As long as there’s been a Kansas City, there’s been a good-natured rivalry between the Kansas and Missouri sides (much like the good-natured rivalry we have with our fellow McCarthy dealerships).

We love all of KC, but the Missouri side holds a special place in our hearts. In the spirit of the holidays, let’s check out some of the best Christmas light displays on the east side of the river.

Christmas in the Park

Frank White Jr. Softball Complex | 3901 SW Longview Road, Lee’s Summit, MO 64081

November 22^nd to December 31^st

Kicking off our list, we have Lee’s Summit’s very own holiday light extravaganza. This Christmas light show near McCarthy JRCD boasts over half a million lights and 200 animated displays. The event is in its 36^th year, so it’s safe to say they know what they’re doing at this point.

If you’re looking for free drive-through Christmas lights, you’d be hard-pressed to find much better—yes, we did say free. Event organizers are accepting donations though, so consider pitching in. Donations go toward benefiting 40 different local charities.

Winter Magic

Kessler Park | 1800 Cliff Drive, Kansas City, MO 64106

November 2^nd to December 31^st

If you’re looking for one of the best drive-through Christmas light shows in town, you’ve found it. Welcome to the 4^th annual Winter Magic Show.

This event is the most fun Christmas party you can attend without leaving your car. It features a full mile of lights right in the heart of downtown’s oldest park, and that’s just the beginning. It has the longest light tunnel in the Midwest, and to top it off, there’s even an in-car scavenger hunt—if you can find Dilly the Christmas Pickle and snap a photo of him, you can be entered to win a free return trip.

Tickets start at just $25 for one vehicle, and the price remains the same no matter how many passengers, so be sure to bring the minivan. Group and corporate discount rates are also available, and if you want to save, you can buy a parking pass, which grants you access to their sister light display in KCK. Proceeds benefit Children’s Mercy Hospital and the KC Parks Fund.

Holidays at Union Station

Union Station Kansas City | 30 W Pershing Road, Kansas City, MO 64108

November 17^th to New Year’s Day

This spot has long been one of Kansas City’s most iconic family fun destinations, with plenty of places to eat, movies and live theater, and a full-on planetarium.

All through December, there will be tons of great events. The Laser Holiday Magic show combines classic holiday tunes with a synchronized light display. The Nutcracker All Jazz’d Up show promises to put a fun twist on an old favorite. The crown jewel of the event, though, is the Holiday Reflections walk-through tour, which is bigger than ever this year at 27,000 square feet. The theater will also be showing fan favorite Christmas movies, including Elf, The Polar Express, and Christmas Vacation.

Events are modestly priced, and Union Station members benefit from a discounted rate.

The Mayor’s Christmas Tree

Crown Center Square | 2450 Grand Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64108

November 24^th to January 2^nd

This dazzling tree has been rated top 10 in the nation by USA Today, and it’s easy to see why.

The 100-foot Oregon Douglas fir has towered over the city for half a century, featuring over 7,000 lights. It’s sure to be one of the best places to see Christmas lights near you for free, and since it’s right across the street from Union Station, there are plenty of other awesome things to do within walking distance.

Magic Tree

1401 NW River Road, Lee’s Summit, MO 64081

November 22^nd to Early January

Another Lee’s Summit staple, the Magic Tree stands as a symbol of peace, love, and hope during the holidays. It may not seem like much, but its low-key nature is exactly what continues to draw people to it. No Christmas light tour of Lee’s Summit is complete without it.

You’ll also find a quaint holiday pop-up bar operating out of the nearby Paragon Star, which features themed craft cocktails and a wonderful ambiance, open Thursdays through Saturdays until the end of the year.

Zona Rosa

Zona Rosa Shopping Center | 7210 NW 86^th Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64153

November 18^th to Early January

This spot has been one of Northland’s favorite destinations for food and fun, and it’s perfect for soaking up some good Xmas lights near you while you shop.

A 55-foot fully-lit Christmas tree is the centerpiece for this display, and it’s flanked by several giant holiday crowns, with miles of lights strewn all around the outdoor mall area. Zona Rosa also features an outdoor skating rink, which is open until late February.

Plaza Lights

Country Club Plaza | 4706 Broadway Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64112

Thanksgiving to Mid-January

Now that Turkey Day has come and gone, the 94^th iteration of the Plaza Lights is officially underway. This tradition has been a KCMO staple for decades, and we swear it just gets better every year.

The Spanish-inspired downtown shopping district is lit up for 15 blocks, and the lights kick on every day from dusk to well into the wee hours of the morning. Whether you’re staying at one of the nearby hotels, grabbing a bite to eat at a local restaurant, or just popping in to do some last-minute errands, there are a million different angles from which to view this spectacular holiday light display near you.

Plaza parking garages will be open to the public for the remainder of the display, and most plaza shops will have extended hours.

Is There Anywhere Else to See Christmas Lights Near You?

If you’re doing it up big with the Christmas lights at your home in KCMO and we missed you this year, hit us up on our Facebook page and let us know so we can include you next year!

Are you looking for the ultimate holiday-light-viewing-mobile for the family? We have gently used Chrysler Pacifica models for sale near you. Contact us on our website to learn how you can get pre-qualified in seconds.