Best Christmas Lights in Kansas City: Your 2026 Holiday Guide
The holiday season is here, and Kansas City is ready to shine! From dazzling drive-through displays to charming downtown streets lined with twinkling lights, there's no shortage of festive fun across the metro. Whether you're planning a family outing, a holiday date night, or simply looking for a little Christmas magic, this guide highlights some of the best places to see holiday lights in Kansas City in 2026.
Grab your hot cocoa, turn up the Christmas music, and explore these festive favorites!
Christmas Lights in Lee's Summit & Eastern Jackson County
Christmas in the Park | Longview Lake, Lee's Summit
November 25 – December 31, 2026 | Free
One of Kansas City's most beloved holiday traditions! Enjoy a drive through more than 500,000 twinkling lights at Longview Lake. This family-friendly experience is free, although donations benefiting local charities are encouraged.
Location: 3901 SW Longview Road, Lee's Summit, MO
Magic Tree | Lee's Summit
A local favorite featuring thousands of colorful LED lights illuminating a beautiful tree. It's a perfect stop for holiday photos and a little seasonal magic.
Location: 3201 NW Paragon Parkway, Lee's Summit, MO
North Pole Trail of Lights | Blue Springs
Enjoy a festive walk through Rotary Park, where colorful holiday displays create a cheerful atmosphere for families and visitors.
Location: Rotary Park, 600 NW Vesper Street, Blue Springs, MO
North Pole Acres | Oak Grove
This animated drive-through holiday attraction offers a fun way to experience Christmas lights without leaving the warmth of your car.
Location: 1010 NW 1st Street, Oak Grove, MO
Independence Square | Independence
Historic Independence Square transforms into a festive destination with holiday lights illuminating its charming streets and historic buildings. Make an evening of it with dinner, shopping, and a stroll around the square.
Evergy Festival of Lights | Powell Gardens, Kingsville
November 19, 2026 – January 3, 2027 | Select Evenings | Tickets Required
Experience a winter wonderland at Powell Gardens! Wander illuminated garden pathways, enjoy beautiful light installations, and take in the peaceful beauty of the season. It's an especially memorable outing for couples, families, and anyone who loves the outdoors.
Location: 1609 NW US Highway 50, Kingsville, MO
Christmas Lights in Downtown Kansas City & Midtown
Country Club Plaza Lights | Kansas City
Beginning November 26, 2026 | Free
No Kansas City holiday season is complete without the iconic Plaza Lights! Thousands of sparkling lights outline the Plaza's beautiful Spanish-inspired architecture, creating one of the city's most recognizable holiday scenes.
Enjoy an evening of shopping, dining, and sightseeing beneath the lights.
Mayor's Christmas Tree | Crown Center
Lighting Ceremony: November 27, 2026 | Free
Crown Center is a must-visit during the holidays! The towering Mayor's Christmas Tree is a Kansas City tradition, surrounded by festive decorations, shopping, and seasonal activities.
Location: 2450 Grand Boulevard, Kansas City, MO
Holiday Reflections | Union Station
November 20, 2026 – January 4, 2027 | Tickets Required
Step into a magical holiday experience at Union Station! Explore beautifully decorated trees, sparkling displays, festive photo opportunities, and the beloved Holiday Model Train exhibit.
Location: 30 W Pershing Road, Kansas City, MO
GloWild | Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium
Experience larger-than-life illuminated lanterns and colorful displays throughout the zoo. This unique nighttime attraction is a fun alternative to traditional Christmas light displays.
Location: 6800 Zoo Drive, Kansas City, MO
Downtown Marriott Holiday Lights | Kansas City
The Kansas City Marriott Downtown is known for its coordinated holiday window light displays, adding extra sparkle to the downtown skyline.
Location: 200 W 12th Street, Kansas City, MO
Ward Parkway & Brookside Neighborhood Lights
Some of Kansas City's most beautiful holiday displays can be found right in its neighborhoods! Take a leisurely drive through Ward Parkway and Brookside to admire decorated homes, glowing trees, and festive streets.
Christmas Lights in Kansas City's Northland
Winter Magic | Platte Purchase Park
November 4, 2026 – January 2, 2027 | Tickets Required
Experience a mile-long drive-through holiday light show featuring synchronized music, colorful displays, and festive surprises. Winter Magic is a great option for families who want to enjoy the lights from the comfort of their vehicles.
Location: 10400 N Platte Purchase Drive, Kansas City, MO
Northern Lights | Zona Rosa
Enjoy festive shopping and sightseeing at Zona Rosa, where illuminated crowns, decorated storefronts, and a beautiful Christmas tree help create a cheerful holiday atmosphere.
Location: Zona Rosa, Kansas City, MO
Lane of Lights | Excelsior Springs
This charming community holiday display features colorful lights and festive scenes, with local nonprofit organizations participating throughout the season.
Location: East Valley Park, Excelsior Springs, MO
Christmas Lights in Overland Park & Johnson County
Luminary Walk | Overland Park Arboretum
November 27–28; December 4–5, 11–12 & 18–19, 2026 | Tickets Required
Enjoy a peaceful stroll through beautifully illuminated gardens featuring candlelit pathways, sparkling lights, fairy villages, and live entertainment. The Luminary Walk is one of Johnson County's most charming holiday traditions.
Adults-only Candlelight Stroll evenings are also scheduled for December 3, 10, and 17.
Location: 8909 W 179th Street, Overland Park, KS
Electric Glow | Overland Park Arboretum
December 16, 20–23 & 26, 2026 | Tickets Required
Experience the Arboretum's beautiful holiday lighting in a quieter, electric-lights-only setting. This special event is ideal for those looking for a relaxed evening surrounded by festive scenery.
Location: 8909 W 179th Street, Overland Park, KS
Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane | Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead
November 26 – December 31, 2026 | Free
Enjoy a festive synchronized light show set to holiday music! Tune your radio to 90.5 FM and watch the lights dance along to the music.
Location: 13800 Switzer Road, Overland Park, KS
Thompson Park Holiday Lights | Overland Park
Downtown Overland Park gets into the holiday spirit with festive decorations, glowing trees, and a beautiful Christmas tree at Thompson Park.
Location: 8045 Santa Fe Drive, Overland Park, KS
Sar-Ko Aglow | Lenexa
December 4, 2026 – January 18, 2027 | Free
Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park comes alive with thousands of twinkling lights illuminating its trees and pathways. This free holiday tradition is perfect for an evening stroll around Rose's Pond.
Location: 8801 Greenway Lane, Lenexa, KS
Hometown Holidays | Stagecoach Park, Olathe
Enjoy a festive display featuring thousands of lights throughout Stagecoach Park, creating a cheerful holiday atmosphere for visitors.
Location: 1205 E Kansas City Road, Olathe, KS
Christmas in the Park | Gardner
Cornerstone Park offers a charming community holiday light display, perfect for a quick festive outing with family or friends.
Location: Cornerstone Park, Gardner, KS
Tanger Kansas City at Legends | Kansas City, KS
Tree Lighting: November 13, 2026 | Free
Kick off the holiday season with a festive tree-lighting celebration at Legends! Enjoy synchronized holiday lights while checking a few gifts off your shopping list.
Location: Village West, Kansas City, KS
Make the Most of the Holiday Season in Kansas City
Whether you're exploring the iconic Plaza Lights, enjoying a cozy drive through Christmas in the Park, or discovering a new neighborhood display, Kansas City offers countless ways to celebrate the season.
Before heading out, be sure to check individual event websites for updated hours, admission prices, and weather-related changes. Some smaller neighborhood displays may not have finalized their 2026 schedules.
From all of us at The Rob Ellerman Team, we wish you a wonderful holiday season filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories!
Looking to make Kansas City home? Explore available homes and discover the communities that make the Kansas City metro such a special place to live at therobellermanteam.com.
