Evergy Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens
November 16-December 30, 2023
Wednesday-Sunday* | 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
During Evergy Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens, holiday lights turn Kansas City’s botanical garden into a winter wonderland. This year, Quixotic will transform the Conservatory (located in the Visitor Center) into Crystal Chambers. While the surrounding world sinks softly into a season of hibernation, uncover a new world beneath the frost.
The winter festival will light Powell Gardens from November 16 – December 30, 2023 (Wednesday-Sunday, 5-10 p.m.).
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 landscape in the most festive season.
*Evergy Festival of Lights will be closed on Thanksgiving Eve, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
Members receive free general admission and admission to events throughout the year, including Evergy Festival of Lights. To learn more about how you could save by becoming a Powell Gardens member, visit powellgardens.org/membership.
NEW! Crystal Chambers by Quixotic
Friday & Saturday | November 24 – December 23
Pop up performances 6-9 p.m. | Conservatory (Visitor Center)
Designed by Quixotic
While the surrounding world softly sinks into a season of hibernation, a new world is uncovered beneath the frost. We welcome you to Crystal Chambers, a realm where the gleam and glitter of winter converges under the soft glow of the Northern Lights to remind the world that there is magic within the darkness if one seeks it. Visionary icy landscapes meld with mystical performers to create a flurry of fleeting moments that must be experienced to be truly believed.
Enter the Conservatory at Powell Gardens’ Evergy Festival of Lights to be fully immersed in Crystal Chambers. Included in festival admission Fridays and Saturdays (November 24-December 23). Pop-up performances will take place between 6-9 p.m.
NEW! Festival Features
Neon Magic Tree
Daily | 5-10 p.m.
Tram Circle near Visitor Center
Marvel at an all-new neon light installation at the Royal Purple Smoketree (Continus) in the Visitor Center Tram Circle. Look for this magic tree as you begin your walk!
Favorite Photo Stops
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.
Santa's Workshop (Nov. 24-Dec. 23)
November 24 – December 23 | Friday & Saturday, 5-9 p.m.
Santa’s Workshop in Children’s Garden
On Fridays and Saturdays (November 24 – December 23), create and deliver your holiday wish lists to Santa in Santa’s Workshop where he will be posing for photos. Mrs. Claus will join Santa for special story times, crafts, and cookie decorating! Don’t miss a special holiday train display from the MO-KAN Garden Railroaders.
NEW! Chapel Concert Series
Ziggy and the Neptunes
Saturday, November 25 | 6-7 p.m.
$28 | Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel
Come share holiday music and more with Ziggy and the Neptunes on Saturday, November 25 (6-7 p.m.). Shane Borth, Ben Muñoz and Envee, better known as Ziggy and The Neptunes, are back from their residency show Sensatia by Quixotic in Denver and they couldn’t be more excited to be in Kansas City making music once again.
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.).
Purchase Ziggy and the Neptunes Concert Tickets
Forrest McCurren
Saturday, December 2 | 6-7 p.m.
$28 | Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel
Forrest McCurren comes from the heart of the heartland, where the foothills of the Ozarks meet the Big Muddy: The Middle-of-Missouri. Blazing his own trail while stylistically tipping his hat to the songwriting giants of the past, McCurren wields the magic of lyricism to cast a light on the many intricacies of everyday life set against vignettes of Middle America. Tackling topics such as wise words from waitresses, heartbroken high school football standouts, and tattooed trailer park lovers, McCurren writes songs for good people that got bad grades in school, are drunk on dreams, and still trying to figure out if life is sour or sweet.
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.).
Purchase Forest McCurren Concert Tickets
St. Paul Ringers
Saturday, December 16 | 6-7 p.m.
$28 | Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel
The St. Paul Ringers will perform a selection of Christmas music on Saturday, December 16 (6-7 p.m.)
The St. Paul Ringers, from St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Lee’s Summit, MO, is a three-octave ensemble ringing Schulmerich English handbells and choir chimes. The St. Paul Ringers ring each month in contribution to the Choral Eucharist, as well as in community and civic events throughout Lee’s Summit and Eastern Jackson County.
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.).
Purchase St. Paul Ringers Concert Tickets
The Eboni Fondren Quartet
$28 | Saturday, December 23 | 6-7 p.m.
Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel
The Eboni Fondren Quartet will perform jazzy holiday tunes on Saturday, December 23 (6-7 p.m.).
Dynamic vocalist and entertainer Eboni Fondren, brings passion and excitement whenever she takes the stage. Her precise readings of jazz standards, which she seasons with a dash of R&B, fill a room with energy and delight. With a smooth and sultry finish, audiences will be enchanted by her lyrical interpretation and ability to draw an audience in leaving them wanting more.
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.).
Purchase Eboni Fondren Quartet Concert Tickets
Food & Beverage
Terrace Room
Daily | 5-10 p.m.
Terrace Room (Visitor Center)
Enjoy holiday grazing boards, wine, beer, desserts and more in the Terrace Room. This mid-century holiday themed space makes the perfect start to the evening, enjoy dinner and drinks, or sit down with a decadent dessert to end the evening on a sweet note.
NEW! Holiday Grazing Board for Two
Available daily | $98
Purchase in advance | Pick up in Terrace Room (Visitor Center)
Savor your Evergy Festival of Lights experience with a decadent holiday grazing board for two! This package includes a grazing board (options below), four drinks, and admission to Evergy Festival of Lights.
- Grazing board one includes butter candle and bread, brie and fig bites, spinach artichoke bites with bacon, and antipasto tortellini skewers.
- Grazing board two includes butter candle and bread, bruschetta with balsamic glaze, whipped feta with figs, nuts, honey and crackers, and pepper jelly with cream cheese bites.
Purchase your grazing board package
Perennial Bar + Bites
Daily | 5-10 p.m.
Perennial Lounge (Visitor Center)
Beer, wine, hot chocolate, and hot cider (with spiking options!) and snacks are available in the Visitor Center.
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. Grab and go box meals are available in The Marketplace, as well as sweet and savory snacks and drinks.
Peppermint Warming Station
Daily | 5-9:30 p.m.
Garden Galleries
Warm up halfway through your walk! On one side of the warming station in the Garden Galleries greenhouses, find hot chocolate and hot cider (spiked or non-alcoholic) amidst a festive peppermint display. Warm up and enjoy the lights amidst a display of Powell Gardens grown poinsettias.
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 and wine 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 along with fresh bakery sweets and treats at Sip & Sugar Coffee shop (located at the Missouri Barn and Silo). Shop for the perfect stocking stuffer while you sip! Browse a selection of unique and traditional toys, games, candies, and gifts.
NEW! Holiday Grazing Board for Two
Available daily | $98
Purchase in advance | Pick up in Terrace Room (Visitor Center)
Savor your Festival of Lights experience with a decadent holiday grazing board for two! This package includes a grazing board (options below), four drinks, and admission to Festival of Lights.
- Grazing board one includes butter candle and bread, brie and fig bites, spinach artichoke bites with bacon, and antipasto tortellini skewers.
- Grazing board two includes butter candle and bread, bruschetta with balsamic glaze, whipped feta with figs, nuts, honey and crackers, and pepper jelly with cream cheese bites.
Seasonal Classes
Winter Wreath Workshops
Decorate a premade wreath for your home for the holidays with natural materials harvested from Powell Gardens. There will also be ribbons and other fun items to make a festive winter wreath. Attendees who are 21+ will also enjoy a seasonal cocktail to sip while decorating.
Your workshop ticket includes one admission to Evergy Festival of Lights.
Summit Art
Works of art created by artist members of Summit Art, a local nonprofit supporting visual art and artists, are on display in the Visitor Center during the festival. Artwork may be purchased in The Marketplace at Powell Gardens.
Evergy Festival of Lights 2023
Details for Evergy Festival of Lights 2023Evergy Festival of Lights 2023
Details for Evergy Festival of Lights 2023Evergy Festival of Lights 2023
Details for Evergy Festival of Lights 2023
Happening Soon!
Chapel Concert Series: Forest McCurren
- December 2, 2023 | Saturday
- 6:00pm -12:00am
Thank you, Sponsors!
Evergy Festival of Lights is made possible by the generous support of Evergy and other sponsors. Thank you for making the most wonderful time of year at Powell Gardens possible!
Plan your visit to Powell Gardens today.
Once your tickets are purchased online, you will receive confirmation via email. We’re looking forward to seeing you soon!