There’s something magical about Kansas City in December — the way even the busiest parts of the city slow down just a tiny bit, the way the cold air feels softer when you’re bundled up and on the hunt for the best lights. Every year, my family makes a whole evening or two out of it, revisiting our favorite spots and trying something new. If you’re looking for the best places to soak up that Christmas feeling in 2025, here are the displays and neighborhoods that truly shine.
One of the most iconic Kansas City traditions is the Country Club Plaza Lights. It’s classic KC — jewel-toned lights wrapped across every rooftop and tower. Whether you’re parking to Christmas shop, walking with a coffee in hand, or just taking a slow drive through, it always feels festive and familiar. Nearby, the Ward Parkway neighborhoods make for such a cozy follow-up. The homes around 69th Street and the surrounding blocks are beautifully decorated, and the whole area just feels warm and nostalgic. Sometimes the neighborhood kids get together and sell hot chocolate. My family and I try to go every year. It’s one of those traditions that sneaks up and stays.
Location:
• Plaza Lights cover the Country Club Plaza shopping district (47th Street & Broadway, Kansas City, MO).
• Ward Parkway homes are especially festive around 69th St, between Ward Parkway & Pennsylvania Ave, Kansas City, MO.
If you want something with a little more spectacle, Christmas in the Park at Longview Lake is always a must. We’ve made this drive-through part of our own family rhythm — blankets and Ron’s homemade popcorn (he’s famous for it at our house), Christmas music in the car, with some of the kids popping out of the sunroof. They wave to other kids peeking out of other sunroofs, and wouldn’t you know it — that’s one of the BEST parts of the tradition. We discuss who likes the Bear blowing bubbles best, or the Skier who seemingly sails over our van. The lights are charming and it always delivers that just-right Christmas connection.
Location: Longview Lake Campground, 1499 SW County Park Rd, Lee’s Summit, MO.
Over in Johnson County, you’ll find some of the most dedicated Christmas neighborhoods. Candy Cane Lane in Prairie Village is one of those peaceful, simple displays that instantly makes you feel like you’re in a Hallmark movie. Not too far away, Christmas Place in Overland Park takes decorating to a whole new level — every home on the double cul-de-sac participates, and it’s pure Christmas joy packed into one little neighborhood loop. And then there’s Christmas on Bradshaw, a longtime favorite of many. Most years the homes even synchronize with music, making it such a fun, memorable stop.
Location:
• Candy Cane Lane — 7900 block of Outlook St, Prairie Village, KS.
• Christmas Place — 131st Terrace & Antioch Rd (Terrace Place subdivision), Overland Park, KS.
• Christmas on Bradshaw — 13800 block of Bradshaw St, Overland Park, KS.
If your family enjoys walkable displays, Powell Gardens Festival of Lights is absolutely worth the drive and would be my first recommendation. The botanical garden setting makes it feel incredibly peaceful — glowing pathways, illuminated art pieces, and a slower pace that invites you to linger, even by an open fire if it’s too chilly. And across a different part of the metro, Sar-Ko Aglow in Lenexa is another wonderful walking experience. Both offer the chance to get out of the car and explore at your own pace — perfect if it’s not too blustery out, and depending which side of the city you’re on. The lit trees reflecting off the lake at Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park make the whole area feel both community-centered and beautifully serene. It feels like a little country in the middle of the city. Either choice will be a delightful walk with the family.
Location:
• Powell Gardens — 1609 NW US Hwy 50, Kingsville, MO (about 35 minutes east of KC).
• Sar-Ko Aglow — Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park, 87th St Pkwy & Lackman Rd, Lenexa, KS.
For something quick, festive, and super kid-friendly, the synchronized barn display at Deanna Rose Farmstead’s Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane is a fun, easy stop — perfect to tuck into an evening where you’re already in the area.
Location: 13800 Switzer Rd, Overland Park, KS.
Wherever you decide to go this season, I hope you find the same kind of gentle, memory-making joy that my family has found in so many of these places. Kansas City really knows how to shine at Christmastime — sometimes literally — and it’s worth slowing down to enjoy it. Pssst. Jammies and hot cocoa kick it up a notch!
Keep on connecting with your family, it’s one of the BEST things you can ever do.
