Holiday lights near Kansas City for families (2026)
Checked · Covers Oct 31 – Jan 15 · All times are local Central Time
We list 4 holiday light events around Kansas City for Oct 31 – Jan 15: 1 display running for weeks and 3 one-night events. 2 list free admission. Displays that run for weeks come first, then one-night parades and tree lightings around Kansas City. Popular nights can sell out, so check the official page before you go.
Light displays open for weeks
Christmas Light Shows on Crown Center Square
- When
- Fri, Nov 27 – Sun, Dec 20 (Hallmark Christmas Experience weekends: Nov 27–29, Dec 4–6, 11–13 and 18–20) · Evenings (see the official page for show times)
- Cost
- Crown Center Square is open to the public; Hallmark Christmas Experience programs are ticketed
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
During the Hallmark Christmas Experience weekends, Crown Center Square is open to the public with light shows on the 100-foot Mayor’s Christmas Tree and surrounding buildings, live music and a Christmas market with local vendors.
✓ Checked Oct 31, 2026 on the organizer's official page
One-night light parades and tree lightings
Mayor's Tree Lighting in Downtown Lee's Summit
- When
- Fri, Nov 20 · 5–8:30pm (tree lighting 6pm)
- Cost
- No fee listed
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
Live music, kids’ activities in the market building, a 6pm tree lighting with Santa’s arrival, then photos with Santa from 6:30 to 8:30pm while downtown shops stay open late.
✓ Checked Oct 31, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Square Lighting on the Independence Square
- When
- Fri, Nov 20 · 6–7:30pm (lights on at 6:30pm)
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
Music, dancers and Santa’s arrival at 6pm, then more than a mile of lights switch on at 6:30pm. Kids can visit Santa’s workshop at the Independence Uptown Market for reindeer games, crafts and letters to Santa, and there are sleigh rides around the square.
✓ Checked Oct 31, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting at Crown Center
- When
- Fri, Nov 27 · 6pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
Kansas City lights one of the largest Christmas trees in the nation, with Youth Chorus KC, remarks from the mayor and a fireworks finale.
✓ Checked Oct 31, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Frequently asked questions
When do holiday lights open around Kansas City in 2026?
1 light display on our list runs for weeks: Christmas Light Shows on Crown Center Square (Kansas City, Nov 27 – Dec 20).
Which holiday light events near Kansas City are free?
2 light events list free admission on the official page: Square Lighting on the Independence Square (Independence, Fri, Nov 20) and Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting at Crown Center (Kansas City, Fri, Nov 27).
How much do ticketed light displays near Kansas City cost?
Prices from the official pages: Mayor's Tree Lighting in Downtown Lee's Summit (No fee listed) and Christmas Light Shows on Crown Center Square (Crown Center Square is open to the public). Prices can change by night.
Can kids see Santa at a light display near Kansas City?
Yes. 2 light events on our list have Santa: Mayor's Tree Lighting in Downtown Lee's Summit (Lee's Summit, Nov 20) and Square Lighting on the Independence Square (Independence, Nov 20). Some charge extra for Santa photos.
Which Kansas City-area cities have holiday lights events?
We list holiday lights events in 3 cities, including Kansas City (2), Lee's Summit (1) and Independence (1).
Our weekend search covers Phoenix Metro & Arizona for now, and more areas are coming soon. This guide is hand-checked the same way.
How we build this page: each event comes from the organizer's official website and shows the date we checked it. An event is called free only when its official page says so. Read how we verify listings.
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