It’s hard to think about a Kansas City Christmas without including the beloved traditions at Crown Center. Don’t miss these classic holiday events that are sure to get you into the holiday spirit.
Holiday Events at Crown Center in Kansas City
Santa’s Arrival
10 a.m., Friday, Nov. 24
Welcome Santa Claus as he arrives in a horse-drawn carriage to kick off the holiday season at 10 a.m. Join Santa as he makes his way to Santa’s Gingerbread Station, where he resides through December 24. No admission fee.
Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting
5:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 24
Crown Center has been home to the Mayor’s Christmas Tree for more than 50 years. Be a part of the Kansas City tradition with a lighting event you won’t want to miss! Discover Cocoa and Campfires, an area to enjoy hot beverages and s’mores by the fire pits. Stage entertainment begins at 5:30 p.m. Then, join the Mayor and guests for the countdown to light the tree. Fireworks to follow.
Santa’s Gingerbread Station
Friday, Nov. 24 – Sunday, Dec. 24
All aboard for a favorite holiday tradition at Crown Center! Santa Claus will welcome the public throughout the holiday season for visits, wish lists and photos. A photographer will be on-site to take photos for a fee, or you may take your own. Photo packages start at $12. Open during Crown Center Shops hours.
Mayor’s Christmas Tree Ornaments Through the Years
Friday, Nov. 24 – Sunday, Dec. 31
A display features all 43 of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree ornaments that Hallmark has produced, and Crown Center has sold since 1981. Proceeds from the sales of these ornaments raises money for the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund, a charity that helps Kansas Citians in need have a happier holiday. Open during Crown Center Shops holiday hours. Find this display on the south end of Level 2 near Customer Service.
The Strawberry Swing Presents the 13th Annual Holiday Swing
Saturday, Nov. 25 – Sunday, Dec. 17
Crown Center welcomes The Strawberry Swing Indie Craft Fair’s 13thAnnual Holiday Swing to Crown Center Square. Shop the Midwest’s top craft fair for handmade gifts from local makers and creators. Hours of operation, Saturday – Sunday, Nov. 25 – 26 and Fridays – Sundays, Dec. 1–17: Fridays, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m., Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sundays, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Holiday Choirs
Monday, Nov. 27 – Sunday, Dec. 17
Beautiful music fills the halls of Crown Center, as nearly 100 area school, church and community choirs perform everyday beginning Nov. 27 and through Dec. 17.
TubaChristmas
Tuesday, Dec. 5
The Kansas City Symphony’s TubaChristmas returns to Crown Center Square! Tuba and Euphonium players come together in this fun and festive holiday concert on Crown Center Square. Enjoy this free noon-hour performance, weather permitting. Bring your own lawn chairs. Noon – 1 p.m. FREE admission. Alternate weather date is December 13.
For a full list of holiday traditions, see our Ultimate Guide to the Holidays in Kansas City.
