Fun Things to Do in November through Thanksgiving Weekend: November Events [Updated for 2024]
Now’s the time to start exploring the fun things to do in November all the way through Thanksgiving Weekend in Kansas City! (and November events). Browse the options and get your favorites on your calendar. Some of them that require tickets are already selling out.
Find free family events, Thanksgiving activities for kids, fun things to do on Thanksgiving Day, Thanksgiving Week events, and Kansas City November events below:
Family-Friendly Events in November & Thanksgiving Week Things to Do:
You can also find restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day & take out Thanksgiving dinner options in Kansas City.
➡️ 🎄 🎅🏻 After your Thanksgiving dinner, head out to enjoy the Christmas lights near you!
Turkey Cupcakes & Other Cooking Classes at TasteBud’s Kitchen
Throughout November, there are Turkey Cupcake and Gingerbread House sessions.
Times vary by age group & class, so check online
5336 W. 151st St. Leawood, KS
Mark your calendar for a variety of fun, fall-themed cooking classes!
Taste Buds Kitchen provides a variety of classes, including classes for young children (with caregivers) that will allow them to make fun festive turkeys, holiday cookies, and more. Classes include turkey cupcakes, galaxy donut making, sushi and dumplings, a mini apple pie class, and more. Check out their full calendar online now!
Tastebuds Kitchen Thanksgiving Break Camp
Tastebud’s Kitchen: 5336 151st St. Leawood, KS 66224
Kids can enjoy a fun cooking camp during Thanksgiving break – just like the Iron Chef Kitchen Stadium!
They will prepare some delicious fall favorites, pies and pizza. Sign up for your child now for a fun-filled day! Camp is $60 per child.
Winter Magic Northland
This Drive Thru Light Show opens in NOVEMBER and runs through January 5th. Get your tickets EARLY so you can guarantee the date and time that works best for your family.
Drive through thousands of holiday lights and the Midwest’s longest light tunnel! There’s also a mailbox to drop off letters to Santa!
** Tickets are per car, so you only have to buy 1 for the whole family; it’s much more affordable!
Polar Express Train at Union Station in St. Louis
Opens November 15th–December 30th
Union Station in St. Louis: 1820 Market St., St. Louis, MO
Enjoy the magic of Christmas on the Polar Express Train. There will be hot chocolate, cookies, & tons of holiday fun! Check their Facebook page for date specifics. Many days are sold out already.
Holiday Themed Paint me a Story at Paint Glaze and Fire!
Friday through November 12th, 15th and 29th
10:30 am
12683 Metcalf Ave. Overland Park, KS
Come out to Paint Glaze & Fire & Coffee House to get a head start on your holiday crafts!
More Holiday Events coming! Make a reservation online for their annual Santa handprint, reindeer handprint, snowman footprint, or penguin footprint sessions. Stay tuned to their online calendar for updates. You choose the time, then come in to get in the holiday spirit! If this time doesn’t work for you, the studio is happy to make other arrangements with you.
Our Complete Guide to Ice Skating in KC is HERE
Skating at Ice Terrace
Opening Day is November 1st, and it is free to skate between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 am.
Ice Terrace Crown Center: 2425 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64108
Opening day for the Crown Center Ice Terrace is November 1st!
Stay tuned for their 2024 schedule. Kansas City’s only public outdoor ice skating rink opens for its 52nd season of great skating fun. Grab your family and meet up with several hundred of your closest friends for great times on the ice. 816-274-8411.
$3.75 Movie Series Begins
Beginning November 22nd
Check out our complete guide to movie titles, movie times & ticket sales.
Union Station: 30 W Pershing Rd., Kansas City, Missouri 64108
Catch a classic holiday movie for only $3.75! There will be more movies to come throughout December too, so check their Facebook page for updates.
Holiday Kickoff Ceremony
November 22nd, begins
Union Station: 30 W Pershing Rd., Kansas City, MO 64108
Don’t miss the annual holiday lighting at Union Station in Kansas City!
Experience the magical Kansas City tradition at “Home For the Holidays”.
Join us as we celebrate the kickoff ceremony with the largest indoor tree lighting ceremony, featuring Holiday mini-train rides and more. Family-friendly, hands-on activities will fill the halls as early as 10 AM with the ceremony beginning at 6:30 p.m. The full line-up of activities to come.
Veterans Day Weekend at the Liberty Memorial
Friday, November 8th–Sunday, November 11th
2 Memorial Drive Kansas City, MO
Honor our heroic veterans at Liberty Memorial during Veterans Day weekend! The memorial will have a variety of opportunities to meet, thank, and learn about veterans and what this day means. Most activities are free to the public; however, some special exhibits do charge admission. For a full list of daily activities, prices, and times, visit them online!
Downtown Lee’s Summit Mayor’s Tree Lighting
November 22nd, 6:30pm
Enjoy the Mayor’s Tree Lighting in Downtown Lee’s Summit at Howard Station Park as they light Downtown in thousands of sparkling lights. Choir performances, a visit from Santa, and much more will get you in the holiday spirit. Enjoy late-night shopping, live window displays, and a holiday light show in City Hall Plaza.
Overland Park Mayor’s Holiday Festival
Friday, November 15th
5:00 to 8:00 pm
Downtown Overland Park
There will be TONS of free Festival Activities Including Santa Claus, pony rides, snow princesses, a photo opps, a balloon artist, a children’s train ride, live music and the Grinch!
Christmas in the Sky
Wednesday, November 27th
5:00 pm- 8:00 pm
Longview Lake Beach: 11101 Raytown Rd. Kansas City, Missouri 64134
Enjoy the annual Christmas In The Sky event at Longview Lake Beach.
The holiday show will include singers & dancers as well as performances by different choirs. This show will be fun for the whole family! It could be a fun night before your drive through Christmas in the Park.
FREE Day at the Johnson County Museum
November 27th
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
8788 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS
Ever been to the Johnson County Museum? Why not go the day before Thanksgiving on their free day?
Fun Things to Do Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving is about family time, so spend the entire day with the ones you love! Find what to do on Thanksgiving day below.
Plaza Lighting Ceremony
November 28th
5:00 pm- 8:00 pm
Country Club Plaza
This is a can’t-miss event for Kansas City! The entire Country Club Plaza will flip the holiday lights on in unison on Thanksgiving night. The pre-show typically begins at 5 p.m., so get there early!
Ward Parkway Thanksgiving Day 10k, 5k run/walk and Tiny Turkey Trot
Thursday, November 28th
Ward Parkway Mall: 8600 Ward Pkwy. Kansas City, MO 64114
Start Thanksgiving morning off on the right foot with a run along Ward Parkway! The annual Turkey Trot is set to start the 10k at 8:35 a.m. and the 5k at 9:00 a.m. and the Tiny Turkey Trot will begin at 8:20am.Bring the whole family out to this Thanksgiving tradition!
Kansas City Turkey Trot 5k & 8k
November 28th
Swope Park
8:45 am kids dash; 9:00 am adult runs
Bring the family and run with Missouri Runs to celebrate Thanksgiving!
Fun Things to Do on Thanksgiving Weekend (& Week)
There are tons of things to do on Thanksgiving Weekend in Kansas City. We found everything to do Thanksgiving week that is kid-friendly. Check out the fun Thanksgiving events in KC below:
Santa’s Arrival at Crown Center
TBA
Crown Center Atrium: 2405 Grand Blvd. Kansas City, MO
Get ready to see Santa! Santa will be making his way to Crown Center in a horse-drawn carriage to ring in the holiday season this November then sit on Gingerbread Station.
This free event is perfect for the entire family. Stay tuned for more details.
Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
November 29th
Crown Center Square: 2405 Grand Blvd. Kansas City, MO
Crown Center Square: 2405 Grand Blvd. Kansas City, MO
Get ready for the magic to happen at Crown Center with the annual Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. Stay tuned for more details.
Holiday Luminary Walk
November 29th – 30th, December 6th- 7th, 13th- 14th
From 5:00 pm- 9:00 pm
Overland Park Arboretum: 8909 W 179th St. Bucyrus, KS 66013
Explore the trails of the Overland Park Arboretum as they are lit up for the holiday season. There will be miles of candles and lights that line the trails. You can also visit Santa in the Depot, drink hot cider, and catch horse-drawn wagon rides. Don’t miss the beautiful holiday lights!
Tickets will be time specific and there are extended dates and hours to accommodate everyone!
Gingerbread House Making
Morning & afternoon sessions are available
Tastebud’s Kitchen Leawood: 5336 151st St. Leawood, KS 66224
Decorate Gingerbread houses with your whole family on Saturday morning. There will be tons of toppings for you to decorate with like pretzels, candy, frostings, & more. There are also full family options, so everyone can participate!
There will also be hot chocolate to drink! The class is designed for parents & children to decorate their gingerbread house together, so pricing is for child/caregiver pair. This is a fun family event to get you in the holiday spirit…its never too early!
The Hip Hop Nutcracker
November 20th
KC Ballet: 500 W Pershing Rd, Kansas City, Missouri 64108
This special performance of the Hip Hop Nutcracker puts a fresh spin on a holiday classic.
Trip the Light Fantastic
November 24
3901 SW Longview Rd, Lee’s Summit MO
This free event for bicyclists is a 4.5-mile bike ride through the one and only Christmas in the Park in Lee’s Summit!
Adult riders at 6:00 p.m. and families start at 6:30 p.m. Since this is a night ride, lights and helmets are required and may not be suitable for kids under 10.
Fall Activities at Nelson Atkins
Nelson Atkins Museum: 4525 Oak St. Kansas City, MO 64111
The Nelson Atkins Museum has a calendar packed full of pre-Thanksgiving activities!
Briarcliff Holiday Lighting Ceremony
November 9th
The Village at Briarcliff: 4151 N Mulberry Dr. Kansas City, Missouri 64116
Don’t miss this fun family event. There will be fireworks, holiday lights, Santa, and so much more. Be sure to visit their event page for full details.
No Info yet for 2024:
If you know of updates that have been released since our last update, please email us details!
The Snowy Day and other stories by Ezra Jack Keats
Nothing Listed
2405 Grand Blvd. Kansas City, MO 64108
This seasonal story time is coming to life at the Coterie Theater!
Showtime information is available by calling the box office and tickets can be purchased in advance online. This production is only for a limited time so grab tickets today. Call 816-47-6552 to purchase.
The Great Pumpkin Smash
Nothing Listed
The Kansas City Zoo: 6800 Zoo Dr. Kansas City, MO 64132
Watch the animals at the KC Zoo play, squish, squash, & smash the Halloween pumpkins. There are tons of animals & 7 continents to explore!
This activity is included in The POGO Pass 16+ kids activities for less than $50! Purchase a POGO Pass for ONLY $49.95 with code ifamilykc. This is a steal.
Musical Monday & Tuesday
Nothing Listed
MTH Theater @ Crown Center: 2405 Grand Blvd. Kansas City, MO
Musical Monday and Tuesday are back with Prohibition Era Cabaret!
Located on the third floor of the Crown Center Shops, this music tribute is one you won’t want to miss. You can grab tickets here.
Sky Zone Lee’s Summit: 2801 NE McBaine Drive, Lees Summit, Missouri 64064
Sky Zone KC: 6495 Quivira Rd, Shawnee, KS
If you’re looking for things to do Thanksgiving week, this is perfect! There are half-day & full-day options available depending on what your family needs and when kiddos are out of school. Sign up before all spots are taken as there is LIMITED capacity this year.
Black Friday Lock-In at Sky Zone
Nothing Listed
Sky Zone Lee’s Summit: 2801 NE McBaine Drive, Lees Summit, Missouri 64064
Sky Zone KC: 6495 Quivira Rd, Shawnee, KS
Saturday after Thanksgiving Sky Zone gives parents a night out. Bring your kids 13-17 to Sky Zone for a night of bouncing with friends while you enjoy a night out with your friends.
The lock-in will be from 11 pm to 6 am with a police officer on-site during these times. There will be pizza, drinks & snacks, as well as games, giveaways, and tons of fun!
Military Appreciation Week at KC Zoo
Nothing Listed
9:00 am- 4:00 pm
Calling all retired, active-duty & veterans!
Head out to the Kansas City Zoo in November for Military Appreciation Weekend. All military (retired, active, vet) will receive complimentary admission with valid ID. Come spend MAW with your friends at the Kansas City Zoo!
This activity is included in The POGO Pass 16+ kids activities for less than $50! Purchase a POGO Pass for ONLY $49.95 with code ifamilykc. This is a steal.
Day of the Dead Festival
Was held in October
Begins at 10:00 am
Nelson Atkins Museum: 4525 Oak St. Kansas City, MO 64111
Come celebrate Mexican culture at Nelson Atkin’s annual Day of the Dead Festival. There will be events and activities throughout the day, so check the festival schedule. There will be a remembrance alter with traditional Mexican elements, local artists, readings, art activities,
There is also Free Weekend Fun every weekend at the Nelson Atkins! Check their online calendar for weekend specifics.
Mandolin Orchestra of Kansas City
Nothing Listed
7:00 pm- 8:30 pm
6900 Ward Pkwy, Kansas City, MO(St. John’s UMC)
This FREE concert will be the weekend before Thanksgiving!
Bring the family out and enjoy the sounds of the Mandolin Orchestra of Kansas City as they play a variety of pieces including The Bach Bouree, a few polkas, Irish traditional tunes, jazz, and surf music.
Santa Diving Begins!
Nothing Listed
2:00 – 2:30 pm
The Kansas City Zoo: 6800 Zoo Dr. Kansas City, MO 64132
Watch Santa dive with penguins at 2 pm Friday through Sunday at the Kansas City Zoo. Get your kids in the holiday spirit and grab a photo with Santa! …Thanksgiving is over now right?!
This activity is included in The POGO Pass 16+ kids activities for less than $50! Purchase a POGO Pass for ONLY $49.95 with code ifamilykc. This is a steal.
November is filled with fun things to do with kids. We hope you spent family time exploring the fun kids’ activities & events around town. The holidays are for family togetherness, so be sure to check back for December things to do too!
Want to stay up-to-date on things to do in Kansas City? Sign up for The Scoop & get things to do, places kids eat FREE, & exclusive event invites delivered right to your inbox. You don’t want to miss this…it’s too easy!
From our family to yours, iFamilyKC.
