Guide to November in Kansas City

November is the transition from fall to winter. A month where we focus on gratitude while also prepping our holiday wish lists. It’s also a month with lots of celebrations and family fun in Kansas City. Check out our favorites things about this month to add to your calendar!

Get ready to dive in on the action as magical mermaids glide through the ocean waters! Come face-to-fin with a real mermaid as they swim through the Ocean Exhibit with sharks, sea turtles, and other tropical fish. You can also take a photo on the dry land with these captivating sea maidens. Learn more.

Mermaid Dives and Dry Land Details

  • Every Friday – Sunday from October 28 – November 13
  • Mermaids can be seen gracefully swimming near the coral reef in the Ocean Exhibit with a variety of sea creatures
  • Dive times are from 10:30 a.m. – noon, 2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Meet and take a photo with a stunning mermaid from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Thank you to SEA LIFE for making this month’s guide possible.


Opening Day at Crown Center Ice Terrace (Nov. 4)Crown Center Ice Terrace

This year, Crown Center Ice Terrace is Celebrating 50 seasons of ice skating fun! Come out for the Opening Day festivities on Friday, Nov. 4. It’s a tradition for so many families to be one of the first to take the ice at 6 a.m. when the rink opens. Enjoy complimentary coffee, hot chocolate and breakfast danishes provided by Starbucks at Crown Center! Admission to the Crown Center Ice Terrace + Skate Rental is FREE from 6-9 a.m. Find details here.

Day of the Dead Celebration (Nov. 5)

The Day of the Dead celebration in Mexico varies from region to region, but it is not a religious celebration, it is rather an ancestral expression of our “Memorial Day” adorned with the Mexican spices and flavor. Join the Central Avenue Betterment Association in Kansas City, Kan., for a celebration and remembrance including a parade at 6 p.m. Learn more here.

Santa’s Bake Shop Opening (Nov. 9)

Join us this year in Martin City on November 9 for a Holiday Kickoff you won’t forget. We will have plenty of hot cocoa, treats, and photo ops. Pick up your passport at 4 p.m. and take a trip around the block to visit our local businesses. Once your passport is complete, bring it back for a FREE mini hot chocolate and to see Santa flip the switch at 6 p.m. Learn more about the Bake Shop here.

Just Between Friends Winter Sale (Nov. 9-12)

At the Just Between Friends Holiday/Winter Sale, you will find clothing for all colder weather, shoes, baby gear, toys, books, games, and so much more. With prices 50-90% off of retail, this is one sale you cannot afford to miss. Check out our tips for consignment sale shopping.

Kansas City Reptile Show (Nov. 13)

This is an opportunity to talk directly to breeders in your area! The show runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Overland Park Convention Center. There will be thousands of reptiles, amphibians, feeders, invertebrates, supplies and more available to the public. Bring your kids, and explore the show. Did we mention there will also be a huge variety of supplies including cages, tanks, bedding, toys, and decorative items. Learn more.

Family Party at the Giving Machines KC (Nov. 16)

It’s vending machines with a Christmas twist. Instead of purchasing something for you, people donate something to help others. 100% of your donation goes to the charity you choose. Join a family friendly party from 6-8 p.m at Crown Center to kickoff the giving season. More info here.

A Christmas Carol (Nov. 18-Dec. 24)

Join Ebenezer Scrooge on his redemptive journey with Christmas Past, Present, and Future, and rediscover the true meaning of the holidays. You’ll meet the Cratchits, Tiny Tim, and the irresistible Fezziwigs, and hear the haunting and joyous Candlelight Carol — all this and more, to kindle your Christmas spirit. Share the season with the people you love at A Christmas Carol at the Kansas City Repertory Theatre. Get tickets!

Lighted Christmas Parade (Nov. 19)

It’s Excelsior Springs’ biggest event of the year! Join us for the greatest parade, the Lighted Christmas Parade! The parade kicks off following the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting. Pick a spot on Broadway or Thompson and enjoy the show. Parade begins at approximately 6:05 PM. More info here.

Holiday Swing at City Market (Nov. 25)

Join The Midwest’s biggest handmade holiday celebration, The 12th Annual Holiday Swing at The City Market’s Merry Market beginning Black Friday and running each weekend through December 18th! Shop from over 100 local artists, makers and vintage vendors, grab a bite from City Market restaurants, enjoy holiday drinks & cheer, music and live performances to get you into the spirit of the season! Find info here.
Sarah McGinnity
Sarah grew up in Manhattan, Kansas (Go Cats!), she moved to Minnesota where she met her husband, Shea. Realizing how much she hated snow in May, she convinced him to move to Kansas City in 2010. Together they have lived in Midtown, Waldo, the Plaza, and now Overland Park. Sarah is mom to 10-year-old, Henry, 7-year-old Clark and 5-year-old Lucy. She has her master’s in urban administration and is passionate about making Kansas City a more equitable and supportive community. In between the crazy, she likes to drink coffee, run, hike, travel as much as possible, and experience all things Kansas City!