Your Kansas City Mom’s Guide to Planning Holiday Family Memories

Christmas is coming — and if you’re anything like most Kansas City moms, you can already feel that mix of excitement and overwhelm creeping in. There’s the shopping lists, the decorating, the class parties, the travel plans — and somewhere in all of it, that quiet hope to slow down and actually enjoy the season. I’ve been there too, caught between wanting it to be magical and realizing that magic usually happens when we plan a few things intentionally and let the rest go.

This year, what if Christmas didn’t feel like a rush? What if instead of scrambling to make everything perfect, you started now — planning just a handful of meaningful moments that your family can truly savor? You don’t need to do it all; you just need to do a few things that matter. Here’s a little inspiration to help you begin creating your family’s holiday memories early — before the to-do list takes over.

Kansas City truly shines at Christmas, and you don’t have to go far to find that holiday sparkle. The Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens is always a good idea. It runs from November 20 through January 3, and walking through the glowing gardens feels like stepping into a Christmas storybook. If you can, plan a weeknight visit for fewer crowds, bundle up, and bring along a thermos of cocoa — they usually have a few fires along the way to warm near.

Another must-do is Christmas in the Park at Longview Lake, opening November 26. It’s a Kansas City classic for a reason — more than half a million lights and animated displays you can enjoy right from your car. Throw everyone in their pajamas, pack snacks, and let your kids choose the playlist. It’s the perfect low-stress family night that still feels special. Our kids take turns popping up through the sunroof while we mosey around enjoying the lights! 

When the weather turns extra chilly, Holiday Reflections at Union Station is a great indoor option. From November 21 through January 4, Union Station transforms into a winter wonderland filled with model trains, glittering lights, and one of the biggest Christmas trees in the city. It’s the perfect mix of tradition and magic, and it’s something you can make part of your family rhythm each year. And if you’re looking for a little extra sparkle, the Kansas City Ballet’s Nutcracker is always breathtaking. Performances run from November 29 through December 24 at the Kauffman Center, and it’s one of those experiences your kids will never forget.

The best way to actually enjoy these events (+ others around KC!) is to pick just two or three now — add them to your calendar, buy the tickets early, and let those become the anchor moments of your family’s holiday season. You’ll be amazed how much calmer December feels when those plans are already set.

Of course, not every special moment has to happen out and about. Some of the best Christmas memories are the ones that unfold right at home. Plan a night to drive around and look at neighborhood lights, or choose a Saturday in December for a gingerbread house competition. We like to do a boys vs girls gingerbread house and it’s quite entertaining! 

Decorating the tree, baking cookies, and sipping cocoa under twinkle lights — these small, cozy moments are often the ones that linger the longest.

And while you’re planning for the season, now is the time to think about how you’ll preserve it. I’m offering a very limited number of sessions for Thanksgiving and December this year. The holidays are such a beautiful time to capture your family as you really are — wrapped in the warmth of the season, full of connection, and surrounded by the people you love most. These aren’t just photos for your Christmas cards; they become the heirlooms that help your kids remember what home felt like.

As a Kansas City family photographer, my full-service sessions are designed to take the stress out of the process. From wardrobe and styling to helping you choose artwork and albums, everything is handled so you can simply enjoy the experience. When your photos are finished, they’re framed memories that hang on your walls or live on your shelves, telling your family’s story for years to come.

As you start planning for Christmas 2025, give yourself the gift of intentionality. Choose a few special Kansas City holiday events, block out a couple of cozy nights at home, and make time to capture your family’s joy before the season speeds by. Because the truth is, you don’t need to do everything to make this time magical — you just need to be present for the parts that matter most.

If you’re ready to book one of those limited holiday session spots or want to chat about what a full-service family experience could look like for your family, I’d love to connect. Let’s make this Christmas one you can look back on — not for how much you did, but for how much you enjoyed it.