Here are thirteen great things to do in Kansas City this weekend, December 22-26, including Elf in concert at the Kauffman Center, a Chiefs game at Arrowhead, and Trans-Siberian Orchestra at the T-Mobile Center.
Evergy Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens
This unique festive outdoor experience follows a 1-mile walk through Powell Gardens’ immersive, botanically inspired light installations. On Fridays and Saturdays, patrons can create and deliver their holiday wish lists to Santa, who will be in a festive crib in the Children’s Garden, where he will also be posing for photos. There will also be live Christmas music performed by local favorites like St. Paul Ringers Bell Choir and Carolers of Note.
November 10–December 30. Times vary. Powell Gardens.
A Charlie Brown Christmas
The beloved cartoon comes to life as a live jazz trio plays the original Vince Guaraldi arrangements along with the holiday classic. Charlie Brown tries to direct the school Christmas pageant and tries to remind others of the season’s true meaning with a droopy, small fir tree. There will also be shows interpreted in ASL and sensory-friendly performances offered to include the whole community.
November 15–December 31. Times vary. The Coterie.
A Christmas Carol
Charles Dickens’ all-time Christmas classic tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge’s redemption through visits from the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. KC Repertory Theatre’s annual production of A Christmas Carol creates generations of memories and helps remind families of the meaning of the season.
November 18–December 24, Spencer Theatre.
Immersive Nutcracker
The same company that brought the wildly popular touring Immersive Van Gough exhibit is bringing the same idea but making it festive for this immersive Christmas experience. Tchaikovsky’s iconic music, including favorites like “The March of The Toys” and “The Dance of The Sugar Plum Fairy,” will be playing as 500,000 cubic feet of projections cover every surface.
November 18–December 31. Times vary. Lighthouse ArtSpace.
Sippin’ Santa at KC
The national touring holiday pop-up comes to KC, bringing a paradoxically fun tiki-bar-Christmas-fusion cocktail bar. Julep will be transformed into a holiday oasis with kitschy, festive décor and a tiki themed cocktail menu, with fittingly named drinks like the Kris Kringle Kolada and Rudolph’s Rum Rhapsody.
November 30-December 31. Julep.
The Nutcracker
Kansas City Ballet’s annual tradition continues to be a wintertime favorite. The classic Victorian-era story of imagination is brought to life with opulent costumes, magical sets and enchanting choreography.
December 7–24. Times Vary. Kauffman Center.
Milking Christmas
This musical comedy follows characters in Christmastown where something seems to be awry–with misshapen toys and a naughty list that seems longer than ever. Soon, Macey Maid-a-Milking makes it her mission to try to save Christmas and the holiday spirit.
December 7–24. Times Vary. The Black Box.
Seussical the Musical
This musical extravaganza is an amalgamation of the best-loved stories by Dr. Seuss. In a continuing effort to make theater accessible to all, they are offering bean bag seats to youngsters and a sign-language interpretation performance. “We are so excited to present this family friendly, delightful bit of seuss-y fun for the holiday season this year,” said Tim Bair, Producing Artistic Director.
December 9–23. Times Vary. Black Box Theatre.
A Spectacular Christmas Show
This original revue features new arrangements of holiday classics from Musical Theater, along with an exciting singing and dancing “extravaganza” that has made this annual holiday show a beloved KC tradition.
December 20–23. Times vary. Music Theater Heritage.
Elf in Concert
A giant big screen shows the now-Christmas classic film featuring the hilarious Will Ferrell in the iconic role of Buddy the Elf, a grown man who finds out he is human and embarks on a quest in New York City to find his real dad. John Debney’s score is played live by the KC Symphony along with the screening.
December 21–23, 7 pm and December 24, 11 am. Kauffman Center.
KC Mavericks
KC’s hockey team squares off against the Iowa Heartlanders for this Christmas Eve-Eve game. It’s the perfect excuse to channel any holiday frustrations into cheering for grown men angrily ice skating, eating salty-stale nachos and guzzling domestic drafts.
December 23. 7:05 pm. Cable Dahmer Arena.
Chiefs vs. Seattle Seahawks
While Russell Wilson is riding in Broncos Country, the Seattle Seahawks have emerged from the post-Russ era stronger than almost anyone assumed. This should be a great matchup of two elite coaches and teams that have opposing strengths. Plus, what’s better or more festive than Arrowhead on Christmas Eve?
December 24. Noon. GEHA at Arrowhead Stadium.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Ultimate winter rock band has dominated the super-niche Holiday-progressive metal genre for almost thirty 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, have never had an opening act and have never been an opening act.
December 26. 3pm and 8 pm. T-Mobile Center.
