Free Festivities During the Holiday Season in Kansas City
Kansas City Holiday Travel Tips
If you are traveling to Kansas City during the holidays, it’s no doubt that you’ll soak in the sights, hit the Country Club Plaza for some serious shopping, dine at our award winning restaurants and eat some of our world-famous BBQ.
If you are looking for some budget friendly or free holiday festivities while you stay in the metro–here are some fun and free Kansas City travel ideas for the holiday season.
Plaza Lights: One of Kansas City’s oldest and most favorite holiday traditions, the Plaza Lights have been illuminating the famous Country Club Plaza for decades. With over 80 miles of lights and 280,000 multi-colored bulbs outlining and illuminating the shopping district–take a drive or grab a hot chocolate at Latte Land and walk around in amazement. The lights turn on at 5pm every evening and continue until January 15th, 2012. 
Christmas in the Park: Longview Lake’s Christmas in the Park is on of the top holiday things to do for many Kansas Citians. You will wind your way around the lake all while enjoying miles and miles of animated holiday figures that are all set to music. Old and young alike will be delighted with the enchantment of Christmas in the Park. Christmas in the Park is free–however, donations for local charities are accepted at the end of the magical drive. Christmas in the Park is located at 10711 West Scherer, KCMO 64134.
Ultimate Tree: Recently featured on HGTV, the Ultimate Tree is set to music and is really amazing to see. Located at 135th and Lamar in Overland Park, Kansas, the Ultimate Tree is located at the home of famous inventor Mark Callegari. For more on the Ultimate Tree, visit their website here.
Crown Center: The home of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree, Crown Center is a great day to spend the day and enjoy all they have to offer for the holidays. Although a great shopping destination–you’ll find plenty of fun free things to do here. Children can play at Santa’s Crayola Christmas Land (and get their picture with Santa for a small fee) or enjoy Santa’s Gingerbread Village.
Union Station: Kansas City’s famous Union Station comes alive during the holiday season. It’s here you’ll find the Kansas City Southern Holiday Express (December 16th-18th), the Model Train Holiday Railroad Experience and much, much more. Union Station also connects to Crown Center in a heated walkway. Science City, the Planetarium and other attractions are also located here.
