My family is getting ready for Turkey, football, family and fun! To celebrate Thanksgiving and the holiday season, here are some great free events that are perfect for family and friends in the KC area. Maybe our families will celebrate together at one of these cool, local events! Happy Turkey Day!!
Holiday Kickoff & Ceremony at Union Station
Nov. 18 @ 5 p.m.
Sprint Festival Plaza, 30 West Pershing Rd., Kansas City, MO 64108
Historic Union Station will kick off the holidays on the Saturday before Thanksgiving with a family-friendly event featuring festive entertainment. The station will be decorated and will feature the sights and sounds of the holiday season. Highlights of the Holidays at Union Station will include the large indoor holiday tree, colorful decorations, entertainment for the family, mini-train rides for children, and more. Union Station will be festively decorated throughout the holiday season. Check the Union Station website for events.
88th Annual KCP&L Plaza Lighting Ceremony
Nov. 23 @ 5 p.m.
Country Club Plaza, Nichols Rd. & Pennsylvania, Kansas City, MO 64112
The Plaza will be illuminated on Thanksgiving evening, amid a show of music, entertainment, and fun. There will be fireworks and a post-ceremony concert at this special family-friendly holiday event. The Plaza lights will shine nightly through mid-January.
Santa’s Arrival at Crown Center
Nov. 24 @ 10 a.m.
Crown Center Shops, 2450 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64108
Santa Claus will arrive will a horse-drawn carriage and make his way to Santa’s Gingerbread Station, where he will visit with kids through Dec. 24.
Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Nov. 24 @ 5:30 p.m.
Crown Center Square, 2450 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64108
Join the crowd at Crown Center Square for the lighting of the Mayor’s 100-foot-tall Christmas Tree. Mayor Sly James will flip the switch and illuminate the tree for a festive start to the holiday season.
Mayor’s Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in Overland Park
Nov. 17 @ 5 p.m.
Clock Tower Patio, Overland Park, KS 66202
The Mayor’s Holiday Tree Lighting in downtown Overland Park will be a festive celebration featuring music, carolers, bell ringers, dancers, and treats for everyone. Mayor Carl Gerlach will present a check to a charity to kick off the holiday season.
Northern Lights Holiday Lighting Ceremony
Nov. 18
Zona Rosa Town Square, 8640 N. Dixson Ave., Kansas City, MO 64153
The holiday tree lighting ceremony will include a free family-friendly program, including the arrival of Santa Claus and the holiday Fairy Princess.
Festival Singers Thanksgiving Concert for Human Need
Nov. 17 @ 7:30 p.m.
Countryside Christian Church, 6101 Nail Ave., Mission, KS 66205
The William Baker Festival Singers will present a concert to benefit charity. Admission will be free, but free-will donations will be accepted.
Trip the Light Fantastic at Bicycle Ride in the Park
Nov. 21 @ 5 p.m.
Longview Lake, 1071 SW Scherer Rd., Lee’s Summit, MO 64134
Bicyclists will trip the Light Fantastic at this free event as they ride their bicycles through the 4.5-mile Magical Bike Ride through Jackson County’s lighted Christmas in the Park. Prizes will be awarded the Best Holiday Dressed Individual and Best Holiday Decorated Bide. Pre-registration by Nov. 19 for free. There will be a $5 fee if you register on-site. Lights and helmets will be required.
