Photo Credit: Visit KC
Kansas City's Christmas festival and parade calendar packs the season with community celebrations that turn the city into one of the Midwest's most festive destinations each December. Here's your guide to the best Christmas festivals and parades in Kansas City for 2026.
The Best Christmas Festivals & Parades in Kansas City This Season
Kansas City Christmas 2026 starts with festive floats, Santa sightings, and joyful holiday happenings. Mark your calendars for these Christmas parades and festivals that are sure to make you merry!
1. Lighted Christmas Parade — Excelsior Springs
Immediately after the tree lighting ceremony wraps up, the Lighted Christmas Parade rolls directly through the center of the historic district. This evening procession features dozens of unique floats built by local businesses, vintage fire trucks, and marching bands covered from top to bottom in holiday lights. It creates a bright corridor through the streets and is one of the biggest community turnouts of the entire year.
- Dates: Saturday, November 21st, 2026
- Admission: Free
- Street Address: Downtown Historic District, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024
- Kid Friendly: Yes
- Pet Friendly: Yes (be mindful about the crowds and loud music)
- Parking: Free street parking and municipal lots around downtown
- Website: https://visitexcelsior.com/lighted-christmas-parade/
Insider Tip: The intersection of Broadway and Marietta Street offers the best vantage point because the floats slow down significantly to clear the turn, giving you twice as much time to snap clear, well lit photos of the displays.
Tips for Attending Christmas Festivals and Parades in Kansas City
- Arrive early: Popular parade routes and tree lighting ceremonies fill up well before start times. Aim to arrive at least 45 minutes early for prime viewing.
- Dress warm: Most festivals and parades are entirely outdoors and run for hours in cold Kansas City weather. Bundle up in layers, hats, and gloves.
- Bring snacks and water: Food vendors at large events often have long lines. Packing snacks keeps everyone happier through long wait times.
- Plan parking ahead: Major parades and holiday festivals draw big crowds and close streets. Arrive early or use ride share, as nearby lots fill up fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here's what to know before you go to any of the listed Kansas City festivals this season.
When are Christmas parades and festivals held in Kansas City?
Most Christmas parades in Kansas City take place between Thanksgiving weekend and mid-December. Christmas festivals typically happen throughout the month of December. Check individual listings for exact dates.
Are Christmas festivals and holiday parades in Kansas City free?
Most Christmas parades in Kansas City are free to attend, but festivals typically charge admission. Check individual listings for specifics.
Are Kansas City Christmas parades and festivals kid friendly?
Yes! Christmas parades and festivals are among the most family-friendly holiday events in Kansas City, with characters, floats, music, and entertainment designed for all ages.
Where is the best place to watch a Kansas City Christmas parade?
Each parade has its own ideal viewing spots. Arrive early as popular routes fill up well before start times. Check individual listings for route-specific recommendations.
Can I add my event to this guide?
We'd love to feature your Christmas event! Simply share your event through our quick submission form and we will get it added to the list!
Christmas Parades & Festivals Worth the Drive from Kansas City
Kansas City isn't the only place worth visiting for Christmas festivals and parades this season. Within a couple of hours' drive, you'll find several other cities with their own seasonal celebrations worth the trip.
Wichita, Kansas — 3 Hours from Kansas City
Spend a Sunday afternoon at the Bradley Fair Holiday Strolls, where Wichita's most upscale outdoor shopping plaza transforms each December weekend into a festive scene of horse-drawn carriage rides, live choral performances, hot cocoa from local restaurants, and visits with Santa. Then, head just outside Wichita for the Rose Hill Hometown Christmas, a community-wide holiday festival held the second Saturday of December featuring a holiday parade, craft market, carriage rides, petting zoo, and a full day of family activities benefiting local needs.
Branson, Missouri — 3 Hours 15 Minutes from Kansas City
Experience one of Branson's oldest and most beloved Christmas traditions at the Adoration Parade, where a 28-foot nativity scene is lit above Lake Taneycomo before a procession of marching bands and community floats winds through Historic Downtown Branson. Then, plan multiple evenings at An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City, where the brand-new Stars, Lights & Christmas Nights Parade joins 6.5 million lights, live shows, and a Rockefeller-style tree lighting ceremony throughout the holiday season!
Plan Your Complete Kansas City Christmas Experience
Kansas City's Christmas festivals are just one part of the city's incredible holiday season. Explore our guides to Kansas City Christmas lights, holiday shows and performances, Christmas markets and holiday shopping, and Christmas experiences and attractions in Kansas City. Whether you're a local or visiting for the season, our Kansas City Christmas guide has you covered.
