Family Friendly Holiday Events in Kansas City

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: Around the World (now-Dec. 29)

GloWild is a unique lantern festival at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium that runs through December 29. Along a one mile path through the zoo, you’ll experience beautiful lanterns shaped like animals, flowers and dragons. It takes about 90 minutes to walk through the lantern displays and there are many spots along the way to stop and take photos. Time your entrance for sunset so you can experience the lanterns in the dark and still get home before it gets too late.

Festival of Lights (Nov. 14-Jan. 4)

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. 23)

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, “Christmas in the Kingdom” is a nod to our Kansas City Chiefs, bringing a royal red and gold sparkle to the festivities. Don’t miss this dazzling event that captures the holiday spirit and community!

Holiday Reflections at Union Station (Nov. 22 – Jan. 1)

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)

JINGLE! (Nov. 22-Dec. 31)

This experience at Legends Field is similar to Enchant from last year. Twinkling lights dazzle your eyes, the aroma of fresh pine fills the air, and the sweet taste of hot cocoa warms your soul. Start your visit at one of our four exciting holiday-themed neighborhoods: JINGLE! Village, Polar Park, Aprés-Ski, and The North Pole; or wander through the park as you delight in all JINGLE! has to offer. Immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit with an experience you and your loved ones won’t soon forget!

And no holiday celebration would be complete without a visit from Santa Claus!

Luminary Walk at the Overland Park Arboretum (Nov. 25- 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 p.m. 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.

For a quieter date night experience, a Candlelight Stroll will be held Dec. 5, 12, 19. Electric Glow will take place during select weekdays for a peaceful walk through the gardens without the activities, luminaries or crowds.

Canadian Pacific Holiday Train (Nov. 30)

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 30. 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. 30-Dec. 22)

Join Kansas City’s original Handmade Holiday Shopping Experience, The Holiday Swing, as we celebrate our 14th year of supporting local makers and shakers at J. Rieger & Co. in the historic East Bottoms. Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit while supporting local artists and makers under twinkling lights, festive decor and a magical atmosphere for all visitors. Browse a highly curated, intimate array of handmade arts and crafts perfect for gifting while you savor delicious holiday treats and sips at our seasonal experience: year 14 of The Strawberry Swing’s Holiday Swing!

Christmas on the River (Dec. 6)

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. 7)

Start your Christmas season at Mahaffie! Make an ornament and visit with Santa! Find those unique gifts and stocking stuffers at the Mahaffie Market located inside the Heritage Center. This event is FREE to attend! Gingerbread kits will be on sale for $4/kit. On the historic site you will find a blacksmith demonstrating their skill, a chef at the cookstove, scavenger hunt, and horse-powered farmwork. The stagecoach will be on hand to offer rides to visitors (weather and grounds conditions permitting) for $3/visitor.

Candy Cane Quest (Dec. 6)

Santa will be dropping over 6,000 Candy Canes at Heritage Park on December 1! This is a free event for children ages 0-12. Bring a flashlight and bag to search for candy canes. The Candy Cane Quest will only last a few minutes so don’t be late! The hunt will begin at 6 p.m. sharp (think an Easter egg hunt but with flashlights and candy canes). Make sure to check your candy canes to see if you won a special prize!

Morning at the North Pole (Dec. 7)

Ho, ho, ho! Kansas City Mom Collective is excited to host Morning at the North Pole With Santa on Saturday, Dec. 7, at The Mint in Lenexa! Holiday fun is the name of the game when you take part in this awesome and stress-free morning full of games, crafts, treats and of course a visit with Santa! The event will finish with a reading of “Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Lost Christmas!” read by Alastair Heim, author of the book.
This event includes TWO SESSIONS, 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. with identical activities for both sessions. Choose what works best for you and your family’s schedule! We will have something for everyone so all guests ages 1+ need a ticket.

Lawrence Christmas Parade (Dec. 7)

Heading into its fourth decade, you and your family won’t want to miss the 2024 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. 7)

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. 7)

Bundle up and kick off the season at this annual event! Warm up by the fire, help decorate our historic houses, join in with carolers and say “hello” to Father Christmas, as you explore the holiday traditions of Christmas in the 19th century.

Naughty or Nice Games (Dec. 8)

Enjoy an evening of fun holiday-themed activities featuring a special grumpy guest. Join the Lenexa Rec Center from 6-8 p.m. for story time, cookie painting, heart-growing holiday crafts, grouchy games and more.

Great Santa Run 5K (Dec. 15)

The 15th 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! 

Sarah McGinnity
Sarah grew up in Manhattan, Kansas (Go Cats!), she moved to Minnesota where she met her husband, Shea. Realizing how much she hated snow in May, she convinced him to move to Kansas City in 2010. Together they have lived in Midtown, Waldo, the Plaza, and now Overland Park. Sarah is mom to four kids including a teenager and a toddler. She has her master’s in urban administration and is passionate about making Kansas City a more equitable and supportive community. In between the crazy, she likes to drink coffee, run, hike, travel as much as possible, and experience all things Kansas City!