The 12 Best Things to Do in Lee’s Summit This Holiday Season
The holidays in Lee’s Summit are filled with light, laughter, and community—and this year, there’s more happening than ever. Whether you’re looking for festive family traditions, ways to serve others, or a fun night out with friends, there’s something for everyone right here in our city (and just beyond).
Here are 12 of our favorite things to do in Lee’s Summit and the Kansas City area this Christmas season:
🎶 1. A Very Summit Christmas Concert
Kick off your season with A Very Summit Christmas Concert at The Summit Church. This annual event brings our church family and community together for a night of powerful music, laughter, and the reminder that Christmas is about more than lights and gifts—it’s about lasting joy.
Bring your family and friends for a festive, faith-filled night of worship that points back to the heart of the season: Jesus.
📍 The Summit Church – For information about Christmas Eve Service Times in Lee’s Summit visit thesummit.church/christmas
💡 2. Plaza Christmas Lighting (Kansas City Tradition)
The Country Club Plaza Lighting Ceremony is a Kansas City classic. On Thanksgiving night, the Plaza lights up with thousands of twinkling bulbs that stay glowing through mid-January.
Grab a warm drink, stroll through the shops, and soak in that nostalgic KC magic.
📍 Country Club Plaza | Thanksgiving Night
🎄 3. Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting (Downtown Lee’s Summit)
One of the best community moments of the year! The Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting fills downtown Lee’s Summit with carolers, cocoa, and plenty of twinkle. You’ll see familiar faces, enjoy live music, and take in that holiday charm.
📍 Downtown Lee’s Summit | November 22, 2025
🛍️ 4. Holiday Mart at Lee’s Summit West
Find one-of-a-kind gifts and support local makers at the Holiday Mart hosted by Lee’s Summit West High School. From handmade décor to boutique finds, it’s the perfect stop for unique Christmas shopping—and a great way to support students and small businesses.
📍 Lee’s Summit West High School | Early December
🚗 5. Christmas in the Park (Longview Lake)
A true Lee’s Summit favorite! Christmas in the Park features over 500,000 lights and 200 animated displays along a magical drive-through route at Longview Lake.
It’s free (donations support local charities) and makes for an unforgettable family night.
📍 Longview Lake Park | November 27 – December 31
🎆 6. Christmas in the Sky (Longview Lake)
The night before the park opens, Christmas in the Sky launches the season with fireworks, live music, and the official lighting of the display. Bring chairs, blankets, and your best holiday spirit!
📍 Longview Lake Beach | November 26, 2025
⛸️ 7. Summit Ice Outdoor Skating Rink
For some winter adventure, lace up your skates at Summit Ice, the area’s only outdoor ice rink. It’s perfect for families, date nights, and youth groups—and they’ve got skate rentals and cocoa ready to go.
📍 Lea McKeighan North Park | November – February
✨ 8. The Magic Tree
Located near I-470 and View High Drive, The Magic Tree is a glowing Lee’s Summit landmark. Every branch is covered in lights—perfect for photos, Christmas cards, or a quiet moment of reflection.
Free to visit, but donations benefit local charities.
📍 View High Drive & 470 | Open nightly through January
🎅 9. Santa at the History Museum
Avoid the mall crowds and visit Santa at the Lee’s Summit History Museum! Beginning November 29, Santa will visit on Saturdays downtown. It’s a laid-back, family-friendly photo opportunity surrounded by local charm.
📍 Lee’s Summit History Museum | Saturdays beginning November 29
🌟 10. Powell Gardens’ Festival of Lights
Just a short drive east, Powell Gardens transforms into a winter wonderland of glowing trails, bonfires, and illuminated displays. It’s scenic, peaceful, and a great date-night or family adventure.
📍 Powell Gardens, Kingsville, MO | November 22 – December 30
🐾 11. GloWild at the Kansas City Zoo
The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium shines bright during GloWild, an illuminated lantern festival featuring massive glowing sculptures of animals and holiday scenes. It’s one of KC’s most magical night experiences.
📍 Kansas City Zoo | Through early January
☕ 12. Shop Local + Hot Chocolate Downtown
Downtown Lee’s Summit feels straight out of a Christmas movie this time of year. Start with a steaming mug from Whistle Stop Coffee & Mercantile, then stroll through the local boutiques and shops.
Support small businesses, find special gifts, and stop by the Christmas Pop-Up at Konrad’s Kitchen & Tap House for festive fun and décor.
📍 Downtown Lee’s Summit | All season long
❤️ Bonus: Serve Others This Season
Amid all the lights and fun, one of the best ways to celebrate Christmas is by serving others. This year, The Summit Church is hosting two meaningful ways to bless our community:
🎁 Christmas Gift Assistance
Adopt a family from Hillcrest Transitional Housing or Lee’s Summit Elementary School and provide gifts and essentials for neighbors in need.
🛒 Christmas Store Volunteer Team
Help families shop for gifts and experience the joy of Christmas with dignity.
Learn more and sign up at thesummit.church/events.
✨ Wrapping It All Up
From fireworks and light shows to concerts and cocoa, Lee’s Summit is overflowing with ways to make memories this Christmas. Whether you’re skating at Summit Ice, snapping photos at The Magic Tree, or serving through The Summit Church, every one of these moments reminds us what Christmas is really about—joy that’s meant to be shared.
So grab your people, bundle up, and make this holiday season one to remember.
Merry Christmas from your friends at The Summit Church—we can’t wait to celebrate with you!