Immerse yourself in the charm of the holiday season throughout Kansas City and the surrounding region. Discover an array of festive holiday happenings—from acclaimed live musical performances and fine art exhibitions to cherished seasonal traditions that evoke warmth and nostalgia. Explore distinctive handmade gifts and delight in the artistry that defines this special time of year. Gather your friends and family, reserve your seats and indulge in the region’s most inspiring celebrations of the season.
Find unique gift items at the Lawrence Holiday Art Fair!
Shop for unique holiday gifts from local and regional artists at the Lawrence Art Guild’s Holiday Art Fair! Find quality, original, handmade items by 28 area artists, December 13 and December 14 at the Cider Gallery. Also check out the All Members Show highlighting work from more than 65 member artists, November 28 – January 23. Meet the artists and enjoy refreshments and live music at the Opening Reception, November 28. Entertainment by Mire Pral.
See ‘Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol’
Playing at the Midwest Trust Center on December 11, Dickens’ classic characters and Parton’s one-of-a-kind songwriting expertise are certain to make this a holiday event you’ll want to share with those you love. Perfect for the entire family, this merry musical reimagines Ebenezer Scrooge as the owner of a mining company town, where his callous greed blinds him to the joys of the season. Tickets start at $25.
Start Your Holiday Season with Bach Aria Soloists!
Join Bach Aria Soloists for their beloved Holiday Concert in historic St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Heartwarming, soul-stirring arias from Bach, Handel, Debussy, Barber, plus traditional carols for singing along. Guest tenor, J.W. Keckley, makes his debut with BAS singing some of the most glorious arias from Bach’s monumental cantatas, and beautiful duets with BAS soprano, Sarah Tannehill Anderson. Guest Can Balcik-Moretti joins Elizabeth Suh Lane on violin. Friday, December 5 at 7:30 pm at St. Paul’s Episcopal in Midtown.
Harriman-Jewell Series brings Yo-Yo Ma to Kansas City For Solo Cello Performance
This season, experience the incomparable cellist Yo-Yo Ma, in solo recital at Helzberg Hall, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. No conductor. No orchestra. Just Yo-Yo Ma and his cello, for an intimate solo recital. This program will offer a wide-ranging reflection on the emotional depth and expressive power of the instrument. It’s an invitation to experience one of the world’s most revered artists in a setting that’s both personal and profound. Tuesday, December 2, 7 p.m., Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.
Buddy says, “There’s room for everyone on the Nice List!”
The beloved holiday classic, Elf-The Musical, comes to life on stage in a new version for young audiences at The Coterie! When Buddy, a young orphan raised as an elf at the North Pole, learns that he is actually human, he embarks on a heart-warming journey to find his family and remind everyone the true meaning of Christmas. Live on The Coterie’s mainstage in Crown Center for families with all ages now through December 31.
Vespers 2025 expanding with two performances!
The University of Kansas School of Music has announced details for the 101st annual Vespers concert, a cherished holiday tradition. This year’s celebration expands to new audiences with two special performances: a Thursday performance at 7:30 p.m. December 4 at the Lied Center of Kansas in Lawrence and a Friday performance December 5 at Yardley Hall in Overland Park.
Experience the Winter Wonder Pass in Lawrence!
Experience the magic of the Winter Wonder Pass. Sign up for free, visit Lawrence, check in to earn points, redeem coupons and use your points to enter the sweepstakes! From the Old Fashioned Christmas Parade to shopping on “Mass St.” Lawrence is a don’t miss destination this winter season. For more information visit our website or follow us on social media at @explorelawrence.