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: KC’s Favorite Drive-Thru Holiday Light Party! (November 1 – January 4)
Now in its 6th dazzling season, Kansas City’s favorite drive-thru holiday lights return to Platte Purchase Park in the Northland — bigger, brighter, and more breathtaking than ever!
Experience over a mile of synchronized holiday lights—all from the comfort of your car, with festive tunes broadcast straight to your radio. You’ll be singing, smiling, and making memories — all for as little as $20 per carload.
This season’s event features brand-new displays—like the stunning Magical Glow Arches, a series of glowing arcs that leap across more than 250 feet of synchronized magic—plus returning fan favorites like the Longest Animated Light Tunnel in the Midwest. Just grab your ticket online, pack in the whole crew (even the pets!), and come see why Winter Magic is KC’s can’t-miss holiday tradition.
Festival of Lights
November 20-January 3
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 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!
Christmas in the Park at Longview Lake
November 26-December 31
Now in its 38th 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 36 local charities.
Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane
November 27-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 27-January 11
A local tradition for 96 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!
This year’s Evergy Plaza Lighting Ceremony kicks off at 6:30 p.m. on Thanksgiving, Nov. 27. The stage will be located at the intersection of Nichols Road and Pennsylvania Avenue. The event is open to the public and free to attend.
Members of the Kansas City Current will flip the switch at approximately 7:55 p.m., followed by a fireworks display. 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 26- 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 4, 11, 18.
New this year: Glow Cart tours (accessible) on December 1-3.
Sar-Ko Aglow Lighting
December 5-January 19
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.
1932 South Stagecoach Dr a little bit of everything starts Thanksgiving night