Children love to visit Santa at Christmas! This year, Kansas City welcomes the Jolly Old Elf with trains, sleigh rides, carriage rides, pancakes, pajama parties and much more! This is your guide to Santa Celebrations in Kansas City!
Santa Sightings
- Letters & Calls from Santa & his Helpers
- Santa All Season Long
- Special Events and Parties with the Jolly Old Elf
- Santa's Friends: Gingerbread Man, Fairy Princess, Grinch and More
Special Deliveries and Phone Calls from Santa
Letters from Santa (Nov. 24 - Dec. 14). He's making his list and he's checking it twice, but he's waiting to hear from you! Put your Christmas wishes in writing and drop a self-addressed, stamped envelope and letter to Santa in the special mailbox located in front of the Oak Grove Civic Center to receive a special note directly from St. Nick. Cost: Self-Addresed, Stamped Envelope. 816.690.4003 Oak Grove
Letters from Santa Request by December 16. Arrange for a special someone to receive a personalized letter from Santa for just $5! Call the Overland Park 50 Plus office at 913.642.6410 to remind Santa of name, address, hoped-for gifts and any particular information that can personalize his letter. Santa types and signs each one himself! JCPRD
Letters from Santa’s Elves Request by December 16. Children of all ages can receive one of these very special letters during the holidays. Send a self-addressed, stamped envelope plus $1, by Dec. 16 to Elves Mailing List, c/o Vesper Hall, 400 NW Vesper, Blue Springs, MO 64014. Please include a phone number along with helpful information such as age, pets, and friends. Volunteers at Vesper Hall are happy to help make your child’s day. 816.228.0137 Blue Springs Parks & Rec
Calls from Santa Claus Call Dates Dec. 12-14. If your child is in kindergarten, first or second grade, he or she is eligible to receive a personal telephone call from Santa. Children attending Chapel Hill, Clardy, Gashland, Linden West, Meadowbrook, and Oakwood Manor Elementary schools will receive a flyer at school. All other children may call the recreation office for more information. Gladstone, MO FREE. 816.423.4085
BONUS: Mail your own Christmas letters with a special Holiday Postmark!
Santa All Season Long:
FREE! Santa's Wonderland November - December 24, Bass Pro Shops. Bass Pro creates a magical Wonderland experience for children with visits from Santa, special crafts and activities, photos and more! Bass Pro Shops
FREE! Santa's Crayola Christmas Land November 25 – December 31, Crown Center Shops, Level 1 Atrium. Children play on super-sized Crayola® products, while waiting to tell Santa all their holiday wishes. Santa is in residence November 25 through December 24. The Crayola Christmas Land play area is open through December 31. FREE admission. Photos with Santa are available for a fee. 816.274.8444 Crown Center
FREE! Santa's Gingerbread Village November 25 – December 24, Crown Center Shops. Three locomotives travel through a Santa’s gingerbread village in the North Pole, all created by the chefs at The Westin Crown Center and Hyatt Regency Crown Center hotels. 816.274.8444 Crown Center
Santa at Shabby Hattie's (Saturday's: November 26 thru December 17. 10am-11am & 3pm-4pm). Come have Homemade Cookies and milk or tea with the big man. Bring your camera and take photos. Each child gets a gift from Santa!! $10 per child will pay for Reindeer and Elf food! Shabby Hattie's Tea Room
Santa Paws (Open every weekend between Thanksgiving & Christmas. Hours are: Friday 5:30-8:00pm, Saturday and Sunday noon- 4:00pm at 606 W. 48th Street, just down from Three Dog Bakery on the Country Club Plaza) Celebrate the holidays with your pup, and support homeless pets. Presented by Three Dog Bakery and benefitting the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City. Visit Santa Paws, open every weekend this holiday season and capture the holiday spirit with a photo of your loved one with Santa. Kids and pets can have their photo taken with Santa and will receive a complimentary treat. Photos are $5, and proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City. Santa Paws
FREE! Visits with Santa Saturdays: November 26 thru December17 from 12:00 – 4:00 PM, Legends Outlets Kansas City. Grab your camera and snap a few photos with Santa Claus at BAM Books-A-Million located in their new location next to Yard House at Legends Outlets. 913.788.3700 The Legends Outlets
FREE! Visit Santa December 3-24, Zona Rosa at The Grove in the Marshalls building. Sitting in his traditional storybook scene, Santa Claus will listen to children’s Christmas wishes. Photo packages are available for purchase. 816.587.8180 Zona Rosa
Holiday Wild at the Zoo Dec. 3 & 4 and Dec. 10 & 11 from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Kansas City Zoo. Begin your holiday fun at the Kansas City Zoo! Meet the big guy in person along with his friends from the North Pole. Activities included in Zoo admission; free to FOTZ Members. 816.513.5800 Kansas City Zoo
FREE! Photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus Dec 3, 10, and 17 from Noon-4:00 PM, Briarcliff Village in The Cafe. Briarcliff Village
Special Events & Parties with the Santa:
Horsedrawn Sleigh Ride with Santa Nov. 19 from Noon -7:30 PM, on the Independence Square. Help Santa Give His Mule Deer a Shakedown! Rides are just $2/each! 816.254.2466 Pioneer Trails Adventures
FREE! Santa's Arrival at Crown Center November 25, 10:00 AM, Santa Claus arrives in a horse-drawn carriage to kick off the holiday season. Perry the Penguin, Tip from Crayola® and other costume characters help greet Jolly Ol’ St. Nick. Join Santa as he makes his way to Crayola Christmas Land, where he resides through December 24. 816.274.8444 Crown Center
Santa Train November 26 & Dec. 3: Departures at 9am, 11am, 1pm, and 3pm, Belton & Grandview Railroad. Ride the rails with Santa on a 45 min. train trip. $12 for tickets purchased before Nov. 16, $14 for tickets purchased after Nov. 16. 816.331.0630 Belton, Grandview & Kansas City Railroad
Santa With a Tune Bring the family, sit back, relax, and be entertained by the jolly man in the red suit during this sing-along. Everyone will have a chance to sit on Santa's lap. Parents, don't forget your cameras! Register in advance at www.mymcpl.org/events
- December 1 at 6:30 PM, Kearney Mid-Continent Public Library
- December 3 at 2:00 PM, Boardwalk Branch Mid-Continent Public Library
- December 5 at 7:00 PM, Oak Grove Branch Mid-Continent Public Library
- December 8 at 7:00 PM, North Independence Mid-Continent Public Library
- December 10 at 10:00 AM, Riverside Branch Mid-Continent Public Library
Storytime With Santa and Mrs. Claus Join Santa and Mrs. Claus as they read a holiday story, then sit on Santa's lap and tell him what you want for Christmas. Parents, don't forget your cameras! Register in advance at www.mymcpl.org/events
- December 1 at 7:00 PM, Parkville Branch Mid-Continent Public Library
- December 3 at 11:00 AM, Blue Springs North Branch: Mid-Continent Public Library
- December 5 at 7:00 PM, Boardwalk Branch of the Mid-Continent Public Library
- December 8 at 7:00 PM, Claycomo Mid-Continent Public Library
- December 12 at 7:00 PM, Weston Mid-Continent Public Library
Holiday Lights and Festive Sights December 2 at 5:30 PM, Sylvester Powell Community Center. Santa and his Cyber Sleigh, caroling, hot chocolate and smores, kids activities and musical fireworks! Sylvester Powell Community Center
FREE! PJ Party with Santa December 2 at 6:00 PM, Zona Rosa at The Grove on the lower level beneath Marshalls. Families are invited to participate in this free, holiday event featuring storytime with Santa and Mrs. Claus, milk and cookies, and fun and entertainment. 816.587.8180 Zona Rosa
FREE! Christmas on the River December 2 & 3, Parkville. Live Music and Dance Performances, Santa Arrives with Live Reindeer, Choo Choo with Santa, Holiday Movies and Fireworks! Visit Santa at his house on Main Street (Free Photos!). Downtown Shops and Restaurants Open Late! Christmas on the River
KC Christmas Connection Dec. 2-4, KCI-Expo Center. Enjoy holiday shopping for everyone, free visits with Santa, moonwalks and inflatables, concerts and more! KC Christmas Connection
Weston Candlelight Homes Tour Dec. 2-4, Weston, MO. Keeping with Weston tradition, Father Christmas, in his holiday splendor, will light up the streets and welcome you to our town to tour our homes. 816.640.5235 Weston Candlelight Homes Tour
FREE! Santa's Wonderland Santa Claus, Rudolph and Frosty will celebrate the holidays. Live music, hot chocolate, candy canes, and visits with Santa. KCMO Parks & Rec
2011 Schedule:
- Dec. 2 from 6:00-8:00pm at Gillham Park
- Dec. 3 from 4:00-6:00pm at Penguin Park
- Dec. 4 from 4:00-6:00pm at Longview Tract
Breakfast with Santa: Leawood December 3 at 8:30 AM, The Lodge in Ironwoods Park. All-you-can-eat pancake, sausage, juice and coffee breakfast provided by the Leawood Lions Club. Get your picture taken with Santa. Register by Nov. 23 at 913.339.6700 x154 Leawood Breakfast with Santa
Donuts with Santa: Powell Gardens December 3 & 10, Various Seatings. Enjoy donuts and juice (and coffee for the adults) when you come out to meet Old St. Nick. Afterward, make a craft to take home, join Mrs. Claus for storytelling and admire the Victorian display in the conservatory. Then bundle up for a ride on the outdoor mini-train (weather permitting). Reservations required. 816.697.2600 Powell Gardens
Breakfast with Santa: Zona Rosa December 3 & 10 at 8:00 AM, Zona Rosa. Breakfast with Santa features fun-loving holiday entertainment, a kid-friendly breakfast menu and a special gift from Santa Claus. Advance tickets are required and will be available for purchase by visiting Zona Rosa Guest Services after Nov. 1. 816.587.8180 Zona Rosa
Christmas Open House December 3 from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm. Kids can make an ornament and visit with Father Christmas! Music provided by the Shady Grove String Band. Find those unique gifts and stocking stuffers, including farm and animal related toys in our gift shop. Make your own basic gingerbread house for $2/house, (extra building supplies are $2/bag). Stagecoach rides will be offered for a fee, weather and ground conditions permitting. 913.971.5111 Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm
A Visit with St. Nicholas December 3 from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Shoal Creek Living History Museum. Experience Christmas as it was meant to be in the 19th century. Visit the farm house of 1889, log cabins of 1830's; Experience the Civil War Encampments; Make your Christmas purchases at the 1876 Mercantile, post your letters to St. Nicholas at the Post Office; visit the serene setting of the 1884 Church; at the Arnold Home see how Swedish immigrants of the 1880s celebrated Santa Lucia Day and watch how lace was made. Warm up by the 'potbellied' stove in the school, visit the Doctor's office and then a visit with St. Nicholas in the family home decorated in high Victorian style. At the end of your visit, you may want to ride the horse drawn sleigh for a brief ride through the countryside! Sleigh ride available Noon to 4 p.m. $5 per person, 5 and under free. 816.792.2655. Shoal Creek
Breakfast with Santa: Leavenworth December 3, Riverfront Community Center. Breakfast with Santa. Register at 913.651.2132 Leavenworth, KS
Breakfast with Santa: Independence Center December 3, Independence Center. Join the Big Guy himself and Radio Disney for breakfast, fun, and giveaways! Breakfast and giveaways while supplies last. Space is limited, reservations required. Free to Kidgits Club Members. Membership cost is $5 for a full year per child. 816.795.8602 Independence Center
Breakfast with Santa: St. Joseph, MO December 3, Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art. Santa’s pancakes are served hot off the griddle with sausage, juice, coffee, and a special treat for the kids!Stay and help out Santa’s elves at Santa’s Workshop. Hand make and shop for Christmas presents for whole family.Reservations are required. 816.233.7003 Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art
Breakfast with Santa at Roeland Park December 3, Roeland Park Community Center. Enjoy breakfast, a visit from Santa, plus games and holiday crafts! This 90-minute event is just $5 for adults and children over 3, children 3 and under are free. Reservations required 913.831.3359 JCPRD
FREE! A Visit With Santa Claus Jim "Two Crows" Wallen Presents: A Visit With Santa Claus. Kids, come visit with Santa and listen as he tells an exciting holiday story. Make a simple craft to take home. Register in advance at www.mymcpl.org/events
- December 3 at 11:00 AM, Red Bridge Branch Mid-Continent Public Library
- December 3 at 2:00 PM, South Independence Mid-Continent Public Library
- December 15 at 10:30 AM, North Oak Branch Mid-Continent Public Library
- December 17 at 3:00 PM, Blue Ridge Mid-Continent Public Library
Doodle Santa: Paint, Glaze & Fire December 3 at 12:30 PM, Paint, Glaze and Fire. Paint your own pottery using doodle accents to show Santa you’ve been good. Ages 6-13 $22/$27NR. 913.685.6000 www.bluevalleyrec.org/d/current_guide.pdf
St. Nicholas Visits December 3 from 1:00 - 4:00 PM, Strawberry Hill Museum & Cultural Center. Celebrate the holidays with a visit from St. Nick! 913.371.3264 Strawberry Hill Museum
FREE! A Country School Christmas December 3 from 1:00 - 4:00 PM, Lanesfield School Historic Site. Enjoy stories from storyteller Jo Ho, see a Christmas program given by local schoolchildren, enjoy free refreshments, practice penmanship and make your own ornament to take home. A visit from Santa completes the afternoon-- bring your cameras! 913.893.6645 Lanesfield School Historic Site
FREE! Christmas on the Farm December 3 from 2:00 – 7:00 PM, Watkins Woolen Mill State Park and State Historic Site. Activities at the home will include holiday caroling, reading of family letters, free samples of traditional holiday treats, plum pudding flaming demonstrations, and an opportunity for children to visit with Father Christmas. Activities at the visitor center will include kids crafts, live traditional holiday music, and a performance by the Lathrop Singing Mules grade school choir. Admission is free for the event and there will be an open house at the Watkins family home for the duration of the event. 816.580.3387 Zona Rosa
The Real Santa Claus December 3 at 2:00 PM, National Frontier Trails Museum. Dressed in a Civil War Santa suit, historian Jim Beckner tells how some modern Christmas traditions began. Regular museum admission rates. 816.325.7575 National Frontier Trails Museum
An Olde Fashioned Holiday December 5 - 11, Mildale Farm. Ring in the holidays at Mildale Farm with a Holiday Supper Club featuring Matinees and Evening Shows with three course meals and entertainment featuring four of Kansas City’s most talented singers... AND Breakfast Shows with Santa (Includes a Holiday Breakfast Buffet, 30 minute show, and a "Make Your Own Ornament" craft station! Bring your camera for photos with Santa!)! Make Reservations at www.theatreinthepark.org/holiday
FREE! Christmas Tales by Mrs. Claus Follow the reindeer tracks to the North Pole and sit a spell with Mrs. Claus (alias Jo Ho). She'll tell you jolly tales of how she met Santa, how to make Santa's favorite soup, a silly story of a sneezing elf, and other merry tidbits of holiday magic. Register in advance at www.mymcpl.org/event
- December 7 at 7:00 PM, Blue Springs Branch Mid-Continent Public Library
- December 12 at 10:30 AM, North Oak Library
- December 15 at 10:30 AM, North Oak Branch Mid-Continent Public Library
- December 17 at 3:00 PM, Blue Ridge Mid-Continent Public Library
Breakfast with Santa: Ernie Miller December 10, Ernie Miller Nature Center. Enjoy a pancake breakfast and a visit with Santa. He’ll explain the winter habits of his animal friends and also help you construct a gift for wildlife. This 90-minute, fun-filled holiday event begins at 9 a.m. and is just $7 per person including adults, $8 for nonresidents. 913.764.7759 www.jcprd.com
Breakfast with Santa: Blue Springs December 10, Vesper Hall. Celebrate Christmas with Breakfast with Santa! Please bring a small wrapped gift for your child. Register by December 2nd. Children must have an adult chaperone, children age 1 and under are free. $9/ea. 816.228.0137 Blue Springs Parks & Rec
FREE! Holidazzle December 10, Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center. Enjoy a holiday celebration with the family. The celebration includes puppetry, arts and crafts, storytelling, live music, refreshments and a holiday gift shop area. The annual event includes an African American Santa Claus and other exciting activities. Holidazzle
FREE! Ms. Dennise's Christmas Puppet Theater December 10 at 11:00 AM, Lee's Summit Branch Mid-Continent Public Library. Join the nationally-renowned LS Puppeteers for two charming and lively tales that star the "jolly old elf" himself! Register in advance at www.mymcpl.org/events
FREE! Civil War Santa December 13 at 6:30 PM, Kearney Mid-Continent Public Library. It was Christmas 1862 when Thomas Nast was asked by his editor to illustrate the poem "A Visit With St. Nicholas." America was embroiled in armed conflict in the Civil War, the darkest hour the Nation. 816.628.5055 Register in advance at www.mymcpl.org/events
FREE! Fireside Chat with Santa Dec. 14 at 10:30 AM, Bonner Springs City Library. Fireside Chat with Santa and Holiday Card Workshop. Ages up to 6yrs. 913.441.BOOK Bonner Springs City Library
Antisdel.s St. Nick & Narnia Photos December 15 & 16, Antisdel.s Photography Studio. St. Nick & Narnia Photos: Call 913.837.2737 for details. www.antisdels.com
FREE! KCS Holiday Express Dec 16 - 18. The 11th Annual Holiday Express will bring Santa Claus and his elves to visit 25 communities in seven states throught the Kansas City Southern system. The train's final stop will be at Union Station Kansas City. Free tickets to see Santa will be available at Union Station! 816.460.2020 Union Station
Pancakes with Santa: Powell Gardens December 17, Various Seatings. Chris Cakes pancakes, scrambled eggs, juice and coffee with Old St. Nick. Afterward, make a craft to take home, join Mrs. Claus for storytelling and admire the Victorian display in the conservatory. Then bundle up for a ride on the outdoor mini-train (weather permitting). Reservations are required. 816.697.2600 Powell Gardens
Jingle Bell Splash December 17 at 10:00 AM, Blue Valley Activity Center. The holidays have never been so wet…or fun! Pool games, festive goodie bags, and a visit from Santa and his elves make this a must. Ages 2-12. $11/$14NR. Register at 913.685.6000 www.bluevalleyrec.org/d/current_guide.pdf
FREE! Santa’s Coming To Louisburg Cider Mill December 17 at 11:00 AM, Louisburg Cider Mill. Bring your camera and capture the special moment when your child visits Santa Claus. Shop for last minute gifts, too! 913.837.5202 Louisburg Cider Milll
FREE! Santa is coming to KidScape Theatre! December 17 at 2:00 PM, Johnson County Museum. Santa visits KidScape Retro Style in the theatre from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Bring your camera and take a picture of your child with Santa--retro decorations! Craft activities will also be available in the Education Center from 2:00-4:00 p.m. 913.715.2550 Johnson County Museum
FREE! Twas the Night Before Christmas Puppet Show December 17 at 2:00 PM, Claycomo Mid-Continent Public Library. 'Twas the Night Before Christmas narrated by Mrs. Claus herself! This wacky hand and rod puppet show retells everyone's favorite Christmas poem. Free and open to the public. 816.455.5030 Register in advance at www.mymcpl.org/events
Skate with Santa December 17 at 2:00 PM, Line Creek Community Center. What better way to see Santa than on ice?! Santa makes his annual trip to the Line Creek Ice Arena to skate with the kids! $5/ea. 816.513.0760 Line Creek Community Center
FREE! Stories with Santa’s Friends December 18 at 1:00 PM, Whole Foods Market Metcalf. Listen to story-time favorites read by Santa’s Friends such as the Grinch Who Stole Christmas, Polar Express, and The Night Before Christmas in the Whole Foods Market cafe. 913.652.9633 Whole Foods Market Metcalf
Father Christmas December 18 at 1:30 PM, Toy and Miniature Museum. Jim "Two Crows" Wallen reprises his role as Father Christmas and shares stories of Christmases past! FREE with admission. 816.333.9328 Toy & Miniature Museum
Animal Tales: A Visit with Santa December 21 at 10:30 AM, Ernie Miller Nature Center. All programs begin at 10:30am and last 30 minutes. Visit the Nature Center for stories, songs, and surprises geared to preschool children. Fee: $2 per person (including adults). Ages 2-6 with Adult. 913.764.7759 Ernie Miller Nature Center
Santa’s Christmas Friends… Fairy Princess, Grinch, Gingerbread Man and More!
FREE! Whoville Holidays Saturdays November 26-December 17 from 11am-2pm, The City Market. The Grinch is back at Whoville Holidays. The 429 Walnut space (located at the main entrance to the City Market) will be transformed into Cindy Lou Who’s home, where Who’s of all ages can get their picture taken with the Grinch and check out the Whoville fun in the children’s activity area. Whoville Holidays is a FREE event, but donations are encouraged in our “Help a Who” campaign. Bring either a canned good for Harvesters, or a new, unwrapped toy for the Salvation Army. City Market
The Coterie presents, Seussical! thru Dec. 31 Tickets prices Nov. 26- Dec. 31 are $12 for youth, students and seniors; $17 for adults. TARGET Saturdays: Free ticket and free book, Horton Hears a Who (one ticket and book per order; restrictions apply; not available online). Friday "Something Fun": After all Friday night performances, there will be a free Something Fun experience. Audiences may enjoy an autograph and photograph session with the Cat and the Hat, Horton and friends, a dance lesson with the cast, or even a comedy spoof of Dr. Seuss. The experience will change each week. 816.474.6552 www.coterietheatre.org. (Photo courtesy of J. Robert Schraeder). Tip: Continue the fun with Dr. Seuss-themed fun at home!
KC Museum's Fairy Princess November 19 - December 1, Zona Rosa. Drawing from longtime local traditions, Zona Rosa features the Fairy Princess sponsored by The Kansas City Museum. The Fairy Princess first appeared in Kansas City, Mo. in 1935 in the toy department at Kline’s Department Store during the holidays, and now she has returned to her retail stardom at Zona Rosa. The Fairy Princess arrives at Zona Rosa on Saturday, Nov. 19 as part of the holiday lighting ceremony. She will greet children everyday at Zona Rosa until Dec. 1. Bonus Event: Breakfast with the Fairy Princess November 26. Advance tickets are required and will be available for purchase by visiting Zona Rosa Guest Services. 816.587.8180 Zona Rosa
Fairy Princess at the KC Museum 2011 Schedule: Saturdays: Dec. 3, 10, and 17 from 10am-4pm;
Sundays: Dec. 4, 11, and 18 from noon-4pm, Kansas City Museum. With a wave of her magic wand, the Fairy Princess appears at the Kansas City Museum this holiday season! Take a picture with the Fairy Princess, Create holiday arts and crafts, Enjoy a sweet treat, Visit the Fairy Princess Boutique. $5/child. 816.483.8300 KC Museum Fairy Princess
Nutcracker Tea Party Dec. 3 or 4th, Ritz Charles of Overland Park. The Nutcracker Tea Party is a family-friendly day filled with fun! Enjoy a one hour version of the holiday classic danced by Ballet Legacy, along with a delightful tea party. Watch and the joy on the children’s faces as they have their pictures taken with the dancers. Do your holiday shopping at our boutique or bid on the perfect gift at our silent auction. It’s a sold out event every year, so buy your tickets now! KC Parent Magazine is a Sponsor for this premier event. $25-40/ticket. Nutcracker Tea Party
Note: This guide was compiled by the staff of KC Parent Magazine and may not be reproduced in print or online without permission. If you have additions to this guide, please email kristina@kcparent.com.