgiving Night and plan a visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday evening in early December. Park for free in the Seville Garage off 47th Street, grab a hot cocoa from a neighborhood coffee shop, and walk the central pedestrian corridors along Nichols Road for the best views without gridlock.

3. 2026 Hallmark Christmas Experience — Kansas City

Immerse yourself in the ultimate holiday celebration at the Hallmark Christmas Experience, returning to the iconic Crown Center Square in Kansas City. This Christmas event invites you to step directly into a holiday movie setting filled with magical moments, fun activities, and appearances by beloved Hallmark stars. Booking a tier package unlocks high end festival elements, including "Stars on Stage" theater shows, exclusive celebrity photo opportunities, and creative workshops led directly by Hallmark artists and writers. The vibrant grounds also showcase a seasonal Holiday Hallmarket packed with exclusive art prints, merchandise, and unique holiday decor.

Dates: Weekends from Friday, November 27th through Sunday, December 20th, 2026
Admission: Ticketed
Street Address: Crown Center Square, 2425 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108
Kid-Friendly: Yes
Pet-Friendly: No (High traffic event spaces and indoor star sessions)
Parking: Parking garage and surface parking lots available at the Crown Center complex
Website: https://www.experiencehallmarkchristmas.com/event/HCE26/home

Insider Tip: Upgrading to a premium "Be Merry" or "Find Magic" package saves you a bundle because it officially bundles three distinct "Stars on Stage" celebrity shows directly into your ticket cost. Plus, your badge unlocks an extra 10% discount at the Holiday Hallmarket, making it the perfect chance to take home an exclusive Hallmark artist print.

4. Union Station: Holiday Reflections — Kansas City

Inside the historic Grand Plaza of Union Station, Holiday Reflections is the region's largest indoor holiday village. The massive walk-through experience features towering floor to ceiling Christmas trees, sky high light displays, oversized mirror ornaments, interactive gingerbread scenes, and the award winning Holiday Model Train display. Kids can ride the mini ride on the train through the village or visit Santa, while adults enjoy the climate controlled photo backdrops and vintage holiday setup.

Dates: TBA (Check Union Station's Holiday Reflections portal for 2026 dates and ticket releases)
Admission: Ticketed
Street Address: Union Station, 30 W. Pershing Rd., Kansas City, MO 64108
Kid-Friendly: Yes
Pet-Friendly: No
Parking: Paid garage and surface lot at Union Station; free access via the KC Streetcar (Union Station Stop)
Website: https://unionstation.org/event/holiday-reflections/

Insider Tip: The mini ride on the train is actually the restored, historic Jones Store Train that generations of locals grew up on! Skip the paid parking garage by taking the free KC Streetcar straight to Union Station's front doors.

**5. Kansas City Ballet Presents The Nutcracker — Kansas City**

Kansas City Ballet brings the spirit of the holidays to the Kauffman Center stage with its grand production of The Nutcracker. Based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s classic tale, this Victorian era production follows Clara and her Nutcracker Prince on a captivating journey through lands of fantasy and snow. The performance features spectacular choreography, magnificent costumes, and towering sets that bring the seasonal favorite to life for audiences of all ages. Select afternoon and evening showtimes are designated as special VIP Family Experiences to make the theater outing even more memorable for young theatergoers.

Dates: November 28th through December 24th, 2026
Admission: Ticketed (Single tickets on sale starting August 10th)
Street Address: 1601 Broadway Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64108
Kid-Friendly: Yes
Pet-Friendly: No
Parking: Paid Parking
Website: https://kcballet.org/events/the-nutcracker/

Insider Tip: If you want to elevate the theater trip for little ones, look for the asterisked dates on the official schedule to book the VIP Family Experience, which unlocks special perks designed specifically for families.

6. Kansas City Symphony's The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert — Kansas City

This spirited retelling of Charles Dickens' classic tale combines the humor and heart of Disney's The Muppet Christmas Carol with the power of a live orchestra. While Ebenezer Scrooge's story unfolds on the big screen, the Kansas City Symphony performs the film's score, making it one of the most popular family-friendly holiday events in Kansas City every year.

Dates: November 27th - 29th, 2026
Admission: Ticketed | Discounts for students, educators, seniors, veterans, active military, subscribers, and groups of 10 or more
Street Address: Kauffman Center for Performing Arts, 1601 Broadway Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64108
Kid-Friendly: Yes
Pet-Friendly: No
Parking: Paid | Reduced price when purchased in advance
Website: https://www.kcsymphony.org/2026-27-holiday-concerts/

Insider Tip: Plan for approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, including a brief intermission, when attending with younger children.

7. City Market Merry Market — Kansas City

River Market swaps its usual farmers market setup for dozens of local artisans and holiday cheer every weekend between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Curated alongside Art Garden KC, more than 75 regional makers set up shop offering handcrafted jewelry, ceramics, and gifts alongside hot seasonal snacks and live street music. You can also drop off a coat at the market's annual coat drive while picking up unique holiday presents.

Dates: Weekends from November 29th through December 20th, 2026
Admission: Free
Street Address: City Market, 20 E. 5th Street Suite 201, Kansas City, MO 64106
Kid-Friendly: Yes
Pet-Friendly: No
Parking: Free weekend lots at 601 Main and 711 Main; metered street parking elsewhere in River Market
Website: https://thecitymarketkc.org/events/

Insider Tip: Skip the paid garages and aim straight for the free surface lots at 601 or 711 Main. They fill up fast by noon on Saturdays, so arriving around opening time guarantees a spot and shorter lines at vendor booths.

8. Crown Center Ice Terrace — Kansas City

Skating beneath a soaring downtown skyline defines winter recreation at the Crown Center Ice Terrace, a public rink that anchors the city's central square. This outdoor destination trades passive sightseeing for active entertainment, inviting skaters of all experience levels onto the ice amidst the bustling, high energy atmosphere of the city core. Operating seven days a week from late autumn into spring, the terrace offers a lively, physical contrast to standard light trails, serving as a landmark gathering hub where generations of locals come to participate in a seasonal sport.

Dates: November 6th, 2026 through March 14th, 2027
Admission: Ticketed (children under the age of 4 receive free admission with a paid adult)
Street Address: Crown Center, 2450 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108
Kid-Friendly: Yes
Pet-Friendly: No
Parking: Paid parking available in surrounding Crown Center garages
Website: https://crowncenter.com/iceterrace

Insider Tip: Daily hours vary significantly throughout the winter season, so double check the live schedule on their official portal before heading out. If you are bringing toddlers, take advantage of the free entry tier for children under four to save on family admission costs.

9. KC Winter Wonderland — Olathe

Once night falls, the open grounds at KC Pumpkin Patch light up with glowing holiday displays and festive light tunnels. Visitors can stroll the farm paths under the stars, grab hot cocoa or hard cider from KC Wine Co., and snap photos with Santa and "The Mean One". It’s an easygoing night out in Olathe that works just as well for family outings as it does for a relaxed seasonal date.

Dates: Weekends, from November 27th through December 20th, 2026
Admission: Paid admission required
Street Address: 13875 S. Gardner Road, Olathe, KS 66061
Kid-Friendly: Yes
Pet-Friendly: No
Parking: Free on-site parking
Website: https://www.kcpumpkinpatch.com/things-to-do/winter-wonderland

Insider Tip: Purchasing tickets online in advance gets you a lower rate than paying at the gate. Arriving around 5:15 p.m. lets you park close and walk in right as the lights switch on.

10. Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge — Kansas City

If you prefer trading snow boots for swimsuits, Great Wolf Lodge offers a winter experience where the water park stays a cozy 84 degrees all season long. During Snowland, the resort decks out its main lobby with towering trees, daily indoor snow showers, holiday bingo, crafts, and weekend visits from Santa. It gives kids the thrill of a holiday getaway with guaranteed warm weather indoors.

Dates: November 23rd, 2026 through January 5th, 2027
Admission: Included with lodge stay (day passes available online)
Street Address: 10401 Cabela Drive, Kansas City, KS 66111
Kid-Friendly: Yes
Pet-Friendly: No
Parking: Paid parking on-site
Website: https://www.greatwolf.com/kansas-city/waterpark-attractions/snowland

Insider Tip: Pack two swimsuits per person. That way, one set dries while you swim, so nobody has to pull on a damp suit when heading down to the lobby for evening Santa storytime.