Our beloved Kansas City has a storied history of the good-natured rivalry between the Missouri and Kansas sides (much like the good-natured rivalry we have with our fellow McCarthy dealerships).
We don’t like to pick sides, but the Kansas side is special to us. In the spirit of the holidays, let’s check out some of the best Christmas light displays on the west side of the river.
KC Winter Wonderland
KC Pumpkin Patch | 13875 S Gardner Road, Olathe, KS 66061
November 24th to December 17th
One of Olathe’s very own favorite destinations for family fun, KC Pumpkin Patch’s annual holiday celebration is finally back.
Make sure you have plenty of space on your camera roll before you go, because the photo opportunities here are endless. The farm is done up with thousands upon thousands of light tunnels, displays, statues, and more.
There’s going to be plenty of food and drink as well, so make sure you come hungry. The event only runs on select weekends throughout the month, so be sure to check the website and buy your tickets in advance online.
Holiday Light and Magic
Near Azura Amphitheater | 600 N 126th Street, Bonner Springs, KS 66012
November 16th to December 31st
If you’re looking for a truly lit family Christmas, be sure to check out one of the best drive-through light shows near Kansas City. It’s back for the 3rd year running, and it’s better than ever.
This is the perfect way to enjoy all the fun of a Christmas light show without leaving the warmth of your SUV’s heater. For some added fun, be on the lookout for Dilly the Christmas Pickle while you’re driving through—if you find him and snap a pic, then upload it to social media, you could win a return ticket on the house.
The price for entry is $25 per vehicle, no matter how many elves you cram in. They also have corporate and group discount rates, as well as a season-long park pass, which gets you into their sister light show over in KCMO. Proceeds for the event go to Children’s Mercy Hospital and the UG Parks Foundation.
Enchant
Legends Field | 1800 Village West Parkway, Kansas City, KS 66111
November 24th to December 31st
For the first time ever, this nationwide holiday light bonanza is bringing its Christmas event to Kansas City.
The main attraction is the ginormous light labyrinth, which claims to be “the world’s longest Christmas maze.” You and your family will have a blast helping Eddie the mischievous elf and his friend Sparky the reindeer find eight misplaced presents before Santa’s big night. It’s a Yuletide scavenger hunt unlike anything you’ve seen.
Other attractions include a meet-and-greet photo op with Santa, an ice skating track, and a village with boutique vendors and delectable snacks. They’ll also be hosting special events throughout the month, including ladies night, college night, military night, and a Paws n’ Claus pet night where the organization will donate food to a local animal shelter.
Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane
Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead | 13800 Switzer Road, Overland Park, KS 66221
November 23rd to December 31st
This drive-up light display near you allows you to park the car, turn on the radio, and hunker down with some snacks and a hot drink to watch the fun without having to worry about driving through.
Volunteers have spent hundreds of hours creating this perfectly-synchronized show. For the best experience, turn on 90.5 Rose FM to hear the musical accompaniment. This is the best free holiday light display in Kansas City this year.
Knights of Lights
Kansas City Renaissance Festival | 633 N 130th Street, Bonner Springs, KS 66012
November 24th to December 31st
Back for another year, this one-of-a-kind light show mixes the festivities of Christmas with the fun of ye olde faire. There’ll be a maze, a castle, and a pirate ship, all lit up with over 500,000 flashing bulbs. There’s a meet-and-greet with St. Nick too, so you can forget the mall—this is without a doubt the coolest opportunity to meet Santa near you.
The fair will have special event opportunities throughout the month as well, including an intimate feast inside an igloo, and a banger of a New Year’s Eve celebration. Pets are welcome, so be sure to bring them along.
Sar-Ko Aglow
Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park | W 87th Street Parkway & Lackman Road, Lenexa, KS 66215
December 1st to January 15th
If you’re looking for one of the best Christmas events for families, this is it.
Parking and admission are free, which makes this a great idea for parents on a budget, or couples looking for a no-fuss romantic after-dinner spot. The lights playing across Rose’s Pond are stunning any time of day, but they really pop at night. You’ll have plenty of chances to take some great photos as you wind your way through the park’s trails, and there’s no time limit, so you can stay and soak it all in for as long as you want.
Luminary Walk
Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens | 8909 W 179th Street, Overland Park, KS 66013
November 24th to December 16th
One of the most gorgeous nature walks in Kansas City is getting the holiday lights treatment, and this one is a must-see.
This event has three different experiences to choose from. The titular Luminary Walk combines a ton of different light installations with musical interludes to create an ethereal landscape. The Electric Glow attraction is a more low-key version with electric lights only, and it resembles a more traditional Christmas light display. There’s also a Candlelight Stroll, which is a much tamer adults-only affair meant to highlight the contemplative nature of a secluded winter stroll.
You could pick just one, but we say all three are worth a go. Free parking is available on a first-come first-served basis.
Where Else Can You See Christmas Lights Near You?
Did you go all-out on your holiday lights at home this year? Hit us up on our Facebook page if you want some recognition, because we’re always looking for more stops to add to the Christmas light tour.
If you’re in need of a new ride to bring the whole family along on your next holiday outing, we’ve got you covered. Give us a call at (866) 453-2062 and ask us about our Chevy Suburban lease deals in Kansas City today.
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