Kansas City transforms into a glowing celebration every holiday season, and 2025 promises to be brighter than ever. From the famous Plaza Lights to brand new neighborhood displays, the city offers something for everyone who loves the magic of the season.
Whether you prefer a cozy drive through twinkling tunnels or a stroll past candlelit gardens, Kansas City has you covered. Here’s your guide to the best spots to catch the holiday glow this year.
The Plaza Lights: A 96-Year Tradition
Nothing says Kansas City holidays quite like the Country Club Plaza draped in thousands of jewel-colored lights. This year marks the 96th annual Plaza Lighting Ceremony on Thanksgiving night, November 27, 2025, starting at 6:30 p.m.
Members of the Kansas City Current will flip the switch at 7:55 p.m., followed by fireworks that light up the night sky. The ceremony features performances from local favorites, including DJ Kirby, Quixotic, and a special preview of “A Christmas Carol” from Kansas City Repertory Theatre.
The lights stay on daily from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. through January 11, 2026. Pro tip: head to the rooftop of the Plaza 211 parking garage for the best views, and all parking is free.
Drive-Through Displays: Stay Warm, Stay Merry
For families who want to enjoy the lights without leaving the car, Kansas City offers incredible drive-through experiences.
Winter Magic returns for its sixth season at Platte Purchase Park in the Northland. This display features over a mile of synchronized lights set to festive music broadcast on your car radio. New for 2025 are the Magical Glow Arches, spanning more than 250 feet of synchronized magic, plus the Longest Animated Light Tunnel in the Midwest. Tickets start at $20 per carload, and the show runs from November 1 through January 4, 2026.
Christmas in the Park celebrates its 38th year at Longview Lake Campground with more than one million lights and 200 animated displays. The best part? Admission is free, though donations benefit 36 local charities. The display opens on November 26 and runs through December 31.
Walk-Through Wonders
If you prefer to stretch your legs, several locations offer beautiful walking experiences.
The Overland Park Arboretum hosts its 26th Annual Luminary Walk from November 26 through December 30. Stroll through magical gnome and fairy villages, candlelit gardens, and pathways glowing with thousands of lights. New this year are accessibility-friendly Glow Cart Tours. Adults-only Candlelight Strolls happen on select Thursday nights, perfect for date night.
Union Station’s Holiday Reflections brings an immersive indoor experience from November 21 through January 4. The Grand Hall features dazzling photo opportunities, animated displays, a gingerbread village, and an award-winning model train display.
Neighborhood Magic: Community Spirit Shines Bright
Some of the most charming displays come from Kansas City neighborhoods where residents go all out.
Terrace Place in Overland Park has been voted the number one Christmas neighborhood in Johnson County for over 16 years. All 23 homes in this double cul-de-sac participate, creating a winter wonderland that runs from Thanksgiving evening through January 4. The tradition honors Cindy Lou Corley, a beloved resident who passed away.
Candy Cane Lane has been lighting up since 1958. Each home on the street features at least one four-foot-tall candy cane, with some reaching 10 feet high. It’s a sweet tradition that families return to year after year.
Check out Nottingham On the Green near 129th & Quivira in Overland Park, where all the trees lining the streets glow with decorations. Stop at 129th & Bradshaw for lights synchronized to music on FM 90.5.
Behind the Glow: The Work That Makes It Happen
The Plaza Lights require a dedicated crew of four electricians from Capital Electric who start stringing lights right after Labor Day. They use special trucks with lifts and mountain-climbing equipment to reach the domes and towers. As Thanksgiving approaches, crews run midnight “light runs” to test every bulb.
At Christmas in the Park, the 200 animated displays are designed and built entirely in-house by talented local crews. That’s over one million lights installed and maintained by people who care about bringing joy to the community.
Capturing the Perfect Shot
Want to photograph the lights like a pro? Here are some quick tips:
Arrive early to scout locations before sunset. Use a tripod for sharp images and experiment with long exposures to create light trails. Turn off your flash—it washes out the colors. Try different angles and get low to capture reflections in puddles or ponds.
For the Plaza Lights, the second floor of Barnes & Noble offers great elevated views. At the Arboretum, Rose’s Pond creates stunning reflections worth capturing.
Your Holiday Light Adventure Awaits
Kansas City’s holiday displays offer something for every taste and budget. Many events are completely free, while paid experiences remain affordable for families.
Start planning your holiday light tour today. Grab some hot chocolate, load up the car, and experience the magic that makes Kansas City shine. These lights won’t last forever—most displays wrap up by early January—so don’t wait to start making memories.
Which display will you visit first? Pick your favorites, map your route, and let the glow of the season fill your heart. Kansas City is ready to light up your holidays.
Sources: wintermagickc.com, fox4kc.com, ifamilykc.com, kansascitymomcollective.com, visitkc.com, kcpumpkinpatch.com, axios.com, kctv5.com
Header Image Source: visitkc.com
