1. The Plaza lighting ceremony! Every Thanksgiving night hundreds gather in the heart of Country Club Plaza to hear some holiday music and witness the flipping of the switch - officially lighting the Christmas lights.
2. Skating at the Crown Center Ice Terrace. Not only is it fairly cheap, but nothing is more fun than ice skating at one of the most festive locations in town.
3. Each year the Kansas City Repertory Theatre presents "A Christmas Carol". After seeing it four times, I can assure you, it's worth every cent. I find myself more invested in the magic of this story each time I see it!
4. The Kansas City Ballet's performance of "The Nutcracker". This is also an annual show and always has a packed house! The exquisite pairing of music and ballet will have you in awe.
5. Crown Center! Not only is the Ice Terrace amazing but so is the rest of Crown Center. Outside you can find a beautifully crafted wooden playground for all - surrounded by light filled trees. Inside, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate while listening to Christmas performances from nearby choirs, and letting the kids free at Gingerbread Station- an indoor play zone for children. And your holiday shopping wouldn't be complete without stopping at the incredible Christmas store upstairs.
6. Decorations at Union Station. Each year, Union Station is decked out in festive decorations - including a Christmas train for children (featured in the picture above).
7. Another piece of Union Station's decorations in the always popular train sets. The train sets are open for viewing to public all year 'round but get a little makeover during the holiday season. A must see.
8. Christmas In The Park at Longview Lake - one of my favorite holiday traditions! Grab your family or friends, turn that Christmas music on, and take a drive through the park. Each year there are new installations of lights and each year, the magic is brought to life.
9. Lee's Summit's good old Magic Tree. The Magic Tree is a fairly new addition but very popular. Each year the tree is featured in thousands of selfies and group pictures - don't miss out on that magic photo op.
10. This one's for the kiddos and Grinch lovers. From December 10th to December 18th, City Market will transform into the city of Whoville during "Whoville Holidays". Dress up as a Who and come take pictures with Cindy Lou Who and the Grinch. Not only is it free, it's also for a great cause! Bring three canned goods for Harvesters or a new toy for Salvation Army to give back this holiday season!
11. Head to Zona Rosa with the kiddos to enjoy a walk through the winter igloo (a tradition since 1954) before stopping to see the Fairy Princess. After giving her your holiday wishes, you get a special treat! Adorable and fun for young children.
12. Although a year-round opportunity, it seems much more magical to take a ride on a horse-drawn carriage around Country Club Plaza at Christmastime.
13. Zona Rosa is also an amazing place to shop during the holidays! While your shopping, stop and grab a bite to eat and enjoy some live entertainment!
14. Independence is home to one of the most festive mansions in the country. Take a tour of the Victorian Vaile Mansion's 31 rooms decked out in Christmas decor!
15. Take a drive down Candy Cane Lane! Since 1958, residents of this Prairie Village neighborhood have been going all out for the holidays! The traffic circle includes 10 feet tall candy canes and a 50 foot Christmas tree!
