15 Best Christmas Day Activities in Kansas City
As you plan your Christmas Day in Kansas City, you're likely looking for ways to make the most of this special day. You'll want to experience the city's festive atmosphere, create memories with loved ones, and enjoy the unique attractions that KC has to offer. From iconic light displays to ice skating and holiday markets, there are plenty of activities to choose from. But which ones should you prioritize? With so many options, it can be overwhelming. Let's narrow down the list to the top 15 Christmas Day activities in Kansas City that are sure to make your holiday season merry and bright.
Key Takeaways
- Experience iconic holiday light displays at Country Club Plaza, Powell Gardens, and Kansas City Zoo, featuring thousands of twinkling lights.
- Enjoy ice skating at Crown Center Ice Terrace or Family-Friendly Ice Skating Rinks, with on-site skate rentals and festive settings.
- Explore unique holiday market experiences at Westport Christmas Market and Strawberry Swings Holiday Swing, showcasing local artisans and handcrafted items.
- Engage in family-friendly activities and workshops, such as DIY Christmas crafts, holiday storytime, and cookie decorating, fostering creativity and community spirit.
- Take a magical train adventure on the Polar Express Train Ride or Holiday Express, featuring festive atmospheres and storytelling.
Iconic Holiday Light Displays
As you step into the holiday season in Kansas City, you're immediately surrounded by a dazzling array of iconic holiday light displays that will leave you mesmerized.
Explore the Country Club Plaza's Evergy Plaza Lights, Powell Gardens' Festival of Lights, or the Kansas City Zoo's GloWild lantern festival.
Experience the magic of Christmas in Kansas with these unforgettable holiday lights.
Ice Skating Attractions in KC
As you lace up your skates, get ready to glide across the ice at the Crown Center Ice Terrace, one of America's top rinks.
You'll love that skate rentals and lessons are available for all skill levels, so everyone can join in on the fun.
With its picturesque setting and twinkling lights, this iconic Kansas City attraction is a must-visit during the holiday season.
Ice Rink Delights
Get ready to glide into the holiday spirit at Kansas City's premier ice skating attractions!
You'll be enchanted by the Crown Center Ice Terrace, recognized as one of America's top ice skating rinks.
This picturesque outdoor rink offers a festive atmosphere, twinkling lights, and holiday decorations, making it the perfect spot to get into the holiday spirit.
Skate Rentals Available
Sliding into the holiday fun just got a whole lot easier with Crown Center Ice Terrace's convenient skate rentals! You can enjoy the ice without worrying about equipment, as rentals are available on-site for all skill levels.
| Skate Rental Details | Availability | Perks |
|---|---|---|
| On-site rentals | All skill levels | Convenient, no need to bring your own |
| Private party bookings | Special events | Perfect for holiday gatherings or family celebrations |
| Festive atmosphere | Throughout the holiday season | Enhances the skating experience on Christmas Day |
Shopping and Festive Celebrations
You'll find plenty of holiday gift ideas at Legends Outlets in Kansas City, KS, where you can shop at over 75 stores on Christmas Day.
Whether you're looking for last-minute gifts or just want to get a head start on next year's holiday shopping, Legends Outlets is the perfect destination.
With its extensive range of stores, you're sure to find something for everyone on your list.
Holiday Gift Ideas
When searching for the perfect holiday gift, Kansas City offers a multitude of options to suit every taste and budget.
You'll find unique holiday gift ideas from local artisans at the Westport Christmas Market, debuting on December 14, 2024.
Consider subscription boxes filled with local products or personalized gifts from local businesses for a thoughtful touch.
Legends Outlets Offers
At Legends Outlets in KCK, the holiday spirit comes alive amidst over 75 stores, offering a diverse range of shopping options for festive attire and gifts on Christmas Day.
You'll experience a festive atmosphere, thanks to the annual Christmas tree lighting event on November 16, 2024, and enjoy holiday movies on the lawn with your family.
Unique Holiday Market Experiences
Through the streets of Kansas City, a festive trail of unique holiday market experiences awaits discovery.
You'll find one-of-a-kind gifts at the Westport Christmas Market, featuring local vendors offering unique handcrafted gifts.
At the Strawberry Swings Holiday Swing, handmade arts and crafts from local artists create a magical shopping experience.
Family-Friendly Ice Skating Rinks
As you look for ways to get into the holiday spirit with your loved ones, consider lacing up your skates and gliding into some winter fun at one of Kansas City's family-friendly ice skating rinks.
You'll find festive atmospheres, twinkling lights, and seasonal festivities that'll make your holiday experience even more magical.
From skating with Santa to enjoying winter ice fun, these rinks offer a range of activities that are sure to delight kids and adults alike.
Skate With Santa
Get ready to glide into the holiday spirit at the Crown Center Ice Terrace, where you can lace up and "skate with Santa" on select days during the holiday season!
You'll create unforgettable memories with your family during this unique holiday celebration.
Don't forget to take photos with Santa to capture the magic of the moment.
Holiday Ice Rinks
You'll find no shortage of festive fun at Kansas City's holiday ice rinks, where the whole family can enjoy quality time together gliding across the ice. Crown Center Ice Terrace is a top pick, offering skate rentals, lessons, and private party bookings amidst thousands of twinkling lights.
| Rink | Features | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Crown Center Ice Terrace | Skate rentals, lessons, private party bookings | Magical holiday experience |
| Outdoor Ice Rinks | Various locations, festive atmosphere | Enhance your holiday spirit |
Winter Ice Fun
While winter's chill sets in, Kansas City's family-friendly ice skating rinks transform into vibrant winter wonderlands, beckoning you to lace up and experience the magic of the season.
At Crown Center Ice Terrace, you'll find a picturesque setting, skate rentals, and lessons for all skill levels.
Enjoy the twinkling lights and holiday atmosphere, perfect for creating lasting memories during the holiday season in Kansas City.
DIY Christmas Crafts and Workshops
Step into the merry world of DIY Christmas crafts and workshops in Kansas City, where the spirit of creativity and togetherness fills the air.
You'll find a variety of workshops where you and your family can create personalized holiday decorations and gifts together.
Local artisans and craft studios offer classes for all skill levels, making it easy to find a fun and inclusive experience.
Local Holiday Traditions and Events
On Christmas Day in Kansas City, the city comes alive with a tapestry of local traditions and events that weave together to create a festive atmosphere.
You can experience the magic of "Christmas in the Park" with its dazzling light display, or visit Union Station's "Holiday Reflections" for a sparkling winter wonderland.
Community Christmas Tree Lighting
You'll be counting down the days until the holiday season officially kicks off at Legends Outlets in Kansas City, Kansas, where the annual Christmas tree lighting event takes center stage on November 16, 2024.
This festive gathering embodies community spirit, featuring a beautifully decorated tree, holiday movies on the lawn, and fun activities that draw families and visitors alike.
Kansas City's Best Holiday Lights
As you explore Kansas City's holiday scene, you'll discover twinkling light displays that will leave you mesmerized.
From the iconic Country Club Plaza to the serene Powell Gardens, holiday illuminations abound, offering a festive atmosphere that's sure to get you in the holiday spirit.
Get ready to be dazzled by the city's most spectacular light displays, each one unique and unforgettable in its own way.
Twinkling Light Displays
While strolling through the streets of Kansas City during the holiday season, you're bound to be dazzled by the twinkling light displays that illuminate the city's landscape.
Explore iconic spots like Country Club Plaza's Evergy Plaza Lights, Winter Magic KC Northland, Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens, Christmas in the Park, and Holiday Reflections at Union Station for a festive dose of Christmas lights and cheer.
Holiday Illuminations Abound
Kansas City truly shines during the holiday season, and its dazzling holiday light displays are a major reason why.
You'll find:
- Evergy Plaza Lights at Country Club Plaza, featuring thousands of twinkling lights from Nov. 28 to Jan. 12.
- Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens, transforming the gardens into a winter wonderland from Nov. 14 to Jan. 4.
- Union Station's Holiday Reflections, with a walk-thru holiday village from Nov. 22 to Jan. 1.
- GloWild: Around the World at the Kansas City Zoo, featuring unique lantern displays from sunset to Dec. 29.
- Christmas in the Park, a drive-thru experience at Longview Lake Campground, showcasing 300,000 lights and 175 animated figures from Nov. 28 to Dec. 29.
Winter Magic KC Northland Experience
Daily from November 1 to January 5, Winter Magic KC Northland transforms the Northland into a dazzling winter wonderland, featuring over 1 million twinkling lights that create a magical holiday atmosphere for visitors.
You'll stroll through themed displays, including a light tunnel and festive scenes, with plenty of photo opportunities.
Admission is free, making it a must-visit holiday attraction.
Holiday Storytime and Cookie Decorating
As you wrap up your Winter Magic KC Northland experience, why not continue the festive fun with some holiday storytime and cookie decorating?
- Hosted at local libraries and community centers, holiday storytime events share festive tales and seasonal spirit.
- Release your kid's creativity at cookie decorating sessions, like "Paint Me a Story", making delicious holiday treats.
- Themed workshops offer a fun, family-friendly atmosphere for decorating cookies together.
- Many events combine storytelling and cookie decorating for an engaging experience.
- These activities foster joyful memories and community participation.
Polar Express Train Ride Adventures
During the winter holiday season, get ready to set out on a magical adventure with your family as you climb aboard the Polar Express Train, an unforgettable experience that will leave you and your little ones spellbound.
From November 15 to December 30, this Holiday Express Train ride offers a festive atmosphere, hot chocolate, and storytelling, departing from historic Union Station – be sure to reserve your spot!
Christmas in the Park Celebrations
After experiencing the magic of the Polar Express Train Ride, why not continue the festive fun with a dazzling display of lights at Christmas in the Park?
- Head to Longview Lake Campground for this drive-thru event featuring over 300,000 lights and 175 animated figures along a two-mile route.
- Start at the Frank White, Jr. Softball Complex for easy access.
- Arrive early or late to minimize wait times and enhance your experience.
- Enjoy the magical atmosphere showcasing enchanting holiday stories through lights.
- Best of all, it's a free event, making it accessible to all for the holiday season.
Unique Holiday Performances and Shows
This holiday season, get ready to be mesmerized by a diverse range of unique performances and shows in Kansas City that will leave you feeling festive and entertained.
Catch the KC Ballet's "The Nutcracker" or the Trans Siberian Orchestra's "Christmas Eve and Other Stories" for a high-energy experience.
Enjoy holiday-themed laser shows at the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium or affordable holiday movies at Union Station.
Don't miss the Holiday Reflections Light Tour and other special performances throughout Kansas City's venues.
Neighborhood Holiday Light Displays
Kansas City's neighborhoods transform into winter wonderlands each holiday season, awaiting your arrival to revel in their dazzling light displays.
- Explore the annual Christmas in the Park, a drive-thru event featuring 300,000 lights and 175 animated figures at Longview Lake Campground.
- Stroll through the Country Club Plaza's beautifully decorated lights along its historic buildings and streets.
- Visit Deanna Rose Farmstead for a festive experience with holiday lights synchronized to Christmas music.
- Check out the Legends Outlets in KCK for a large Christmas tree lighting event.
- Discover local neighborhoods participating in holiday light contests, creating vibrant displays that attract visitors and families.
Final Thoughts
You've made it to the end of this festive journey! Now that you've got the scoop on Kansas City's best Christmas Day activities, it's time to start planning your holiday adventure. From twinkling light displays to ice skating and unique market experiences, there's something for everyone in KC. So, grab your hot cocoa and get ready to make some merry memories with your loved ones!
