Kansas City is truly a magical place to spend the holidays; there’s something holiday related for everyone in the family to enjoy regardless of age. Whether you enjoy gazing at Christmas lights, walking through a winter wonderland or participating in traditions like tree lightings and telling Santa Claus what’s on your list this year, Kansas City has the perfect holiday event for you!
With the holiday season just around the corner, we wanted to share some of the top holiday events our city has to offer. If you’re spending the holidays in the heartland, take a look at our guide, organized by category, and learn more about each event!
Lights & Lighting Ceremonies
Christmas in the Park
Starting November 21, your entire family can drive through a winter wonderland at the 31st Annual Christmas in the Park at the Frank White Jr. Softball Complex. Decorated with 175 animated figures and 300,000 lights, Christmas in the Park is a sight to see and the perfect relaxing holiday event to enjoy while eating cookies and sipping hot cocoa.
Holiday Luminary Walk
Who doesn’t love walking through magical gardens and woods decorated with Christmas lights and candles? Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens’ Holiday Luminary Walk is one of the most beautiful festive sights this time of year. The whole family will enjoy gazing at the lights as well as live music, horse-drawn wagon rides, hot cider, and so much more!
KCP&L Plaza Lights
Starting Thanksgiving Day, the Plaza is transformed into every Christmas lover’s dream; miles upon miles are decorated with lights and the shopping center is turned into a spectacle. Bring the whole family out to witness the magical lights and to shop until they drop at Country Club Plaza – it’s a holiday event they’ll never forget!
Mayor’s Tree Lighting
One of the most popular tree lighting ceremonies in the Great Kansas City Area, the Mayor’s Tree Lighting in Lee’s Summit is a dazzling display of over 100,000 lights! This year’s tree lighting is on November 16 and is the perfect family event for all ages to kickoff the holiday season and get you in the Christmas spirit.
Markets & Indoor Events
A Very Merry Market
We have some incredible shopping districts in Kansas City, and City Market’s annual A Very Merry Market is one of the best places to shop for everyone on your Christmas list. On November 23-24, City Market will have plenty of vendors with unique gifts – it’s a must stop to kick off your holiday shopping!
Holidays at Union Station
Whether you’re a long-term or short-term resident of Kansas City, you’ve likely been to at least one Holidays at Union Station. One of the most popular indoor holiday events, Union Station appeals to all kids whether you’re 1 or 92! Little ones will love the Polar Express PJ Party and mini train rides while parents and grandparents will enjoy the beautiful Christmas decorations and photo ops. Holidays at Union Station are a must each holiday season!
Holiday Performances
A Christmas Carol at the Spencer Theatre
Enjoy this Christmas classic that captivates all ages starting November 16 through December 30 at Spencer Theatre. A Christmas Carol brings the entire family together to enjoy a beautiful local production.
Kansas City Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Starting November 30, families can attend Kansas City Ballet’s The Nutcracker, a holiday favorite in Kansas City. With stunning choreography and beautiful costumes, the entire performance will leave you feeling festive and in awe of the magic of Christmas. Kids and adults of all ages will be captivated by this beautiful performance!
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Just because a holiday event falls on the day after Christmas doesn’t mean you can’t extend the holiday cheer beyond December 25. The Trans-Siberian Orchestra will be back in Kansas City December 26 for their Winter Tour 2018, presenting their original “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve”. If you love music then you must see this stunningly and beautifully composed show!
Holidays in the Heartland are truly magical; there’s so much to see and do whether you’re celebrating with your significant other or many family members.
Overland wants to make your holidays even merrier by chauffeuring you and your family to any and all holiday events you’re attending through our special event transportation service. Have a corporate holiday party coming up? Attending any other holiday events? Our fleet includes the perfect vehicle for your event whether you need a luxury sedan for two, SUV for 4-6 or a mini coach for up to 28 passengers at an affordable price!
When you book holiday transportation through Overland, you never have to worry about safety. It’s our top priority to have everyone make it home safely from any event regardless of heavy traffic or bad winter weather. All of our employees undergo pre-screening, criminal background checks, ongoing training and random drug testing, so you know we’re committed to protecting the safety of our clients, staff and the general public. In addition to our general safety precautions, we also have a $5,000,000 Fleet Liability coverage provided by an A.M. Best “A rated” carrier- we’d be happy to provide a certificate of insurance upon request.
Our holiday fleet fills up fast. Be first in line so you can reserve the vehicle of your choice – request a FREE quote for your holiday transportation needs today!
All of us at Overland wish you and yours a wonderful holiday season!