Local families can brighten their Christmas season with a number of light displays on both sides of the state line. Even with record bitter cold predicted for this week, there are numerous displays you can enjoy from the warmth of your vehicle.
MISSOURI
- Country Club Plaza — The Plaza Lights returned for their 93rd year on Thanksgiving night. They will remain visible until mid-January.
- Crown Center — The Mayor’s Christmas Tree is prominently featured in the middle of a beautiful array of holiday decor. Walk around the illuminated trees or even take a turn on the ice rink.
- Union Station — Enjoy walking through historic Union Station at 30 W. Pershing Road and see the Christmas decor. If you have a few extra bucks, make your way to the Holiday Reflections, a holiday-themed village that can leave an impression on kids and adults alike. It runs through January 1.
- Excelsior Springs “Lane of Lights” — Take in all of the displays and let the spirit of Christmas take you away. Each evening of the season, a different nonprofit group hosts the lane. A donation of $5 is suggested.
- Winter Magic — “If you like HUGE displays with lots of lights and large PLAYFUL SCENES, then Holiday Lights and Magic is for you.” It’s off Cliff Drive in Kansas City. The display runs through January 1.
- Independence “Winter Trail” — Walk the paved trail filled with tree cutouts decorated by local families, businesses and organizations. It goes through Jan. 31, Tuesday—Saturday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Zona Rosa — You can see the lights at the Zona Rosa through Christmas as you do your shopping or dining. The outdoor skating rink is open through the end of January.
- Lee’s Summit Christmas in the Park — Now in its 35th year, this magical winter wonderland features more than a half million lights and 200 animated displays, all designed and built entirely in-house. It runs through December 31.
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KANSAS
- Bonner Springs Knight of Lights — Walk through a Winter Wonderland at the Kansas City Renaissance Festival. It runs through December 18 and then also Dec. 21–24 and December 30. Enjoy a beautiful light show, plus food, entertainment, activities for the kids and fun for everyone.
- Lenexa Sar-Ko Aglow — Sar–Ko Aglow in Lenexa is one of the Kansas City metro’s best holiday light displays. Miles of light strands and thousands of colorful bulbs brighten this favorite park each winter. It runs through January 16 and is open nightly from 6-11 p.m.
- Olathe Paulie’s Penguin Playground — It’s the final year for the penguin playground, so stop by before it ends.
- Olathe Christmas Card Lane — For 25 years, Christmas Card Lane has been a destination for tours and families searching for holiday lights.
- Overland Park Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane — It’s the 10th anniversary of Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane, and you won’t want to miss this year’s show.
- Overland Park Luminary Walk — Take a stroll along the lit pathways to experience the magical Gnome and Fairy Villages, serene winter woods by candlelight and the colorful Children’s Garden. It is open weekends through December 17.
- Prairie Village Candy Cane Lane — Head on overto Outlook Lane and 79th Street.
–Anita Widaman | MV Entertainment Editor