Crown Center Christmas: A Kansas City Holiday Tradition

As the holiday season approaches, Kansas City transforms into a winter wonderland, filled with festive decorations, joyful carols, and magical events that bring people together. At the heart of this holiday cheer is the Crown Center, a iconic shopping and entertainment complex that has been a beloved Kansas City tradition for over 50 years. Every year, Crown Center undergoes a stunning transformation, becoming a hub of holiday activity that draws in visitors from all over the region.

From the moment you step foot into the Crown Center, you'll be immersed in the sights, sounds, and scents of the holiday season. The atrium is decked out in festive decorations, including towering Christmas trees, sparkling garlands, and over 100,000 twinkling lights. The air is filled with the sweet aroma of roasting chestnuts and the sound of carolers filling the air with festive tunes.

Ice Skating at Crown Center

One of the most popular holiday activities at Crown Center is ice skating. The complex features a 4,000-square-foot outdoor ice rink, perfect for families, couples, and friends to enjoy the magic of ice skating under the stars. The rink is open daily from late November to mid-January, and skate rentals are available for those who don't have their own equipment.

Meet Santa Claus

No holiday season would be complete without a visit from Santa Claus himself. At Crown Center, you can meet the big man in red and take part in a variety of fun holiday activities, including:

• Photos with Santa: Get your picture taken with Santa and create lasting holiday memories.
• Letters to Santa: Write a letter to Santa and mail it in the special Crown Center mailbox.
• Santa's Workshop: Watch as artisans create handmade toys and decorations.

Crown Center Christmas Shops

Looking for the perfect holiday gift? Crown Center features a variety of unique and specialty shops that offer everything from handmade decorations to exclusive Kansas City souvenirs. Some of the top holiday shops include:

• Hallmark Store: Find the perfect holiday card, ornament, or gift at this iconic Kansas City retailer.
• Build-A-Bear Workshop: Create your own stuffed animal and take part in a fun holiday activity.
• Lego Store: Discover the magic of Lego and find the perfect gift for the Lego lover in your life.

Holiday Events at Crown Center

Throughout the holiday season, Crown Center hosts a variety of fun and festive events that are sure to get you in the holiday spirit. Some of the top events include:

• Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting: Kick off the holiday season with the annual tree lighting ceremony.
• Holiday Concerts: Enjoy live music from local and national performers.
• Breakfast with Santa: Start your day off right with a delicious breakfast and a visit from Santa.

Getting to Crown Center

Located in the heart of Kansas City, Crown Center is easily accessible by car, bus, or streetcar. There are several parking garages and lots available, as well as convenient drop-off and pick-up locations for ride-sharing services.

Plan Your Visit

Before you head to Crown Center, be sure to plan your visit and make the most of your holiday experience. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Arrive early: Get to Crown Center early to avoid crowds and make the most of your day.
• Wear comfortable shoes: With all the walking and exploring, you'll want to make sure you're wearing comfortable shoes.
• Bring a camera: With all the festive decorations and fun activities, you'll want to capture memories of your visit.

As the holiday season comes to a close, be sure to take one last visit to Crown Center and experience the magic of the season. With its festive decorations, fun activities, and variety of unique shops and events, Crown Center is the perfect destination for a holiday outing.

Now that you've read all about the Crown Center Christmas, it's time to start planning your visit! Share your favorite holiday memories and traditions with us in the comments below. And don't forget to follow us for more holiday content and Kansas City adventures!