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)
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)
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)
Lawrence Christmas Parade (Dec. 7)
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!