Lighten Up: Where to See Holiday Lights in Kansas City

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Nov. 18, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Just like its iconic jazz and mouthwatering barbecue, Kansas City has earned a bold reputation for its impressive holiday light displays. Before you go, take note of these eight luminous Kansas City traditions that are sure to brighten your holiday. For more information, go to VisitKC.com.

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1. A tradition for nearly 90 years, The Plaza Lights span 15 blocks on the famed Country Club Plaza—featuring thousands of glimmering, jewel-colored bulbs that accentuate every dome, tower and window of the Spanish-inspired shopping district (Nov. 28-Jan. 12). Area native and comedian Rob Riggle will flip the switch on Thanksgiving.  
2. Checking in at 100 feet, the Mayor's Christmas Tree at Crown Center stretches higher than those on display at the White House and Rockefeller Center (Nov. 29-Jan.1). The massive holiday icon sparkles with 7,200 white bulbs and represents the Mayor's Christmas Tree Fund, which aids KC's less fortunate.
3. Downtown skyscrapers will light up the winter sky for City Lights (Nov. 22-Jan. 1). The centerpiece is the front facade of the 22-story Marriott Downtown, featuring a synchronized display of 30,000 bulbs and 16.7 million colors. The annual celebration of lights marks the return of The Salvation Army's Christmas campaign.
4. Zona Rosa, a shopping district known for reviving local traditions, spruces up its streets each holiday season for Northern Lights (Nov. 23-mid-Jan.). Massive and ornate, several lighted crowns are suspended above the district's streets, harking back to a 1950s tradition. Also in store: a holiday igloo, carriage rides and visits with Kansas City Museum's Fairy Princess.
5. Legends Outlets Kansas City will keep shoppers in tune with its Legendary Light Show, back for its ninth year (Nov. 24-Jan. 2). Every 15 minutes, the shopping center springs to life with dazzling lights synchronized to holiday tunes. Other festive activities include a 45-foot tree and larger-than-life ornaments sprinkled throughout the district. 
6. Thanksgiving eve marks the return of Christmas in the Park, a festive drive-through display in Longview Lake Park (Nov. 27-Dec. 31).  A tradition for 25 years, the park is transformed into a delightful winter wonderland with more than 300,000 lights and almost 200 animated figures. Donations are accepted to benefit local charities.
7. The eight-block Power & Light District will shine with its 4th Annual Holiday Open House (Nov. 21). In addition to the lighting of its enormous tree, the free event features visits with Santa Claus and his reindeer, holiday carols, shopping deals and happy hour specials at surrounding restaurants and bars.
8. Enjoy the sights without leaving the comfort of your car at Christmas Card Lane, a drive-through adventure inside one of KC's most festive neighborhoods in Olathe (Nov. 29-Jan. 1). With 200 decorated homes, the celebration earned its name by the larger-than-life greeting cards that line the streets.

For a complete rundown of winter activities in Kansas City, go to VisitKC.com.

SOURCE Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association