The day after Thanksgiving is the perfect time to kick start your family’s holiday spirit with a trip to Crown Center. From ice skating outside at Crown Center Ice Terrace to playing on oversized wooden toys underneath the Mayor’s Christmas Tree to visiting Santa Claus at Santa’s Gingerbread Station, Crown Center features Kansas City holiday traditions not to be missed.
Santa’s HERE!
At 10 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 24, Santa Claus will arrive in front of the Crown Center Shops in a horse-drawn carriage to greet his eager fans. This special welcoming for Santa Claus is the perfect way to keep the magic alive for little ones.
Santa will make his way from the carriage to Santa’s Gingerbread Station, a train-themed area on Level 1 of the Crown Center Shops. Kids and families can share wish lists and have photos taken with Santa every day during shopping hours, up until 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve. A photographer is available onsite to take photos for a fee, or you may take your own. Admission is free.
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Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Event
At 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 24, the 100-foot-tall Mayor’s Christmas Tree – one of the nation’s tallest – will be the centerpiece for an illuminating holiday celebration. All ages will enjoy the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Event as Kansas City, Mo., Mayor Quinton Lucas and Santa Claus flip the switch to light more than 30,000 white lights on the tree and across Crown Center Square, followed by a spectacular fireworks display. Admission is free.
Throughout the day, Crown Center will be filled with festive fun. Sip hot beverages and enjoy s’mores at Cocoa and Campfires, go ice skating, start your holiday shopping or look for stocking stuffers, see a holiday theater show, and soak in the holiday atmosphere.
The Mayor’s Christmas Tree on Crown Center Square stands as a symbol of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund, which helps fellow Kansas Citians in need celebrate the holiday season. You can help support the fund by purchasing a Mayor’s Christmas Tree ornament, made from the wood of last year’s tree. This year’s design, created by Hallmark artist Ramon Olivera, is called “Holiday Wreath” and can be purchased at Crown Center Customer Service.
Outdoor Ice Skating
The Crown Center Ice Terrace, Kansas City’s original outdoor ice rink, celebrates its 51st season of ice-skating fun. The Ice Terrace overlooks the Mayor’s Christmas Tree and the lights and holiday decorations on Crown Center Square for a festive, active way to spend time together. With daily skating times and skate rental onsite, the Ice Terrace will be open through March 10. Season passes are available, as well as skating lessons. Visit the website before you go for all the details.
Crown Center just brims with Christmas spirit during the season, which makes it the perfect place to create holiday memories with your family. To check out all of the live theater, shopping, dining, and entertainment options that Crown Center has to offer, visit CrownCenterChristmas.com.
