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Top 10 Outdoor Holiday Light Experiences

THE BEST DISPLAYS IN KANSAS CITY

Article by Heather Markway

Photography by Heather Markway

If you're anything like me, you've been yearning for the festivities of the holidays for most of the year. One of the bright spots in the holiday season is the fantastic Christmas light displays at locations throughout the Kansas City Metro. I've rounded up ten of the best outdoor viewing spots so you can safely enjoy taking in the sights and glow of the season with your family or friends.

KC Wine Co & KC Pumpkin Patch Rockin' Winter Wonderland

13875 S Gardner Road Olathe, KC 66061

This drive-thru holiday light experience is open daily from 5-9:30 pm throughout the season until 12/23. Make sure you order a delicious slushy or wine via curbside pick-up while you're there!

Admission: $25 for a single car

Country Club Plaza

4706 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64112

There is nothing that says tradition more than a visit to see the Plaza lights in Kansas City. The lights come on the night of Thanksgiving and stay shining through January 10, 2021. Take a stroll through the Plaza and enjoy shopping and eating at one of the many fine establishments during your visit.

Admission: None

Powell Gardens Festival of Lights

1609 NW US Hwy 50, Kingsville, MO 64061

25 acres of the grounds is adorned with twinkly holiday lights, creating a magical outdoor experience. Follow the one mile long path winding through the garden with colorful displays and yummy pit stops along the way. Kids and adults alike can appreciate the festive fun atmosphere. Festival of Lights runs from November 13-January 3 and is open on Thursday-Sunday 4-10 pm.

Admission: 4 years and under are free, 5-12 years $5, Adults $12. Members of Powell Gardens get free admission.

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Winter Magic

7332 Oakwood Dr. Kansas City, MO 64132

This modern drive-thru holiday lighting experience is brought to you by the Kansas City, Missouri, Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners to benefit KC Parks Summer Camp Scholarship Fund. The one-mile drive is completely adorned with several themed displays. See the Winter Magic website for ticket times availability from November 2-January 2.

Admission: $20 per single car, $30 per limo or commercial van, $40 per commercial bus

Zona Rosa

8640 N. Dixson Ave. Kansas City, MO, 64153

The Northland's well-known shopping center is dressed to the nines for the holiday season. The center boasts a 50 foot Christmas tree at Town Square and suspended crowns and lights across the streets. Selfie stations for holiday photos are set-up throughout for your posing pleasure. Join Zona Rosa From November 21 through January for a festive atmosphere as you shop and dine.

Admission: None

Lee's Summit Magic Tree

I-470 and View High Drive

This elegantly adorned tree is a photo opt favorite for locals. Thought to bring hope, goodness, love and peace to it's visitors, you cant help but be entranced by the stunning light display. This holiday season, the Magic Tree is working with Operation Toy Soldier to provide toys for children of deployed military service men and women. Bring a new toy for donation at your next visit. The tree will be lit November 26-Janaury 5, 2021.

Admission: None

Christmas in the Park

3901 SW Longview Park Drive, Lee's Summit, MO 64134

A drive-thru wonderland that boasts over 500,000 lights and 175 animated lighting displays. The magical experience is open nightly from November 25-January 2. See website for hours of operation. 

Sun-Thu 5:30-10:00 pm

Fri-Sat 5:30-11:00 pm

Admission: None, but donations encouraged to benefit local charities

Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane

13800 Switzer Overland Park, KS 66221

Enjoy a synchronized light display show in the warmth of your own vehicle. Tune to 90.5 Rose FM to hear the holiday songs as the lights twinkle and move with the music. The show runs November 26, 2020-January 7, 2021 from 5-11 pm nightly.

Admission: Free

Sar-Ko Aglow

87th Street Parkway & Lackman Road, Lenexa, KS 66215 

Take a stroll around Rose's Pond to view the beautiful display of holiday lights in Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park. The lights will be twinkling from December 4-January 10, 2021.

Admission: None

Lane of Lights

201 E. Broadway Excelsior Springs, MO 64024

Take a drive-thru trip to experience the Lane of Lights in Excelsior Springs, MO. Each evening, a different not for profit group hosts the lane and their charity benefits from your donation. Lighting displays will be up November 21-December 31.

Admission: None, but a $5 per vehicle donation is suggested.


Altasciences Holiday Lights Display

103rd & Metcalf in Overland Park, KS 66212

Suggested parking in the Emmanuel Baptist Church lot for best views, tune your car radio to channel 95.5 FM to enjoy the show! Created by Altasciences, this display of over 200,000 LED lights is a major holiday attraction in the Kansas City area.

Admission: None

Please check individual websites for most recent information and updates on hours and operational status before planning your visit.