Kansas City Christmas Lights 2024-2025

The Midwest's barbeque mecca, Kansas City, is also famous for its elaborate Christmas decorations. The Plaza, Crown Center, and Union Station are especially impressive when adorned with millions of twinkling lights. There is no better place for holiday shopping and dining out. Or take a stroll in Longview Lake Park to enjoy the Christmas magic and surrounding nature.

Christmas at Union Station (November 22, 2024–January 1, 2025)

Historic Union Station is a real KC landmark and undoubtedly the number one destination in the city during the holidays. The Grand Hall features the largest indoor Christmas tree in Kansas City as well as the walk-through Holiday Reflections Village. This spectacular holiday-themed experience features sky-reaching lights, dozens of decorated trees, forest friends giant mirrored ornaments, and various photo stations for family memories. Holiday Reflections Village operates Monday through Sunday, from 10 pm to 8 pm. Admission is $8.

Plaza Lights (November 28, 2024–January 12, 2025)

Plaza Lights is one of the oldest Christmas traditions in KC, going back to the 1930s. The beautiful display with millions of lights encompasses 15 blocks of the Country Club Plaza shopping district. Jewel-colored lights set aglow in every dome and tower. The Lighting of the Plaza ceremony gathers large crowds every year due to celebrity appearances, musical acts, and performances. The lights can be seen daily from 5 pm to 3 am.

Crown Center Christmas (November 29-December 22, 2024)

One of the tallest Christmas trees in America, the 100-ft-tall Mayor's Tree, is the main highlight of Crown Center in downtown Kansas City. The huge tree is adorned with 10,600 sparkling lights. The annual lighting ceremony usually features carolers, hayrides, and visits from Santa. There is also an outdoor skating rink at the Crown Center Ice Terrace. Other downtown buildings also boast spectacular displays. In particular, it's worth stopping by the Marriott Kansas City Downtown, decorated with 30,000 bulbs.

During the holidays, Crown Center also features the Hallmark Christmas Experience. A festive Hallmark movie town square, with many immersive experiences and family-friendly activities, is free and open to the public. Special ticketed events and activities, with access to Hallmark talent and artists, are also available.

Christmas in the Park (November 27–December 31, 2024)

Located in South Kansas City, Longview Lake Park boasts one of the largest drive-through light displays in the area, featuring more than 500,000 lights. A mile-long trail includes about 200 animated figures. The beautiful Christmas in the Park display has brought holiday spirit to KC families for over 25 years. Visiting the park is free of charge, but voluntary donations benefit 35 local charities.