Your Guide To Holiday Lights in Kansas City
The Kansas City area is full of Midwestern charm and heartfelt traditions, especially when it comes to the holiday season!
That’s why Kansas City offers some of the most festive holiday light displays in the country. Check out some of our favorite local spots and let the holiday cheer begin:
Plaza Lights
Country Club Plaza, Kansas City Missouri
The Plaza Lights are one of Kansas City’s longest-held traditions. With an 89-year track record, the Plaza Holiday Lights boast over 15 blocks of dazzling holiday sparkle. The tradition kicks off on Thanksgiving night with a ceremony, local band, prize giveaways and runs through mid-January. Guests can visit the local shopping district for a day out, a nice dinner or a cup of coffee. Either way, you’ll be impressed by the festive ambiance.
Holiday Lights on Farmstead Land – Deanna Rose
13800 Switzer Rd OP, KS 66221
Located in the Kansas City suburb of Overland Park, Deanna Rose is a local farmstead that doesn’t skimp when it comes to the holidays. The farm offers a cheery interactive display synched to live Christmas music from one of Kansas City’s local radio stations. The show lasts 38 minutes and runs daily from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
Zona Rosa Holiday Lights
8640 N. Dixson Ave KCMO 64153
Looking for something in the Northland? The Zona Rosa Holiday Lights offer a magnificent display spanning the shopping district’s six blocks. The highlight of the festivities includes the illumination of the district’s famous crown structures as well as a 50-foot Christmas tree display. Zona Rosa offers a variety of holiday events throughout the month of December so check out their social calendar.
Crown Center – Mayor’s Christmas Tree
2405 Grand Blvd KCMO 4108
The Mayor’s Christmas Tree is one of the tallest in the country boasting 100 feet of pure pine. A long-held tradition in the Kansas City area the event raises funds for the local community. Crown Center guests can explore the magic of the holiday lights while enjoying a few additional winter festivities like ice skating or a visit to the on-site chocolatier.
Downtown Overland Park – Mayor’s Christmas Tree
7315 W. 79th St OP, KS 66204
Overland Park offers a similar Mayor’s tree. The lighting ceremony on the first night is festive and offers community patrons the chance to give back. The lights are then displayed throughout the Holiday season and visitors can support local businesses and cross a few items off their wish lists.
Vince & Associates Holiday Lights
10103 Metcalf Ave, OP, KS 66204
This holiday extravaganza is put on by a local clinical research company and has become a favorite for a drive-by sprinkle of Christmas cheer. Offering visitors a spectacular synchronized musical show the event runs every night until January 1. Insider tip: The best view can be had from Emmanuel Baptist Church across the street from the clinic.
Luminary Walk – Overland Park Arboretum
8909 W. 179th St OP, KS 66085
The Luminary Walk offers ticketed visitors an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city with a calming natural reprieve. Guests can explore a transformed arboretum via candlelit walkways and trails. Appropriate for guests of all ages the proceeds go to maintenance for the arboretum.
Sar-Ko Aglow – Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park
14907 W. 87th St Lenexa, KS 66215
Sponsored by the city of Lenexa, this community park is completely transformed come holiday season. Ripe with the glow of holiday tradition the city sponsors caroling, a visit from Santa Claus, and a light display you won’t want to miss.
Neighborhood Holiday Light Displays
Many local neighborhoods also do their part to contribute to the holiday cheer. These special neighborhoods boast light shows that will keep you coming back year after year. Check out our favorites:
Candy Cane Lane – 7900 Block of Outlook Lane, Prairie Village
Since 2005, every house on Candy Cane Lane is festively decorated for the holidays. Candy canes are the theme and each home display hosts at least one four-foot lighted candy cane. Additionally, the street’s culdesac center boasts a 50-foot tree rewarding guests for their trip through the village.
Christmas Place – 8911 W. 131st Place, Overland Park
This cul-de-sac in a south Johnson County subdivision has been considered the top venues for Christmas displays for over a decade. The lights go live on Thanksgiving night and run through the New Year. With all 23 homes participating, the members of the neighborhood have an unbeaten camaraderie and look forward to hosting the event each year.
Christmas Card Lane – West of Ridgeview and North of 151st Olathe
This unique Olathe neighborhood goes all out for Christmas. The subdivision not only hosts a colorful light display, but each home is tied together thematically with their own giant Christmas greeting. It’s a great place to jumpstart the Christmas spirit.
Paulie’s Penguin Playground – 16617 Indian Creek Parkway
This interactive exhibit is one you’ll need to leave your car to see! Hosted by a local Olathe couple this penguin themed home comes complete with a variety of animated Christmas characters, music, and a snow blowing machine! The event runs through Christmas Day and while it’s free to the public the couple accepts donations for the Leukemia Society.
Arbor Landing Holiday Lights – West of Mur-Len at 162nd St
This south Olathe neighborhood boasts a fairly large display. While not every home in the subdivision participates, there are plenty of homes decked out for the holidays. It’s worth a trip if you’re in the area.
