From dazzling lighting ceremonies to illuminated shopping excursions and everything in between, Kansas City is an unforgettable holiday getaway.
Here in the Heart of America, holiday magic is waiting for you. Lights glow. Trees sparkle. And KC-made goods promise something perfect for everyone on your list. Start making plans to make your season bright.
In Kansas City, the most wonderful time of the year means the arrival of towering trees and shimmering lights stretching as far as the eye can see. Here’s where to find some of the season’s most remarkable sights.
A local tradition for 96 years, the Plaza Lights are a 15-block holiday spectacle on the famed Country Club Plaza, featuring thousands of glimmering, jewel-colored lights that accentuate every dome, tower and window of the Spanish-inspired shopping district.
From the Mayor's Christmas Tree at Crown Center to festive drive-through displays across Kansas City, usher in the season with KC's luminous traditions that are sure to brighten your holiday.
As you plan your travel itinerary, make sure these must-see holiday events are on your list.
![The Great Christmas Cookie Bake-Off! – Event_Image [EVENT]](https://www.visitkc.com/uploads/2026/09/b6e0d785-06f4-4fb9-81a5-46ee51b161e4.jpeg)
Country Club United Methodist Church
![The Grammy-winning Kansas City Chorale presents: Alpine Christmas – Event_Image [EVENT]](https://www.visitkc.com/uploads/2026/10/93ff7c73-0acb-4a4c-af81-50f7be644688-800x800.png)
Grace & Holy Trinity Cathedral
![The Grammy-winning Kansas City Chorale presents: A Chorale Family Christmas – Event_Image [EVENT]](https://www.visitkc.com/uploads/2026/10/a3a900e3-7358-4ee3-b33f-3c7769ae1bb4-800x800.png)
Unity Temple on the Plaza
There’s no shortage of iconic sights and unforgettable experiences worth discovering during the holidays in Kansas City. Spend every moment of the season celebrating with these can’t-miss KC traditions.
![Independence Square Lighting – Event_Image [EVENT]](https://www.visitkc.com/uploads/2026/08/05e3a567-9137-4b53-b2e8-97a29c949f8e.png)
![Hallmark Christmas Experience – Event_Image [EVENT]](https://www.visitkc.com/uploads/2026/06/379bb7ad-6d8d-4d97-8dbf-acd62cbbcc38.png)
![Kansas City Ballet Presents “The Nutcracker” – Event_Image [EVENT]](https://www.visitkc.com/uploads/2026/07/c5a70c66-a0ed-4ab5-be3e-ecdf0a98a632-800x800.jpg)
![The Kansas City Symphony Presents: Handel’s Messiah – Event_Image [EVENT]](https://www.visitkc.com/uploads/2026/07/aa4a4be6-9f4e-4182-a93d-aa305015fb6a.webp)
![Hometown Holidays – Event_Image [EVENT]](https://www.visitkc.com/uploads/2026/01/9b1bf455-0013-4c42-ba10-f7fab3375b2d-800x533.jpg)
![‘A Winter’s Evening with Ryanhood’ – Event_Image [EVENT]](https://www.visitkc.com/uploads/2026/05/ee15ce4c-2d21-45e8-b576-e6a4dbbfb96f.jpg)
![Cody Fry Christmas with The Kansas City Symphony – Event_Image [EVENT]](https://www.visitkc.com/uploads/2026/07/b2872c12-0b53-43f3-8c80-fd2e0da629d2.webp)
![Candlelight Tour at Fort Osage – Event_Image [EVENT]](https://www.visitkc.com/uploads/2026/01/a8c09a6d-f0ae-44a4-b89f-191e1eaf4676-800x533.jpg)
![Owen/Cox Dance Group ‘The Nutcracker and the Mouse King’ – Event_Image [EVENT]](https://www.visitkc.com/uploads/2026/05/13648d73-b149-4021-8466-7816db28f63d.jpg)
![Christmas Festival with The Kansas City Symphony – Event_Image [EVENT]](https://www.visitkc.com/uploads/2026/07/34946429-efd3-45f0-a623-f57cf7661da3.webp)
