The weather may be frightful, but the happenings are delightful. | Photo by Union Station
Get your fuzzy socks and hot cocoa ready, Kansas City. Celebrate what makes the holiday season special with this guide featuring 25+ winter events happening between now and February.
Where to see lights
Evergy Festival of Lights | Dates vary, now until Saturday, Jan. 4 | Times vary | Powell Gardens, Kingsville | $12+ | Bundle up and explore the botanical garden’s transformation into a winter wonderland, featuring a new path to the iconic Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel.
KC Winter Wonderland | Fridays-Sundays, Nov. 29-Dec. 22 | 5:30-9 p.m. | KC Wine Co. | $13.45+ | Known for its amazing photo ops, take in the sights and sounds of the holidays before stopping in for sips + snacks at the Black Barn.
Ice skating, snowboarding + everything in between
Summit Ice | Starting Wednesday, Nov. 27 | Hours vary | 120 NE Chipman Rd., Lee’s Summit | $9+ | This rink is fitted with an extensive patio and open fire pits to stay warm and cozy while off the ice.
AdventHealth Sports Park at BluHawk | Dates and hours vary | 16201 Shawnee Dr., Overland Park | $12 admission, $5 skate rental | Whether you’re a pro or just doing it for fun, skate the ice rink’s inaugural season and sign up for a variety of classes.
Electric Glow | Monday, Nov. 25-Wednesday, Nov. 27 | 5-9 p.m. | Overland Park Arboretum | $12 | This limited electric lights-only version with no crowds is perfect for low-sensory needs and a quick, peaceful walkthrough of the glowing gardens + gnome houses.
Tuesday, Nov. 26
Annual Christmas Tree Sale | 10 a.m. | Shawnee Indian Mission, Fairway | Cost of purchase | The “Miracle on 53rd Street” is back with the freshest premium trees, wreaths, garlands, and centerpieces with all proceeds benefiting historic preservation of Shawnee Indian Mission.
Drop-in Studio Workshop | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, Overland Park | Free | Shake off this week’s worries with a free art-making session inspired by Nerman’s Actions for the Earth exhibit.
Wednesday, Nov. 27
Wild Turkey Whiskey Tasting Event | 6-9 p.m. | Society | $20 | Before you get to the big bird, imbibe three Wild Turkey cocktails crafted by an in-house mixologist and led by the whiskey brand itself.
Twas the Night Before... | Wednesday, Nov. 27-Sunday, Dec. 1 | Times vary | Music Hall Kansas City | $44+ | A jaded young girl rediscovers the magic of the holidays in this reimagined classic, featuring thrilling acrobatics and lovable characters in Cirque du Soleil’s first-ever holiday show.
Thursday, Nov. 28
Arkansas vs Illinois | 3 p.m. | T-Mobile Center | $54+ | May we suggest an early lunch and a few game day tickets to catch this men’s college basketball showdown on Kansas City soil.
Friday, Nov. 29
Red Zona Rally | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Zona Rosa | Free entry | Red Friday meets Black Friday in the Northland with major discounts, free coffee, appearances by KC Wolf + Rumble Drumline, and a Chiefs vs. Raiders watch party at The Rink.
Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Event | 6:30 p.m. | Crown Center | Free | Witness the illumination of the 100-foot-tall Mayor’s Christmas Tree (one of the tallest in the nation) alongside fellow festive locals.
Home Alone™ in Concert | Friday, Nov. 29-Sunday, Dec. 1 | Times vary | Helzberg Hall | $73+ | This adored comedy classic features renowned composer John Williams’ charming and delightful score performed live by your Kansas City Symphony.
❄️ Create lasting holiday memories at Crown Center
Presented by Crown Center
This year, explore the Hallmark Christmas Experience (aka a free immersive experience with the charm of a Hallmark movie town square). | Photo provided by Crown Center
The holidays are brighter at Crown Center.
Kick off holiday festivities with Santa’s arrival in a horse-drawn carriage this Friday, Nov. 29 at 10 a.m. before he heads to the Gingerbread Station for the season (read: until Christmas Eve). Stick around for the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting at 6:30 p.m.
It’s been a busy week on the Berkley Riverfront. Besides the first Championship match played on CPKC soil, two major projects opened to the public: the long-awaited, 118-room Origin Hotel and the city’s new urban bouldering park. (FOX4 + Kansas City Star)
Sports
While Orlando Pride took home the NWSL Championship trophy, KC Current forward Temwa Chawinga won the league’s MVP award. The honor — decided by votes from players, management, media, and fans — is a first for the franchise. (FOX4)
Award
Sweet, sweet victory — in the form of a $25,000 grant — went to Olathe’s Brown Suga Bakery at this year’s AltCap Your Biz Pitch Competition. The cookie biz will use the prize money for a food truck to increase its catering + pop-up capacity. Wherever it goes, we’ll be the first in line.
Eat
South KCK welcomed Mexican seafood restaurant Playa & Mezcal to 4601 Shawnee Drive this weekend. Open daily, hungry customers can expect to see dishes like ceviche de pescado, oysters, and seafood towers on the menu. Pro tip: we suggest keeping its outdoor deck in mind for future al fresco dining. (Kansas City Star)
Help Three Birdies Boutique support the families of three Kearney teens involved in a fatal car crash. Proceeds from its tip jar will be donated now through Sunday, Dec 1 — which includes major retail holidays Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. Those who would rather donate directly can do so through the families’ GoFundMe. (FOX4)
Announced
Out of this world. Planet Comicon Kansas City has released its first round of 2025 celebrity guests: Katie Sackhoff, Pam Grier, Tori Spelling, Brian Austin Green, Mario Lopez, and Elizabeth Berkley. Tickets for the nation’s longest-running indie pop culture event are already on sale for Friday, March 21 through Sunday, March 23. (FOX4)
Closing
Following the city’s denial of a duo-community center and library branch proposal, Prairie Village’s Paul Henson Family YMCA will permanently close on Friday, Dec. 20. The nearly 60-year-old facility at 79th and Delmar cites years-long financial deficits for the decision. (Johnson County Post)
Holiday Pick
For a limited time, you can give the gift of a lifetime of languages for less. Think: Forever access to all of Rosetta Stone’s immersive + engaging lessons at more than 60% off. Snag the deal.*
Finance
This leading card is one of the best-kept secrets for managing debt. The key: Transfer your existing balance and pay it down as much as possible during the intro period (this one offers 0% interest until 2026).*
Travel
Going’s “Best sale of 2024” is here with up to 50% off select memberships for a limited time. Sign up to save an average of $500 on international flights.*
Category
The Buy
The Buy
A king size sherpa electric blanket that’s 22% off for early Black Friday. Save $30 on this warm, washable electric blanket, great for yourself or as a holiday gift for a friend.
I’m not much for rock climbing or bouldering, but I do love to get rough on my roller skates — the one pandemic hobby of mine that stuck around. Starting January, I’m trying my hand (foot?) at Fountain City Roller Derby’s bootcamp experience to hopefully prepare myself for some full-on roller rink mayhem.
