KC ho-ho-holiday guide: Light shows (including a big new one), Santa, Scrooge, more
Kansas City boasts one holiday tradition dating back nearly a century — the 94th annual Plaza Lighting Ceremony that as always will take place on Thanksgiving evening — as well as others that have been around for decades. Think the Kansas City Repertory Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol,” the Kansas City Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” and the Fairy Princess at the Kansas City Museum.
But there’s always room for something new during the holiday season.
This year the big addition is “Enchant: The Mischievous Elf” at Legends Field in Kansas City, Kansas. It will feature a walk-thru light maze, a village of tiny storefronts with artisan vendors, specialty crafters and boutiques, an ice skating trail and visits with Santa Claus. It will run on select days Nov. 24-Dec. 31, operating 4:30 or 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 or 11:30 p.m.
Also new this holiday season are two additions to Union Station’s popular Holiday Reflections, which will run Nov. 20-Jan. 1. The Fountain Forest is a 4,500-square-foot fountain with a colorful display set to holiday music. Tinsel and ’Tinis, offering eight bars serving seasonally themed drinks, will operate Dec. 15, 16 and 22.
Here is a rundown of the area’s holiday highlights.
Top 15 events
▪ “Winter Magic” drive-thru, 6 p.m. through Dec. 31, Kessler Park ($25-$55). wintermagickc.com.
▪ Festival of Lights, 5-10 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday Nov. 16-Dec. 30, Powell Gardens ($9-$18). powellgardens.org.
▪ “Holiday Light and Magic” drive-thru, 6 p.m. daily Nov. 16-Dec. 31, Wyandotte County Park ($25-$55 per vehicle). holidaylightandmagic.com.
▪ “Holiday Reflections” walk-thru village, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Nov. 20-Jan. 1, Union Station Grand Plaza ($7-$9). unionstation.org.
▪ “A Christmas Carol,” Kansas City Repertory Theatre, opens 7 p.m. Nov. 21; runs through Dec. 24, Spencer Theatre ($39-$114). kcrep.org.
▪ “Christmas in the Park” drive-thru, 5:30-10 or 5:30-11 p.m. Nov. 22-Dec. 31, Frank White Jr. Softball Complex (free); also “Christmas in the Sky,” 5-8 p.m. Nov. 22, Longview Lake Beach (free). makeyourdayhere.com.
▪ Plaza Lighting Ceremony, 5 p.m. Nov. 23, Country Club Plaza (free; through Jan. 14). countryclubplaza.com.
▪ “Enchant: The Mischievous Elf,” hours and days vary Nov. 24-Dec. 31, Legends Field ($25-$34). enchantchristmas.com.
▪ Holiday Luminary Walk, 5-9 p.m. Nov. 24-25, Dec. 1-2, 7-9, 15-16, Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens ($15). artsandrec-op.org.
▪ Nativity Puppets, 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 1, 2 and 5 p.m. Dec. 2, 2 p.m. Dec. 3, Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral ($12-$17). nativitypuppets.org.
▪ Kansas City Symphony, “Handel’s Messiah,” 7 p.m. Dec. 1-2, 2 p.m. Dec. 3, Kauffman Center ($30-$95). kcsymphony.org.
▪ Kansas City Ballet, “The Nutcracker,” opens 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1; runs through Dec. 24, Kauffman Center ($34-$250). kcballet.org.
▪ Fairy Princess, 3-7 p.m. Dec. 7-8, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Dec. 9, noon-4 p.m. Dec. 10, Kansas City Museum ($15). kansascitymuseum.org.
▪ Trans-Siberian Orchestra, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16, T-Mobile Center ($37.49-$109.75). t-mobilecenter.com.
More at Union Station
▪ “Three Wise Cats on Broadway,” Theatre for Young America, opens 2 p.m. Nov. 25; runs through Dec. 23, City Stage ($12). tya.org.
▪ Canadian Pacific Holiday Train, 6:45 p.m. Nov. 27, Haverty Family Yards (free). cpkcr.com.
▪ “Nutcracker, All Jazz’d Up!,” Academy of the Arts, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 15-16, 2 and 6 p.m. Dec. 17, City Stage ($12). academyarts.net.
▪ Tinsel and ’Tinis, 8:30 p.m. Dec. 15-16 and 22, Grand Plaza ($15)
▪ Noon Years Eve, noon-6:30 p.m. Dec. 31, Science City ($14.50)
Also:
▪ Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium, Sky Station Live: “Stars of Faith” and Laser Holiday Magic, both through Jan. 1.
▪ Holiday Classic Movies at Extreme Screen Theatre: “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” through Nov. 22; “Elf,” Nov. 24-Dec. 7; “The Polar Express,” Dec. 8-31.
More at Crown Center
▪ “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical,” times vary through Dec. 31, Coterie ($14-$20). thecoterie.org.
▪ Santa’s Arrival, 10 a.m. Nov. 24 (free).
▪ Santa’s Gingerbread Station, hours vary Nov. 24-Dec. 24 (free).
▪ Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, 5:30 p.m. Nov. 24 (free).
▪ Strawberry Swing’s Holiday Swing, hours and days vary Nov. 25-Dec. 17 (free)
▪ Holiday Choirs, hours and days vary Nov. 27-Dec. 17 (free)
▪ Kansas City Symphony’s TubaChristmas, noon-1 p.m. Dec. 5 (free)
More from Kansas City Symphony
▪ “The Muppet Christmas Carol” in Concert, 7 p.m. Dec. 8, 1 p.m. Dec. 9, Kauffman Center ($55-$105).
▪ Christmas Festival, 7 p.m. Dec. 14-15, 1 and 7 p.m. Dec. 16, 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 17, Kauffman Center ($42-$107).
▪ “The Nightmare Before Christmas” in Concert, 7 p.m. Dec. 21-23, 1:30 p.m. Dec. 24, Kauffman Center ($57-$107).
Kansas City Chorale
▪ “Wintersong,” 5:30 p.m. Nov. 30, Nelson-Atkins Museum ($125).
▪ “Holiday Pops!,” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5, 1900 Building, and 2 p.m. Dec. 17, Asbury United Methodist ($20-$25).
▪ “A Christmas Carol,” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8, Country Club United Methodist Church, and 2 p.m. Dec. 10, Atonement Lutheran Church ($20-$25).
▪ “A Chorale Family Christmas,” 1 p.m. Dec. 9, St. Michael the Archangel ($5-$10).
Power & Light District
▪ Tinsel Tavern at KC Live!, hours vary daily Nov. 24-Dec. 30.
▪ Country Christmas with Randy Houser, 6 p.m. Dec. 13, PBR Big Sky ($20).
▪ 12 Bars of Charity, 2-6 p.m. Dec. 16 ($15).
Folly Theater
▪ Heartland Men’s Chorus, “’Tis the Season: A Holiday Spectacular!,” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2 and 3:30 p.m. Dec. 3 ($30-$55); also 3:30 p.m. Dec. 10, Yardley Hall ($30-$55). hmckc.org.
▪ Jim Brickman, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13 ($35-$70).
▪ Central Standard and Vocal Standard, “Holiday Harmonies,” 2:30 and 7 p.m. Dec. 16 ($20-$45).
▪ Girl Named Tom, “One More Christmas,” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17 ($50-$60).
Excelsior Springs
▪ Hall of Trees, Nov. 18-Dec. 31
▪ Lane of Lights, 5:30 p.m. daily Nov. 18-Dec. 25
▪ Holiday Homes Tour, noon-6 p.m. Dec. 2, Excelsior Springs ($15).
More outdoor ice skating
(Hours vary at each facility)
▪ Summit Ice, Lee’s Summit, through undetermined ($4-$11, skate rental $3). summitice.net.
▪ The Ice at Park Place, through March 3 ($9-$11; skate rental $4). parkplaceleawood.com.
▪ The Rink at Zona Rosa, through Feb. 29 ($10-$12, skate rental $4-$5). zonarosa.com.
More classical music and dance
▪ Ceremony of Lessons and Carols, 7 p.m. Dec. 2, Arrupe Hall, Rockhurst University (free). rockhurst.edu.
▪ Park ICM Orchestra Holiday Concert, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2, Graham Tyler Memorial Chapel (free). icm.park.edu.
▪ UMKC Choirs Holiday Concert, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2, Visitation Church (free). umkc.edu.
▪ “The Jewish Nutcracker,” 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Dec. 3, White Theatre ($6-$15). thejkc.org.
▪ Kansas City Chamber Orchestra, “A Very Baroque Christmas,” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5, Old Mission United Methodist Church ($15-$50). kcchamberorchestra.org.
▪ Prelude to Christmas Concert, 7 p.m. Dec. 7, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception ($10-$20). preludetochristmas.com.
▪ “The Nutcracker, A Kansas Ballet,” 7 p.m. Dec. 8, 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 9, 1 and 5 p.m. Dec. 10, Lawrence Arts Center ($30-$60). lawrenceartscenter.org.
▪ Storling Dance Theater, “Child of Hope,” 7 p.m. Dec. 8, 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 9-10, The Culture House ($18-$30). storlingdance.org.
▪ Kansas City Civic Orchestra, “Sounds of the Season,” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8, 2 p.m. Dec. 9, Atonement Lutheran Church (free). kccivic.org.
▪ Christmas With Kansas City Bronze, 4 p.m. Dec. 9, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church ($15-$50). festivalsingers.org.
▪ MNU Festival of Christmas, 6 p.m. Dec. 9, 3:30 p.m. Dec. 10, Bell Center ($6-$12). mnu.edu.
▪ Bach Aria Soloists, Holiday Concert, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church ($20-$40). bachariasoloists.com.
▪ Liberty Symphony Orchestra, “Holidays Around the World,” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9, Second Baptist Church, Liberty (free). libertysymphony.org.
▪ William Baker Festival Singers, “Candlelight, Carols & Cathedral,” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, and 2 p.m. Dec. 17, Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral ($5-$75). festivalsingers.org.
▪ Lee’s Summit Symphony, “Holiday Radio Show,” 3 p.m. Dec. 16, The Pavilion at John Knox Village ($11-$21). lssymphony.org.
▪ Kansas City Theatre Pipe Organ, “Holiday Follies,” 2 p.m. Dec. 17, Music Hall (free). kctpo.org.
▪ “Tidings of Joy” with Village Choirs and Fountain City Brass Band, 3 and 6 p.m. Dec. 17, Village Presbyterian Church (free). villagepres.org.
▪ Spire Chamber Ensemble, “Handel’s Messiah,” 7 p.m. Dec. 18, Kauffman Center ($25-$50). spirechamberensemble.org.
▪ Te Deum Chamber Choir, “Lessons & Carols for Today,” with poet Natasha Ria El-Scari, 7 p.m. Dec. 18, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, and 7 p.m. Dec. 19, Village Presbyterian Church ($20-$25). te-deum.org.
▪ Kinnor Philharmonic, New Year’s Concert, 3 p.m. Jan. 1, White Theatre ($18-$38). thejkc.org.
Other music
▪ Soul of Santa Holiday Benefit Concert featuring Lonnie McFadden, 7 p.m. Dec. 1, Gem ($150). thesoulofsanta.org.
▪ “Christmas in Song,” opens 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1; runs through Dec. 24, Quality Hill Playhouse ($42-$45). qualityhillplayhouse.com.
▪ Bill Gaither & The Gaither Vocal Band Christmas, 6 p.m. Dec. 2, Connection Point Church ($35-$75). connectionpoint.tv.
▪ K-Love Christmas Tour with Danny Gokey and Natalie Grant, 7 p.m. Dec. 2, Sheffield Family Life Center ($29.75-$55). klove.com.
▪ Merry Kissmas Show with Almost Kiss and KCDC, 8 p.m. Dec. 2, Knuckleheads ($15). knuckleheadskc.com.
▪ Spirituality and All That Jazz: Holiday Hits! featuring Tim Whitmer, 4 p.m. Dec. 3, Unity Temple on the Plaza ($20-$25). eventbrite.com.
▪ Kansas City Jazz Orchestra, “A Charlie Brown Christmas” featuring Lee Langston, 7 p.m. Dec. 5, Kauffman Center ($20-$72). kcjo.org.
▪ Acoustic Christmas with Russell Dickerson and more, 8 p.m. Dec. 5, Midland ($21.50-$36.50). midlandkc.com.
▪ Rezound, Holiday Handbells, Dec. 8-17, multiple venues (free). rezound.org.
▪ “A Soulful Christmas,” 7 p.m. Dec. 9, Delta Athenaeum ($30). eventbrite.com.
▪ Big Band Christmas, 8 p.m. Dec. 9, Liberty Hall ($30). libertyhall.net.
▪ Socks: A Rock ’N’ Roll Christmas Tour featuring JD McPherson, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11, Knuckleheads ($30). knuckleheadskc.com.
▪ Fountain City Brass Band, “Fountain City Christmas,” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16, Bell Center ($10-$20). fcbb.net.
▪ Dickens Carolers in Concert, 2 p.m. Dec. 17, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19, Chestnut Fine Arts Center ($29-$32). chestnutfinearts.com.
▪ Ashley Davis, Winter Solstice Celebration, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17, Lied Center ($25). lied.ku.edu.
▪ “Buddy’s Holly Jolly Christmas,” 7 p.m. Dec. 22-23, Ruby Room, MTH Theater at Crown Center ($45-$51). musictheaterheritage.com.
▪ David George Orchestra Rock ’N’ Roll Christmas Show, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22, Madrid ($20-$25). madridtheatre.com.
▪ Burning Pianos Christmsas Show, 8 p.m. Dec. 23, Aztec ($20-$25). aztecshawnee.com.
More theater
▪ “A Christmas Carol,” 7 p.m. Dec. 7, Lied Center ($14-$40). lied.ku.edu.
▪ “It’s a Wonderful Life: Live Radio Play,” opens 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7; runs through Dec. 23, MTH Theater at Crown Center ($39-$65). musictheaterheritage.com.
▪ “Million Dollar Quartet Christmas,” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7, Yardley Hall ($12-$85). jccc.edu/midwest-trust-center.
▪ “Elf The Musical,” opens 8 p.m. Dec. 8; runs through Dec. 23, Warwick ($32.50-$35). padgettproductionskc.com.
▪ “Seussical; The Musical,” Theatre in the Park, opens 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8; runs through Dec. 23, Johnson County Arts and Heritage Center ($10-$17). theatreinthepark.org.
▪ “A Magical Cirque Christmas,” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12, Music Hall ($29-$79). kcconvention.com.
More light displays
▪ GloWild Lantern Festival and North Pole Village, 5-9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 5-10 p.m. Friday-Sunday (open Nov. 20 and Dec. 25; closed Nov. 23 and Dec. 24) through Dec. 30, Kansas City Zoo ($16-$38). kansascityzoo.org.
▪ Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane, 5-10 p.m. Nov. 23-Dec. 31, Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead (free). opkansas.org.
▪ KC Winter Wonderland, 5:30-9 p.m. Nov. 24-Dec. 17, KC Pumpkin Patch ($9.95). kcpumpkinpatch.com.
▪ “Knights of Lights” walk-thru 5:30-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 5:30-9 p.m. Sunday (plus Dec. 21), Nov. 24-Dec. 31, Kansas City Renaissance Festival ($9-$20). kcrenfest.com.
▪ Sar-Ko Aglow, lighting ceremony, 6 p.m. Dec. 1, runs 6-11 p.m. nightly through Jan. 15, Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park (free). lenexa.com.
Other displays
▪ Gingerbread Lane, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. through Jan. 13, City Market (free). thecitymarketkc.org.
▪ “Jewish Holidays in the All-Electric House,” 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday through Jan. 6, Johnson County Museum ($4-$6). jcprd.com.
▪ Olde World Christmas, noon-3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday through Jan. 14, Strawberry Hill Museum and Cultural Center ($5-$10). strawberryhillmuseum.org.
▪ Journey to Judea, 5-9 p.m. Nov. 17, 4-9 p.m. Nov. 18-19, 5-9 p.m. Dec. 1, 4-9 p.m. Dec. 2-3, Countryside Baptist Church (free). journeytojudea.com.
▪ Mid-Century Magic: A Tale of Toys and Aluminum Christmas Trees, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday-Monday, Nov. 20-Jan. 29, National Museum of Toys/Miniatures (museum admission $5-$10). toyandminiaturemuseum.org.
Historic holidays and home tours
▪ Royal Victorian Christmas Tours, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24-Dec. 30 (closed Dec. 23-25), Vaile Mansion ($5-$10). vailemansion.org.
▪ Twilight Gala at the Mansion, 5 p.m. Dec. 1, Bingham-Waggoner Estate ($10-$20). bwestate.net.
▪ A Christmas Celebration, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 2, Missouri Town 1855 ($4-$8). makeyourdayhere.com.
▪ Christmas Open House, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 2, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm (free). mahaffie.org.
▪ Historic Candlelight Homes Tour, 2-7 p.m. Dec. 2-3, Weston ($25). westonmo.com.
▪ Kappa Kappa Gamma Holiday Homes Tour, 5-9 p.m. Dec. 5, noon-8 p.m. Dec. 6, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 7, Mission Hills, Fairway and Kansas City ($30). kappahomestour.com.
▪ A Very Merry Christmas at the Majors Barn, 9 a.m.-noon Dec. 9, Alexander Majors House ($10). wornallmajors.org.
▪ Pendleton Heights Holiday Homes Tour, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 9, Pendleton Heights ($20). phkc.org.
▪ Lanesfield School Christmas, 1-4 p.m. Dec. 9, Lanesfield Historic Site (free). jcprd.com.
▪ Candlelight Tour of Fort Osage, 5-9 p.m. Dec. 9, Fort Osage National Historic Landmark ($10). makeyourdayhere.com.
▪ Leavenworth Vintage Homes Tour, 1-6 p.m. Dec. 10, Leavenworth ($25). leavenworthhistory.org.
Shopping
▪ Holiday Boutique, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Nov. 16-17, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Nov. 18, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 19, Overland Park Convention Center ($14-$16). kcholidayboutique.com.
▪ Mistletowne Market, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 18, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 19, North Kansas City Parks & Recreation Center (free). artsinthepark.org.
▪ Merry Market, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 24-26, Dec. 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, City Market (free). thecitymarketkc.org.
Other activities
▪ Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Festival, 4-9 p.m. Nov. 17, Memorial Hall, KCK (free). wycokck.org.
▪ Square Lighting, 6 p.m. Nov. 17, Independence Square (free). indepsquare.com.
▪ Trip the Light Fantastic bicycle ride, 6 p.m. Nov. 19, Frank White Jr. Softball Complex (free). makeyourdayhere.com.
▪ Meet Santa, times vary Nov. 24-Dec. 24, Zona Rosa (appointments $20). zonarosa.com.
▪ Holiday Open House, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 25 and Dec. 2, Louisburg Cider Mill (free). louisburgcidermill.com.
▪ Soul of Santa Christmas Tree Lighting, 5 p.m. Dec. 1, 18th and Vine (free). thesoulofsanta.org.
▪ Christmas on the River, 6 p.m. Dec. 1, Parkville (free). parkvillemo.org.
▪ Living Windows, 6-8 p.m. Dec. 1 (Christmas Market, 4-8 p.m.), Independence Square (free). indepsquare.com.
▪ Christmas in the Courtyard, 6:30-8 p.m. Dec. 1, Merriam Community Center (donation of toy, food or cash). merriam.org.
▪ “Sugar Plum Fairy Children’s Ball,” 10:30 a.m. Dec. 2, Westin Crown Center ($85-$175). kcballet.org.
▪ Hometown Holidays and Mayor’s Tree Lighting, 2-5:10 p.m. Dec. 2, Downtown Liberty (free). historicdowntownliberty.org.
▪ Mayor’s Tree Lighting, 5:30 p.m. Dec. 5, Blue Springs City Hall (free). bluespringsgov.com.
▪ Santa Dash 5K and Elf Dash, 10 a.m. Dec. 9, Westport District ($12-$40). kcsantadash.com.
▪ Christmas Train, noon-4 p.m. Dec. 9, KC Northern Miniature Railroad, Frank Vaydik Park (75 cents). kcnrr.com.
▪ Visit with Saint Nicholas, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 9, Shoal Creek Living History Museum ($5). kcparks.org.
▪ Skate With Santa, 2-4 p.m. Dec. 9, Line Creek Community Center (free). kcparks.org.
▪ SantaCon KC Pub Crawl, 4-midnight Dec. 9, Westport, Martini Corner, Waldo ($50). santaconkansascity.com.
▪ “Joyeux Noël” film screening, 11 a.m. Dec. 10, National WWI Museum and Memorial (free). theworldwar.org.
▪ Great Santa Run 5K and Little Elves Fun Run, 9 a.m. Dec. 17, Johnson County Community College ($12-$44). kcrunningcompany.com.
▪ The Ugly Sweater Christmas Party featuring DJ Fresh, 7 p.m. Dec. 23, Bartle Hall ($25). kcconvention.com.
