The holiday season in SE Kansas City is pure magic — twinkling lights, cozy cocoa, and family traditions that make memories to last all year. Macaroni KID SE Kansas City is your go-to guide for everything merry and bright — from festive events and dazzling light displays to Santa visits and local holiday fun. Explore our list below and make this a season your family will never forget.
Bookmark this guide and check back often — we’ll keep adding new events and activities all season long!
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Must-See Holiday Attractions in SE Kansas City
Discover the best holiday attractions and light displays that make SE Kansas City shine this season.
38th Annual Christmas in the Park
Location: Frank White Jr. Softball Complex, 3901 SW Longview Rd, Lee’s Summit, MO 64081
Highlights: A beloved drive-thru tradition with over one million lights, 200+ animated displays, and a glowing route through Longview Lake Campground—plus free admission and a community-giving mission that supports 36 local charities.
More details: https://www.makeyourdayhere.com/Event-Calendar/38th-Annual-Christmas-in-the-Park
Lee’s Summit Magic Tree
Location: 3201 NW Paragon Pkwy, Lee’s Summit, MO 64081
Highlights: Continue your holiday tradition with a brand-new location at Paragon Star, featuring a stunning illuminated tree perfect for photos, memory-making, and kicking off the season with joy, hope, and community. Free to attend, with encouraged toy donations to spread extra holiday cheer.
More details: https://paragonstar.com/pages/the-magic-tree
Holiday Tours at Bingham-Waggoner Estate
Location: 313 West Pacific Ave, Independence, MO 64051
Highlights: Step inside one of Independence’s most magical Christmas traditions as the historic Bingham-Waggoner Mansion transforms into a beautifully decorated holiday wonderland. Enjoy guided tours filled with charm, elegance, and festive décor throughout this beloved estate.
More details: https://www.bwestate.net/
Evergy Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens
Location: 1609 NW US Hwy 50, Kingsville, MO 64061
Highlights: Powell Gardens transforms into a glowing winter wonderland with a lighted outdoor walking path, the iconic Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel, shimmering snowflakes in the Meadow Pavilion, a magical Winter Holiday Train inside the Conservatory, and the Totally Rad Holiday 1980s-themed warming station. Enjoy fire pits, festive drinks, charcuterie cones, bakery treats, and sweeping views from the Silo.
More details: https://powellgardens.org/festival-of-lights/
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Upcoming Holiday Events and Santa Visits in SE Kansas City
Looking for parades, tree lightings, Santa photo ops, and holiday markets? We’ve got you covered! These family-friendly holiday events in SE Kansas City are the perfect way to celebrate the season.
We do our best to verify event details, but always double-check before heading out as organizers may change plans without notifying us.
 Jill Wellington | Canva |
More Holiday and Winter Fun in SE Kansas City
There’s so much happening this winter! Explore even more ways to make the season special:
- Free Personalized Elf Letter
- Holiday Music and Performances
- Get Glam for the Holidays
- Best Holiday Light Displays in & around KC
- Holiday Pop-Up Bars in & around Kansas City
- Kid-Friendly Holiday Pop-Ups
- Holiday Movie & Festive Films
- Holiday Craft Fairs and Markets
- Santa Sightings
- Where to Get Your Christmas Tree
- Best Outdoor Winter Activities for Families
- Free Personalized Santa Letter (coming soon!)
- SE Kansas City, MO Holiday Gift Guide (coming soon!)
Share the Holiday Spirit
Hosting a family-friendly holiday event in SE Kansas City? Submit it to our calendar so we can share it with local families!
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