Kansas City’s Dazzling Holiday Light Displays Guide

Jazlyn Summers and KC Lifestyle Girl are back with your ultimate KCity Guide to holiday magic. If you’re looking to create dazzling holiday memories this season, Kansas City’s metro area offers an abundance of spectacular lighting displays to explore.

Iconic Downtown & Grand Displays

The 96th Annual Plaza Lighting Ceremony

A true KC holiday staple, the Plaza Lights illuminate a 15-block area on the Country Club Plaza with thousands of sparkling lights. The official ceremony takes place on Thursday, November 27, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., featuring various performances. Members of the Kansas City Current will have the honor of flipping the switch at 7:55 p.m. Following the ceremony, the Plaza Lights shine daily from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. through Sunday, January 11, 2026.

Holiday Reflections at Union Station

Experience an immersive, indoor holiday wonderland at Union Station in Kansas City. The Holiday Reflections Walk-Thru Village offers dazzling photo opportunities, new animated displays, a festive gingerbread village, and an award-winning holiday model train display. This experience runs from November 21 to January 4. Tickets are sold in hourly increments online, with general admission ranging from $10-$12 (children 12 months and under are free). The experience typically lasts 60-90 minutes.

Drive-Thru & Outdoor Wonders

Winter Magic

Returning for its sixth season, Winter Magic is a popular drive-thru holiday light show located in the Northland at Platte Purchase Park. Enjoy a festive journey choreographed to holiday music broadcast directly to your car’s radio. Tickets are available for $20 per carload.

38th Annual Christmas in the Park

Journey through a drive-thru winter wonderland at Longview Lake Campground, starting at the Frank White Jr., Softball Complex. This annual event boasts more than one million lights and 200 animated displays. It opens on November 26 and continues through December 31. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged and will benefit 36 local charities.

Unique & Community Celebrations

26th Annual Luminary Walk at Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

Explore four distinct experiences at the Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, open on select nights from November 26 to December 30.

Traditional Luminary Walk

Guests can wander along illuminated pathways through magical villages, a candlelit Marder Garden, and a vibrant children’s garden. Santa will be present for photos, and complimentary hot cider is available in the Children’s Discovery Garden. This walk is open November 28-29, December 5-6, 12-13, and 19-20. General admission is $17, and children five and younger are free.

Adults-Only Candlelight Stroll (18+)

Enjoy the serene glow of candles through the woods, dazzling light displays, live music, and enchanting gnome houses in a child-free environment. General admission is $17. This experience is available on December 4, 11, and 18.

Electric Glow

A more peaceful, low-key version of the Luminary Walk, Electric Glow offers a stroll through electric gardens with limited capacity, ensuring fewer crowds. General admission is $12, and children five and younger are free. Dates include November 26, December 10, 17, 22, 23, 26, 27, 29, and 30.

Accessibility-friendly Glow Cart Tours

Ideal for guests with mobility challenges or special needs, this guided golf cart tour offers a comfortable ride through the garden. Each cart is festively decorated and includes fleece blankets and complimentary hot cider. Staff drive the carts, allowing groups of up to 3 or 5 guests to relax and enjoy the displays. A 3-seat cart is $45, and a 5-seat cart is $75. Tours are available December 1-3.

Lee’s Summit Magic Tree

The Lee’s Summit Magic Tree Lighting Ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, November 26, from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Paragon Star Sports Complex. This beloved tree symbolizes joy, hope, and community. Admission is free, but new and unwrapped toy donations are encouraged.

Excelsior Springs Annual Lighted Christmas Parade

Downtown Excelsior Springs will host its Annual Lighted Christmas Parade on Saturday, November 22. The parade begins at approximately 6:00 p.m., following the Mayor’s Lighting Ceremony, showcasing floats adorned with bright lights and themed decorations.

Sar-Ko Aglow

In Lenexa, guests can enjoy a leisurely nighttime stroll around Rose’s Pond, where miles of light strands illuminate Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park. The lights are free for viewing from December 5 to January 19, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

• When do the Plaza Lights turn on for the season?
  The 96th Annual Plaza Lighting Ceremony is on Thursday, November 27, with the lights officially flipped at 7:55 p.m.
• Are there any free holiday light displays in the KC metro?
  Yes, the Lee’s Summit Magic Tree (toy donations encouraged), 38th Annual Christmas in the Park (donations for charities encouraged), Excelsior Springs Annual Lighted Christmas Parade, and Sar-Ko Aglow in Lenexa are all free to attend or view.
• Can I experience holiday lights without having to walk much?
  Absolutely! Winter Magic and Christmas in the Park are drive-thru light shows. The Luminary Walk also offers Accessibility-friendly Glow Cart Tours for those with mobility challenges.
• What are the dates for Holiday Reflections at Union Station?
  The immersive indoor experience at Union Station is open from November 21 to January 4.
• What type of donations are encouraged at the Lee’s Summit Magic Tree?
  New and unwrapped toy donations are encouraged to spread holiday cheer in the community.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic stroll, a family adventure, or a cozy drive, Kansas City’s array of holiday light displays offers something magical for everyone to enjoy this festive season.

Dazzling KC Holiday Lights Guide