We set out to Kansas City for a weekend getaway in December – three days to take in the lights, the holiday traditions and the barbecue. There are so many things you could do during a KC Christmas getaway! (Kim’s note: Of course, in 2020, not all of these annual activities will run like previous years, so set your expectations accordingly).
Updated: This post was written in December 2015 and updated in November 2020. Help me keep this post updated! If you know of an event that has changed, please comment and let me know. Events are subject to change.
Disclosure: Our visit was hosted by the fine folks at Visit KC and Visit Overland Park. All thoughts, opinions and typos are my own. This post may include affiliate links.
The activities listed aren’t just limited to Kansas City city limits; I included some nearby cities that are close enough to Kansas City to include in planning outings. I’ve also updated this list with trips we’ve taken around the holidays since this post was originally written.
Favorite things to do in Kansas City (that cost money)
Kansas City has a ton of FREE things at Christmas time, which I’ll get to shortly, but like every other city, some things you have to pay for.
Here are two that I think are totally worth it.
WinterFest at Worlds of Fun
Where: Kansas City, Mo.
Worlds of Fun started a holiday tradition in 2017 called WinterFest. Think tons of lights, lots of music, snow, and most fun of all, rides. I shared some tips to make the most of your visit here.
However, WinterFest will not happen in 2020. Worlds of Fun announced the holiday event will return in November 2021.
Related post: Love dessert on vacation? Check out my favorite sweet treats and sweet shops in the KC area!
Ice Terrace at Crown Center
Where: Kansas City, Mo.
There’s just something special about ice skating outdoors. The Ice Terrace is a large ice skating rink at Crown Center, and it can be a pretty popular place.
There is an admission fee, plus the cost of renting your skates, but kids won’t forget skating there (especially at night).
The 2020 season runs from Nov. 6 through March 7, 2021. There are many changes you should be aware of, including required reservations. Website
Related post: 35 Things To Do In KC With Kids
Free things to do in Kansas City at Christmas
Union Station’s free Christmas displays
Where: Kansas City, Mo.
This was our first time visiting the magnificent Union Station, and it was decked out at Christmas time during “Holidays Come Alive at Union Station.”
You can visit several areas for free so come by to see the huge indoor tree and the Model Train Experience, an incredible room of miniature trains (800 feet of track and counting).
Union Station usually has several events every year in November and December and in 2020, they still do, but with some changes. The 40-foot-tall tree returns as does the model trains and an outdoor light show.
They are also starting the new “Holiday Swing” Outdoor Indie Craft Market on the weekends of Nov. 28 & 29, Dec. 5 & 6, Dec. 12 & 13, and Dec. 19 & 20. There will also be a free virtual series of concerts called Holiday Clocktail Concert Series, which you’ll be able to watch online Dec. 5, 12, and 19.
Mayor’s Christmas Tree at Crown Center
Where: Kansas City, Mo.
Dazzling is the best way to describe Crown Center at Christmas time. At the center is the Mayor’s Christmas Tree.
At its base, usually, is a play area of structures like cars, wagons and trains. The kids loved it. Of course, there’s been no word about the play area in 2020. Check for Crown Center updates here.
And since we were there when it was unseasonably warm, the fountains were on. The combined effect of a thousands of lights and a fountain was enchanting. Totally worth stopping by, even if you just go to get a picture.
If you stop inside the shopping center, you might see some holiday surprises. During our visit, we saw Santa’s Gingerbread Station and heard a choir singing. Website
Christmas at the City Market
Where: Kansas City, Mo.
Every year, the City Market celebrates Christmas. When we visited, they had a FREE Whoville attraction!
I checked the calendar the City Market calendar and have not seen any updates for 2020.The Whoville attraction was super popular (and crowded), so I don’t anticipate that happening this year.
Country Club Plaza Lights
Where: Kansas City, Mo.
Country Club Plaza is another well known spot in Kansas City that really embraces Christmas. As much as I wanted to shop here, the kids made that impossible, so we just marveled at the lights and enjoyed the street buskers strumming some holiday tunes.
The 2020 lighting ceremony is going to be broadcast on Nov. 26, 2020 on KMBC 9. The shops will be closed that evening and crowds will not be permitted to gather. The Evergy Plaza Lights shine daily from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m., Thanksgiving through mid-January. Website
Downtown Dazzle
Where: Kansas City, Mo.
When we visited, the Downtown Dazzle consisted of a FREE trolley ride through downtown Kansas City on the weekends. It maked a couple stops at touristy areas, each with a little activity to do – like getting your picture inside a giant snow globe.
I haven’t seen any updates on what’s planned for 2020, though. Website
Holiday Lights at the Farmstead Lane
Where: Overland Park, Kan.
The Deanna Rose Farmstead in Overland Park is a FREE farm to visit any time of the year (OK, free on during the week – $2 on the weekends and holidays), but at Christmas time, they have the exterior of the barn and surrounding trees decorated with thousands of lights that are set to music.
This year, the lights will be on Nov. 26, 2020 through Jan. 7, 2021
from 5 to 11 p.m.
You park your car, tune your radio to the station and watch the show. Website
Tip: The actual farmstead isn’t open for visits in the winter; this is strictly stay-in-the-car kind of stuff.
The most Christmas-y Neighborhood in America
Where: Overland Park, Kan.
I dubbed it that, but all of Johnson County knows it as Christmas Place, the No. 1 neighborhood to see lights (23 homes on two cul-de-sacs). We stumbled upon it on our way back to our hotel. Find it at 131st Place and Antioch in Overland Park, Kan.
Get the backstory here.
More fun Christmas experiences in the KC area (that cost money)
Among some of the Union Station attractions that cost extra are the holiday classic movies at the Extreme Screen Theatre, with tickets only being $3 per show. Shows run Nov. 13 through Dec. 31, 2020, and since seating is limited, they recommend reserving ahead of time
Union Station is home to Science City, which has holiday-themed shows at the planetarium and “Science of the Season” activities.
New in 2020 is Union Station’s walk-thru village called “Holiday Reflections.” It’s $5 per person with immersive sights and sounds. It includes access to “Rudy’s Wonderland,” featuring Mini Holiday Express ride-on train
Theater companies and performing arts venues usually produce holiday shows this time of year. The Coterie will present “The Snowy Day
And other stories by Ezra Jack Keats” Nov. 27, 2020 through Jan. 3, 2021.
There’s also the Kansas City Zoo, which has held special events in years like Santa Dives with Penguins and Lions & Christmas Trees. So far, nothing has been announced for 2020.
Every year, the paths of the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Garden are candlelit for the Luminary Walk. This botanical garden is one of my favorite outdoor places to visit in the KC area! This is located in Overland Park, Kan.
In 2020, the walks will be held during the three weekends following Thanksgiving, and will feature musical performances and a horse-drawn wagon ride through the forest, while the quiet woods are lit with candles lining the walkways. For a quieter “Date Night” experience, a Candlelight Stroll will be held Thursday, Dec. 3.
Where to stay for a KC Christmas getaway
We were lucky enough to stay at two different hotels during our visit, and both were ready for Christmas. You can book these hotels or find other family-friendly Kansas City area hotels on TripAdviser.
If you’re headed to Overland Park, the DoubleTree Hotel had the most welcoming staff we’d ever had the pleasure of meeting. The lobby had several Christmas-y displays.
If you have an American Girl fan – you know you’ll be making a trip to the American Girl store at Oak Park Mall when you visit – this is the place to stay, since they offer a package complete with a bed for your kid’s doll. Website
Sheraton at Crown Center gave the DoubleTree staff a run for their money in the friendliness department.
The nice things about this location is the Link, elevated walkways connecting the hotel to Crown Center and on to Union Station. It was pretty handy when it rained during our visit and I imagine it’s heavily used in the bitter winter. Website
Get more inspiration for a Kansas City trip
Headed to Kansas City? Check out these posts about Kansas City attractions and family-friendly itineraries:
Exploring the Museum at Prairiefire (Overland Park, Kan.)
Lego Store in Overland Park (Oak Park Mall in Overland Park, Kan.)
Family Fun at Science City (Union Station in Kansas City, Mo.)
Where To Stay Near Crown Plaza (Kansas City, Mo.)
A Family Guide To Crown Center (Kansas City, Mo.)
Best Winter Getaway To Kansas City
24 Hours In Kansas City With Kids
Tips For WinterFest at Worlds of Fun (North Kansas City, Mo.)
DoubleTree Hotel (Overland Park, Kan.)
Sheraton Kansas City (at Crown Center, Kansas City, Mo.)
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