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.

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!