Experience the Enchanting Evergy Festival of Lights and Create Unforgettable Holiday Memories in Kansas City

Published on December 9, 2025

When the cold winds of winter blow through Kansas City, there’s a magical experience waiting for you at Powell Gardens. The Evergy Festival of Lights is a must-see holiday event that transforms the botanical gardens into a stunning winter wonderland. From glimmering lights to festive decorations and charming holiday activities, this event offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly outing, a romantic evening, or a fun holiday tradition, the Evergy Festival of Lights promises to deliver an unforgettable experience. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this extraordinary event that lights up Kansas City each holiday season.

What Is the Evergy Festival of Lights?

The Evergy Festival of Lights is an annual event held at Powell Gardens, one of Kansas City’s most beautiful and expansive botanical gardens. Every year, the gardens are adorned with thousands of sparkling lights that transform the space into a breathtaking winter wonderland. The event is a visual feast for the eyes, offering a chance to experience nature in a completely new light, quite literally.

Visitors stroll through paths lined with glowing lights, admire towering decorated trees, and marvel at the creative light displays that make Powell Gardens a must-visit destination during the festive season. The event is designed to captivate people of all ages, making it a perfect choice for families, couples, or anyone in search of a festive escape in Kansas City.

The Dates and Times You Can Experience the Festival

The Evergy Festival of Lights runs from November 20, 2025, to January 3, 2026. This gives you plenty of time to visit and enjoy the twinkling lights and magical displays. The event takes place on selected evenings throughout this period, making it easy to plan your visit around your schedule.

The festival is open from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM on festival nights, so you can enjoy the lights at their best during the chilly evening hours. It’s an ideal time to get into the holiday spirit and take in the festive beauty of the gardens.

The festival does not operate on certain holidays like Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or New Year’s Eve, so make sure to plan your visit accordingly. The dates for December 2025 and early January 2026 include weekends, making it a great choice for a holiday outing.

A Stroll Through the Winter Wonderland

As soon as you enter Powell Gardens for the Evergy Festival of Lights, you’re transported into a different world. The beautiful landscape of the gardens is transformed into an enchanting holiday display. The garden paths are lined with thousands of lights that twinkle like stars in the winter night. The display includes trees covered in festive lights, bridges illuminated with colourful patterns, and art pieces glowing in the soft light of the season.

The garden’s iconic Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel is a standout feature, especially when lit up during the festival. This charming chapel becomes a serene backdrop to the festivities, adding a peaceful atmosphere to the event. Walking through the gardens, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a magical world, where every turn reveals a new and spectacular light display.

The holiday lights are not just about bright colours and flashing lights—they are carefully arranged to complement the natural beauty of Powell Gardens. The event is designed to celebrate the beauty of nature while also embracing the festive spirit of the season.

Fun and Festive Activities for All Ages

The Evergy Festival of Lights is more than just a light show. It offers a variety of activities that make the event even more exciting and memorable. There’s something for everyone, from little ones to grandparents. Here’s a look at some of the fun activities you can enjoy during your visit:

Santa’s Workshop

One of the most popular attractions for families is Santa’s Workshop, where children can meet Santa, write letters to him, and even create their own holiday crafts. This interactive experience takes place on select Friday and Saturday nights from November 28 to December 20. It’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit and create lasting memories with your family. The workshop is included with your festival admission, making it a fantastic value for families looking to enjoy the holiday magic.

Holiday Concerts in the Chapel

For those who enjoy a bit of music with their holiday cheer, the Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel hosts special holiday concerts throughout the festival. These performances add a special touch to the evening, with live music filling the air and enhancing the overall experience. The chapel’s intimate setting makes it a perfect place to enjoy festive tunes, whether you’re looking to relax with family or enjoy a romantic evening with someone special.

Holiday Buffet Dinners

For those looking to enjoy a delicious holiday meal, the festival offers special holiday buffet dinners on select nights, such as December 6 and 13. These dinners feature traditional holiday fare, including glazed ham, turkey, and seasonal sides. The dinner is a perfect way to warm up before or after your stroll through the lights, and it includes admission to the festival. It’s a fantastic option for visitors who want to enjoy both a meal and the festive atmosphere of the gardens.

Garden to Glass: Holiday Cocktail Experience

For adults looking to enjoy the season in a more festive way, Powell Gardens offers a Garden to Glass: Holiday Cocktail Experience. On certain nights, visitors can enjoy holiday-themed cocktails made with garden-grown ingredients. This unique experience allows guests to sip on delicious drinks while strolling through the beautifully lit gardens. It’s a fun and festive way to enjoy the evening, and it’s perfect for couples or groups of friends who want to celebrate the season together.

Shopping and Artisan Markets

The festival also features holiday shopping opportunities with local artisans and vendors selling unique holiday crafts, gifts, and festive treats. This is a great chance to find special, one-of-a-kind items while supporting local creators. You’ll find everything from handmade ornaments to holiday-themed home decor, making it easy to pick up that perfect gift for someone special.

Warming Stations and Fire Pits

Since the festival takes place during the winter months, Powell Gardens has made sure that visitors are comfortable during their visit. Warming stations and fire pits are set up throughout the gardens, offering a cozy spot to warm up while enjoying the lights. These stations are especially welcome on chilly nights, providing a nice break during your walk through the gardens.

The Best Time to Visit

The Evergy Festival of Lights is a popular event, especially on weekends and during the holiday weeks. If you want to avoid larger crowds, it’s best to visit on a weekday evening, especially during the early part of the festival in November. The weather can be quite cold in December and January, so make sure to bundle up before heading out. The festival is still magical, even in the cold, but you’ll want to dress warmly to ensure a comfortable experience.

Tickets and Admission

To enjoy the Evergy Festival of Lights, you’ll need to purchase a ticket. The general admission prices for the 2025 season are:

• Adults: $19.00 on weekdays and Sundays, and $22.00 on Fridays and Saturdays.
• Seniors (60+): $17.00 on weekdays and Sundays, and $18.00 on Fridays and Saturdays.
• Children (ages 5-12): $10.00 on weekdays and Sundays, and $12.00 on Fridays and Saturdays.
• Children (under 5): Free.

For non-members, parking is $10.00 per vehicle. However, members of Powell Gardens get free admission, so if you’re planning to visit frequently, consider becoming a member to save on tickets.

It’s highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance, especially for weekend visits when the festival tends to sell out. Tickets can be bought online through the Powell Gardens website, and they often offer discounts or package deals for group visits.

Why You Should Visit the Evergy Festival of Lights

There are many reasons to visit the Evergy Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens. It’s not just about the stunning light displays; it’s about creating memories with loved ones, experiencing the beauty of nature, and getting into the holiday spirit. Whether you’re walking through the garden paths, enjoying a concert, or sipping a warm drink by the fire pit, this event offers a unique and magical experience that will stay with you long after the lights have dimmed.

The Evergy Festival of Lights is perfect for anyone looking for a festive holiday outing. Whether you’re a Kansas City local or a visitor to the area, this event offers something for everyone. The combination of lights, nature, music, and activities creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that is sure to delight.

If you’re planning to visit Kansas City this holiday season, make sure the Evergy Festival of Lights is at the top of your list. It’s a chance to experience the magic of the season in a beautiful, natural setting, and it’s an event you’ll want to experience year after year.

The Evergy Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens is one of Kansas City’s most enchanting holiday events. From its awe-inspiring light displays to its festive activities and charming atmosphere, it’s an experience that captures the magic of the season. Whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or a special someone, this winter wonderland is a must-see destination during the holiday season.

So, what are you waiting for? Bundle up, grab your loved ones, and head to Powell Gardens to experience the Evergy Festival of Lights. It’s a magical event you won’t want to miss!