As the festive season draws near, Kansas City gears up for one of its most enchanting traditions: the annual Country Club Plaza Holiday Lights and Ceremony. For 95 years, this event has been a cornerstone of the holiday spirit in the heart of Missouri, illuminating the Spanish-inspired architecture with thousands of jewel-toned lights. Stretching over 15 blocks, the display transforms the Country Club Plaza into a winter wonderland, complete with dazzling domes, towers, and windows, creating a magical scene that captivates residents and visitors alike from Thanksgiving through mid-January.
Date and Details
The excitement reaches its peak during the 95th Annual Plaza Lighting Ceremony, scheduled for 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. This year, attendees will be treated to a spectacular show featuring performances by local talents such as DJ Kirby, Quixotic, and Monica's School of Dance. Kansas City Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt, along with his wife Tavia Hunt, are honored with flipping the switch to bathe the Plaza in radiant light, followed by a fireworks display that promises to dazzle the crowd. The Plaza Lights will then continue to shine daily from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m., making the Country Club Plaza the perfect backdrop for holiday shopping and festivities.
About the Tradition
Diving into the history and preparation behind this beloved tradition reveals the immense effort and dedication involved. Initially sparked by a single strand of Christmas lights in 1925, the display has grown into a nationally recognized spectacle. Preparations for the event start right after Labor Day, with a team of electricians from Capital Electric and mountain climber-equipped workers daringly adorning every inch of the Plaza’s intricate architecture. These meticulous efforts ensure that by Thanksgiving, Kansas City is ready to witness the breathtaking results of their labor, a process that has been perfected over decades to become the seamless operation seen today.
For those seeking the best experience of this holiday marvel, various viewing tips and interesting tidbits add to the event's charm. The iconic Time Tower always beams in red, and a genuine switch at the ceremony truly ignites the entire ensemble of lights, often with the help of a randomly chosen child from the audience. For an optimal viewing spot, the rooftop of the Plaza 211 parking garage offers an unparalleled vantage point, while other locations like McCormick & Schmick’s rooftop or the second floor of Barnes & Noble provide festive perspectives throughout the season. Extended shop hours and free parking across the Plaza's garages enhance the joyous experience, inviting everyone to partake in the holiday magic.
Happy Holidays
This season, the Country Club Plaza Holiday Lights not only illuminate Kansas City but also embody the warmth, tradition, and community spirit that define the holidays. Whether it's your first encounter or a cherished annual tradition, the Plaza Lights and Ceremony is a mesmerizing spectacle that promises to ignite the holiday spirit in the heart of every attendee, a luminous reminder of the joy and togetherness that the season represents.
