9 Festive Kansas City Holiday Neighborhoods
Sightseeing, shopping, celebrating or something in between? Savor the season in nine of Kansas City’s most entertaining holiday hubs.
Country Club Plaza
- Plaza Lights: Timeless in every way imaginable, the Plaza Lighting Ceremony is a quintessential KC holiday tradition—and a delightful reminder of the Spanish-inspired Country Club Plaza’s undeniable beauty. Find more info here.
- Holiday Shopping: Seasonal shoppers will find everything needed for presents, from high-end jewelry and local goods to wrapping paper and ornaments. Get started with a guide to shopping on the Country Club Plaza.
Downtown/Power & Light District
- Merry Market: Head to the City Market for an artisan extravaganza in partnership with Art Garden KC. More than 75 local artists and makers, plus many more events and activities, will fill the neighborhood every weekend between Thanksgiving and Christmas. More info.
- NYE Live!: The Kansas City Power & Light District is home to an unmatched New Year's Eve celebration. Make your way to KC Live! to ring in the new year with confetti cannons, champagne toasts and plenty of venues to celebrate.
- KC Streetcar: Travel from one Downtown district to the next in the convenient and free-to-ride KC Streetcar to reach dining, shopping and entertainment destinations all along the route.
Crown Center District
- Mayor’s Christmas Tree: Crown Center’s magnificent centerpiece towers more than 100 feet high and is illuminated by thousands of white bulbs, proving it a proud showcase of KC’s seasonal spirit. More info.
- Hallmark Christmas Experience: The Mayor's Christmas Tree is surrounded by an extra dose of holiday fun with the Hallmark Christmas Experience. Visitors can browse local vendors, enjoy nightly hourly tree lightings and travel through the festive light walk. Hallmark movie stars will also be on hand each weekend for special events.
- Shopping: Mark every gift off your list (and be sure to check it twice) at hot retail spots such as Halls Kansas City and Function Junction. Save some time to step outside for Hallmark Christmas Experience's Christmas Market, featuring countless local makers across four weekends in November and December.
- Union Station: In addition to its massive model-train display and KC's largest indoor holiday tree, visitors will also be dazzled by the Holiday Reflections walk-through village in Grand Hall.
The Northland
- Northern Lights: Gift-getting feels more royal than ever amongst the decorative, larger-than-life crowns illuminated each holiday evening at Zona Rosa, a premier shopping district in the Northland. More info.
- The Rink at Zona Rosa: Lace up and hit the ice at Zona Rosa's skating rink. The venue is open daily through February, with skate rentals, private lessons and more special activities available. More info.
- The Village at Briarcliff: Pick up the perfect gift for everyone at The Village at Briarcliff, one of the only locally owned shopping centers in KC. This Northland shopping center comes to life during the holiday season.
- Winter Magic: Make your way to the mesmerizing drive-through display at Winter Magic, featuring a mile of lights guiding you through Platte Purchase Park.
Overland Park
- Luminary Walk: Wander through the winter wilderness as thousands of candles illuminate pathways and lights shine on trees, buildings and bridges at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. More info.
- Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane: Onlookers are sure to be wowed by this spectacular display hosted by the Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, featuring animated lights synchronized to seasonal music. More info.
- Downtown Overland Park: Venture to Thompson Park and the Clock Tower Plaza to soak in the twinkling lights and the Overland Park Mayor's Christmas Tree. Drop off your letter to Santa Claus before Christmas in the North Pole mailbox under the Clock Tower.
Independence
- Victorian Holiday Elegance: Tour Vaile Victorian Mansion, one of Independence’s oldest and most beautiful homes, decked out in all of its holiday glory. More info.
- Holiday Home Tour: Make your way to the Bingham-Waggoner Estate, where you’ll find a seasonal home tour featuring live music, refreshments, gifts and more. More info.
- Independence Square: Witness the beauty of Independence Square in an entirely new light as holiday decorations illuminate the historic district. More info.
Village West/KCK
- Legendary Tree Lighting: Light up the night in this favorite tradition at Legends Outlets Kansas City, featuring hot cocoa, photos with Santa and much more. More info.
- Jingle: A new holiday experience arrives at Legends Field, taking guests on a magical with a light maze, ice skating trail, snow tubing hill and more family fun. More info.
- Seasonal Savings: Find the perfect gift at Legends Outlets in Village West, where big-name brands highlight dozens of shopping destinations.
18th & Vine
- The Soul of Santa: A Christmas tree lighting in the heart of the district, a holiday concert at the Gem Theater and more community events arrive to 18th & Vine in the Soul of Santa's annual celebration.
- Ice skating: Lace up your skates at the new ice skating rink in the 18th & Vine District, one of many Soul of Santa activities during the holiday season.
West Bottoms
- Vintage and Antique Adventures: Shop for everyone on your list (and find a few treats for yourself) in the neighborhood's vast, sprawling vintage retail stores. The first weekend of the month is especially promising.
- Local Libations: Sink into the welcoming leather booths at Stockyards Brewing Co. or stay warm around the fire at the Campground. Find more dining inspiration here.
Access more holiday resources to find all the ways you can celebrate the season in Kansas City, from stunning displays to shopping hotspots.