Where to see lights

• Evergy Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens | Wednesdays-Sundays, now until Friday, Dec. 30 | 4-10 p.m. | 1609 NW US Hwy. 50, Kingsville, MO | $7-16 | Check out featured artist Kevin Heckart’s new interactive displays.
• Sar-Ko Aglow | Daily through Monday, Jan. 16 | 6-11 p.m. | Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park, 87th St. Pkwy. and Lackman Rd., Lenexa, KS | Free | Take a nighttime stroll around Rose’s Pond to view the reflections on the water.
• Knights of Lights | Dates and hours vary | 633 N. 130th St., Bonner Springs, KS | $12-20 | The Kansas City Renaissance Festival grounds transform into a holiday experience for the whole family.

Ice skating, snowboarding + everything in between

• Snow Creek | Dates and hours vary | 1 Snow Creek Dr., Weston, MO | Prices vary | Ski, snowboard, and tube until your fingers are frozen if the weather allows.
• Crown Center Ice Terrace | Daily through Sunday, March 3 | Hours vary | Crown Center Square | $8 admission, $5 skate rental | Lace up your skates to enjoy the 50th year of this outdoor rink.
• Kansas City Curling Club | Dates and hours vary | 2525 NW S. Outer Rd., Blue Springs, MO | Prices vary | Join a league, learn the basics, or participate in an open curling session at KC’s only dedicated curling facility.

Festivals

• Big Balloon Build KC | Thursday, Dec. 1-Sunday, Dec. 4 | Hours vary | Gregg Klice Community Center, 1600 E. 17th Ter., KCMO | $15+ | This international, family-friendly festival is constructed by artists from around the world.
• Donut Fest | Sunday, Jan. 29 | 1-4:30 p.m. | Rochester Brewing and Roasting Company, 2129 Washington St., KCMO | $25+ | Try 8-10 food and drink samples and help name the best donut in town.
• KC Brew Fest | Saturday, Feb. 25 | 12-8 p.m. | Union Station | $50+ | Experience 50+ breweries, 150 beers, food trucks, and live music.

• Visit Santa Claus at Crown Center | Wednesday, Nov. 30-Saturday, Dec. 24 | 10 a.m.-7 p.m. | Crown Center | Free+ | Purchase photos from a professional or take your own.
• 2022 Holiday Market | Wednesday, Nov. 30-Saturday, Dec. 17 | 12-7 p.m. | The Well, 7421 Broadway St., Kansas City, MO | Free | Check out gallery ready paintings, silkscreen prints, and original T-shirt designs at this holiday market. 🎁
• Monét X Change | Wednesday, Nov. 30 | 8 p.m. | Improv Comedy Club, 7260 NW 87th St., Kansas City, MO | $74-$148 | Reserve a table for two or four, and join the first Double Crown winner from RuPaul’s Drag Race for a night of laughs.

• Midwest GameFest | Thursday, Dec. 1-Sunday, Dec. 4 | Times vary | Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center, 18011 Bass Pro Dr., Independence, MO | $10-$50 | This annual tabletop hobby game convention brings together Midwest game organizations, designers, exhibitors, cosplayers, workshops, and even a used game sale. 🎲
• Buddy’s Holly Jolly Christmas | Thursday, Dec. 1-Saturday, Dec. 3 | 7:30 p.m. | MTH Theater, Level 3 in Crown Center Shops, 2450 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO | $39-$45 | Zachary Stevenson returns to MTH with his Buddy Holly holiday tribute show. 🎙

• Kristkindl Markt | Friday, Dec. 2-Saturday, Dec. 3 | 5-9 p.m. | Kansas City United Church of Christ, 205 W. 65th St., Kansas City, MO | Free | Authentic German food + drink, live festive music, vendors, and gingerbread house making. 🇩🇪

• 39º | Sunny | 1% chance of rain

• Swap next year’s vacation for a staycation, because Kansas City has been named one of The 23 Best Places to Go in the US in 2023 by Condé Nast Traveler. Noted were our boutique hotels like The Truitt, the incoming new KCI terminal, and restaurant Baba’s Pantry (shoutout to the hummus). 📍

• Overland Park leaders will consider a huge residential project that could add 1,169 houses on 506 acres. Developer Southern Meadows — of Overland Park-based Lambie Homes — would build near 191st Street + State Line Road as part of the Blue Valley School District. (Kansas City Business Journal)

• Kansas City Current defender Taylor Leach is retiring from pro soccer after a seven-year career. Leach joined the Current at its inception in 2020 and started in 14 regular season matches. The 2023 NWSL Draft is Thursday, Jan. 12 at 5 p.m. ⚽️

• Patrick and Brittany Mahomes announced the birth of their second child. The baby boy is named Patrick Lavon Mahomes III — including the nickname “Bronze,” which alludes to the third-generation Patrick. Congratulations. 🍾

• Looking to elevate your holiday shopping — literally? Ride on up to the Starlight Ballroom at the top of Hotel Kansas City for A Holiday Market Soirée. Tonight from 5 to 9 p.m., Strawberry Swing will bring its local makers, so you cross off that list while clinking a glass or two. 🛍

• The best hot chocolate in Kansas City is at Christopher Elbow Chocolates, according to a new poll by the Star. The “drinking chocolate” comes in classic dark + single-origin versions — not to mention specialty flavors like chili, peppermint, and raspberry. Drink it with your eyes first. (Kansas City Star)

• Air Canada will come back to Kansas City after the new terminal opens — this time with more seats. Daily flights between Toronto will resume on Saturday, June 17. The 50% larger aircraft will be equipped with 12 business class seats, a first for this nonstop service. (Kansas City Business Journal)

• Take your love for KCtoday to the next level by joining our new membership program. Support local journalism while enjoying perks like: exclusive birthday deals, shoutouts on our member wall, discounts from our online shop (Six & Main) + more. 🎉

• We’re all about staying warm throughout the colder months, which means we’re leveling up our typical outerwear to something a little toastier. Enter: heated jackets. We love this one for its three different heat levels and this slim fit option with 5,000+ five star reviews.*

• Christmas lights
• Snowy scenes
• Carolers, Santas, elves, oh my!
• Seasonal food + drink