Fun Things to Do in November through Thanksgiving Weekend: November Events [Updated for 2022]
Now’s the time to start exploring the fun things to do in November all the way through Thanksgiving Weekend in Kansas City! (& 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 Thanksgiving Day, Thanksgiving Week events & Kansas City November events below:
Family Friendly Events in November & Thanksgiving Week Things to Do:
Things to do Thanksgiving Week | Things to do Thanksgiving Day
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 offers 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 & dumplings, mini apple pie class & more. Check out their full calendar online now!
Winter Magic KC and Holiday Light & Magic Drive-Thru Light Shows
Details on Winter Magic KC at their NEW location for 2022 HERE.
Details for Holiday Light & Magic Show HERE
Both Drive Thru Light Shows open in NOVEMBER (different opening dates for each location, so check the website for details) and run through January 1st. 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 18th – 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 Clay Hand and Foot Prints at Paint Glaze and Fire!
Every Friday through November 17th
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
12683 Metcalf Ave. Overland Park, KS
Come out to Paint Glaze & Fire & Coffee House to get a head start on your holiday crafts!
Make a reservation online to make a Santa handprint, Reindeer handprint, snowman footprint, or penguin footprint. 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 4th, Free to skate between 6:00 am- 9:00 am
Normal skating hours: 6:00 am to 9:00 pm
Regular hours:
November, December, and January:
Sunday –Thursday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
February and March:
Sunday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m
Monday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m
Ice Terrace Crown Center: 2425 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108
Opening day for the Crown Center Ice Terrace is Nov. 1st! Their annual Free Skate day will be announced soon, so check their website for updates.
Kansas City’s only public outdoor ice skating rink opens for its 50th 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.
$3.50 Movie Series Begins
Beginning November 18th
Check our complete guide to movie titles and movie times & ticket sales.
Union Station: 30 W Pershing Rd. Kansas City, Missouri 64108
Catch a classic holiday movie for only $3.50! There will be more movies to come throughout December too, so check their Facebook page for updates.
Holiday Kickoff Ceremony
Saturday, November 21st begins.
Union Station: 30 W Pershing Rd. Kansas City, MO 64108
Don’t miss the annual holiday lighting at Union Station Kansas City! The Grand
Experience the magical Kansas City tradition at “Holidays Come Alive”.
Join us as we celebrate the kickoff ceremony with the largest indoor tree lighting ceremony, featuring a breathtaking performance by Quixotic, FREE Holiday mini-train rides, NEW! Astro Botanicals in Haverty Family Yards and so much MORE. Family-friendly, hands-on activities will fill the halls as early as 10 AM with the ceremony beginning at 6:30 PM. The full line-up of activities to come.
Veterans Day Weekend at the Liberty Memorial
Friday, November 11th- Sunday, November 13th
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!
Midwest Game Fest
Will be held in December this year
Check online for times
ONLINE this year!
Explore all kinds of games at the Midwest Game Fest. There will be all kinds of online games for you to play!
Downtown Lee’s Summit Polar Express
November 18th 6:30pm
Enjoy the Mayor’s Tree Lighting in Downtown Lee’s Summit. The festivities begin at 6:30. Enjoy shopping and a holiday light display. Take photos with Mr, and Mrs. Clause 7-8:00pm.
Overland Park Mayor’s Holiday Festival
Friday, November 18th
5:00 to 8:00 pm
Downtown Overland Park
There will be TONS of free Festival Activities Including Santa Claus, live reindeer, snow princesses, a photo booth & inflatable snow globe, a balloon artist, a children’s train ride, a family hayride, carolers, and the Grinch!
Northern Lights Holiday Lighting Ceremony
Saturday, November 19th
4:00 to 6:00 pm
Zona Rosa: 8640 N Dixson Ave, Kansas City, Missouri 64153
This is a very kid-friendly event. There will be a special lighting ceremony that features a 50-foot-tall Christmas tree in the Square of Zona. You will get to see the classic huge crowns come to life too! This program is free admission & open to the public.
Be sure to get there early so you don’t miss the arrival of the Holiday Fairy Princess and Santa Claus!
Nutcracker Ball with the Kansas City Ballet
Will be held in December this year.
Loews Hotel in downtown Kansas City
Come celebrate the 54th annual Nutcracker Ball in downtown KC!
Sky Camp for Thanksgiving Break
Nothing Listed
Christmas in the Sky
Wednesday, November 23rd
5:00pm- 8:00pm
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 23rd
9:00am – 12:00pm
8788 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS
Ever been to the Johnson County Museum? Why not go the day before Thanksgiving on their free day!
Tastebud’s Kitchen Thanksgiving Break Camp
November 21st and 22nd
Ages 4-8 – 9:00am to 12:00pm
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 mini Thanksgiving meals including, Turkey Cupcakes & Sweet Potato-Tots. Sign-up for your child now for a fun-filled day! Camp is $55 per child.
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: 93rd Annual
November 24th
5:00pm- 8:00pm
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. This will be the 93rd annual event. The pre-show begins at 5 pm, so get there early!
Ward Parkway Thanksgiving Day 10k, 5k run/walk and Tiny Turkey Trot
Thursday, November 24th
The 10 K run begins at 8:35 and the 5k run begins at 9:00 am. Tiny Turkey Trot will begin at approximately 8:20 am.
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 am and the 5k at 9:00 am. Bring the whole family out to this Thanksgiving tradition!
Kansas City Turkey Trot 5k & 8k
November 24th
8:15 am kids dash; 8:30 adult runs
At Berkely Riverfront Park
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
Friday, November 25th; 10:30 am
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 and starts bright and early the day after Thanksgiving! You can register to visit Santa through Christmas Eve!
Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
November 25th at 5:30 pm
Crown Center Square: 2405 Grand Blvd. Kansas City, MO
Normally you can see Santa arrive and stick around for the tree lighting ceremony for the Mayor’s Christmas tree, but this year is a little different.
It will be a virtual event, but this means you can watch in your pajamas! Watch holiday songs, the mayor flips the switch, and performances by Quixotic and the Crown Brass.
The 100 ft tree is one of the tallest in the nation and is a symbol of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund which assists the less fortunate. This is a free holiday event for the whole family. Watch the event on their Facebook Page then come visit the Mayor’s Christmas Tree through January 3rd.
Holiday Luminary Walk
November 25 & 26, December 2-3, 8-10, 15-17
From 5:00pm- 10:00pm
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!
This year, tickets will be time specific and there are extended dates and hours to accommodate everyone!
Gingerbread House Making
November 26th- November 27th
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!
A Very Merry Market
November 25th-27th
10:00am-5:00pm
City Market Kansas City: 20 E 5th St, Kansas City, Missouri 64106
Shop the holiday market early to find gifts for everyone on your list. There will be holiday vendors and local farmer market vendors who sell year-round at the City Market Farmer’s Market. There will be food, holiday drinks, and fun for the whole family.
The event & parking are both free, but they will be taking canned goods donations for Harvesters or packaged toys for The Salvation Army.
The Nutcracker
Showing in December
KC Ballet: 500 W Pershing Rd, Kansas City, Missouri 64108
Watch the KC Ballet perform The Nutcracker & get the holiday spirit! The show will run through December 23rd, so check their event page for more show times & dates.
No Info yet for 2022:
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 $40! Purchase a POGO Passfor ONLY $39.95 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.
Trip the Light Fantastic
Nothing Listed
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 pm and families start at 6:20 pm. Since this is a night ride, lights and helmets are required and may not be suitable for kids under 10.
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!
Fall Activities for Kids at Nelson Atkins
Nothing Listed
Nelson Atkins Museum: 4525 Oak St. Kansas City, MO 64111
The Nelson Atkins Museum has a calendar packed full of pre-Thanksgiving activities!
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 $40! Purchase a POGO Pass for ONLY $39.95 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.
Briarcliff Holiday Lighting Ceremony
Nothing Listed
The Village at Briarcliff: 4151 N Mulberry Dr. Kansas City, Missouri 64116
This year’s holiday lighting ceremony will look a little different, but you don’t want to miss this fun family event. There will be fireworks, holiday lights, Santa, and a mailbox to drop off letters to Santa at The Village. Be sure to visit their event page for full details.
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 $40! Purchase a POGO Pass for ONLY $39.95 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.
