Christmas Towns in Missouri & Kansas
The holidays are always spectacular around Kansas City. From lights and decor to Santa’s workshops, kids’ shopping events with elves and festive music, KC’s surrounding areas have some of the best Christmas towns around.
So load up the family and head out to visit one or all of these incredible Christmas Towns around us. Some of these towns will even have events that start in November, full of magic and wonder, leading up to Christmas day. Celebrate the magic and remember the reason for the season.
** Know of other holiday towns to add to our list? Email details to us!
Christmas Towns in Kansas:
1. Baldwin City, KS
Baldwin City, KS, only 30 minutes outside of the KC metro, has been the home of The Midland Railway for as long as we can remember. In years past they’ve hosted Thomas the Tank Engine, Polar Express Trains, and the Christmas village. Enjoy the festival of lights, breakfast with Santa, living Nativity, and more.
Holiday Market
December 7th 9:30-2:30pm
The Holiday Market is back, enjoy shopping at Lucy’s Corner and check out the annual Gingerbread House Party. Stop by for viewing, local shopping, and the Festival of Lights Parade.
Find more local goods at participating locations between 10:00 – 2:00.
Festival of Lights Parade
December 7th 6:00pm
At 6 p.m. floats draped in thousands of lights parade down 8th and High Streets. As the last float goes by, Santa Claus will light the tree outside City Hall. There will also be fireworks after the ceremony.
Breakfast with Santa
Enjoy all-you-can-eat pancakes and a visit with Santa. Ticket: $5 per person if pre purchased and $7 at the door.
Your ticket includes delicious all-you-can-eat pancakes prepared by Chris Cakes, Crafts, and a visit with Santa.
2. Overland Park, KS
The Overland Park Arboretum hosts a yearly luminary walk that brings the holidays to life. Walk along lit paths and find your way to see Santa’s workshop, grab some hot cider, listen to music, and more.
Christmas Towns in Missouri:
1. Belton, MO
Operation Santa
In November, Operation Santa is a wonderful and easy way to give back. Bring 2 new canned goods, or a new unwrapped toy to donate.
In the past, Belton has hosted a wide variety of events throughout the holiday season. As for now, they have not released any information. Stay tuned to their social media or online for the scoop as soon as it comes out.
2. Branson, MO
Every year Silver Dollar City turns into a Christmas Town that is worth the drive. From holiday shows, festive music, thousands of stunning lights, Santa and more this is a must-see for the whole family.
We recommend heading to Branson for the weekend to enjoy all they have to offer, including Silver Dollar City and other fun shows. Here’s our complete guide to Branson to make it easier for families.
Holiday activities & events a Silver Dollar City:
- Christmas Light Parade
- Pictures with Santa
- Festive Kids Area
- Thousands of Light Displays
- Holiday Train Rides
- A Giant Christmas tree full of lights
There are also many Broadway-quality shows:
- A Dicken’s Christmas Carol
- The Living Nativity
- Frontier Fa-La-La Follies
- Coming Home for Christmas
Christmas with Six
This is one of our absolute favorite shows in Branson, not just at Christmas. You just have to check out these six real-life brothers, singing acapella. Together they create music that rivals a full orchestra or band and they put on one the best shows in Branson at the American Bandstand Theater. The brothers don’t use any musical instruments but you’ll swear you can hear drums, guitars, strings, and a piano.
America’s Christmas Tree City
In 2016, Branson’s residents and businesses came together to make Branson “America’s Christmas Tree City”. Complete with a map, the tour takes you on a journey to see trees with one-of-a-kind decorations and themes.
3. Kansas City, MO
The Country Club Plaza lights up nightly with beautiful lights and window displays that will quickly put you in the holiday spirit. They even have a map of the best places to take a holiday photo with the lights!
The Plaza itself is already a town of its own. Visit the Country Club Plaza for beautiful holiday sites, festive treats and more. Plus there may be a Santa sighting!
4. Springfield, MO
The city of Springfield has events and Santa sightings this holiday season. There will be photo ops, a kid’s store so they can shop for family and friends, parades, and more. Check out their event calendar for details of events and sightings.
5. Kingsville, MO
Powell Gardens host the Festival of Lights every year and this botanical garden transforms into a winter wonderland. With immersive light displays, this will make for a unique experience the whole family will enjoy.
We hope your family is able to enjoy the many holiday activities nearby in Kansas City… there are TONS!
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From our family to yours, iFamilyKC
