December in Kansas City is one of my favorite things — the lights, the coziness, the bustling energy, the way the city starts to feel smaller and sweeter. But if you’re anything like me, you also know how easy it is to overload this season.

So here’s your gentle reminder: this is a MENU, not a checklist. Choose the things that sound good for your family, leave the rest, and promise yourself you won’t cram December so full you forget to enjoy it.

Below are 25 ideas for making December feel magical — some big, some simple, all meant to help you slow down and savor this season with your people.

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1. A Trip to Union Station

Whether you want to go all out and attend the Holiday Reflections set up in the Grand Plaza, or you simply want to wander the Grand Hall and see the traditional (and very tall!) Christmas Tree between Harvey’s and Pierpont’s, this cozy tradition is always a delight. Don’t forget about seeing The Polar Express on the biggest screen if you want a jammie night out at the movies! 

Details: Holidays – Union Station

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2. Crown Center’s Mayor’s Christmas Tree

One of the tallest Christmas trees in the nation — and a Kansas City tradition. I remember when my kids were littler and spent time playing on aaaalll the fun wooden structures over the years. Walk around, grab a hot chocolate, visit shops, or pair it with The Coterie.

Details: Crown Center Christmas | Christmas Crown Center

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3. The Plaza Lights Stroll

Bundle the kids and take a walk through the Plaza Lights. Simple and beautiful. Stop by The Better Cheddar for some of your party favorites, while you’re at it. One of my favorite cheese stores (and that’s saying something, because I grew up in Wisconsin!). 

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4. Make Christmas Cookies at Home

Stay in and create (or continue!) a holiday tradition. Make your favorite cookie with the kids. Add an extra layer of family fun with  decorating night.  

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5.  Family Craft Evening

Pick something you’ve Pinned recently, or grab a kit from the Hobby Lobby and make a simple night of it. I love cutting up paper snowflakes together and letting the kids hang them for decoration. 

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6. Powell Gardens’ Festival of Lights

A walk-through winter wonderland. Dress warm and go slow.

Details: Festival of Lights – Powell Gardens

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7.  Hot Chocolate + Christmas Lights Drive

Put the kids in pajamas, cue the Christmas playlist, and drive through Brookside, Mission Hills, or Prairie Village.

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8. Ice Skating at Crown Center Ice Terrace

Classic KC winter outing. Stop for cocoa afterward. Enjoy the Crown Center view and lights.

Details: Crown Center Ice Terrace (2025 – 2026 Season) | Crown Center

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9. Visit the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium

Animals are lively in the cold, it’s fun to watch the kids enjoy them, and the aquarium is cozy. I don’t know about you, but I could watch the penguins for the better part of an afternoon if given the chance. 

Details: Home | Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium

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10. Christmas in the Park (Longview Lake)

Drive-through light magic — free and beloved for decades. They just keep improving it, while keeping around some of our tried and true favorites (hello, Bear Blowing Bubbles! I see you). 

Details: Jackson County presents the 38th Annual Christmas in the Park – Jackson County MO

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11. Sar-Ko Aglow (Lenexa)

A beautiful, walkable light display around the ponds — a great local outing.

Details: Sar-Ko Aglow – City of Lenexa, KS

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12. Shop a Kansas City Holiday Market

Think Strawberry Swing, Made in KC, or any of the neighborhood pop-ups.

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13. Briarcliff Village Lights + Cozy Dinner

Enjoy the charming atmosphere and Christmas lights — topped off with a meal at Trezo Mare or Barrio.

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14. Zona Rosa Holiday Lights + Shopping

Festive and upscale, while still fitting the whole family! Make a night of it, go ice skating, and grab some dinner. 

Details: Home – Zona Rosa

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15. Visit a Local Bookstore

Try Monarch Books & Gifts or KD’s Books for cozy December reads and gifts. 

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16. Pick Up Holiday Cookies from Kansas City Bakeries

Delicious options: McLain’s, Blue Chip, Heirloom Bakery, or Mud Pie. Hey, it’s not cheating in the least. It’s buying local and enjoying that tradition! I know McLain’s is fast becoming a tradition for us! 

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17. Make a Cozy Day of It at Park Place in Leawood

Shop at Pink Antlers, skate at the ice rink in the afternoon or evening, enjoy coffee or a meal from one of the lovely restaurants just a few steps away. 

Details: Visit The Ice at Park Place in Leawood, KS | Park Place

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18. Family Movie Night with Matching Pajamas

Not every memory has to be a big outing, and sometimes that’s BETTER! At our house, Ron would be making the popcorn (he adds his own half butter, half coconut oil mixture after popping the corn on the stovetop), I would make the cocoa, and kids grab extra blankets! 

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19. Visit the Overland Park Arboretum

Even without a formal light show, it’s peaceful and beautiful in winter.

Details: Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

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Theatre & Music Picks for December

Here are the KC holiday performances I chose to share with you that are definitely worth considering adding to your holiday plans! 

20. A Christmas Carol — KCRep

A Kansas City classic. The perfect mix of festive, heartwarming, and beautifully produced.
Runs Nov 22 – Dec 27, 2025 at Spencer Theatre.

Tickets & details: A Christmas Carol 2025 – KCRep

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21. Elf — The Musical (TYA) at The Coterie

A fun, kid-friendly version of Elf performed as a “theatre-for-young-audiences” musical.
Runs Nov 11 – Dec 31, 2025.

Tickets & info: Elf the Musical TYA – The Coterie

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22. The Nutcracker — Kansas City Ballet

Timeless, dazzling, magical. A perfect holiday tradition for families or grandparents visiting from out of town. Snag your tickets fast! 

Tickets & info: The Nutcracker in Kansas City – KC Ballet – Official Tickets

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23. Christmas Festival — Kansas City Symphony & Chorus

A big, joyful holiday concert with carols, orchestra, and festive flair.
Runs Dec 18–21, 2025.

Tickets & info: Kansas City Symphony

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24. TubaChristmas 2025 — Kansas City Symphony

A wildly charming KC tradition — hundreds of tubas and euphoniums playing holiday carols together. There may even still be time join. Fun fact: I played the Tuba for five years when I was in school, so this is one that I LOVE! For now, I’m joining the crowds listening, but maybe I’ll take it up again someday.

Best pick: Monday, December 15th at 12 PM at Helzberg Hall.

Details: TubaChristmas | Young Artists Events | Kansas City Symphony

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25. Book Your “Home for the Holidays” Family Session

Entirely cliche of me, but what can I say? I’m biased. When extended family is in town, December is prime time for in-home or studio sessions that feel cozy, meaningful, and beautifully you.

Whether you want the session at your home (perfect for grandparents) or a minimal studio feel, — I’ve designed my full-service process to make it EASY! 

Enjoy the Menu!

Don’t do it all! I know you’re intentional with your time and value the right family activities + rest. 

You’re allowed to pick one or two things that make your heart feel light.
You’re allowed to slow down.
You’re allowed to choose connection over chaos.

And when you’re ready to capture your family exactly as they are — warm, joyful, and right in the middle of your real-life holiday magic — I’m here for that, too.