Disclaimer: My trip was hosted by Visit Kansas City Kansas. All photos and opinions are mine.
Kansas City, Kansas, is a go-to holiday destination for fun experiences at Christmastime. I’ve traveled there twice during winter for its immersive light displays, shopping, and unique dining, and I guarantee you’ll discover it’s worth the visit.
Kick off the Holidays at Jingle! Kansas City
The magic of the holidays comes alive at Jingle! Kansas City. Located at Legend’s Field, over four million lights create pathways. Stroll within illuminated tunnels and snap photos from a picture-worthy Santa sleigh or towering reindeer.
Visitors of all ages will appreciate the on-site activities, including the Magical Forest Ice Skating Trail and Glacier Slides Snow Tubing. You don’t have to be athletic to participate in either one. Schedule your arrival time, sign the waivers, and give it a go.
Although I’m not much of an ice skater, it was fun to try it. Finding a pair of skates that fit me was a bit of a challenge, but it was worth the experience once we snapped photos as the sun set and the holiday lights became aglow.
We watched families defy gravity at Glacier Slides Snow Tubing, which offers two options for ascending to the bottom: a kid-friendly “bunny hill” and a 30-foot-tall slide.
Participants screamed with glee as they slid downhill, and kids often begged their parents for a second run. Chris loved the speed and thrill of the descent.
Afterward, we listened to a pianist play and sing holiday tunes inside the Bah Humbug Sing-A-Long Piano Bar. I sipped spiked cider and, yes, found myself singing popular jingles. I felt the Christmas spirit.
We perused vendor booths before entering the second floor’s Tipsy Tree Lounge; we enjoyed another cup of holiday cheer while watching families explore the park below.
The festive experience concluded after selecting an ornament for our tree from the gift shop, a memento of our date night experience.
PRO TIP: Upgrading your tickets to include the VIP Pass is worth it, providing access to lounges, fast pass lanes, a welcome drink, a $10 gift certificate, and a to-go swag bag. Order tickets.
Take a Fantastical Tour of Knights of Lights
At Knights of Lights, the Kansas City Renaissance Festival site transports holidaygoers to an unbelievable Feast of Lights. It was our second time at Knights and Lights, and this time, more twinkling lights, photo opportunities, and vendors were available.
We made a beeline for a tented room where Santa and Mrs. Claus welcome families. To my surprise, we had them to ourselves, so we chatted joyfully about their holiday duties before I requested a photo with them. A jolly time, indeed.
The Renaissance-themed holiday fun continues throughout the park as hobbyists perfect their craft.
Sparks fly into the night sky as a blacksmith works. Nearby, a woman crochets with colorful yarn. The smell of fried food permeates the air from a food vendor’s station.
Knights of Lights is designed to be a fantastical experience. Order tickets online or in person at the gate.
You may love it so much that you’ll want to return when all vendors are available during the Kansas City Renaissance Festival.
PRO TIP: Planning a date night? Purchase a Feast of Lights Dining pass to enjoy a gourmet meal inside a cozy igloo.
Enjoy Holiday Shopping at Legends® Outlets
The best place to stock up on Christmas gifts for others or yourself is Legends® Outlets, where I always walk with shopping bags after an afternoon of retail therapy.
It’s not just an outdoor shopping center. It’s a shopping destination.
A directory of apparel stores includes brands such as Kate Spade, J. Crew, Michael Kors Outlet, and dozens more. During a recent visit, we purchased three pairs of sneakers at Adidas for under $100.
Not only do many of the stores advertise low prices, but some offer additional coupons and clearance merchandise.
Specialty shops such as Gamestop, Claire’s, and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory make shopping for kids a breeze. I never miss a chance to shop for seasonal gifts at Home Goods.
And when you’ve worked up an appetite for holiday shopping, stop for a meal at one of over 20 restaurants.
It’s our tradition to stop at the massive Christmas tree for a photo for our holiday card. Bringing kids? They can drop a letter to Santa in the mailbox at AMC Legends 14 Theater.
PRO TIP: Participate in the 12 Days of Christmas deals during the first two weeks of December. Shop daily deals.
Indulging in Delicious Meals at Area Restaurants
Burritos Chiquita
Start your day for breakfast at Burritos Chiquita (1328 Minnesota Avenue), one of 60 taquerias on the KCK Taco Trail. Download the app and check-in upon arrival to earn 100 points toward future prizes.
I recommend ordering two breakfast burritos per person, and the carne asada burritos are excellent. If you’re extra hungry, consider ordering the Torta Memo, a stuffed bread sandwich with peppers, grilled steak, and cheese.
PRO TIP: The green salsa is mild, and the orange salsa is extra spicy.
Yard House
Yard House (1863 Village West Parkway) consistently impresses me, and I always look forward to dining at Legends Outlets. Known for serving over 100 beers, the food menu complements a list of scratch kitchen favorites ranging from burgers and sandwiches to seafood pasta and ribeye dinners.
I recommend ordering the shareable Poke Nachos for an appetizer, which our server told us is the restaurant’s most popular request. Layers of marinated ahi tuna, peppers, truffle sauce, and Asian-inspired ingredients sit atop crispy wonton chips.
For lunch, I chose the Baja Shrimp Taco and Vampire Taco with a side house salad, a delicious balance of spicy seasoning and fresh ingredients. Our table also enjoyed a juicy Truffle Cheeseburger with truffle fries, a decadent combo.
Yard House is an excellent choice for dining, especially if you want to watch the game from a bar television.
PRO TIP: If you drop by for a meal during the weekend, expect a short wait for a table or seat yourself at the bar for drink and meal service.
Jazz: A Louisiana Kitchen
At Jazz: A Louisiana Kitchen (1859 Village West Parkway), the New Orleans-inspired interior decorations and menu selections make you feel you’ve left Kansas for the Bayou State.
For over 25 years, guests have ordered seafood stuffed po’boys, crawfish étouffée, and plates of pasta swimming in Creole-spiced cream sauce.
We sat at the bar to avoid a wait at the hostess desk, where two bartenders introduced themselves and told us about the three-piece live jazz band playing on the second floor. Expect live music every night of the week starting at 6:00 pm.
I ordered Shrimp & Scallops Pontchartrain, which was so rich in flavor and seasoning that I mopped up every bite of the tequila cream sauce with complimentary baguette bread. A bite of my boyfriend’s seafood fettuccini proved too spicy for my palette but so tasty.
PRO TIP: Although it’s not a sports bar, Jazz bartenders confess it’s a great place to enjoy a meal during a televised Kansas Chiefs football game because there is never a wait.
Rest Well at Holiday Inn Express Kansas City at the Legends
Reserve a room at Holiday Inn Express Kansas City at the Legends (1931 Prairie Crossing), and you’re within a five-minute drive of holiday shopping and nearby attractions.
As an IHG Hotel Rewards member, I expect the hotel’s comfortable amenities, including a fitness center, indoor swimming pool, and high-speed free Wi-Fi.
The hotel was at capacity with guests the night of our stay due to a nearby sports tournament.
PRO TIP: Pack earplugs and a sleep mask for a guaranteed night’s slumber.
Bonus Suggestions for Exploring Kansas City, Kansas
I’m a big fan of the Strawberry Hill neighborhood for its eclectic stores and homey vibe.
Less than a 15-minute drive from Legends Outlets, independently owned businesses like Flagship Books, Krizman’s Sausage, and Splitlog Coffee Company are must-stops if you love a cool neighborhood vibe with stores to match.
But there’s more! If you extend your holiday vacation in Kansas City, Kansas, consider reading my blog posts 7 Ways to Explore Culture in Kansas City, Kansas, and Essential Stops in Kansas City, Kansas.
The holidays should be a stress-free, magical time for travelers. Kansas City, Kansas, joyful experiences make it possible and a memorable good time.
The community draws musicians of various genres because of its respect for songwriters. Musicians including Keb’ Mo’, Joe Bonamassa, B.B. King, and Etta James have all performed or recorded music in Nashville.
I loved learning how each musician influenced another and the collaborations are endless.
Like me, I think you’ll find the displays showcasing the clothing and guitars particularly interesting. I gravitated to Keb’ Mo’s electric guitar and artists’ song lyrics visible behind display case glass.
The Crossroads gallery tells the chronological story of the blues from its migration from the Deep South north to cities including Nashville.
PRO TIP: For an additional $5 dollars, you can use a RFID bracelet to interact with tech-savvy displays that allow you to save custom music you create and email it to yourself.
As they say, “all are welcome” and this sentiment extends beyond merely hosting country music stars. Blues musicians have also graced the Ryman’s stage, including but not limited to Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Jonny Lang, and Blues Traveler.
Museum-quality illuminated glass cases caught my eye during a tour displaying iconic memorabilia. Elvis’ winter coat. Johnny Cash’s acoustic guitar. B.B. King’s blazer.
Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum is the kind of place music lovers could spend at least an hour exploring. If you use the technology stations to make music, plan on a two-hour museum experience.
The creative genius behind the process, Jack White, originally of the band The White Stripes, not only is a fan of blues music but also has recorded blues-inspired music of his own.
Their award-winning barbecue is served with southern hospitality, and if you’re lucky, Carey might swing by your table for a casual chat during the meal.
Menu favorites include heaping BBQ Nachos, Memphis Sushi, and Dry Rubbed Ribs, but when in doubt, opt for the shareable Combo Platter.
PRO TIP: Make time before or after your meal to get a glimpse of the 
With multiple locations to choose from, diners can easily find one near them.
Seating in the bar is limited, and due to its popularity, reserving seats is necessary Wednesday-Saturday. No need for reservations on Monday or Tuesday when walk-in seating is welcomed. View the venue’s upcoming show 
Part retail store, part venue, it’s candyland for guitar enthusiasts. Plus, it’s not uncommon for celebrities to stop by. Chris Stapleton sat down and strummed a few chords. Slash of Guns-N-Roses made an appearance. (Gibson carries the signature 
