Heading to Kansas City for the holidays? Great, because Kansas City shines in anticipation of the holiday season. We’ve got some great tips here for the most commonly asked questions about Christmas and other holiday traditions!
One big tip for the holiday season – Kansas City gets cold! Bring a jacket, scarves, hats and gloves because it can get quite chilly in the KC area during the holiday season. OH, CHRISTMAS TREE
A true iconic holiday symbol, KC is no stranger to celebrating the Christmas tree. Whether you’re looking for the largest you can find or one close to you, here are places to view and purchase Christmas trees:
Check out all of these Mayor’s Christmas trees in the Kansas City area: Kansas City’s at Crown Center (the largest Christmas tree in Missouri), Overland Park Shawnee, Olathe, Merriam, Gardner and Lansing.
Looking for a Christmas tree? Family Tree Nursery has you covered and so much more, including poinsettias, lights, gifts and tasty treats. Locations in Liberty, Shawnee and Overland Park!
Like the option of a tree farm? Bierman’s Tree Farm in Kansas City, KS has a great selection and also offers sleigh rides, hot cocoa and more!
ALL OF THE LIGHTS, ALL OF THE LIGHTS
There are so many options to see great Christmas lighting displays in Kansas City, traditionally starting around Thanksgiving time! Here’s a great list of options:
Plaza Lights, one of the most famous Christmas light displays in the Midwest
WinterFest at Worlds of Fun, that has thousands of lights across amusements and the park
Christmas Card Lane to view houses in Olathe that have been decked out for the holidays!
Christmas in the Park is a drive through experience of tons of lit signs and inflatables at Longview Lake
Legendary Lighting Show synchronized to music at the Legends Outlets in Kansas City, KS.
SANTA SIGHTINGS
Mr. and Mrs. Claus often make a few stops in Kansas City leading up to Christmas night, so if you’re looking to get a picture with this cute couple, check out these upcoming events during the holiday season:
Chow down on Breakfast with Santa in Merriam on December 7.
German Christmas Market in Leavenworth on December 7 celebrates the season with Glubwien and German Beer. Father Christmas is sure to stop in for that!
Sar-Ko Aglow on December 6th where Santa Claus will be on hand the celebrate the lighting of this popular Lenexa city park.
Hometown Holidays are a treat in downtown Liberty on Saturday, December 7.
All aboard Santa’s Express and Country Christmas at the Ag Hall of Fame in Bonner Springs, December 14 and 15.
Christkindlmarkt on December 7th in downtown Shawnee with fruit cake races, crafts and best of Santa!
SHOPPING
Stay tuned for more on this 😊 We’ll have great holiday shopping ideas from all of our destinations next month in our holiday shop local blog!
OTHER HOLIDAYS
Hanukkah
Kansas City loves to celebrate Hanukkah! Whether your looking for a specific celebration or Kosher markets and bakeries, here are few ideas to celebrate this famous Jewish tradition:
KC Kosher Coop (offering a variety of affordable Kosher Food) & other Kosher offerings in the Kansas City area.
2019 Happy Hanukkah 8K Virtual Race And Celebration on December 22nd – 31st.
The Jewish Community Center of Greater KC’s Hanukkah Glow Party on December 9th.
Kwanza
This week-long celebration of African-American culture starts December 26th lasting until January 1st. Last year the American Jazz Museum hosted a celebration for the first six nights of Kwanzaa so stay tuned to their calendar for details on 2019’s plans.
Happy holidays from KC Destinations! Be sure to check out our trips page—the KC Holiday Trip is coming soon!