December in Kansas City is magical. From the time honored tradition of the Plaza Lights ceremony to the arrival of Kansas City’s Southern Holiday Express Train at Union Station, there is something to spark everyone’s holiday spirit.
Before December in Kansas City arrives, there are two very special traditions that Kansas Citians’s hold dear to their hearts, Plaza Lights and the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting. Plaza Lights ushered in the holiday season for the 89th year on Thanksgiving Night with performances, giveaways and fireworks. Mayor Sly James continued the holiday spirit with the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at Crown Center the following evening. The 100-foot-tall Mayor’s Christmas Tree is actually one of the nations tallest, making it a centerpiece of December in Kansas City. The Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting also comes with the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund. This fund directly benefits families, low income seniors, and people who are in need.
Three newer additions to the celebration of December in Kansas City are Winterfest at Worlds of Fun, Downtown Dazzle, a month long celebration of the holidays in Kansas City and the KC Street Car Holiday Jam Concert Series.
Winterfest runs from December 1-December 30 and is full of lights, live shows, holiday characters and treats in Mrs. Claus’s kitchen. Be sure to check the Winterfest calendar of events before planning your visit.
https://www.worldsoffun.com/play/winterfest
Downtown Dazzle runs from November 22-December 31 and promises a holiday experience that only Kansas City can offer. Downtown Dazzle celebrates the season with local dining, shopping and tours.
https://www.downtowndazzle.com
KC Streetcar Holiday Jam in partnership with Downtown Dazzle will provide riders free, local, live music while you explore Kansas City. The routes and hours remain the same, but the memories are endless. The season runs from December 1-December 15.
https://www.downtowndazzle.com/transportation/kc-streetcar
The holiday magic of December in Kansas City is also highlighted with another favorite tradition, the Kansas City Southern Holiday Express Train which arrives at Union Station carrying a very special guest. This extraordinary train arrives and visits Kansas City from December 14-18, giving families the delight of meeting Santa, seeing the elves’ workshop, Santa’s sleigh and a reindeer stable.
https://www.unionstation.org/events/kansas-city-southern’s-holiday-express-train
Last but not least, the holidays are brought to life at The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, home to the Kansas City Ballet, the Kansas City Symphony and Lyric Opera of Kansas City. December brings Kansas City Ballet’s, The Nutrcracker, and Kansas City Symphony’s, Handel’s Messiah and Christmas Festival.
There is so much more to December in Kansas City than what you have just read, yet there is nothing greater than sharing or donating your time, clothes, or food so those in need can look forward to their December in Kansas City.
YCS Group, LLC thanks you, Kansas City, for a wonderful year, truly the best city there is! Here’s to wishing you the best December Kansas City has to offer.
