Downtown Dazzle: A Kansas City Holiday Experience
Build memories for a lifetime during downtown Kansas City’s all-encompassing holiday experience, November 22 through December 31. Downtown Dazzle, which is celebrating its fifth year in 2018, showcases five different neighborhoods, each with unique holiday events and festivities for all ages, seamlessly connected via the KC Streetcar! Explore trendy downtown residences during the free Urban Homes Tour on Saturday, December 8. And don’t forget to pick up your free Dazzling Deals booklet, featuring a number of exclusive offers from downtown-area businesses. Six Dazzle pop-ups around downtown with prizes and fun are sure to add to your holiday cheer, too. For all Dazzle information, visit DazzleKC.com.
Crown Center Ice Terrace
Many people see this as an annual tradition. Bringing their family to ice skate is the first thing they do each holiday season! You will definitely want to check out the entire Crown Center area this holiday season as the plaza is especially beautiful this time of year with the fountains and other decorative items on display. Plus, you’ll have a great view of the Mayor’s Christmas tree!
Gladstone’s Linden Square Skate Rink
The November 20 opening of this outdoor neighborhood rink in Gladstone coincides with the lighting of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree and provides family fun all winter long.
Ice Skating at Burlington Creek
If you live north of the river but still want to enjoy an evening (or day!) of outdoor ice skating, you’ll want to check out The Village at Burlington Creek. Located on 64th Street (or Tom Watson Parkway in Parkville), the area includes a quaint little shopping district that allows you to enjoy an evening out with the family before or after skating.
The Ice at Park Place
The Ice at Park Place serves as Leawood’s only outdoor ice rink and is surrounded by seasonal festivities, warm food and drink options and unique holiday shopping. The rink is open November 16-February 18, including holidays!
Liberty Holiday Homes Tour (November 10-11)
Homes will be available for viewing on Saturday and Sunday from 1-5 p.m. each day. All proceeds from this event benefit Liberty Women’s Clinic.
Olde World Christmas at Strawberry Hill Museum (beginning November 3)
In addition to our permanent ethnic exhibitors, there will be displays representing Mexico, Ireland and African-American cultures. Additional space has also been added to display German, Italian and Belgium traditions. There are also new items in the Gift Shop, so make sure you stop by after your tour and pick up those unusual gifts for your family and friends.
Rock the Red Kettle (November 16, 6:30 p.m.)
The Salvation Army continues its family-friendly holiday tradition in Kansas City, “Rock the Red Kettle,” with a free community concert featuring national recording artist, Lifehouse. The concert will be held on the KC Live! stage in the Power & Light District.
Christmas in the Sky (November 21)
This event serves as the kick-off for Jackson County’s Christmas in the Park and features holiday entertainment along with an amazing fireworks display synchronized to your favorite holiday music and simulcast on The Point 99.7. Bring chairs/blankets for seating!
“Tis the Reason for the Season” at the Bingham-Waggoner Estate (November 23-December 30)
Tours of the estate are offered Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays 1-4 p.m.
WinterFest at Worlds of Fun (November 23-December 31)
Holiday cheer rings out at Worlds of Fun during the annual WinterFest holiday celebration. Thousands of sparkling lights transform the park with an inviting glow that warms the heart and lifts the spirit. Witness festive live shows, meet iconic holiday characters, join holiday activities like ice skating and cooking decorating, ride select park attractions, and create lasting memories with family and friends. This holiday event takes place on select nights in November and December.
Bright Light Friday (November 23)
Skip the craziness of Black Friday shopping. Make it a playful “Bright Light Friday” instead! Sing, dance and celebrate the start of the holiday season with Kansas City-based kid rocker Jim “Stinky Feet” Cosgrove. On the day of the show, Cosgrove will collect winter clothing items on behalf of the nonprofit Artists Helping the Homeless.
Christmas on the River (November 30, 6 p.m.)
If you’re looking for a picturesque Christmas experience, come to Parkville’s Christmas on the River. There are food vendors, activities for the kids, carolers and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus. Don’t miss the fireworks over the river at 8:30 p.m.!
Baldwin City Festival of Lights (December 1, 6 p.m.)
Turn out for the annual Festival of Lights in Baldwin City – a parade, tree lighting and MUCH more. The parade begins at 6 p.m., but the day’s events include breakfast with Santa, a holiday art show and home tour, a soup supper and fireworks display.
The Holiday Swing (December 1-2, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.)
Join The Midwest’s biggest handmade holiday shopping event in our 8th year of celebrating the handmade movement: The Holiday Swing. 100+ handmade & vintage vendors + food trucks + cash bar + whimsical photobooth + holiday cheer at one of the most beautifully decorated holiday destinations in Kansas City: Union Station Kansas City Inc. Best of all? It’s FREE to attend.
Holiday Market & Open House at Eighteen Ninety (December 13, 6-9 p.m.)
Grab your family and friends and shop for the holidays at Eighteen Ninety, an historic venue just 20 minutes north of downtown Kansas City.
12 Bars of Charity (December 14, 8 p.m.)
Last year, 12 Bars of Charity helped raise more than $15,000 for local charity. This year, they hope to shatter that record as they aim to raise more than $40,000 for eight amazing local charities.
PJ Library Hanukkah Glow Party (December 17 | 4-6 p.m.)
A celebration of lights for the whole family! Join friends at Pinstripes for a community-wide menorah lighting that includes games, a kid-friendly DJ, Kosher Sufganiyot with coffee and a hot chocolate bar. Open to everyone, but designed for families with children ages 10 and under.
Noon Year’s Eve at Pinstripes (December 31 | 9 a.m.)
Ring in the new year with the whole family! This annual sold-out event features games, entertainment, horse and carriage rides, crafts, a DJ, pizza and a milk and cookies toast during the noon balloon drop. VIP attendees are guaranteed a bowling time, early entry, and shorter lines for activities. Mark your calendar and claim your tickets on Black Friday, November 24. Noon Year’s Eve is hosted by Kansas City Moms Blog, Pinstripes and Prairiefire. To read more about last year’s Noon Year’s Eve, click here.
NYE Live! Kansas City (December 31, 8 p.m.)
Join a crowd of thousands for the biggest New Year’s Eve celebration in Kansas City at the Kansas City Live! Block in the Power & Light District. Features exclusive access to up to 12 bars and nightclubs, premium bar packages, live DJs, NYE-themed party favors, champagne toasts, confetti canons and the city’s most anticipated countdown to midnight.
