During the holidays there truly is no place like home, especially when the place you call home is Kansas City. After Thanksgiving, the City of Fountains turns in the City of Light, filled with festive events and celebrations to kick off the Christmas season. From ice skating at Crown Center, to a horse-drawn carriage ride through the iconic streets of the luminous Country Club Plaza, to a classic performance of The Nutcracker at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Kansas City is sure to make you want to "sing loud for all to hear" with Christmas cheer! Here are 8 reasons you won't want to be anywhere else during the holidays.
1. The Plaza Lights are the definition of Instagram-worthy material
The Plaza Lights are one of the most iconic (and probably the most shared on Instagram) images of Kansas City. Every year on Thanksgiving, a switch is flipped during the Plaza lighting ceremony and 280,000 bulbs spanning over 80 miles brighten up the night sky until mid-January. The Plaza Lights are a Kansas City tradition, and have been spreading Christmas cheer ever since the first lighting of just 16 bulbs in 1925. You can even take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the streets of the plaza and soak in the beauty of the towers and trees lined with the shimmering lights.
2. Crown Center's ice skating rink reminds us of New York City
Home of the city's only outdoor ice terrace, Crown Center is definitely a must stop spot in Kansas City during the holidays. Ice skating is without a doubt one of the most popular holiday activities, and the beautiful outdoor rink covered by a blanketing white canopy and shimmering Christmas lights is practically picture perfect. Dreaming of Christmas in New York? During the holidays, Crown Center is the Central Park of the Midwest.
3. There's barbecue everywhere
Let's face it, honey hams and smoked turkeys are pretty tasty during the holidays, but we all love a big plate of classic Kansas City barbecue. Get your taste of the city's claim to fame at one of the 100 restaurants scattered throughout the metro that serve all your BBQ favorites. Jack Stack, Gates Bar-B-Q, and Arthur Bryant's Barbecue are a few of the most popular restaurants that all Kansas City natives crave.
4. You can shop pretty much anywhere, anytime
Looking to find the most unique Christmas gifts for your friends and family? Have no fear, Kansas City has got you covered. With shopping hot-spots on virtually every corner of the city, your options to find the perfect gift for that special someone are endless. Halls on Grand, located in the heart of Crown Center, is a one of a kind department store you'll only find in Kansas City. Halls has the top fashion trends for all ages, as well as festive holiday decorations and a modern vibe to assure you recieve a shopping experience you won't forget.
5. Everyone loves Christmas music
If you love a good show full of entertainment, culture, and Christmas spirit, you won't want to pass up a visit to the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts during the holidays. Modeled after the Sydney Opera House, the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts not only presents the best theatrical and musical aspects of the city, but it is also one of the most beautiful buildings in the heart of Downtown. At the Kauffman Center, you can catch breathtaking musical shows by the Kansas City Symphony and unforgettable performances of The Nutcracker this December.
6. Christmas in the park is basically like walking in a winter wonderland
Ever wondered what the North Pole looks like? Take an enchanting cruise through Longview Park during the holidays and see for yourself! With over 300,000 lights and 175 animated figures, there's no doubt that Christmas in the Park is one of the top attractions of the season.
7. Union station is #DecorationGoals
You know it's Christmas in Kansas City when Union Station looks like the inside of a snow globe. A family favorite, Union Station features Kansas City's largest indoor holiday tree, festive plays and performances, photo ops, a holiday themed Science City exhibit, mini train rides, the Kansas City Southern Express, and visits from Santa himself. Union Station is the perfect place to go for activities the whole family can enjoy. Not to mention, the holiday decorations are out of this world (and Pinterest worthy).
8. The celebration goes on
Times Square may be the iconic location to watch the ball drop and say hello to 2017, but Kansas City definitely does not fall short in celebrating the New Year. Union Station, the Power and Light District, and Westport are some of Kansas City's most energetic spots to celebrate in the Midwest.
If you are from Kansas City, you know how magical the city becomes during the winter months. Whether you call yourself a KC native or a sight-seeing tourist, Kansas City is an incredible place to live, visit, and celebrate during the holiday season.
