There’s nothing I like more during the holidays than to see holiday light displays. It makes me think back to my childhood, riding around in the car with my family “oohing” and “ahhing” at every house. Kansas City has some really spectacular lighting installations including one that has been on “Top Light Displays in the United States” lists for years. As we get closer to the holidays, it’s time to plan ahead. Many of these spots take things to the next level with live music and treats. So, pack your thermos of hot chocolate and head for the best holiday light displays in Kansas City!
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UPDATE: This post was first published in 2021 and updated in November 2024 with new events and current start dates.
1. Country Club Plaza Lights
When: The Lighting Ceremony will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving, Nov. 28, and the lights are on until Jan. 12, 2025.
After you’ve properly stuffed yourself with Thanksgiving foods, trot down to the Country Club Plaza for the Annual Lighting Ceremony. There’s live entertainment and local celebrities carrying you into the holiday season.
What started in 1925 with a single strand of Christmas lights hung above a store entrance has become one of the most famous holiday lighting displays in the nation. If you can’t make the lighting ceremony, you can view the lights by car or stroll around the Plaza from Thanksgiving until New Year’s Day.
Related post: 15+ Fun Things To Do On A KC Christmas Getaway
2. Powell Gardens Festival of Lights
When: Nov. 14-16, 22-23, 29-30; Dec. 1, 5-7, 12-14, 19-23, 26-29; and Jan. 2-4; hours are Wednesday–Sunday from 4 to 10 p.m.
Known for putting on several fun festivals throughout the year, Powell Gardens in Kingsville, Mo., (southeast of Kansas City) really does the holiday season right. With 20 miles of lights strung around the gardens, buildings, and pathways, the walking path is bright with holiday cheer.
You’ll even find a holiday tiki bar, a huge snow globe, and Santa along the path. This is a popular spot at the holidays, so purchasing a timed ticket ahead of time is advised.
3. Christmas in the Park at Longview
When: Nov. 27 through Dec. 31, 2024, 5:30 to 10 p.m. (open until 11 p.m. on some evenings, check the schedule)
This year marks the 37th year of Christmas in the Park. The free drive-through Christmas light display starts at the Frank White Jr., Softball Complex and takes you to the Longview Lake Campground. As you might imagine, this gets a lot of visitors so a pro-tip is to pick up your dinner before heading to the line so you can keep everyone happy in the car while you wait.
They also collect donations for 30 local charities and have donated more than $1 million to charity over the years.
4. Lee’s Summit Magic Tree
When: The lighting ceremony is Nov. 27, 2024 from 6 to 10 p.m.; it’s on display through Dec. 30
During the holidays, if you are driving along I-470 and View High Drive you have undoubtedly seen the Magic Tree from the road. Its hundreds of strands of brightly colored lights have become a popular place for winter photos.
The tree also lends a bit of magic to those who don’t visit in person. Partnering with a charity, Operation Toy Soldier, visitors are encouraged to leave a donation or give online.
5. The Luminary Walk at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
When: 10 nights in 2024: Nov. 26 & 27 and Dec. 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, and 18; entry is between 5 and 10 p.m.
Take a 1.5 mile walk through the woods and gardens all lit up for winter. You’ll be in for a real treat with live music throughout, hot apple cider, selfie photo stations, holiday trains, and Santa. Candles and twinkling light displays will wrap you in holiday memories in the making.
They have free parking on site and if you want a quiet evening, plan to go on an adults-only night, which are Dec. 5, 12 and 19.
6. Winter Magic at Northland
When: Nov. 1 through Jan. 5, 2025
Benefiting Children’s Mercy Hospital and Kansas City Parks, Winter Magic offers guests a fantastic drive-thru experience. You need to purchase a ticket online in advance (charged per car), so fill up your van with all your friends. In 2024, they moved to a new location (10400 N. Platte Purchase Drive) and are adding twice as many lights.
7. Holiday Reflections Walk-Thru Village at Union Station
When: Nov. 22 through Jan. 1, 2025; hours are Monday-Sunday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
You’ll find all kinds of holiday-inspired happenings at Union Station from screenings of holiday classic movies to a Christmas train. The Grand Plaza is also home to a spectacular lighting display called “Holiday Reflections.” You’ll pay $10 to walk through this magical holiday village wonderland.
For an additional cost, kids can ride the Mini Holiday Express Ride-On Train or a virtual reality sleigh ride. Santa visits are scheduled on Nov. 22-27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Nov. 29 from 3 to 7 p.m.; Nov. 30 – Dec. 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Dec. 12-14 from 3 to 7 p.m.; Dec. 15-18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Dec. 19-21 from 3 to 7 p.m.; and Dec. 22-24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
8. Parkville’s Christmas on the River
When: Dec. 6, 2024; entertainment starts at 6 p.m. and culminates with fireworks at around 8:45 p.m.
While you can certainly experience the holiday lights and cheer around Parkville throughout the season, on Dec. 6 there’s a full festival to enjoy. You’ll find hayrides, carolers, hot beverages, and a holiday fireworks display over the river. It’s also a great time to start your holiday shopping as the locally-owned stores will be open for browsing.
9. The Soul of Santa at 18th & Vine
When: Events start Nov. 7, 2024; tree lighting ceremony is Dec. 6 from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Starting with the official tree lighting ceremony in the 18th & Vine District on Dec. 6, the Soul of Santa will put you in a jazzy holiday mood. With a variety of events taking place in November and December, you won’t want to miss out on the live music, community breakfasts, and toy giveaways. The organization behind the events is Working to do good 365 days a year through their values of faith, love, inclusion, family, friendship and community.
10. Jingle!
When: Nov. 22 through Dec. 30, 2024 (closed on Thanksgiving); hours are 5:30 to 10:30 p.m.
One of the newest additions to the KC holiday lights scene, Jingle takes over Legends Field with its light maze, larger-than-life light sculptures, and four themed neighborhoods (JINGLE! Village, Polar Park, Aprés-Ski, and The North Pole). Additional activities include tubing, ice skating, and a piano bar.
And if you’re looking for a fun holiday-themed bar for a drink after looking at the lights in Kansas City, here are some ideas.
About the guest blogger
Jenn Beard is the founder of Cocktails Away—a collection of adventures in pursuit of a great drink, a quality spirit, a unique ingredient, and the places they come from. When not traveling, she lives in Kansas City. Check out her blog for mouthwatering recipes and insider tips on DIY bartending and cocktail culture or travel to bars around the world at @cocktailsaway.