What’s Happenin’ Around Town - December 2021

Marketing@CCB
Nov 30, 2021
3 min read

Dashing through the snow … oh, wait! Kansas City isn't a winter wonderland just yet, but there are still plenty of spectacular events for you and your family to enjoy this month—including a couple of popular "dashes."

Festival of Lights, November 11-December 30, 4 pm to 10 pm, Wednesday-Sunday, Powell Gardens. Illuminated by Evergy, this family-favorite festival features immersive, botanically-inspired installations that celebrate the natural joy of the season. More than 20 miles of lights highlight the natural forms of Powell Gardens’ tree collection and show off the architecture and landscape elements in the Gardens.

KC Rep's "A Christmas Carol," November 19-December 26, Spencer Theatre, 4049 Cherry, Kansas City, MO. Join Ebenezer Scrooge on his redemptive journey with Christmas Past, Present, and Future, and rediscover the true meaning of the holidays.

Photo Credit: Matthew Rapport dazzles children sitting in the Glitter Row as Ghost of Christmas Present in KCRep's 2019 production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Photo by Don Ipock)

Christmas in the Park, November 24-December 31, Longview Lake, features more than half million lights and 175 animated displays. Admission is free, but voluntary donations support more than 35 local charities.

Kansas City Santa Dash 5k, Saturday, Dec. 11, 10 a.m. Join in as hundreds of Santas race through historic Westport! Participants will receive a long-sleeve race shirt of Santa suit, a finisher medal/ornament and holiday treats. Kids 12 and under can run the Elf Dash. If you don’t want to “dash,” come out to cheer on the Santas.

The Great Santa Run, Sunday, Dec. 12, 5K 9 a.m., Little Elves Fun Run (ages 8 and under) 10 a.m. Johnson County Community College, 12345 College Blvd. Register as an individual or team of 4 or more.

Christmas Family Fun Day, Saturday, Dec. 18, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.,Alexander Majors House & Barn, 8201 State Line Rd., Kansas City, MO. Bring your family to a morning of holiday fun, including Christmas crafts, cookies and cider, kid-friendly museum tours, photo opportunities, and maybe even a special guest.

Holiday Magic, Saturday, Dec. 18, 3 p.m., The Pavilion at John Knox Village, 520 NW Murray Rd., Lee’s Summit, MO. Join the Lee’s Summit Symphony for some Holiday Magic featuring several popular classics, including Christmas Festival, Vivaldi Mandolin Concerto in C featuring Kent Bruaninger of the KC Symphony, O Holy Night, Holly Jolly Sing Along and many more!

24th Annual Candlelight, Carols & Cathedral II, Sunday, Dec. 19, 2-4 p.m., Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 416 W. 12th St., Kansas City, MO, features The William Baker Festival Singers, organist John Schaefer and the Raymore-Peculiar Concert Choir. The annual concert of readings, choral classics and beloved carols in traditional forms is one of Kansas City’s holiday traditions.

New Year’s Eve in Kansas City, various locations. If you’re wanting a fun way to ring in 2022, you don’t have to look far. Various New Year’s Eve celebrations throughout the metro range from family-friendly to black tie to jazz and everything in between! Check back at the above link as more events are added in the next few weeks.

Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away has been extended again, this time through March 20, 2022. The exhibit features more than 700 original artifacts from 20 worldwide institutions, museums and private collections. Reservations are required, and ticket availability is limited.

The Testimony exhibit runs through March 27, 2022. The exhibit, offered in collaboration by the Kansas-City based African American Artists Collective and The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, features a range of media amplifying the artists’ diverse style and messages.