2026 holiday guide

Kansas City Christmas events in 2026

Make a plan around a market, a show or a day on the ice. Every date below comes from its organizer's 2026 page. For light displays and drives, use our Kansas City Christmas lights guide.

Official event pages checked November 5, 2026. Dates and ticket details can change.

Markets and seasonal outings

A place to browse together and bring home something local.

November 19–22, 2026; separate VIP night November 18

Kansas City Holiday Boutique

The Overland Park Convention Center hosts a multi-day shopping event with vendors. Regular admission does not cover VIP night.

Check the organizer

Fridays–Sundays, November 27–December 20, 2026

Hallmark Christmas Experience

Crown Center's event includes a Christmas Market and other activities; check which parts need tickets.

Check the organizer

November 27, 2026

Santa's Arrival at Crown Center

A Crown Center holiday outing for families planning around the first weekend after Thanksgiving.

Check the organizer

Shows and concerts

Pick a performance first, then check the organizer's schedule for tickets and showtimes.

November 28–December 24, 2026

The Nutcracker, Kansas City Ballet

Kansas City Ballet brings its holiday production to the Kauffman Center.

Check the organizer

November 27–December 23, 2026

The Great Christmas Cookie Bake-Off

A City Stage holiday show at Union Station.

Check the organizer

December 17–20, 2026

Kansas City Symphony Christmas Festival

The Symphony lists several performances across four days.

Check the organizer

November 10–December 31, 2026

The Pigeon Gets a Big Time Holiday Extravaganza!

The Coterie's family musical at Crown Center; check the theater for individual showtimes.

Check the organizer

November 20–December 20, 2026

Crown Center Winterland

A holiday cirque show at Crown Center's Grand Theater.

Check the organizer

Skating and family days

These outings are easy to fit around a meal or a visit downtown.

2026–27 season, through March 14

Crown Center Ice Terrace

Crown Center's outdoor rink is open for the season; check the current schedule and weather updates.

Check the organizer

November 27, 2026

CPKC Holiday Train at Union Station

Union Station lists the train visit in its holiday calendar; check its page for access details.

Check the organizer

New Year's Eve with the family

An earlier celebration for families who want to count down together.

December 31, 2026

Noon Year's Eve at Science City

Union Station lists a daytime Science City celebration; check its event page for the current schedule and admission details.

Check the organizer

Holiday party ideas for your team or friends

Start with the group's date and a shared destination: a show, a market or a dinner you reserve yourself. For a private bus, see the company holiday party plan. If the group wants lights, see the holiday lights tour. For December 31, look at the New Year's Eve party bus plan. Confirm each venue's own entry and schedule before arranging transportation.

Kansas City holiday event questions

Which Christmas events have confirmed 2026 dates?

The organizers linked above have posted dates for their markets, performances, skating and family events. The range shown is the organizer's 2026 range, not a promise of a show every day. Open the event page before buying tickets or setting a group itinerary.

Where can we plan a Christmas lights outing?

Use our lights guide for displays and driving details, or see the holiday lights tour if the group wants a bus outing.