The Polar Express Train Ride – Baldwin City
Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the classic story as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ for a magical one-hour trip to the North Pole. Once on board, your car hosts will work their way through the coach and punch your golden ticket before hot chocolate and a delicious cookie are served by dancing chefs. Passengers then read along with the classic children’s book, The Polar Express. Santa and his helpers board the train to greet passengers and each guest is given the first gift of Christmas – a silver sleigh bell. During the trip, characters on each car lead passengers in caroling and onboard entertainment – just like in the film!
NOVEMBER
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (November 6-December 30)
Back by popular demand, the beloved television classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer soars off the screen and onto the stage this holiday season. Rudolph and his friends, Clarice, Hermey the Elf, and Yukon Cornelius learn what makes you different makes you special.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical (November 8-11)
Christian Youth Theatre presents the story of the Herdmans, the worst kids in the history of the world. When they crash Sunday school and demand parts in the Christmas pageant, the whole town panics. It’s up to Bradley and the Reverend to help their community see the Christmas story and the Herdman kids through new eyes in this buoyant musical adaptation of the funny and touching holiday classic.
A Christmas Carol with Gerald Dickens, a Special Engagement (November 11)
The great-great-grandson of Charles Dickens returns to select Mid-Continent Public Library branches for a special engagement. A professional actor in England, he leaps, laughs and sobs as he portrays the voices of “A Christmas Carol” – bringing the story to life for audiences both young and old.
A Christmas Carol (November 16-December 30)
The Kansas City Repertory Theatre will be putting on a performance of this classic Charles Dickens tale with an all-new adaptation by KCRep Artistic Director, Eric Rosen.
Classic Holiday Movies at Union Station (November 16-December 14)
Relive the magic of your favorite holiday classics on Union Station’s 5-story Extreme Screen! Shows cost just $3 and include National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (November 16-21), Elf (November 23-29), Home Alone (November 30-December 6) and The Polar Express in Your PJs (December 7-18).
The Nutcracker (November 17-18)
The Blue Springs Ballet Company presents The Nutcracker at the Barbara Landes Performing Arts Center at Blue Springs South High School.
The Nutcracker at the Kauffman Center (November 30 – December 23)
The Nutcracker is the heart of Kansas City’s holiday season! As soon as the lights dim, you’ll be transported to a magical place. From the magnificent sets and costumes to the acclaimed Kansas City Symphony playing Tchaikovsky’s wondrous music, you’ll witness some of the most glorious dancing on earth. Guests can have their photo taken with one of the characters from The Nutcracker one hour before and immediately after each performance; these $20 photos benefit Kansas City Ballet School.
Child of Hope by Storling Dance Studio (November 30 – December 2)
The richness and inspiration of Christmas and the Nativity story brought to life as only Störling Dance Theater and The Culture House can do it. Join us to see the Gospel story of the birth of Jesus like you’ve never seen it. Stunning music, costumes and design set the stage to bring us all to the child that changed the world forever. Bring your friends and family to this unforgettable event.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (November 30-December 10)
In this hilarious Christmas production, a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant is faced with casting the Herdman kids – described as “the most inventively awful kids in history.” The comedy is adapted from the best-selling young adult book by the same name.
Paul Mesner Puppets’ ‘The Nativity’ (November 30, December 1-2)
This celebrated annual spectacle comes alive again this December! Watch as a cast of over 40 puppeteers bring these larger-than-life Biblical characters to life, gracefully moving through the aisles of the historic cathedral with live musical and choral accompaniment.
DECEMBER
Dickens Carolers (December 1-22)
Get into the Christmas spirit with a performance by these festive singers dressed in beautiful Victorian attire.
The Nutcracker Tea Party (December 2-3)
Enjoy a one-hour version of the Nutcracker Ballet along with a delightful tea party. Watch the joy on the children’s faces as they delight in the specialty Nutcracker boutique, as well as have their photo taken with the dancers. Do some holiday shopping or select a keepsake at their boutique. It’s a sold-out event every year, so buy your tickets now!
The Little Prince, Paul Mesner Puppets (December 4-29)
Stranded in the Sahara Desert by his downed biplane, a world-weary pilot encounters the mysterious Little Prince who asks the pilot to draw him a sheep. Thus begins Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s beloved story of The Little Prince, brought to life in a stunning new co-production from Mesner Puppet Theater and the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium at Union Station.
TubaChristmas (December 4, 8)
All are welcome at this FREE lunch hour concert to listen to the sounds of the season, tuba style. Tickets are required. This year’s concerts will be held in Municipal Auditorium.
Handel’s Messiah at the Kauffman Center (December 7-9)
The impeccable acoustics of Helzberg Hall together with your Kansas City Symphony and Chorus make this THE Messiah performance of the season.
The Happy Elf (December 7-23)
The Happy Elf follows Eubie, the happiest elf at the North Pole. More than anything else, Eubie longs to be a part of Santa’s sleigh team. Instead, he’s stuck checking the naughty-or-nice lists. Then, one Christmas Eve, he sees something strange: in the whole town of Bluesville, not a single person has been nice. With a pinch of elfish magic and a magical whoosh, Eubie’s off to Bluesville. But can he turn a whole town of naughty children nice in just one day?
Simple Strings Dulcimers Christmas Concert (Dec. 8, 22)
Enjoy Christmas classics played by members of the Simple Strings Dulcimers, and learn the history of the songs and instruments they play.
Ms. Dennise’s Christmas Puppet Theater (December 8)
Santa is visiting the Library! Join the nationally-renowned LS Puppeteers for two charming and lively tales that star the “jolly old elf” himself!
Santa Land Christmas at the Puppetry Arts Institute (December 8, 15)
Join Santa and Mrs. Claus as they host a festive showcase of music, stories, and holiday merriment.
Sleigh! Dashing Through the Holidays with the Heartland Men’s Chorus (December 9)
This season, we’ll don our bells to present a holiday extravaganza worthy of ringing in the New Year. We’ll be dashing through the snow with your favorite classic carols and some big choral masterpieces. And, if you’re not too naughty, we’ll throw in a few nostalgic holiday favorites. So take your sleigh ride right into the renovated Folly Theater for a Ring-Ting-Tingling good time!
Christmas Festival (December 14-18)
Kansas City’s favorite Christmas concert tradition returns for seven joyous performances with the Symphony and Symphony Chorus. Each show includes cherished Christmas carols and Yuletide songs, talented special guests, and a visit from Santa himself – as well as the opportunity to win a dazzling jewelry prize from Helzberg Diamonds.
The Mystery of Christmas (December 14-16)
A Christian re-write of Tchaikovsky’s original Nutcracker, the Holy Spirit (Sugar Plum Fairy) takes Clara back to Bethlehem to witness the birth of Christ, the heavenly host rejoicing, and the Nations of the world presenting their dances before the King of Kings.
American Youth Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’ (December 15-16)
Don’t miss the magic and tradition of this holiday classic which includes a 40 foot growing tree, snow falling on stage and a live orchestra highlight this Overland Park tradition.
Laser Holiday Magic at the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium (December 17-January 6)
Celebrate the season with a selection of favorite holiday tunes brought to life with gorgeous laser choreography. A one-of-a-kind holiday experience!
It’s a Wonderful Life: In Concert (December 21-22)
This rambunctious, colorful score will roar to life in the hands of the Kansas City Symphony as you follow Jack the Pumpkin King’s quest to seize Christmas.
