Here are fourteen great things to do in Kansas City this weekend, December 14-17, including: holiday plays, musicals and shopping experiences and Tans-Siberian Orchestra in concert.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen, but now audiences get to experience the most famous reindeer of all—Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. This live musical will be performed at the Coterie Theatre this holiday season, inspiring everyone to be true to themselves and find strength in their perceived flaws.
Various dates from November 7–December 31. Times vary. Coterie Theatre.
Sippin’ Santa
The holiday tiki pop-up Sippin’ Santa is at the Hey! Hey! Club, the intimate space at J. Rieger & Co., which is transformed for the holidays into a swanky tropical holiday oasis. This holiday pop-up features festive original cocktails in holiday inspired glassware/mugs, themed decorations and at the end of this year’s season, Miracle and Sippin’ Santa will donate 10% of all proceeds from the sale of select glassware to the Seva Foundation, a global nonprofit eye care organization that works with local communities around the world.
November 20–December 30. J. Rieger & Co.
A Christmas Carol
One of the holiday season’s most beloved plays, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol has been performed by The Kansas City Repertory Theatre for more than 40 years. Experience this holiday tradition focused on redemption and goodwill through Ebenezer Scrooge’s ghostly encounters with Christmas Past, Present, and Future.
Various dates from November 21–December 24. Times vary. Spencer Theatre.
KC Winter Wonderland
This family-friendly event, brought to you by KC Pumpkin Patch and KC Wine Co in Olathe, features a holiday light display that guests can stroll through while enjoying the sights and sounds of the season. There are plenty of fun photo opportunities on the walk, along with pictures with Santa available. Drinks and festival foods will also be available for purchase, and a portion of ticket sales will benefit the Veterans Community Project which helps veterans with housing and walk-in support services.
Weekends November 24–December 17. 5:30–9 pm. KC Pumpkin Patch.
Enchant
Enchant boasts as the largest Christmas light display in the country and it is coming to Kansas City this holiday season. Featuring an all-new light maze, a village of tiny storefronts featuring artisan vendors, an ice skating trail, photo opps with Santa, a play place for children, along with special themed nights, Enchant is sure to have something for people of all ages.
November 24—December 31. Times Vary. Legends Field.
The Nutcracker
Clara and the Nutcracker prince are once again taking center stage at the Kauffman Center in The Nutcracker. In this classic wintertime favorite, watch snowflakes, sugar plum fairies and toy soldiers come to life this holiday season in this heartwarming ballet choreographed by Devon Carney, with Tchaikovsky’s legendary score played by the Kansas City Symphony.
December 1–24. Times vary. Kauffman Center.
It’s a Wonderful Life: Live Radio Play
The 1946 Christmas classic It’s a Wonderful Life has been viewed millions of times across the globe, so it was time to put a new spin on this beloved, feel-good holiday film. In the new telling, the film has been reimagined as a radio play. Instead of a traditional play, actors will stand in front of microphones and deliver the performance as if it were broadcast on the radio. With holiday music, live sound affects and an ensemble cast, this new twist on this holiday standard is sure to excite and inspire.
December 14–17, 20–23. Times vary. Music Theater Heritage.
Christmas Festival
The KC Symphony and Symphony Chorus, in collaboration with the Allegro Choirs of Kansas City, present the Christmas Festival this winter season. Guest conductor Caleb Young and vocalist Blaine Krauss showcase their unique musical arrangements of cherished carols, seasonal songs and a family sing-along, plus an early visit from Santa to get audiences in the holiday spirit.
December 14–17. Times vary. Kauffman Center.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
With Jason Seber as the guest conductor, witness Tim Burton’s celebrated classic The Nightmare Before Christmas like never before. The KC Symphony plays the darkly charming score by Danny Elfman while the movie is projected, creating an unforgettable cinematic symphony.
December 14–17. 7 pm. Kauffman Center.
The Strawberry Swing
This is the last weekend to snag handmade gifts and goodies at the 13th annual Holiday Swing. KC’s favorite artisans and makers will be selling their wares along with festivities like ice skating, the Mayor’s Christmas Tree, cheerful holiday decor, food trucks and seasonal sips.
December 15. 4–9 pm December 16. 10 am–8 pm. December 17. 10 am—4 pm. Crown Center Square.
This Is Important Podcast Live!
Adam Devine, Anders Holm, Blake Anderson and Kyle Newacheck, co-creators and stars of Comedy Central’s uber-popular (with millennials) Workaholics, host their podcast live in front of an audience. The boys will dive deep into serious discussions surrounding hot-button topics like grown men fighting children, bowel movements and so much more.
December 15. 8 pm. The Midland Theatre.
12 Bars of Charity Bar Crawl
This annual friendly competition between local charities melds the season of giving with festive holiday drinking. Charities are split up into teams where they will enjoy drink specials and no cover at participating bars, including McFadden’s Sports Saloon and Shark Bar.
December 16. 2—6 pm. Power & Light District.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Ultimate winter rock band Trans-Siberian Orchestra has dominated the super-niche holiday-progressive metal genre for almost 30 years. With their unassuming instruments like guitar, drums and strings, the huge powerhouse group is an anomaly. TSO is the first major rock band to go straight to theaters and arenas—they have never played at a club, never had an opening act and never been an opening act.
December 16. 2:30 & 7:30 pm. T-Mobile Center.
Holiday Follies
This annual free musical event promises to spread warmth and cheer this holiday season. Holiday Follies showcases the various musical, instrumental and vocal talents of students from the prestigious Music/Arts Institute and also features renowned organist Tim Schramm playing the Music Hall’s iconic Robert-Morton Theatre Pipe Organ.
December 17. 2–4 pm. Music Hall Kansas City.
