33+ Best Holiday & Christmas Lights Displays in Kansas City UPDATED FOR 2023
One of the best parts about the holidays is the beautiful Christmas lights, holiday displays, and light shows around town. Christmas in KC is magical! We want to make it easy to find light displays near you.
You can enjoy official tree lighting ceremonies, drive-through Christmas lights, neighborhood light displays, and other holiday light shows all over KC.
➡️ 🎄 🎅🏻 So, pile your kiddos in the car and enjoy together!
Do you know of a lights display we should add? Just EMAIL us all of the details! Our email info is at the bottom of this guide.
Christmas light displays are in no short supply this year; they’re all over the metro. Check out each area to find some near you! Explore holiday light displays, light shows, tree lighting ceremonies, and other light displays to create your own holiday light trail around town.
** Enter2WIN Combo Pass for Winter Magic KC and Holiday Light & Magic KC at the BOTTOM of this article!
KC’s Christmas Lights & Holiday Displays
Our Guide is broken up into different sections, so no matter what you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered. Then, explore the Kansas City Christmas Events with your family for even more fun! We hope you enjoy our Holiday Lights & Displays Guide, with 31+ holiday light displays and growing. If you know of other holiday displays not included in our guide, email [email protected] to be added!
Check out other fun holiday content, including:
- Kansas City Christmas Events
- Christmas Tree Farms
- Pictures with Santa
- Where to Get Hot Cocoa
- Christmas Train Rides
Bonner Springs, KS Christmas Lights:
Holiday Light and Magic**
600 N 126th St.
When: November 16th-December 31st
The Holiday Light and Magic display features a gorgeous mile-long road filled with magical Christmas lights and animated displays. You can see elves, reindeer, dinosaurs, UFOs, and of course Santa scenes
KC Renaissance Festival – Knights of Lights
Queen’s Gate entrance off State Ave between 130th & 126th St Bonner Spring, Kansas 66012
Open now through December 31st on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
Fridays & Saturdays 5:30 – 10pm, Sundays 5:30 – 9pm, plus Thursday, December 21
Tickets $20 for Adults, Children 5-12 $12, 4 and under are Free, Dogs $5
Enjoy visiting Santa, Barbie the Christmas Elf, Sparky the Dragon and his many dragon friends while strolling through our quaint renaissance village. Experience the wonder of it lit up at night including a lighted dungeon, pirate ship, maze and enjoy the shopping, music, food and more.
There will be gift bags for all adults, children and even the dogs who attend Knights of Lights. There’s even free Hot Cocoa for kids! Want to make your evening even more special? You can reserve a private heated igloo for a Feast of Lights holiday dining experience, or you can kick off the New Year at a special New Year’s Eve celebration.
Kansas City, MO Christmas Lights:
Winter Magic KC Drive-Thru Show**
1800 Cliff Drive, Kansas City MO 64106
When: OPEN EVERY NIGHT Now – December 31st, See Ticket Calendar for Available Time Slots
* Closed during inclement weather.*
Cost: $25 per standard car or truck. Additional add-ons are available for $6-$7.
Don’t miss Kansas City’s premiere DRIVE-THRU Christmas lights experience! Winter Magic KC is the longest light tunnel in the Midwest, so it’s a great holiday activity for families.
Nearly one mile of magical lights is set up for this drive-through Christmas lights display. There are elves working in the toy factory, spinning trees, elves greeting you at the gates & so much more to see!
It’s set up near downtown Kansas City, so hop in your car and head over for a night of Christmas fun.
Learn more about Magic KC & Buy Tickets!
Union Station Indoor Light Display**
Union Station: 30 W Pershing Rd. Kansas City, MO
When: November 20th- January 1st.
Cost: Tickets to the displays start at $7.
The holiday lights displays at Union Station are an absolute must-see this season. It’s free to enjoy these beautiful Kansas City Christmas lights – a must-do for any out-of-town family here for the holidays!
Bring the holiday spirit to your family with their giant model train exhibit, tons of lights & other fun displays.
Mayor’s Christmas Tree at Crown Center**
2425 Grand Blvd Kansas City, MO
When: Starts with the Mayor’s Holiday Lighting Ceremony on November 24th at 5:30 pm. The lights will shine through the holidays until January 2nd at Crown Center.
Cost: Free
The Mayor’s Christmas Tree at Crown Center is a giant tree (nearly 100 ft.) right in the middle of downtown. Plus, you can take some holiday pictures to remember the season with your little ones.
The smaller trees around The Mayor’s Christmas tree are also decorated, so you can enjoy tons of lights! After, you can go ice skating at the Ice Terrace at Crown Center.
Bonus – your kiddos are going to LOVE the sweet wooden playground at the base!
Kansas City Plaza**
Country Club Plaza: 4706 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64112
When: Thanksgiving Night through January 14, 2024
Cost: Free
If you’re looking for one of the best traditions for Christmas in Kansas City, head to the Plaza! The Plaza holiday lights are free to enjoy so you can visit more than once too..
Whether you drive through the holiday lights or walk around and enjoy, it’s a classic holiday tradition in KC! There will also be carolers around the Plaza throughout the month, so you may want to walk around to try to find them…
You can see the lights now through the middle of January. Be sure to stop and shop, or eat while you’re in midtown.
Northland Kansas City Light Display**
North Kansas City City Hall: 2010 Howell Street, North Kansas City, Missouri 64116
When: December 1st
Cost: Free
This is the perfect holiday family picture or drive-by holiday display to enjoy from your car.
326 E 70th Terrace, Kansas City Mo 64113 (Residential Home)
Enjoy a fully automated, light show that’s choreographed to music, and the show is launchable from a website! I’m using the show to fundraiser (donation optional) for Children’s Mercy.
4600 Vermont Avenue, Kansas City MO 64133 (Residential Home)
A reader had submitted a residential home that has an amazing display set for 2022. Drive by the area and take a look!
Liberty, MO/Northland Christmas Lights:
Zona Rosa Light Display**
I-29 & Barry Road
When: November 18th, 4:00 pm-6:00 pm. This year the event will be at Zona Rosa’s, North Park.
Cost: Free
From November 19th through Christmas, you can see the lights at Zona Rosa while you shop or dine in the outdoor shopping mall. There’s a giant Christmas tree in the middle of the shopping center, so you can snap holiday photos too!
This display is near KCI airport, so whether you live nearby or you’re heading out of town on a flight be sure to stop by!
Lane of Lights in Excelsior Springs**
East Valley Park, Lover’s Lane, Excelsior Springs, MO
When: November 18th-December 25th. Each night at 5:30 pm the lights are on full display.
Cost: Free, but donation is recommended per car
This is a fun drive-through Christmas lights display that’s open through New Year’s Eve. Volunteers collect donations for different charities each not, but a donation is not required to enjoy the lights. (they recommend $5 per car)
You can also ride the Holly Jolly Trolley tour on a family-friendly adventure around Excelsior Springs to see all of the best lights around town, then through the Lane of Lights. Tickets for that are only $12 per person and kids 3 and under are free. Learn more about the Lane of Lights online!
Kustom Christmas Family Light Show
Located on NE 60th Ct and N. Spruce Ave KCMO 64119
Light Show runs from 11/24-1/1
6pm-10pm Sunday thru Thursday
6pm-11pm Friday & Saturday
-Chiefs songs play on game days
-A Chiefs Light Show will continue through the remainder of the Chiefs Season.
-Show last approx 20 min (longer on Chiefs Game days)
Tune your radio to 90.7, turn your headlights off and enjoy the show from your warm, cozy car! We do ask that guest stay in their cars and be mindful to not block our amazing neighbors driveways.
Lee’s Summit, MO Christmas Lights:
Lee’s Summit Magic Tree **
I-470 and View High Dr.
When: TBA View High Drive Lee’s Summit, MO. Follow their Facebook Page as more details are to come.
Cost: Free
The Lee’s Summit Magic Tree is the staple for Christmas in Kansas City. Make sure your family visits the tree while you’re at Christmas in the Park (next light listing)! It’s perfect for holiday family photos…
You can enjoy this happily lit tree with tons of colorful holiday lights! Donations will be collected for Operation Toy Soldier during the holidays to support local families in need.
Christmas in the Park**
3901 SW Longview Rd Lee’s Summit
When: Beginning November 22nd from 5:30 pm-10:00 pm through December 31st.
Cost: Free, but donations encouraged
Christmas in the Park is one of the best holiday light displays in Kansas City.
This drive-through Christmas lights display features 500,000+ colorful lights. Enjoy 175 light scenes and settings to fill your holidays with tons of glowing colors! You don’t even have to get out of your warm car to see, making it the perfect Christmas activity this year. This display is free, but you can donate to local charities as you leave.
Independence, MO Christmas Lights:
Winter Solstice Hike
George Owens Nature Park: 1601 S Speck Rd, Independence, MO 64057
When: December 6th from 5:00 pm-7:30 pm
You can hike down a path lit with candles at the Winter Solstice celebration to enjoy the winter evening at the best Christmas lights in Independence.
This is not a nightly display, they only host the event on this one date during the holiday season, so don’t miss it!
Grandview, MO Christmas Lights:
Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting
The View 13500 Byars Road Grandview, Missouri 64030
When: November 30th at 6:30 pm
Cost: Free
Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens**
Powell Gardens: 1609 NW US Hwy 50, Kingsville, MO 64061
When: November 16th-December 30th. Wednesday- Sunday from 5:00 pm-10:00 pm
Cost: $8 for children ages 5-12, $16 for adults.
Powell Gardens combines holiday light displays with beautiful botanical creations to create a fun “Christmas festival of lights”. There are many different shows and displays throughout the garden, including a tunnel of lights!
The path is a mile long with tram rides available in the evenings in case you have little ones or others who can’t walk far.
Overland Park, KS Christmas Lights:
Ultimate Lights on Farmstead Lane**
Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead in Overland Park
When: November 23rd – December 31st from 5:00pm-10:00pm
Cost: Free
If you’re looking for Christmas lights in Overland Park, the Farmstead puts on Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane every year. This is a free holiday light show, so stop by if you’re in the area! Your family will enjoy a 30-minute light show cast on the wall of their barn. All you have to do is tune your car radio to 90.5 and enjoy the synchronized music…
Park your car in the main parking lot and watch the show on a loop. There will be tons of lights on a flat panel that looks like a Christmas tree with tons of images cast on it! The Ultimate Holiday Tree at Deanna Rose includes animations and fun holiday images.
** Be sure to turn off your car lights and take your foot off the brake.
Christmas Place Neighborhood Display**
1131st Place west of Antioch Road, Overland Park, KS 66213
When: Now through the holidays Christmas
Cost: Free
Don’t miss one of the best Christmas light displays in Overland Park – Christmas Place was voted #1 neighborhood display for 16 years, so you don’t want to miss out. This is a 23-home neighborhood that devotes itself to the Christmas spirit with EVERY single house decorated for the holidays!
Plus, you can just drive right on through…you can’t miss the sign & lights decorating the entrance. Visit their website for more details.
Holiday Luminary Walk **
Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens: 8909 W. 179th St. Overland Park KS 66013
When: November 24th & 25th and December 1st & 2nd, 7th- 9th and 15th-16th
Cost: Free for 5 & under. Tickets are $15.
Your family will love the Holiday Luminary Walk. There are over 2 miles of animated lights and candlelit paths, fairy gardens, and gnome settings at the OP Arboretum – a beautiful backdrop for holiday pictures! It’s a unique experience with candles and Christmas lights in Overland Park.
7716 West 98th Terrace Light Display
7716 West 98th Terrace, Overland Park, Kansas 66212
This neighborhood light display is usually up by Thanksgiving and stays up till at least New Year’s Day. Each year, the lights grow bigger and bigger.
Bradshaw St. Light Show
13812 Bradshaw, Overland Park, Kansas 66221
While you’re enjoying the light show, turn your radio to 99.9 FM to listen along with a talking tree! It started as just one home, but has grown to include the surrounding houses too!
Lenexa, KS Christmas Lights:
Sar-Ko Aglow Light Display**
Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park: 14907 W 87th St. Pkwy, Lenexa
When: December 1st-January 15th. From 6:00 pm -11:00 pm
Cost: Free
Lenexa’s Sar-Ko-Par Park offers a dazzling holiday lights display each season with colorful lights & fun displays around the Rose Pond. You can drive somewhat, but walking allows you to check out all the displays.
24900 W 86th St. Lenexa, KS
This is a home holiday light display that is synced to music. It will be open on Thanksgiving and run through Christmas!
Olathe Christmas Lights:
Chesney Christmas Display
634 N. Logan Street Olathe, KS
Residential address. Needs confirmation
Cost: Free
This is a newer holiday display in KC, but worth the trip! It most certainly feels like Christmas here.
Enjoy thousands of lights and over 20 Christmas trees with your family! There are also other holiday light displays on the road to this one, so check them out too…
Christmas Card Lane Display
Full Neighborhood West of Ridgeview and North of 151st Street Olathe, KS 66062
Residential address.
Cost: Free
Just north of 151st Street in Olathe is a magical display of twinkling lights. There are many homes decorated in this neighborhood, so you can spend all evening here enjoying the holiday lights! You can find more information online.
While there used to be over 200 homes coordinating their decorations, there are not as many homes decorated this year. It still feels like Christmas!
KC Wine Co. Winter Wonderland Drive-Thru Light Display**
13875 S Gardner Rd #1 Olathe, KS 66061
When: Opens November 24th through December 17th
KC Pumpkin Patch & KC Wine Co’s beloved holiday light experience is back. Their Winter Wonderland display is the perfect way to celebrate the holidays! You can even get wine at this event…
** Tickets MUST be PREPURCHASED. There will be no tickets sold at the door, so be sure to grab yours before you head out.
Olathe Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Olathe Community Center
1205 E Kansas City Rd
When: December 1st from 5:30 pm-8:00 pm
Enjoy festive music and a visit from Santa. Plus there will be tons of bright lights to get you in the Christmas spirit.
Prairie Village, KS Christmas Lights:
Prairie Village Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Corinth Square
When: November 30th at 6:00 pm. There will be games, crafts, a visit from Santa, and more.
Kansas City, KS Christmas Lights:
Holiday Light & Magic Drive Thru Lights Show
This incredible Drive Thru Lights Show is located at 600 N 126th St, Bonner Springs, Kansas, 66012 close to the Azura Amphitheater.
Open every night from November 16, 2023, through December 31, 2023. You get to select the date and time you prefer!
Christmas in Quivira Woods
Quivira Woods at 47th and Woodland Rd
They also collect donations for the De Soto food pantry, so bring a donation with you if you can!
Legends Christmas Lights & Tree **
1843 Village West Parkway, KCK
When: The lighting ceremony is November 11th from 5-7 pm. Lights will stay lit through early January.
Legends Outlets offers a 45-foot tree that features lights synchronized to holiday music. It’s the perfect backdrop for a fun photo by the tree while you also get some of your holiday shopping done!
505 S. 138th Street, Bonner Springs, KS
The Allen Christmas Display was started in 2019. The yard includes moving elements, but the foal point is a large animated village and Christmas in the garage. You are invited to leave a letter for Santa, Hugh a giant teddy bear, and help yourself to a candy cane. Tune into 100.1FM to see the characters sing songs!
2023 Kansas City Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies & Festivals:
Be sure to check out these fun events to kick off Christmas in Kansas City!
North Kansas City Tree Lighting Ceremony **
When: December 1st from 6;00pm- 7:30 pm
This year’s holiday light ceremony will be held at the corner of Armour Rd and Swift Street. There will be music, refreshments, crafts, and more.
Gladstone Holiday Lights Ceremony **
When: November 28th from 6:00 pm-7:30 pm
Head out to Linden Square for this annual Christmas event.
Overland Park Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony **
When: November 17th from 5:00 pm-8:00 pm
Gather in Overland Park and kick off the holiday season with the Overland Park Mayor’s Holiday Festival. This FREE community event will be held throughout the Downtown Overland Park area at Thompson Park! There will be music, Santa, balloon artists, inflatable snow globes, and more.
Gardner Christmas in the Park: Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony **
Cornerstone Park
N Center St, Gardner, KS 66030
When:
November 27th at 7 pm.
The Annual “Christmas in the Park” holiday event kicks off with the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, on Monday, November 27th, at Cornerstone Park. Seasonal music will be performed by area school children. The event will include a Christmas-time message from the Mayor and the arrival of Santa. A lucky individual will be selected to flip the switch that turns on thousands of beautiful lights throughout the park.
KCK Holiday Lighting Festival
600 N. 7th St
Memorial Hall
When: November 17th from 4:00 pm-9:00 pm.
Enjoy free, hot cocoa, gift bags, games and of course, Mr. and Mrs. Claus!
As a reminder, these holiday light locations are ones that had great Christmas light displays in the past. We do our best to ensure the details included in the map are the most up-to-date. If you see that we’re missing a light display, please let us know!
You can also use this Map of Kansas City Holiday Lights:
Keep in mind, we can’t drive to each of the Christmas light displays to verify the holiday lights are on. This is an inclusive list from years past, so some may not be up for 2023. Also, some holiday light displays may be worth the drive for others, but may not be for you. Please, understand this as you head out. Also, drive safely with your families.
However, if you decide to celebrate Christmas in Kansas City this season, get out and enjoy the beautiful Christmas lights & holiday displays!
If you’re looking for even more holiday lights, check out the Christmas Light Finder.
Be sure to sign-up for The Scoop so you don’t miss out on things to do throughout the year! There are fun things to do during the holidays, which we send right to your inbox. 🙂
You will also get exclusive invites to Kids Club events, movie premieres, & other family activities. Enter2WIN Passes to Drive Thru Lights Show HERE.
Enter2WIN a Combo Pass to Visit BOTH of the Amazing Drive Thru Lights Shows in town HERE.
If you know of a Christmas lights display we should add, please EMAIL us the scoop!
From iFamily to Yours, Happy Holidays!
