The holiday season is upon us, and if your teenager is anything like mine, he or she probably prefers to scroll a screen rather than venture into the cold Kansas City winter with their family in tow. Little do they know there are plenty of events in the area that will have them saying, “Wait, this is actually fun!”
From admiring dazzling lights, to trying festive treats, or just hanging out with friends in a fun atmosphere, KC has it all. Check out these 10 teenager approved holiday events they are sure to love, or at least enjoy a little.
10 Holiday Events in Kansas City for Teens
Christmas Movie in Concert at the Kansas City Symphony
Address: Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, 1601 Broadway, Kansas City, MO 64108
This year the featured flick is “Elf”, a kid, teen and adult favorite sure to please everyone! The real treat, however, is to hear the symphony play beautifully during the musical parts of the movie. This has become a Christmastime tradition in our family because we all enjoy it immensely! It’s the perfect excuse to get dressed up, marvel at the architecture of the Kauffman Center and snap a few festive pictures. “It’s A Wonderful Life” will also be shown later in December if that’s more your style.
Mom Tip: Arrive early to be able to park in the garage and enjoy a hot chocolate before the movie starts.
Country Club Plaza Lights
Address: Country Club Plaza, 4750 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64112
It is quintessential Kansas City Christmas! Teens love the Plaza Lights because it’s basically a winter wonderland where they can walk around, snap selfies, listen to live music and shop. It is festive, free, and with more than 280,000 lights, it’s a light show they will not want to miss. For an extra special treat, consider attending the lighting ceremony on Thanksgiving night. KC Current players will be flipping the switch this year!
Ice Skating at Crown Center Ice Terrace
Address: Crown Center Ice Terrace, 2405 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108
Ice skating is classic winter fun. The destination, however, offers the activity with a bit of a twist. Crown Center offers a charming rink that’s not only surrounded by festive decorations, but it’s also close to tons of food and shopping options, making it a great way to have extended fun with family or friends.
Mom Tip: Skating on a Saturday afternoon means you’ll be dodging a crowd of holiday shoppers. Try to hit it up on a weeknight if possible.
KC Wheel
Where: 2485 Jefferson Street, Kansas City, MO 64108
While not a traditional holiday experience, the KC Wheel offers unmatched views of our great city in a fun and unusual way. During the season, plan to enjoy holiday themed drinks and snacks. Make time to play a game of putt-putt, maybe even with a few festive snowflakes falling to set the scene!
Miracle Kansas City Pop-Up Bar
Address: Two locations: Plaza and Rockhill Grill (Midtown)
Teens in a bar?! Don’t write it off quite yet. Before 6 p.m., the insanely popular Miracle Kansas City pop-up bars welcome families. The over-the-top decor is whimsical and fun. The mocktails in kitschy mugs and glasses feel special. Not to mention, the two locations are hot spots of KC (Plaza and Midtown) and will score cool points with your teen. This year, appetizers are available to munch on while you enjoy the experience.
Mom Tip: Advanced tickets are required and are highly sought after. Book early!
Another option is Smoke Brewery in Lee’s Summit, welcoming families during the day before the bar crowd is welcomed in the evenings.
Parkville Christmas on the River
Address: 104B Main Street, Parkville, MO 64152
This annual event takes place in charming downtown Parkville. Begin with dinner in one of the locally owned restaurants along the square, follow with shopping the local pop-up vendors, enjoy some hot chocolate and kettle corn for dessert and finish by enjoying a spectacular fireworks show over the river. Don’t forget to plan for the hayride through English Landing Park to see the lights before you leave. What’s not to love!?
Trans-Siberian Orchestra Concert
Address: T-Mobile Center, 1407 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64106
For a few nights every holiday season, the T-Mobile Center hosts a concert by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Is it cheesy? Absolutely! But the pyrotechnics, lasers and rock show takes on classic Christmas songs make it a win with teens. Its high energy show impresses even the harshest of critics. A trip downtown is always welcomed with this age group as well.
Union Station
Address: 30 West Pershing Road, Kansas City, MO 64108
A trip to our beloved Union Station during the holidays is simply a must. If your teen has outgrown loving the train display, consider making your way to the Arvin Gottleib Planetarium for the Laser Holiday Magic Show, to see the awe-inspiring laser choreography. Or buy tickets to see a favorite Christmas flick on the biggest movie screen in KC. A walk through the Holiday Reflections display and perhaps even a fancy dinner at Pierpont’s will set the standard for Christmas memories for years to come.
Westport Santa Dash and Christmas Market
Address: 4050 Pennsylvania Ave, Kansas City, MO 64111
The annual Santa Dash 5k hosted in Westport is a hoot. Runners donned in Santa suits or festive attire make the idea of running in the cold feel like a treat. There’s also a Reindeer Trot 1k and Elf Dash for those aged 12 and under. After the race, stroll through the Westport Christmas Market, where local makers display their goods, festive music is playing and the hustle and bustle of the season can be felt in the air. What a fun way for your teen to pick out gifts for their friends and family members!
YaYa’s Alpaca Farm Christmas Experience
Address: 30200 East 275th St, Garden City, MO 64747
Make a reservation at YaYa’s for their 2025 Christmas event. The barns and grounds are lit up while visitors can enjoy the company of the adorable alpacas. It is perfect for all ages, but animal loving teens are sure to not balk at the idea. Food and drink are not allowed for the safety of the animals so make sure to plan accordingly.
Mom Tip: Ticket reservations are required, and slots fill up fast.
So there you have it, 10 teen approved events in Kansas City during the holiday season they won’t grumble about!
