Northeast News
November 28, 2011

Just like its iconic jazz and mouthwatering barbecue, Kansas City has earned a bold reputation for its impressive holiday light displays. Most displays will be lit through January. Here’s a look at Kansas City’s top holiday light traditions:

Plaza Lights (Nov. 24-Jan. 15): A local tradition for 82 years, the 15-block spectacle at the Country Club Plaza features thousands of glimmering, jewel-colored lights that accentuate every dome, tower and window of the Spanish-inspired shopping district .

Mayor’s Christmas Tree (Nov. 25-Jan. 1): Checking in at a lofty 100 feet, the tree at Crown Center is taller than those on display at the White House and Rockefeller Center. The massive holiday icon sparkles with 7,200 white bulbs and represents the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund, which aids Kansas City’s less fortunate.

Holiday Windows on Main (Nov. 18-Jan. 2): Back for a second year, the Kansas City Power & Light District will shine with a bright new tradition-Holiday Windows on Main. Blending art, light and motion, 15 talented local artists will partner with downtown businesses to create unique window displays inspired by those in Times Square.

City Lights (Nov. 17-Jan. 1): A few blocks up the road, several downtown buildings will light up the winter sky for City Lights. The notable centerpiece is the entire front faade of Marriott Kansas City Downtown, featuring a synchronized display of 30,000 bulbs and 16.7 million colors. This annual celebration of lights marks the return of The Salvation Army’s Annual Christmas Campaign.

•Zona Rosa Northern Lights (Nov. 19-Jan. 15): A shopping district known for reviving several local traditions, Zona Rosa spruces up its streets each holiday season for Northern Lights. Massive and ornate, several lighted crowns are suspended above the district’s busy streets, harking back to a 1950s downtown tradition. Also in store for visitors is a holiday igloo and live reindeer.

A Legendary Light Show (Nov. 20-Jan. 3): Legends Outlets will keep shoppers in tune with A Legendary Light Show, back for its 7th year. Every 15 minutes, the sprawling shopping center will spring to life with thousands of dazzling lights synchronized to classic holiday tunes. Other festive activities include visits from Santa Claus, a decadent 45-foot tree and larger-than-life Christmas ornaments sprinkled throughout the district.

Christmas in the Park (Nov. 24-Dec. 31): Christmas in the Park is a 23-year-old tradition that creates festive drive-through displays in Longview Lake Park. The park is transformed into a delightful winter wonderland with more than 300,000 lights and almost 200 animated figures. The event is free, but donations are accepted to benefit local charities.

Christmas Card Lane (Nov. 25-Jan. 1): Looking to enjoy the sights without leaving the comfort of your car? Head to Christmas Card Lane, a drive-through adventure inside one of Kansas City’s most festive neighborhoods. Featuring more than 200 decorated homes in the city of Olathe, the celebration earned its name by the larger-than-life greeting cards that line the streets.

For a complete rundown of winter activities and special offers, visit www.VisitKC.com.