KANSAS CITY, Mo. — There's something magical about the holiday season in Kansas City. Beginning mid-November, the city and surrounding areas in both Kansas and Missouri light up with the Christmas spirit.
Here's a look at holiday light displays on both sides of the state line. This list will continue to be updated as we learn of additional light displays.
On the Missouri side:
1. Holidays Come Alive, Union Station
While Union Station has already begun decorating for the holidays, the official kickoff ceremony begins at 10 a.m. on Nov. 23. Union Station features a large indoor holiday tree, a Christmas train display, holiday movies throughout the season, mini-train rides for the children and decorations throughout the building.
2. Christmas in the Sky and Christmas in the Park, 3901 SW Longview Park Drive, Lee's Summit
On Nov. 27, beginning at 6 p.m., Jackson County Parks and Recreation's 23rd annual Christmas in the Sky kicks off at Longview Lake Beach with a holiday fireworks spectacular, a holiday stage with singers and dancers and, of course, Santa. Afterward, Christmas in the Park begins, featuring more than 500,000 lights, 175 animated displays and 100 feet of a drive-through entrance.
Christmas in the Park continues daily through Dec. 31. Hours are 5:30-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 5:30-11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
3. Lee's Summit Magic Tree, Interstate 470 and View High Drive
From Nov. 26 until Jan. 5, take in the splendor of the Lee's Summit Magic Tree. This year when you visit, help Santa by bringing a new, unwrapped toy for Operation Toy Soldier.
4. Mayor's Christmas Tree, Crown Center
Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas and a special guest will flip the switch for the lights of the 100-foot tall Mayor's Christmas Tree on Nov. 29. The lights stay on through the holidays, with a playground for children underneath the tree.
5. 90th Evergy Plaza Lighting, County Club Plaza
"Saturday Night Live" star and Kansas City native Heidi Gardner "flipped the switch" that illuminates County Club Plaza on Thanksgiving. 41 Action News Chief Meteorologist Gary Lezak served as emcee and the event was broadcast live on 41 Action News.
6. Northern Lights at Zona Rosa, Zona Rosa Town Square
The lights go on Nov. 23 at the Zona Rosa Town Square, featuring a 50-foot Christmas tree, the historic crowns and the official arrival of Santa.
WinterFest returns Nov. 23 at Worlds of Fun. Thousands of lights, festive live shows, iconic holiday characters, ice skating and cookie decorating transform the park. Runs select nights through November and December.
8. Festival of Lights, Powell Gardens
The Festival of Lights begins Nov. 29 and will feature the theme of luminosity this year. The festival hours are 4-10 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. The final day is Jan. 5, 2020.
On the Kansas side:
1. Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane, Deanna Rose Children's Farm
This holiday favorite features a music and light show across the front of the barn. The show begins Thanksgiving night and runs through Jan. 5. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 5-10 p.m., and Friday through Sunday, 5-11 p.m.
2. Christmas Place, 131st Place (west of Antioch Road), Overland Park
This neighborhood transforms itself into a Christmas wonderland. Drive through to see nearly every single house decorated.
3. Sar-Ko Aglow, Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park, 87th Street Parkway and Lackman Road, Lenexa
Take a stroll around Rose's Pond at Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park in Lenexa to take in a colorful display of lights along the trees. The lights go on Dec. 6 and stay on through Jan. 12.
4. Holiday Lights Display, Vince & Associates, 103rd Street and Metcalf Avenue, Overland Park
Take in more than 200,000 LED lights synchronized to music at Vince & Associates. Park at Emmanuel Baptist Church across the street, tune your radio to 95.5 FM and enjoy the show.
5. Paulie's Penguin Playground, 16617 Indian Creek Parkway, Olathe
Open Thanksgiving through Christmas, take a walk through Paulie's Penguin Playhouse. Dozens of inflatables create a path along the lawn. Make a donation to raise money for the Leuekmia and Lymphoma Society.
6. Holiday Luminary Walk, Overland Park Arboretum
Walk the Overland Park Arboretum by candlelight for the 20th annual Holiday Luminary Walk. Runs Friday and Saturday nights beginning Nov. 29 through Dec. 14 from 5-9 p.m. each night.
If you know of a light display worth checking out, email us at desk@kshb.com.
