Are you in search of holiday cheer in Kansas City this year?
You’re in the right place – we have the Ultimate Guide to Kansas City’s Holiday Events and Festivities for 2024!
As Kansas City locals, we love the holidays in the heartland.
Sure, the weather is a bit cold, but there are plenty of warm, cozy places around town along with so much festive cheer!
There’s so much, in fact, that deciding how to plan your holiday visit can be overwhelming.
So, we’ve created this comprehensive guide to help!
Kansas City has numerous holiday shows, markets, events, and popups throughout the city to help get you in the holiday spirit. We are all about supporting local – and there are so many opportunities to do that during the holiday season.
So, skip the mega holiday shows and instead visit one of our local small businesses to support our Kansas City community!
Whether you’re looking for holiday performances, markets, events, or popup bars, there’s something for everyone in Kansas City this holiday season.
Make sure you check back – we’ll be continually updating this post as new holiday events are announced!
Kansas City Holiday Performances
There are so many options for holiday performances and Christmas concerts in Kansas City.
Nov. 29th – Dec. 22nd | 7:00p | The Grand Theatre Downtown | $35+
Winterland Holiday Cirque Experience
Quixotic’s Winterland involves live music, vocal melodies, captivating dance, and cirque performances based around the theme of a winter wonderland.
Nov. 23rd – Dec. 28th | Various Times | KC Rep Theatre | $39+
A Christmas Carol
For over 40 years, Kansas City’s beloved tradition has created holiday memories for families all around our community. Join Ebenezer Scrooge on his redemptive journey with Christmas Past, Present, and Future, and rediscover the true meaning of the holidays. Performance takes place at Spencer Theatre in UMKC.
Dec. 6th – 24th | Various Times | Kauffman Performing Arts
Kansas City Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
Each year, the Kansas City Ballet presents its cherished holiday tradition: The Nutcracker. Immerse yourself in a magical theatrical experience, complete with opulent costumes, magnificent sets, and mesmerizing choreography.
Dec. 6th – 8th | Various Times | Kauffman Performing Arts
Kansas City Symphony Presents Handel’s Messiah
This mosaic of the scriptures remains Handel’s most famous work, and it is one of the most triumphant choral pieces ever written. With nearly 150 musicians and inspired special guest vocalists on stage, Messiah is sure to impress and delight you.
Dec. 6th – 8th | Various Times | The Folly Theatre | $45+
All is Bright from Heartland Men’s Chorus
From time-honored classics to the freshest sounds of the season, the Heartland Men’s Chorus delivers the magic of the holidays with unmatched class and a dash of sass!
Dec. 6th | 6:00p – 6:30p | Plaza Branch Library | Free
Kansas City Ballet Nutcracker Pop-Up
Children ages 3-8 will visit with teaching artists from the Kansas City Ballet for an up-close look at their production of “The Nutcracker.” Read a part of story, learn some ballet positions, see a costume, and more!
Dec. 15th | 2:00p | Nelson Atkins | $13
Tivoli Presents: White Christmas
In this classic 1954 holiday comedy, World War II vets-turned-entertainers scheme to help a retired general with his strapped New England inn.
Dec. 14th | 2:30p or 7:00p | Folly Theatre | $20+
Holiday Harmonies
Central Standard and Vocal Standard, two internationally acclaimed barbershop choruses, invite you to join them at the historic Folly Theater for their annual holiday show.
Dec. 14th – 15th | 12:00p | Kansas City Museum | Free
The Dickens Carolers
This holiday season the Kansas City Museum is revisiting our past tradition of hosting the Dickens Carolers. Performing in costume, the Carolers will be singing your favorite holiday songs. There are no seats available to view and listen; the live singing is to enhance your visit to the museum.
Dec. 19th – 22nd | Various Times | Kauffman Performing Arts
Kansas City Symphony Presents Christmas Festival
Join the Kansas City Symphony and Chorus for this spectacular holiday celebration filled with lush symphonic arrangements of Christmas classics, fresh versions of your favorite carols, and many melodic surprises.
Nov. 30th – Dec. 21st | Tuesdays and Saturdays | KC Streetcar
KC Streetcar Holiday Jam
There will be free live music on board the KC Streetcar as you explore downtown from the City Market to Union Station. The Kansas City Streetcar is hosting live musical performances on the Holiday Streetcar #801 during Saturday afternoons and Tuesday evenings.
Kansas City Holiday Markets
Support local this holiday season at our small business and maker holiday markets!
Nov. 30th – Dec. 22nd | Saturday & Sunday | 10:00a – 4:00p | City Market
Merry Market
This open-air holiday market features over 75 local artisans and vendors. You’ll also find holiday brews and cocktails as well as live music, street performers, and local acts.
Nov. 30th – Dec. 1st | 11:00a – 7:00p | J. Rieger Co.
The 14th Annual Holiday Swing Market
Join Kansas City’s original Handmade Holiday Shopping Experience, The Holiday Swing, as they support local makers and shakers. Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit while supporting local artists and makers under twinkling lights, festive decor and a magical atmosphere. Browse a highly curated, intimate array of handmade arts and crafts perfect for gifting.
Dec. 5th – 8th | Saturday 5:00p – 9:00p, Sunday 12:00p – 3:00p | The Campground
Christkindlmarkt
For the fifth year in a row, The Campground is offering their holiday market. Shop from local artists and makers while enjoying holiday drinks, market food, and fire pits.
Dec. 14th | 10:00a – 5:00p | Westport
Westport Christmas Market
The historic streets of Westport will be closed for this one-day event that promises to showcase the spirit of the season. There are 50 local makers and crafters showcasing their wares for purchase. Attendees can indulge in the spirit of the season with holiday drinks and treats, while live music and traditional holiday melodies will serenade the atmosphere.
Kansas City Holiday Events
It’s hard to keep up with all of the Kansas City holiday events and festivities! So, we’ve compiled a list for you below and continually update it as new events are announced.
Nov. 22nd – Jan. 1st | 10:00a – 8:00p | Union Station | $10
Holiday Reflections
Experience the wonder of the holiday season at Union Station’s Holiday Village. Stepping into the Grand Plaza, you’ll be greeted by towering lights, adorned trees, and whimsical forest creatures.
If you don’t want to purchase a ticket to the holiday village, visiting the free public spaces in Union Station is lovely around the holidays. Make an afternoon of it by starting at Crown Center, which is always festive for the holidays, and walk through the enclosed “link” walkway that will take you to Union Station.
Nov 8th – Mar 9th | Various Times | Crown Center | $15+
Crown Center Ice Terrace (24 – 25 Season)
Come celebrate over 50 years of skating at the Crown Center Ice Terrace. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Nov. 9th – Dec. 22nd | 5:00p – 10:00p | Kansas City Zoo | $24+
GloWild: Legends & Lore
GloWild is back at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, featuring a new “Legends & Lore” theme. You’ll be treated to an enchanting nighttime journey through two distinct loops: the adventure loop, with elements like Atlantis and dinosaurs, and the fantasy loop, which includes an enchanted forest and a fairy garden. Experience mile-long spectacle of lighted sculptures.
Nov. 29th – Dec. 5th | Various Times | Union Station | $3.75+
Elf at Union Station’s Movie Theater
The biggest screen in the region is offering several showings of Elf!
Dec. 7th | 2:00p – 4:00p | Loose Park | Free
Santa Paws in the Park
Get into the holiday spirit with a pet parade, ugly sweater competition, photos with Santa, DIY treat wreath, carolers, and more. The event and photos with Santa are free. Upgraded options and activities are available. Santa Paws in the Park is presented by Kansas City Parks & Recreation. Proceeds go towards the maintenance of Loose Park.
Dec. 6th – 19th | Various Times | Union Station | $3.75+
Polar Express at Union Station’s Movie Theater
The biggest screen in the region is offering several showings of Polar Express. Pajamas are encouraged!
Dec. 15th | 2:00p | Nelson Atkins | $13
Tivoli Presents: White Christmas
In this classic 1954 holiday comedy, World War II vets-turned-entertainers scheme to help a retired general with his strapped New England inn.
Thurs. Dec. 12th | 4:00p – 7:00p | Kansas City Museum | $15
The Fairy Princess
This year we are celebrating 38 years of Fairy Princess magic to generations of youngsters. The Fairy Princess will be on her throne in a room befitting the wonderous enchantment and hopeful wishes she gives to each child’s visit.
Sat. & Sun. in December | 3:00p | Country Club Plaza | $49
Plaza Lights & Crestwood Urban Hike
See the Plaza details up close and learn the history of the surrounding area. We’ll venture into beautiful Loose Park and Crestwood, then return via the Harry Wiggins Trolley Track Trail. The hike is 4.5 miles and includes steep hills.
Nov. 1st – January 5th | 6:00p | North Kansas City | $20+
Winter Magic Holiday Light Drive-Thru
Winter Magic, the drive-thru holiday party of Kansas City, is in its fifth season. It’s done in partnership with KCMO Parks and Recreation. You can cruise down a mile-long stretch, surrounded by synchronized holiday lights that dance to the rhythm of seasonal classics.
Dec. 7th | 11:00a – 4:00p | Pendleton Heights | $25
Pendleton Heights Holiday Homes Tour
Tour the historic homes decorated for the holidays in the northeast’s Pendleton Heights neighborhood. This is their 15th annual holiday homes tour and includes seven residences where you’ll learn about the local history and architecture of each home.
Holiday Libations
Are you on the search for the best holiday pop-up bars? Check out our Guide to Kansas City Holiday Pop-ups!
Dec. 13th | 6:00p – 9:00p | Bliss Books & Wine | $45
Holiday Mixology Class
Instructor-led class featuring three holiday-themed cocktails.
Dec. 14th | 4:00p | Westport | $50
SantaCon KC 2024
You’ll get to booze it up with a mob of Santas as we load the sleighs (party buses) in Westport, and travel from bar district to bar district, visiting numerous Santa friendly bars! You’ll have the chance to meet other merry individuals and enjoy the festive atmosphere! Expect holiday cheer, a jolly good time, and plenty of photo ops with fellow Santas!
Dec. 21st | 4:00p | Taps on Main | $25
Kansas City Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl
Gather your friends, don your ugliest sweaters, and hit the town for this festive bar crawl experience. As you move from one lively venue to the next, each bar will welcome you with unique drink specials to celebrate the season.
Cheers to Kansas City’s Christmas Spirit!
We hope you enjoyed our Ultimate Guide to Kansas City’s Holiday Events and Festivities! Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the magic and make unforgettable holiday memories in Kansas City this season.
If you found this guide helpful, you might want to read:
The Complete List of Kansas City’s Holiday Pop-Up Bars
11 Kansas City Experiential Gift Ideas