What’s happening in Kansas City

The holiday lights, shows, markets, and big nights worth planning a trip around, from the Plaza lighting to New Year’s Eve. Updated monthly. Last updated November 6, 2026.

Check availability

Now through mid-November

  • Nov 6 to Jan
    Crown Center Ice Terrace opensCrown Center

    Outdoor skating with rentals and lessons.

  • Nov 7, 13, 15
    The Marriage of FigaroLyric Opera of Kansas City, Muriel Kauffman Theatre

    Mozart’s comic opera.

  • Nov 14
    The Music of Studio GhibliHelzberg Hall

    The Kansas City Symphony performs Joe Hisaishi’s film scores.

  • Nov 13 on
    Legends Outlets holiday seasonLegends Outlets, Kansas City, Kansas

    Holiday shopping with a tree lighting and movies on the lawn.

Late November: the holidays begin

  • Nov 19 to Jan 3
    Festival of LightsPowell Gardens

    Illuminated garden paths, a train ride, and a marketplace.

  • Nov 20 to Jan 4
    Holiday ReflectionsUnion Station

    A walk-through holiday village in the historic station.

  • Nov 21 and 22
    Holiday SwingUnion Station

    A European-style market of local makers and artists.

  • Nov 21 to Dec 24
    A Christmas CarolKC Repertory Theatre, Spencer Theatre

    Dickens’s classic, on stage.

  • Nov 22
    Brandi Carlile: Burn the SetlistUptown Theater

    An all-request show where fans choose the songs.

  • Nov 27
    Plaza Lighting CeremonyCountry Club Plaza

    Live entertainment from 6 PM, the lights switch on at 7:55 PM, then fireworks. About 5 minutes from Westport Landing.

  • Nov 27 to Dec 20
    Hallmark Christmas ExperienceCrown Center

    A free holiday village, weekends only.

  • Nov 28 to Dec 24
    The NutcrackerKansas City Ballet, Muriel Kauffman Theatre

    Performed with the Kansas City Symphony.

December and New Year

  • Dec 4 to 6, 17 to 20
    Kansas City Symphony holiday concertsKauffman Center for the Performing Arts

    Handel’s Messiah and the Christmas Festival.

  • Dec 12
    Westport Christmas MarketWestport

    A new market with local vendors and live music, in the neighborhood around Westport Landing.

  • Dec 29
    Trans-Siberian OrchestraT-Mobile Center

    A rock show with lasers and pyrotechnics.

  • Dec 31
    NYE Live!Power & Light District

    New Year’s Eve downtown.

Dates come from venue and visitor-bureau listings and can change, so confirm with each venue. Coming for a Chiefs game? See the Chiefs 2026 schedule.

Pick your home and dates

SuMoTuWeThFrSa

Your details

After you book, you’ll get an email with a required ID check, powered by Stripe. It takes about two minutes and must be completed before check-in.

  • Secure payment through Stripe
  • Stocked kitchen and well-praised beds
  • Quick ID check, powered by Stripe

Questions

How often is this page updated?

We refresh this page at least once a month with the major events coming up in Kansas City. The date at the top shows the last update.

Which home is closest to the Plaza and Westport events?

Westport Landing is in Westport, about 5 minutes from the Country Club Plaza.

Do you have dates for the Plaza lights and other events?

We list dates once they are published. Confirm times with each venue before you go, since schedules can change.