Are you looking for all the details on the Kansas City Country Club Plaza Lighting? There’s a lot to know – after all, it is the district’s most attended evening of the year!
Let us midtown Kansas City locals give you all the details and our suggestions from years of attending the event ourselves.
The 2025 Kansas City Plaza Lights
Drawing on the tradition that has illuminated midtown for decades, the Kansas City Plaza Lights is a 15-block holiday spectacle on the iconic Country Club Plaza.
This year is actually the 96th Plaza Lighting Ceremony!
This year’s event takes place on Thanksgiving night, November 27th with festivities happening from 6:30pm to 8:00pm and the lighting happening at 7:55pm.
The Plaza Lighting Ceremony is incredibly popular – in our experience, the best way to enjoy the experience is to get a hotel on the Plaza.
For a truly local Kansas City holiday experience, we recommend staying at the historic Raphael Hotel. Other great options are ALoft Country Club Plaza or Cascade Hotel.
The extensive preparation for this event involves a crew of electricians starting work after Labor Day – that’s commitment!
Each year, a special guest is invited to be the honorary switch-flipper. This year, it’s members of the Kansas City Current soccer team.
Attendees can expect a blend of music, spectacle, and the warmth of holiday spirit in an outdoor event that’s free and open to all.
Can’t make it in person? The live broadcast can be found on local station KMBC.
Curious how this 96-year old tradition began?
It started with a single strand of lights over one of the plaza shops in 1925 to celebrate Christmas. In 1930, that humble strand inspired the rest of the shopping district to begin the time-honored lighting display. This tradition encapsulates not only the joy of the season but also the unity and history of our community.
Opening in 1923, Country Club Plaza itself is a historical gem, often considered to be the country’s first shopping center designed to accommodate shoppers arriving by automobile.
What to Expect at the 2025 KC Plaza Light Ceremony
Below are all the ceremony details you’re wanting to know.
Most importantly, where is the best place to see the Plaza Lights?
The best views can be found along Nichols Road between Pennsylvania and Broadway. Alternatively, consider the top floor of nearby parking garages for a panoramic perspective. The main stage will be at the Nichols Road and Pennsylvania intersection.
Plaza Lighting Schedule 2025
- Pre-Show Festivities (6 – 6:30 p.m.): The evening begins with holiday music from DJ Kirby.
- The Main Event (6:30 – 7:00 p.m.): The 95th Annual Evergy Plaza Lighting Ceremony officially begins!
- The Lights Are On (7:55 p.m.): KC Current team members flip the switch, followed by a fireworks show.
- Post-Ceremony Festivities (8 – 8:30 p.m.): The celebrations will continue with a post-ceremony show featuring DJ Kirby.
Throughout the evening, attendees can expect to see performances from Quixotic, a group known for their gravity-defying aerial acts and dynamic dance routines, and dancers from Monica’s School of Dance.
There will be several music performances and KC Repertory Theatre will perform a special preview of “A Christmas Carol.”
In town for the holidays? Make the most of your visit with our favorite local experiences!
We love the distillery tour and tasting at the historic Tom’s Town Distillery.
If you’re into microbrews, you are in the right city – KC has become quite the haven for beer lovers in the last decade. We recommend a small-group guided craft brewery tour.
The Kansas City Plaza Lighting Ceremony attracts thousands of spectators. That means it is crowded. To fully appreciate the experience, it’s crucial to plan ahead, especially when it comes to securing the best vantage point.
Where Do You Park For The Plaza Lights?
The free parking garages are first come, first serve. Our recommendation is simple: arrive early.
This is the only way you will get a parking spot in one of the several free garages on the Plaza.
How To Take The KC Streetcar To The Plaza
This year, there’s a new option for those wanting to avoid having to drive through the Plaza – take the KC Streetcar!
We recommend parking somewhere between downtown and the Plaza along Main Street. You can find a side street near one of the many stops along this line. Then, take the Streetcar south to the UMKC stop. It’s about a 7 – 10 minute walk to the Plaza from there.
Another option is to arrive by Uber or Lyft, but you can expect the rates to be surging.
If you do arrive early, explore the historic district and visiting a shop or two.
Our favorite is Made in KC. You’ll find a wide array of locally made products ranging from housewares to apparel, jewelry, and gourmet foods. They also have a bar where they serve local beer, wine, and cocktails made with locally distilled spirits. For the Plaza Lighting Ceremony, they will be open from 5pm – 9pm.
Road Closures for the Plaza Lighting
Beginning at 6pm on Tuesday, Nichols Rd between Jefferson and Pennsylvania will be closed.
Beginning at 8pm on Wednesday the below streets will be closed:
- Nichols Rd between Pennsylvania and Wyandotte
- Pennsylvania between 47th St and 48th St
- Broadway between 47th St and Ward Pkwy
- Central St between 47th St and Ward Pkwy
Parking garage access will remain open. KCPD will close roads as needed throughout Thanksgiving evening. Roads will re-open Friday at 6am.
Which Kansas City Plaza Restaurants Are Open Thanksgiving Day?
If you have not completely stuffed yourself with turkey and mashed potatoes, consider having an early dinner on the Plaza. We checked with the most popular restaurants, and the below ones will be open that evening:
- Gram & Dun: 11:00am – 8:00pm
- Capital Grille: 11:00am – 8:00pm
- Seasons 52: 10:00am – 9:00pm
- Eddie V’s: 10:30am – 8:00pm
- McCormick & Schmicks: 11:00am – 9:00pm, regular menu will be available as well as a Thanksgiving inspired menu
- Stock Hill: 12:00pm – 8:00pm, technically located in South Plaza but you could park at the Plaza and walk to Stock Hill
You will want to make a reservation – like, now – if you plan to visit any of these on Thanksgiving Day.
What Time Do They Turn On The Lights At The Plaza?
If you want more of the lights, you’re in luck. The Plaza Lights will continue to dazzle from Thanksgiving through mid-January 2026. They turn the lights on at 5:00pm and off at 3:00am daily. The lights are especially special to visit around Christmas time.
Ultimate Insider Tip: Get A Plaza Hotel Room
The best way to not have to worry about the hassle of parking and getting in and out with traffic is to get a hotel room for the night! All of these suggestions are on the Plaza.
Aloft Country Club Plaza
We personally like the trendy Aloft, a newer hotel on the Plaza. When we have family visit, this is our recommendation, and they have always reported a positive stay experience.
The Fontaine
The Fontaine is a lovely luxury hotel on the west end of the Plaza.
Cascade Hotel
Another new hotel on the Plaza.
Enjoy!
We hope you found our Complete Guide to Kansas City’s Plaza Lighting Ceremony for 2025 helpful.
And don’t miss out on all the other holiday events and festivities that Kansas City has to offer!
