Powell Gardens is open select evenings for Evergy Festival of Lights (Nov. 14 - Jan.4). Learn more
During Evergy Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens (November 14-January 4), holiday lights turn Kansas City’s botanical garden into a winter wonderland. This year, a new path highlights the iconic Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel as it winds through the Marlese Lowe Gourley Island Garden.
Make plans for a breath of fresh air during the hectic holiday season! Bundle up with family and friends while you stroll along a lighted outdoor path. Experience the natural joy of Powell Gardens through exceptional architecture and the treasured Midwest landscape in the most festive season.
Festival dates include:
November 14-16, 22-23, 29-30
December 1, 5-7, 12-14, 19-23, 26-29
January 2-4
*Dates and times will vary due to holidays. Powell Gardens is closed Thanksgiving Eve, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
Learn more about the don’t miss moments at Evergy Festival of Lights! Scroll down to see special events, FAQs, food and beverage information, and more to help you plan your perfect holiday visit.
Daily | 5-10 p.m.
Step into a winter wonderland with an enchanting new feature—a walk-through snow globe experience inside Powell Gardens’ glass-domed Conservatory! Stroll beneath twinkling lights, surrounded by flocked trees and delicate white flowers. The Conservatory pool is transformed into a snowy scene, while red ornaments add a festive pop against the greenery. This magical setting is sure to transport you into the heart of the holiday season.
Daily | 5-10 p.m.
Conifer Room (Visitor Center)
The holiday season brings a new botanical exhibit to Powell Gardens! Aliento a Tequila (or The Spirit of Tequila) exhibition explores and celebrates the landscape, culture, and traditions that gave birth to tequila, Mexico’s mestizo national drink. This series of photographs by Joel Salcido includes the original distilleries that literally founded the industry, as well as several artisanal tequileras committed to the ancestral ways of tequila-making, from harvest to bottle.
Located in the Conifer Room, the exhibit is open daily during Every Festival of Lights. On the other side of the exhibit space, there are crafts for kids. Stop by and be inspired to create!
Daily | 5-10 p.m.
Tram Circle near Visitor Center
Marvel at a magical light installation at the Royal Purple Smoketree (Continus) in the Visitor Center Tram Circle. Look for this signature tree as you begin your walk!
Daily | 5-10 p.m.
Fountain Garden
Step into a world of winter scenes, perfect for your family’s holiday card! Don’t miss the snowflake arch in the Conifer Garden, vintage holiday ornament at the Millstone, or the lighted butterfly just beyond the Peppermint Warming Station. This year, we’ve added a gingerbread house near the Fountain Garden.
Daily | 5-10 p.m.
East Lawn (near the Fountain Garden)
On the East Lawn, ScrapHeads 21485 presents a brand-new holiday light project! The display will be timed to festive holiday music and will run the duration of Evergy Festival of Lights.
ScrapHeads 21485, a FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) robotics team, was founded in 2022 in Holden, MO. The team is made up of students in grades 7 through 10, with a focus on outreach, engineering, programming, marketing, strategy, and driving. The team participates in three local meets per competition season as well as a championship tournament and qualifier, with the opportunity to qualify for the world championship in Houston, Texas.
Light display sponsored by ALL PRO Electric Inc.
Daily | 5-10 p.m.
Villandry (Missouri Barn & Silo)
Get lost in the magic of the season with our dazzling Light Maze! Wander through glowing pathways surrounded by shimmering lights. Perfect for all ages! Can you find your way to the sparkling center?
November 29 – December 21 | Friday & Saturday, 5-9 p.m.
Santa’s Workshop in Children’s Garden
On Fridays and Saturdays (November 29-December 21), visit Santa in his cozy Powell Gardens workshop! Mrs. Claus will join Santa for special story times on Saturdays (November 30-December 21). Visitors are encouraged to write a letter to Santa and make a free holiday craft daily.
For young artists, purchase a paid crafting experience and make something extra special on November 14, December 5, 12, 19, 26, 27, and January 2.
November 29 – December 21 | Friday & Saturday, 5-9 p.m.
Santa’s Workshop in Children’s Garden
On Fridays and Saturdays (November 29-December 21), visit Santa in his cozy Powell Gardens workshop! Mrs. Claus will join Santa for special story times on Saturdays (November 30-December 21). Visitors are encouraged to write a letter to Santa and make a free holiday craft daily.
November 22-23 and December 13-14 | 5-10 p.m.
Missouri Barn
Finish your holiday shopping at Powell Gardens’ Winter Sip & Stroll Market. Local artisans and vendors will be onsite selling holiday and everyday creations. Take home the perfect gift!
Saturday, November 30 | 7 p.m.
$38 | Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel
Purchase tickets for our Festival of Lights concert series, hosted in the beautiful Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel! On November 30, the St. Paul Ringers will perform.
The St. Paul Ringers will perform a selection of holiday music, perfect for all ages!
The Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel opens at 6 p.m. on concert evenings. Concert tickets include admission to Evergy Festival of Lights (5-10 p.m.).
Thursday, December 5 | 6:30-8 p.m.
$35 | $25 for members
Education Building
Join us at Evergy Festival of Lights for a children’s crafting night that includes story time, crafts, and a snack. The craft on Thursday, December 5 is a Birdhouse Holiday Village. Children will have a choice of three birdhouses to decorate.
Children’s festival admission is included in the price of the class ticket.
Friday, December 6 | 7 p.m.
$38 | Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel
Purchase tickets for our Festival of Lights concert series, hosted in the beautiful Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel! On December 6, the Alan Vozz Jazz Group will perform.
Alan Voss found his compositional flow later in life. The music for the album “Baobab” by the Alan Voss Quartet was composed out of gratitude and aims to provide hope for all who take the time to listen. Hear the stories behind the songs in a beautiful space.
The Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel opens at 6 p.m. on concert evenings. Concert tickets include admission to Evergy Festival of Lights (5-10 p.m.).
Santa Village House
Thursday, December 12 | 6:30-8 p.m.
$35 | $25 for members
Education Building
Join us at Evergy Festival of Lights for a children’s crafting night that includes story time, crafts, and a snack. The craft on Thursday, December 12 is a Santa Village House.
Children’s festival admission is included in the price of the class ticket.
Friday, December 13 | 7 p.m.
$38 | Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel
Purchase tickets for our Festival of Lights concert series, hosted in the beautiful Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel! On December 13, the Eboni Fondren Quartet will perform.
Eboni Wardine Fondren is an American singer/actress, whose career has spanned over two decades. Under the tutelage of the internationally acclaimed Hammond B-3 organ player and bandleader, Mr. Everette DeVan, Eboni developed showmanship and leadership of working with the jazz band ensemble. Eboni is one of the most highly sought after and premiere jazz vocalists in Kansas City and has become a bandleader in her own right. In addition to her own musical projects which include Eboni and the Ivories and performing as a member of the Lost Wax Band, Eboni collaborates with some of Kansas City’s top musicians and can be heard swinging all over the local jazz scene.
The Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel opens at 6 p.m. on concert evenings. Concert tickets include admission to Evergy Festival of Lights (5-10 p.m.).
Saturday, December 14 | 7 p.m.
$38 | Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel
Purchase tickets for our Festival of Lights concert series, hosted in the beautiful Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel! On December 14, Friends of Chamber Music – Kansas City will perform.
The Friends of Chamber Music and Heartland Young Artist Project is a collaborative initiative between Friends of Chamber Music Kansas City and Heartland Chamber Music, created with a goal to expand music education opportunities within our community.
Through this partnership, full scholarships are offered to selected chamber music ensembles made up of piano and string students aged 12-19 from the Kansas City area. These talented young musicians receive high-quality instruction, including weekly coaching from distinguished faculty, which features some of Kansas City’s finest musicians as well as Dmitri Atapine and Hyeyeon Park, the artistic co-directors of Friends of Chamber Music Kansas City.
The Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel opens at 6 p.m. on concert evenings. Concert tickets include admission to Evergy Festival of Lights (5-10 p.m.).
Thursday, December 19 | 6:30-8 p.m.
$35 | $25 for members
Education Building
Join us at Evergy Festival of Lights for a children’s crafting night that includes story time, crafts, and a snack. The craft on Thursday, December 19 is clay pot trees and reindeer.
Children’s festival admission is included in the price of the class ticket.
Friday, December 20 | 7 p.m.
$38 | Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel
Purchase tickets for our Festival of Lights concert series, hosted in the beautiful Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel! On December 20, Voices of Kansas City will perform.
Voices of Kansas City is a professional a cappella ensemble, performing choral arrangements of familiar songs to entertain, inspire, and unify. These unique Voices style arrangements feature wide vocal ranges, close 8-part harmonies, and a luscious blend, all while entertaining and engaging the audience. No other group in Kansas City sounds like this!
The Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel opens at 6 p.m. on concert evenings. Concert tickets include admission to Evergy Festival of Lights (5-10 p.m.).
Saturday, December 21 | 7 p.m.
$38 | Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel
Purchase tickets for our Festival of Lights concert series, hosted in the beautiful Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel! On December 20, And So It Goes will perform.
Listen to And So It Goes perform holiday music that captures the timeless energy of Ireland.
The Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel opens at 6 p.m. on concert evenings. Concert tickets include admission to Evergy Festival of Lights (5-10 p.m.).
Thursday, December 26 | 6:30-8 p.m.
$35 | $25 for members
Education Building
Join us at Evergy Festival of Lights for a children’s crafting night that includes story time, crafts, and a snack. The craft on Thursday, December 26 is a clay pot snowman.
Children’s festival admission is included in the price of the class ticket.
Saturday, December 27 | 7 p.m.
$38 | Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel
Purchase tickets for our Festival of Lights concert series, hosted in the beautiful Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel! On December 7, the Kansas City Latin Jazz Orchestra will perform.
The Kansas City Latin Jazz Orchestra is a professional performance ensemble. It integrates young graduates from our Latin Jazz Studies Program and established professionals, master musicians, and visiting artists. The artistic ethos of the orchestra is based on a commitment to passing on musical knowledge and transmitting values that enlighten and edify our communities and local artistic ecosystem. Our programming contributes to the preservation and creative advancement of the art form as well as generating a sustainable and equitable music industry in our region.
The Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel opens at 6 p.m. on concert evenings. Concert tickets include admission to Evergy Festival of Lights (5-10 p.m.).
Saturday, December 28 | 7 p.m.
$38 | Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel
Purchase tickets for our Festival of Lights concert series, hosted in the beautiful Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel! On December 21, Esoke Cultural Art will perform.
Artistic Director Yaminah Muhammad has studied in Senegal and Gambi in West Africa, as well as Barbados in the West Indies. Come Experience West African drums and dancers for a Kwanzaa celebration.
The Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel opens at 6 p.m. on concert evenings. Concert tickets include admission to Evergy Festival of Lights (5-10 p.m.).
Thursday, January 2 | 6:30-8 p.m.
$35 | $25 for members
Education Building
Join us at Evergy Festival of Lights for a children’s crafting night that includes story time, crafts, and a snack. The craft on Thursday, January 2 is a clay pot gnome.
Children’s festival admission is included in the price of the class ticket.
The Marketplace at Powell Gardens
Daily | 5-10 p.m.
Visitor Center
The Marketplace at Powell Gardens has garden-inspired and locally made gifts, including Powell Gardens grown poinsettias. Sweet and savory snacks and drinks are also available.
Terrace Room
Daily | 5-9 p.m.
Terrace Room (Visitor Center)
Enjoy food and drink in the Terrace Room, an indoor pop-up café space during Evergy Festival of Lights. Purchase savory and sweet treats, as well as beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks. For a fun holiday activity, pick up a sugar cookie painting kit—perfect for kids and adults alike! Take a seat at our festive tables and relax.
Grand Hall Bar + Bites
Daily | 5-10 p.m.
Visitor Center
Beer, wine, hot chocolate, and hot cider (with spiking options!) are available in the Visitor Center. Don’t miss the new charcuterie cones at this location!
Powell Gardens Express Station
Daily | 5-9:30 p.m.
Garden Galleries
Take a warm break at the Powell Express Station, nestled halfway through your walk. Inside the Garden Galleries greenhouses, warm up with hot chocolate or cider—spiked or non-alcoholic—amidst a festive peppermint display. Marvel at a beautiful poinsettia tree surrounded by Powell Gardens-grown poinsettias, white snapdragons, euphorbia, and dusty miller. Don’t miss the enchanting holiday train and railroad display from the MO-KAN Garden Railroaders, adding even more holiday magic to your night!
Holly Jolly Rest Stop
Daily | 5-10 p.m.
Missouri Barn and Silo
Enjoy warm drinks (spiked and not!), hot food, sweet and savory snacks, and a full selection of beer, wine, and cocktails at this festive outpost. The Missouri Barn features fire pits where families can cozy up together in front of a spectacular view of the display in the Villandry Garden. Head up to the top of the Silo and gaze out over the Gardens and experience the twinkling wonderland from above.
Sip & Sugar Coffee Shop
Daily 5-10 p.m.
Missouri Barn and Silo
Coffee lovers can enjoy a cup of local roasted coffee (including a new “Uniquely Powell” blend from Post Coffee!) along with fresh bakery sweets and treats at Sip & Sugar Coffee shop. Shop for the perfect stocking stuffer while you sip. Browse a selection of unique and traditional toys, games, candies, and gifts.
If this is your first or seventh visit, we want you to have a wonderful time at Powell Gardens! Frequently asked questions are available to help you plan your visit.
On this page
Festival of Lights is open from 5-10 p.m. on select days between November 14, 2024 and January 4, 2025. When you purchased your tickets online, you selected a 30 minute window for arrival. Please try to arrive within your selected window to help reduce traffic to enter Powell Gardens.
Most guests walk the outdoor trail in about one hour. The entire path, including the new offshoot to the Marlese Lowe Gourley Island Garden and Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel, is 1.5 miles, with places to stop and look at displays or rest.
Most guests also choose to shop, eat, or drink at the pop-up spaces in the Visitor Center, along the path, or at the Missouri Barn during their visit
Visitors should be prepared to walk along a 1.5-mile paved trail through Powell Gardens. Visitors should also be prepared to walk to and from the parking lot and entrance/exit paths to the experience.
In most cases, the trail is suitable for mobility devices and strollers. The 1.5 mile path through Powell Gardens is paved. The trail is outdoors and includes some steep inclines and declines as well as narrow and uneven terrain.
Visitors use Powell Gardens’ areas at their own risk; visitor discretion is advised. Please see above for expected trail conditions.
Active Powell Gardens members may visit Festival of Lights at no cost.
Pricing varies by ticket type and date. Each vehicle must purchase parking in addition to an admission ticket for each visitor. To see tickets and prices, click here.
Yes! Bathrooms are located in the Visitor Center, Missouri Barn, and Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel.
The trolley will run a limited route from the Missouri Barn and the Visitor Center.
This year, there are two +Pack options.
+Packs must be purchased online in advance. They are not available to purchase at the door.
Festival of Lights is the perfect time to capture photos and videos! Please avoid any flash photography.
If you stop to take photos or videos during the experience, please be considerate of others. Keep moving forward to keep the path clear and flowing. Do not obstruct traffic. If you would like to stay longer at a particular moment, please move to the side of the path to avoid hindering the flow of traffic.
If you choose to share your photos or videos to social media, tag @powellgardens and use the hashtag #festivaloflightskc.
Festival of Lights is open from 5-10 p.m. on select days between November 14, 2024 and January 4, 2025.
When you purchased your tickets online, you selected a 30 minute window for arrival. Please try to arrive within your selected window to help reduce traffic to enter Powell Gardens.
Should Festival of Lights be cancelled or changes occur to the event due to severe or dangerous weather conditions, staff will make an announcement on social media and ticketholders will be notified via email with next steps. (Make sure you check your junk, spam, and promotions folders!)
We will share additional details, including rainout dates if available, with ticket holders as needed. Tickets are non-refundable.
In case of emergency, call 911 and notify a staff member.
Evergy Festival of Lights was made possible by the generous support of Evergy. Thank you for making the most wonderful time of year at Powell Gardens possible!
Once your tickets are purchased online, you will receive confirmation via email. We’re looking forward to seeing you soon!