Want to stay home for the holidays?
The Kansas City area is overflowing with events and cheer. Here are just a sample of what the area has to offer.
Whether it’s staying in town and taking short trips to see Christmas trees and lights or taking a couple hour trip to Central Missouri or neighboring Kansas, find an enjoyable afternoon or day trip nearby.
Kansas City Area Lights Just like its iconic jazz and mouthwatering barbecue, Kansas City has earned a bold reputation for its impressive holiday lights displays. Before you go, take note of these eight luminous, Kansas City traditions that are sure to brighten your holiday.
The Kansas City Mayor’s Christmas Tree is up through New Year’s Day. Checking in at a lofty 100 feet, the tree at Crown Center is taller than those on display at the White House and Rockefeller Center. The massive holiday icon sparkles with 7,200 white bulbs and represents the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund, which aids Kansas City’s less fortunate. Of course, Crown Center bustles with activity during the holiday season with Santa’s Gingerbread Village and lots of activities inside the mall and outside with the ice rink.
Back for a second year, the Kansas City Power & Light District will shine with a bright new tradition—Holiday Windows on Main. Blending art, light and motion, 15 talented local artists will partner with downtown businesses to create unique window displays inspired by those in Times Square. The festive storefronts on Main Street will be on display now through Jan. 2.
A few blocks up the road, several downtown buildings will light up the winter sky for City Lights through New Year’s Day. The notable centerpiece is the entire front façade of Marriott Kansas City Downtown, featuring a synchronized display of 30,000 bulbs and 16.7 million colors. This annual celebration of lights marks the return of The Salvation Army’s Annual Christmas Campaign.
Zona Rosa, the leading Northland shopping district known for reviving several local traditions, spruces up its streets each holiday season for Northern Lights (now through Jan. 15). Massive and ornate, several lighted crowns are suspended above the district’s busy streets, harking back to a 1950s downtown tradition. Also in store for visitors: a holiday igloo, live reindeer and visits with the Fairy Princess.
Legends Outlets will keep shoppers in tune with A Legendary Light Show, back for its seventh year (now through Jan. 3). Every 15 minutes, the sprawling shopping center will spring to life with thousands of dazzling lights synchronized to classic holiday tunes. Other festive activities include visits from Santa Claus, a decadent 45-foot tree and larger-than-life Christmas ornaments sprinkled throughout the district.
Christmas in the Park, a festive drive-through display in Longview Lake Park runs through New Year’s Eve. A tradition for 23 years, the Park is transformed into a delightful winter wonderland with more than 300,000 lights and almost 200 animated figures. The event is free, but donations are accepted to benefit local charities.
Looking to enjoy the sights without leaving the comfort of your car? Head to Christmas Card Lane, a drive-through adventure inside one of KC’s most festive neighborhoods now through New Year’s Day. Featuring more than 200 decorated homes in the city of Olathe, the celebration earned its name by the larger-than-life greeting cards that line the streets.
Weston
Weston is a Kansas City neighbor rich in its history. Second to St. Louis, Weston logged in with more 300 steamboats a year docking annually in the 1850s. For a time, Weston surpassed Kansas City and St. Joseph, but succumbed to floods, fires and the Civil War. In 1972, a major portion of the early town was designated a Historic District and placed on the National Register of Historic Places having retained a substantial portion of its early residences and commercial structures.
From Dec. 2 to Dec. 4, participate in the 30th Annual Candlelight Homes Tour. Enjoy “all the best” of Weston’s 30 years of Candlelight Homes Tours. For this anniversary tour, six beautifully decorated and historic homes will open their doors to visitors, two of the homes were on the first tour 30 years ago. The townspeople of Weston are planning a celebration to remember. If you have been to a tour in the past, or just thought about it, you’ll want to be part of this singular event. In the glow of Candlelight you will be swept back in time as you experience great food, lovely music and carolers. Call 816-640-2909 to order tickets.
On Dec. 10, enjoy Second Saturdays in Weston. Stroll into unique shops and galleries for late night shopping and enjoy in-store specials, local wine and beer, food samples and live entertainment. Check out the stores’ »» decorated window displays and make sure to pick up those unique gifts.
On Dec. 13, weather permitting, Snow Creek Ski Resort will open. There are also New Year’s Eve celebrations in Weston. New Year’s Eve in Weston includes parties at Avalon Café, O’Malley’s Pub and the Vineyard’s.
Old-time adventure
Enjoy an educational yet stimulating glimpse into days gone by in Arrow Rock, Mo. Although you’ll only travel 75 miles east of Kansas City, the historically preserved village may leave you feeling as if you’ve stepped off a time machine.
While you’re there, tour the 1800s-era houses and businesses and stay for a performance in the Lyceum Theater. Before you go, let the kids load up on nostalgic sweets and souvenirs at the general store. Where else can you get candy for a nickel?
