We all know there is A LOT to do in Kansas City around the holidays. If you’re looking for a family-friendly, walkable, beautiful lights display, you won’t want to miss the Powell Gardens Festival of Lights.
Illuminated by KCP&L, the botanically themed lighting displays stretch along a one-mile path through six of the seven themed gardens. The path is completely paved, so it is accessible for wheelchairs, strollers, and wagons. Little ones could definitely wear out along the way, so a stroller or wagon (with an extra layer of blankets!) is a must.
Powell Gardens thought of everything for this festival. They even color-coded the parking lots so you can easily remember where you left your car. About halfway around the trail, you’ll find the Holly Jolly Rest Stop, a tent with several patio heaters and plenty of seating, plus hot beverages and snacks for purchase. (Mom tip: This stop only takes cash!) And yes, this includes adult beverages. After all, a little peppermint schnapps does make hot chocolate extra delicious. Note that this area is cash-only, so come prepared if you want to enjoy hot cider, sparkling cranberry drinks, or a glass of wine. Before continuing along the path, be sure to hit up the restrooms and check out the rustic fire pits.
As you continue on, take a detour to see the breathtaking Marjorie Powell Allen chapel. It will make you wish you’d had your wedding there (or is that just me?). Bonus: there are more bathrooms here. Restrooms are on the lower level—head around to the left as you exit the chapel to find them.
Back inside, there’s lots to do. Warm up by the roaring fire or grab some yummy soup from Cafe Thyme. Kids not soup fans? There are plenty of kid-friendly options on the menu, including hot dogs and PB & J. Don’t miss the model train in the conservatory area! My favorite part of this room was the gorgeous variety of poinsettias. Does it get any more Christmasy than a good poinsettia?
Enjoy free children’s activities from 4-8 p.m., including an ornament-making station to take the magic home with you. With popsicle sticks, googly eyes, buttons, markers, glue, and more, there are plenty of options to let your little ones express their creativity. And perhaps the best part? Powell Gardens provided a drying area so all that glue (So. Much. Glue.) can set before you have to stick it in your purse or diaper bag.
Powell Gardens is located at 1609 NW US Highway 50, Kingsville, MO 64061. Tickets cost $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $5 for youth ages 5 to 12. Kids 4 and under are free. Powell Gardens members are also free for this festival and all others throughout the year!
Consider purchasing the “Santa’s Elves” Family Four-Pack for $65 (an $80 value!) which includes two adult and two child (age 5-12) admissions, parking, four holiday treats, four hot beverages, and four pairs of holiday 3D glasses.
Other good things to know:
- The festival runs from Nov. 23 – Jan. 6 and is open Thursday – Sunday from 4
-10 p.m. - Plan to spend around two hours there to fully enjoy the lights, snacks, and activities.
- Advance tickets are not required but are encouraged to speed entry.
- Festival parking is $5 per car, so consider carpooling to avoid extra fees.
- Outside alcoholic beverages and weapons of any kind are prohibited.
- Powell Gardens is a smoke-free environment.
- The festival will not be open on the following holidays: Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Years Day.
- Santa will be available for pictures and to receive Christmas requests from 5-9pm on the following dates: December 1, December 8, and December 15.
With fun kids’ activities, gorgeous lights, and plenty of stops to warm up, you’ll definitely want the Powell Gardens Festival of Lights to become an annual tradition for you and your family.
