The holiday season in Kansas City is filled with family friendly events that are perfect for families looking to create unforgettable memories. From twinkling light displays and festive parades to ice skating rinks and visits with Santa, Kansas City offers a wide range of family friendly holiday events that bring joy to visitors of all ages.
Family Friendly Holiday Events in Kansas City
GloWild: Time Traveler (now-Dec. 28)
GloWild: Time Traveler will dazzle at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium once again, featuring a brand-new theme. In its fourth year, this unique and immersive nighttime experience allows guests to adventure through massive, handcrafted artworks on display at the Zoo. This year’s event features a journey through time to nineteenth-century Paris, the American centennial, a sci-fi-themed trip to the future, and much more! The festival, in collaboration with LEKTRIK ART, promises a mile-long spectacle of intricate lighted sculptures. Crafted by more than 150 artisans using over 34 tons of steel and 89,000 feet of fabric, the displays are along a one-way path filled with photo ops, concessions, and entertainment. Special features this year include access to Sobela Ocean Aquarium on Wednesdays and seasonal-themed lanterns.
Festival of Lights (Nov. 20 – Jan. 3)
During Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens, holiday lights turn Kansas City’s botanical garden into a winter wonderland. This year, a new path highlights the iconic Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel as it winds through the Marlese Lowe Gourley Island Garden. Make plans for a breath of fresh air during the hectic holiday season! Bundle up with family and friends while you stroll along a lighted outdoor path. Experience the natural joy of Powell Gardens through exceptional architecture and the treasured Midwest landscape in the most festive season.
For more festive lights, see our guide to
Holiday Light Displays in Kansas City.
Lighted Christmas Parade, Excelsior Springs (Nov. 22)
Join us for Excelsior Springs’ greatest parade! Get ready for a night of magic, lights, and holiday cheer as Downtown Excelsior Springs transforms for the Annual Lighted Christmas Parade! This year’s theme, “Let It Glow” is all about the NEON! Don’t miss this dazzling event that captures the holiday spirit and our community!
Holiday Reflections at Union Station (Nov. 21 – Jan. 4)
Union Station expands and adds to its magical Holiday Reflections walk-thru holiday village. This spectacular themed experience fills Union Station’s massive Grand Plaza and features sky-reaching lights, dozens of decorated trees, forest friends and giant, floating mirrored ornaments PLUS a bigger-than-ever Rudy’s Wonderland where kids can ride the historic Jones Store Train (Mini Holiday Express Train) and a new Holiday Tree Slide (for the littles only)!
Luminary Walk at the Overland Park Arboretum (Nov. 26 – Dec. 30)
Stroll along illuminated pathways to discover the magical Gnome and Fairy Villages, candlelit Marder Garden, and vibrant Children’s Garden, with musical performances throughout. The gardens glow with color, while candle-lit woodland walkways create a serene atmosphere. Trees, buildings, and bridges shimmer with thousands of lights. Photos with Santa are available from 5 to 8:30 p.m., and the trains run in the Train Garden until 8:45 p.m. Enjoy complimentary hot cider in the Children’s Discovery Garden.
Enjoy an Adults-Only Candlelight Stroll on December 4, 11, 18.
New this year: Glow Cart tours (accessible) on December 1-3.
Canadian Pacific Holiday Train (Nov. 28)
The CPKC Holiday Train tours Canada and the United States raising money, food and awareness for the important work that food banks do in their communities. The train will stop at Kansas City’s Union Station at 6 p.m. on November 28. The train is free and open to the public to walk through. Professional musicians play free concerts from the brightly decorated train’s stage.
The Strawberry Swing’s Holiday Swing (Nov. 29-30, Dec. 20-21)
Christmas on the River (Dec. 5)
Join Downtown Parkville for holiday entertainment, holiday character photos, hayrides, treats, hot chocolate, train rides, reindeer food and a holiday fireworks shows at 8:45 p.m. This event will feature Parkville’s inaugural Christmas market.
Christmas Open House at Mahaffie (Dec. 6)
Candy Cane Quest (Dec. 5)
Morning at the North Pole (Dec. 6)
Lawrence Christmas Parade (Dec. 6)
Heading into its fourth decade, you and your family won’t want to miss the Christmas Parade. The Lawrence Christmas Parade is one of the most unique parades in the nation. Authentic horse-drawn carriages parading down Massachusetts Street is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season. Cozy up with hot cocoa and blankets. Feel the true holiday spirit while watching dozens of beautiful horses and wagons adorned in garland and bells. Join us to celebrate American heritage and keep our tradition alive this holiday season.
Sugar Plum Fairy Children’s Ball (Dec. 6)
An enchanting experience awaits you at Kansas City Ballet’s Sugar Plum Fairy Children’s Ball! A delicious three course luncheon, face painting and a photo with the Sugar Plum Fairy are all part of the guest experience at the Children’s Ball. You are sure to feel the magic of the holidays as the Sugar Plum Fairy leads you on an adventure filled with lobby entertainment, activities and a performance by the Kansas City Youth Ballet. Following the event, guests are whisked away to attend the matinee performance of Kansas City Ballet’s The Nutcracker at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.
Not sure which Nutcracker experience is best for your family? Check out our guide to Nutcracker Performances in Kansas City with age recommendations.
A Christmas Celebration – 19th Century Style (Dec. 6)
Naughty or Nice Games (Dec. 12)
Great Santa Run 5K (Dec. 14)
The 16th annual Great Santa Run 5K is a great way to celebrate the holiday season while supporting Operation Breakthrough, one of Kansas City’s favorite charities. We are excited to hold the race at a NEW SITE at Park Place in Leawood (11549 Ash Street) and we will once again offer great finishers medals to all participants and a great kids run to all of the Lil’ Elves! Participants in the 5k can add a long sleeve event shirt for $9.
