The holiday lights are on! Check out the best places to find light displays, drive throughs and more.
For our guide to the best neighborhood light displays in Kansas City metro, check out our Neighborhood Lights Guide.
Winter Magic – Northland: KC’s FAV Drive-Thru Holiday Light Party! (November 1 – January 5)
EXCITING UPDATES FOR 2024!
2x the lights!
Amazing new location!
Most affordable pricing yet!
Celebrating its 5th year, this beloved holiday tradition shines brighter than ever with new displays and a fresh location in the Northland. Winter Magic features the longest animated light tunnel in the Midwest, and this year, a second tunnel has been added—bringing the total to three dazzling tunnels for 2024. But that’s not all! Get ready for whimsical displays, including a frozen snow queen, a colossal dinosaur collection, a vibrant party zone, and even more lights than before. Imagine Winter Magic supercharged!
This season, create cherished memories under KC’s favorite sparkling holiday lights. Perfect for families, friends, and anyone eager to embrace the joy of the season. This is an unforgettable holiday tradition you don’t want to miss.
Festival of Lights
November 14-January 4
Make plans for a breath of fresh air during the hectic holiday season at the Festival of Lights! 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.
Lighted Christmas Parade, Excelsior Springs
November 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 our community!
Christmas in the Park at Longview Lake
November 27-December 31
Now in its 37th year, this magical winter wonderland features more than one million lights and 200 animated displays, all designed and built entirely in-house by our talented crews! Your drive to the Longview Lake Campground begins at the Frank White Jr., Softball Complex. Admission is free. This year’s voluntary exit donations will benefit 35 local charities.
Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane
November 28-December 31
Experience the enchantment of the season at Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane! Tune in to 90.5 Rose FM to hear your favorite holiday songs and movie music as you watch the spectacular show dance across the barn and front entranceway of Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead.
Please turn off your vehicle’s lights while watching the show.
Bring some cocoa, cookies and blankets as you view the lights and hear the music from the warmth of your car in the Farmstead’s parking lot. The display is at the main entrance of the Farmstead.
Country Club Plaza Lights
November 28-January 12
A local tradition for 95 years, the Plaza Lights are a 15-block holiday spectacle on the famed Country Club Plaza, featuring thousands of glimmering, jewel-colored lights that accentuate every dome, tower and window of the Spanish-inspired shopping district.
The Plaza Lights shine daily from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m., Thanksgiving through mid-January. All Plaza parking garages will be open and accessible throughout the Plaza Lights season.
The Annual Plaza Lighting Ceremony
Thanksgiving Day, 5 p.m.
The Plaza Lighting Ceremony returns! “In 1925, Charles Pitrat, head of the Nichols Company maintenance operation, placed a single six-foot strand of sixteen colored light bulbs across the doorway of the Suydam building, the Plaza’s first building … The tradition grew just the way the Plaza did. As buildings were added, so were lights. When the Plaza Theatre was completed in 1928, Pitrat strung lights across 47th Street to reach the theater building. The next year he outlined the buildings and towers with lights. And so it went, adding more lights to frame more buildings. Putting up those first lights took one man and a ladder. The chore is definitely more difficult today.” See the full schedule.
Lee’s Summit Magic Tree
A celebratory landmark at I-470 and View High Drive in Lee’s Summit. Over the years, the lighting of the tree has offered sentiments of hope, goodness, peace, and love as visitors enjoy the simple elegance of the tree, take advantage of the beautiful and unique photography setting, as well as give to those who are in need in our community.
The Arboretum by Candlelight
November 25- December 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 5, 12, 19.
Sar-Ko Aglow Lighting
December 6-January 20
Sar-Ko Aglow in Lenexa is one of the Kansas City metro’s best holiday light displays. Miles of light strands and thousands of colorful bulbs brighten this favorite park each winter. Take a nighttime stroll around Rose’s Pond during December and January to view the stunning spectacle and its reflections on the water. Lights on daily 6 p.m. – 11 p.m. Admission and parking are free.
Nottingham On the Green, 129th & Quivira thru 129th & Pflumn to 133rd St. Overland Park… all trees lining the streets are decorated along with houses within the neighborhood .. Stop and see the house at 129th & Bradshaw for lights synced to music and turn your radio to 90.5 FM.
A real treat and not far away.