Best Christmas Markets & Holiday Shopping in Kansas City 2026: Holiday Markets to Visit

Find the best Christmas markets in Kansas City for 2026, packed with handmade gifts, festive food, and holiday cheer at both open-air and indoor markets!

Photo Credit: Visit KC

Kansas City's Christmas market scene brings holiday cheer and sensational shopping to the city each December, with open-air villages, indoor artisan markets, pop-up bazaars, and local shopping malls packed with handmade gifts, live music, festive food, and seasonal drinks. Here are the best Christmas markets and holiday shopping in Kansas City for 2026.

The Best Kansas City Christmas Markets to Shop This Season

Check everyone off your shopping list at these Kansas City holiday markets and shopping events!

1. Kansas City Holiday Boutique 2026 — Overland Park

The Kansas City Holiday Boutique brings together hundreds of vendors for one of the most anticipated Christmas events in Kansas City each holiday season. Shoppers can browse festive décor, boutique fashions, artisan gifts, gourmet treats, and unique finds while enjoying seasonal displays and family friendly entertainment. And if you’re looking for a more relaxed shopping experience, attend the VIP Shopping Night on Wednesday before the show opens to the public. Tickets include a free gift bag, a drink ticket, early access to vendors, and exclusive shopping offers! Just note that kids need their own ticket for this special event.

Dates: November 18th - 22nd, 2026
Admission: Ticketed | Free for children ages 12 and under | Reduced price tickets available online
Street Address: Overland Park Convention Center, 6000 College Boulevard, Overland Park, KS 66211
Kid Friendly: Yes | Strollers permitted every day except during the VIP Shopping Night | Wagons are NOT permitted
Pet Friendly: No
Parking: Free
Website: https://www.kcholidayboutique.com/

Insider Tip: Skip single-day admission and grab the Multi-Day Pass! It covers all 4 days of the show for the price of two.

2. Cocktails & Candy Canes — Excelsior Springs

Cocktails & Candy Canes is a popular afternoon shopping stroll that winds through the downtown historic district. Ticket holders sample custom seasonal drinks mixed by local bars and restaurants while walking between independent boutiques and artisan galleries. It is a great way to support local shops, find unique holiday gifts, and soak up the lively atmosphere of the town.

Dates: Saturday, December 12th, 2026
Admission: Ticketed (includes custom event glassware and drink tokens)
Street Address: Downtown Historic District, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024
Kid Friendly: No (21+ event for cocktail sampling; however, shops remain open to public browsing)
Pet Friendly: Yes (outdoor stroll; individual store pet policies vary)
Parking: Street parking and public municipal lots throughout the downtown area
Website: https://visitexcelsior.com/cocktails-and-candycanes/

Insider Tip: This event draws a big regional crowd and tickets sell out weeks in advance. Start your route at the shops on the outer edge of Broadway rather than the central square to avoid the long lines at the first few drink stations.

3. 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.

4. Kristkindl Markt — Kansas City

For an authentic Kansas City Christmas market experience, Kristkindl Markt brings German holiday traditions to Kansas City United Church of Christ. The annual market features German food, a Biergarten with live music, homemade holiday cookies, a Christmas decoration flea market, handmade gifts and gingerbread house making for kids benefiting Operation Breakthrough.

Dates: Friday, December 4th - Saturday, December 5th, 2026
Admission: Free
Street Address: Kansas City United Church of Christ, 205 W 65th Street, Kansas City, MO 64113
Kid Friendly: Yes
Pet Friendly: Not specified
Website: https://www.kcucc.org/kkm

Insider Tip: If you're bringing children, make time for the gingerbread house activity, which is one of the market's longtime traditions.

5. KC Local Holiday Market — Lenexa

The KC Local Holiday Market is a great stop for Christmas shopping in Kansas City if you prefer buying directly from local makers. More than 55 Kansas City area vendors are expected at Thompson Barn, with handmade crafts, artisan products, food and drinks, plus vendor donated raffle prizes.

Dates: Saturday, November 7th, 2026
Admission: Free
Street Address: Thompson Barn, 11184 Lackman Road, Lenexa, KS 66219
Kid Friendly: Yes
Pet Friendly: Not specified
Parking: Free
Website: https://www.kclocalcraftfair.com/holiday.html

Insider Tip: Plan a little extra time for the raffles. Purchases of $15 or more from participating vendors earn raffle tickets for Kansas City themed prize packages.

6. Lee’s Summit Farmers Market Holiday Mart — Lee’s Summit

The Lee’s Summit Farmers Market transforms into a seasonal shopping destination with four holiday markets near Kansas City in November and December. Shoppers can browse handcrafted gifts, stocking stuffers, and other locally made goods while supporting small businesses at the indoor Green Street Market.

Dates: Saturdays, November 14th, November 28th, December 5th, & December 19th, 2026
Admission: Free
Street Address: Green Street, 209 SE Green Street, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
Kid Friendly: Yes
Pet Friendly: Not specified
Website: https://downtownls.org/market/

Insider Tip: Because the Holiday Mart returns four times, you don't have to squeeze all of your holiday shopping into one trip. Save the December dates for last minute gifts and stocking stuffers.

7. Mistletowne Market — North Kansas City

Mistletowne Market offers a smaller, curated alternative to the area's large convention center shows. This artisan Christmas market in Kansas City brings local artists and makers together inside the North Kansas City Parks and Recreation Center, with fine art, handmade goods and one of a kind holiday gifts.

Dates: Saturday, November 21st - Sunday, November 22nd, 2026
Admission: Not specified
Street Address: North Kansas City Parks & Recreation Center, 1201 Clark Ferguson Drive, North Kansas City, MO 64116
Kid Friendly: Yes
Pet Friendly: Not specified
Website: https://www.artsinthepark.org/

Insider Tip: Saturday has the longer shopping window, so choose it if you want more time to browse the full selection of makers.

8. Handmade Holidays — Kansas City

Handmade Holidays brings a curated group of local artists and artisans to Unity Temple on the Plaza for a weekend of holiday shopping. The juried show features about 30 vendors selling handmade art and gifts, making it a good choice for shoppers searching for unique Christmas gifts in Kansas City rather than mass produced merchandise.

Dates: Saturday, December 12th - Sunday, December 13th, 2026
Admission: Free
Street Address: Unity Temple on the Plaza, 707 W 47th Street, Kansas City, MO 64112
Kid Friendly: Yes
Pet Friendly: Not specified
Website: https://unitytemple.com/handmade-holidays/

Insider Tip: The Sunday hours are shorter than Saturday's, so go Saturday if you want the most time to shop and compare the handmade goods.

9. Westport Christmas Market — Kansas City

The Westport Christmas Market brings local Kansas City makers and crafters together for a one day holiday shopping event in the heart of the Westport district. Visitors can browse handmade goods while enjoying seasonal drinks and holiday music, making it an easy addition to a day of Kansas City holiday shopping.

Dates: Saturday, December 12th, 2026
Admission: Not specified
Street Address: Old Westport, Kansas City, MO 64111
Kid Friendly: Yes
Pet Friendly: Not specified
Website: https://westportkcmo.com/westport-christmas-market/

Insider Tip: Pair the market with the Westport Santa Dash happening the same day if you're looking to turn your shopping trip into a full holiday outing.

10. Holiday Market: Sip & Shop — Olathe

Holiday shopping gets a 21-and-over twist at KC Wine Co.'s Sip & Shop in Olathe. The market brings local makers and small businesses into the Cidery Barn, with handmade goods, specialty foods, boutique clothing, home décor and gift ideas alongside wine, cider and seasonal drinks.

Dates: Saturday, November 14th, 2026
Admission: Free
Street Address: KC Wine Co., 13875 S. Gardner Road, Olathe, KS 66061
Kid Friendly: No (21+ venue)
Pet Friendly: No
Website: https://www.kcwineco.com/events/upcoming-events/holiday-market-sip-shop-free-entry-mr95l

Insider Tip: This is strictly a 21+ venue, so save it for an adults only shopping afternoon rather than bringing the kids along.

11. Holiday Extravaganza — Lawrence

Lawrence Parks & Recreation hosts its annual Holiday Extravaganza at Sports Pavilion Lawrence, bringing together local artisans selling jewelry, paintings, textiles, pottery, home décor, and other handmade goods. It's one of the larger Christmas craft fairs near Kansas City, making the roughly hour long drive worthwhile for shoppers looking for locally made gifts.

Dates: Saturday, December 5th, 2026
Admission: Free
Street Address: Sports Pavilion Lawrence, 100 Rock Chalk Lane, Lawrence, KS 66049
Kid Friendly: Yes
Pet Friendly: Not specified
Website: https://lawrenceks.gov/prc/specialevents/artsandcrafts/

Insider Tip: Make a shopping list before you go. With a large selection of artisans and handmade goods, it's easy to spend more time browsing than expected.

Tips for Visiting Christmas Markets in Kansas City

Arrive early or late: Weekday afternoons and early evenings are dramatically less crowded than Saturday and Sunday peak hours.
Bring cash and card: Most vendors accept cards, but some smaller artisans prefer cash, and market parking is often cash only.
Come hungry: Seasonal food and drink are half the fun of a Christmas market. Budget time to graze rather than rushing the stalls.
Dress warm for open-air markets: Kansas City Decembers are cold. Bundle up in layers, hats, and gloves for outdoor markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here's what to know before you go to any of the listed Kansas City markets this season.

Are Kansas City Christmas markets free?

Most Christmas markets in Kansas City offer free general admission, though some charge a small entry fee. A few free markets also offer paid timed-entry tickets on weekends to skip longer lines. Keep in mind that while many markets offer free entry, they typically have paid parking nearby.

When do Kansas City Christmas markets open?

Most markets open in mid-to-late November and run through Christmas Eve or later. Check each market's individual listing for exact dates and hours.

Are kids welcome at Kansas City Christmas markets?

Yes! Most Christmas markets in Kansas City are family-friendly, with activities, food, and entertainment suitable for all ages. Check individual listings for stroller accessibility and rules, and kid-specific activities.

Do I need to book tickets in advance?

General admission is walk-in at most markets. However, some of the city's more popular markets offer timed-entry tickets on weekends that are worth booking ahead to avoid long waits.

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 Markets Worth the Drive from Kansas City

Kansas City isn't the only place worth visiting for Christmas markets this season. Within a couple of hours' drive, you'll find several other cities with their own festive markets worth the trip.

Wichita, Kansas — 3 Hours from Kansas City

Shop one of a kind handcrafted gifts at the Vintage Market Days Holiday Event and then discover unique finds curated by local makers at the Haute Handmade Holiday Market. Then, plan an evening at the Old Town Farm & Art Market: Somewhere in Winter, which brings ice skating, shopping, fireside s'mores, food trucks, and Christmas festivities to downtown Wichita!

Branson, Missouri — 3 Hours 15 Minutes from Kansas City

Spend a weekend at Branson Market Days, where over 250 vendors fill the Branson Convention Center with boutiques, handmade goods, vintage finds, and holiday treats. Then pick up Christmas décor and the perfect hostess gift at Kringle's Christmas Shop in the Grand Village. Round out your holiday shopping at the Branson Landing and along the Strip, but be sure save a full day for the over 60 specialty shops and Ozark artisan crafts at An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City!