While Kansas City may best be known for their fountains, jazz and barbecue, it also happens to be a magical place to spend the holiday season.

Plaza Lights (Country Club Plaza)

A local tradition for 90 years, the Kansas City Plaza turns on their Christmas Lights each year on the night of Thanksgiving, inviting a Kansas City native to flip the switch (this year, it will be Alex Gordon and Dayton Moore of The Kansas City Royals). This event, running from 5-8pm, includes live musical performances and a fireworks display, meanwhile attendees can shop the plaza, take a carriage ride and enjoy a bite to eat.

The Plaza stays lit through December, so whether or not you’re there for the actual lighting ceremony, it’s a must see. The area has 100 shops and 30 restaurants, I’d recommend getting drinks and appetizers at McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks - this is one of my favorite spots, as they’ve got an awesome bar overlooking the Plaza, making it a great spot to view the lights.

Visit Union Station + Crown Center (30 West Pershing Rd, KCMO 64108)

Union Station is one of the most beautiful train depots I’ve ever visited, and is an essential stop all year-round, but especially during the holiday season. The entire station is decked out in Christmas decorations, featuring tons of trees, hanging lights and a mini holiday train.

During the holidays, they have an array of events ranging from piano recitals and concerts, to science events and holiday movies. View Union Station’s full holiday schedule.

Across from Union Station, is Crown Center. Crown center has so much to offer during the holidays, especially for kids. Enjoy their large outdoor ice skating rink on the square, one of the nation’s tallest Christmas trees, visit Santa at Gingerbread Station, theatrical performances and much more.

View Crown Center’s full list of Christmas events here.

Attend the Nutcracker Ballet (Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts)

This annual show is a holiday classic, and a magical experience for all ages. The Nutcracker, running a little over two hours, goes from December 5-24th, book your tickets here.

*Photo by Rosalie O’Connor / Courtesy Kansas City Ballet*

Christmas in the Park (Longview Campground, 1499 SW County Park Road, Lee’s Summit, MO)

Longview Lake decorates their grounds with a spectacular light display, using over 500 thousand lights. If you haven’t gone through before, this will definitely be a new tradition of yours. Grab some hot chocolate ahead of time, then enter the drive-thru display - but get there early, as the line can get very long.

This event is free-will donation, and takes about an hour to go through. This is an attraction that’s great for the whole family.

Christmas in the Park opens on Thanksgiving eve, running through Dec. 31st, 6-10pm each night.

Brookside Tree Lighting

On December 1st, Brookside will bring in the holiday season with an annual lighting ceremony, that includes drinks, choir performance and a gift drawing.

In addition, Brookside is a great place to support small businesses, as they have tons of locally owned shops.

Featured

Dog Friendly Restaurants in Kansas City

Kansas City isn’t just dog-friendly — they’re dog-positive. Many businesses actually encouraging you to bring your pet along, by offering special treats, and often leaving fresh bowls of water by their front door.