My Kansas City Holiday Bucket List For 2026

Growing up in the Midwest, I often saw picturesque image of Kansas City’s Country Club Plaza at Christmas time. It made me think KC was the best place in the Midwest to experience the holidays. With that in mind, I started researching bucket list experiences that only happen in November or December in Kansas City, Missouri. For this list, money and free time have no limit. Prior to my family’s first trip to Kansas during the holidays, I made good use of that list when planning an itinerary.

My Kansas City Bucket List – Christmas Edition

See The County Club Plaza Lights

Obviously. The Country Club Plaza lights have been a tradition for the city for nearly 10 years and cover buildings for 15 blocks. Now, since this is a pie-in-the-sky bucket list, I’d say we’d see the lights from a carriage ride that magically keeps my feet warm.

If that light display isn’t enough, Crown Center is nearby and has the Mayor’s Christmas tree on display, not to mention the Hallmark Christmas Experience at the base of it. That one might be more for the moms planning a holiday trip.

Shop unique shops in the Crossroads District

Mr. Wonderful and I got a quick glimpse of the area on an earlier KC weekend getaway and we definitely want to go back! What better time to shop than when you need to get Christmas gifts? While we’re there, and since money is no matter, I’d get a box of divine chocolates as a gift (to myself) at Christopher Elbow chocolates.

Devour some BBQ

Eating barbecue is year-round. But since “Ted Lasso” featured it in its second season, I’ve been hankering for some KC barbecue. So, why not include a stop during a holiday visit? I had friends on Facebook throw out some suggestions. How do these sound: Joe’s Kansas City BBQ, Fiorella’s, Char Bar or Arthur Bryant’s? Which would you suggest?

See A Holiday Show

I plan a holiday trip nearly every year, and I almost always find a fantastic live show that creates some holiday magic for the family. This year, there are a few shows planned in the city that have caught my eye. There’s the timeless classic, “A Christmas Carol,” which will be staged at Kansas City Repertory Theatre.

For families with young kids, The Coterie Theatre is staging “The Pigeon Gets a Big Time Holiday Extravaganza!” I love Mo Willems, so I’m not opposed to going to it (if I can convince one of my teens to come with me).

Marvel at Union Station

It wasn’t that long ago when I first went to Union Station. If you’ve never been, I highly recommend making a stop at Union Station be on your December wish list. It’s magical. First of all, talk about a major photo opp: They always have a huge Christmas tree indoors. That’s free to see.

Union Station also has “Holiday Reflections,” a lighted exhibition that’s ticketed. It’s elaborately decorated, with animated lights and festive scenes. And FYI: This is where you’ll find Santa. There’s also a ride-on train for kids (for an additional fee).

There are several attractions inside Union Station, like Science City, City Stage, and a planetarium. Over the years, I’ve come across different holiday theme programs planned at them, so check the events calendar before visiting to see if there’s anything special that day.

Merry Market Shopping

The City Market is an open-air farmers market in Kansas City, and at the end of November, things get festive over there. I visited one year, and the theme was Whoville! This year, the City Market’s Merry Market will have live performers, seasonal bites, and handmade goods made in Kansas City.

The City Market is free to stroll around. Hours are Saturdays and Sunday from Nov. 29 through Dec. 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. I recommend making an afternoon of it and having lunch at one of the restaurants there.

A Glowing Good Time At The Zoo

We haven’t been to the Kansas City Zoo, so I have a visit in December on my list for two reasons: See the zoo finally, and also experience the GloWild at night. I’m a sucker for light displays, after all.

What’s Kansas City tradition am I missing? What should I add to our bucket list of things to do?