Festival of Lights
November 10 – December 30, 2022
Wednesday – Sunday* | 4-10 p.m.
During Evergy Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens, more than 20 miles of lights turn Kansas City’s botanical garden into a winter wonderland. Enjoy a breath of fresh air during a hectic holiday season! Bundle up with family and friends while you stroll a lighted outdoor path, pausing for plenty of Instagram and holiday-card worthy photo moments along the way. Encounter immersive botanic installations that show off the exceptional architecture and landscape elements of the Gardens and accentuating the natural joy of the most festive season.
Tickets coming soon!
This winter festival will light Powell Gardens November 10 – December 30, 2022. This year, featured new media artist, Kevin Heckart, transforms two sites with interactive light displays and a new festival feature, the Light Labyrinth, promises an adventure for all ages!
*Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Additional days (November 21-22 and December 19-21) have been added to accommodate seasonal holidays.
Member Preview
November 9 | 4-8 p.m.
Admission for members only
Active members enjoy a first look at each of our seasonal festivals, including Festival of Lights! This evening opportunity allows you to take advantage of smaller crowds for a more personal experience with nature. Show your membership card or provide your name at our Visitor Center check-in.
New in 2023
Featured Artist: Kevin Heckart
Kevin Heckart makes new media works that play in the feedback-loop of internet culture while sourcing technology to capture the attention of millions. He utilizes coding to construct dreamy interactive light installations.
Heckart received a BFA from Kansas City Art Institute in 2019 and has been a Kansas City resident for over 10 years. While Heckart has often collaborated with local artists, his work is exhibited widely including most recently at the Whitney Museum of American Art, Tokyo Culture Art and published in WAD Magazine, The New York Times, and MTV.
Look for Verticalis in the Conservatory and Garden Office in the Garden Galleries.
Light Labyrinth
Daily | 4-10 p.m.
Missouri Barn & Silo
Explore the quilt-like pattern of the Villandry garden beds as you tackle navigating a labyrinth of light. Transitioning color blocks represent the changing seasons of fall, winter, spring, and summer. Travel to the top of the Silo to watch others try their hand at navigating the path for themselves. This immersive experience is fun for all ages; please accompany small children.
Merry & Bright Selfie Station
Daily | 4-10 p.m.
Education Building (in Children’s Garden)
A *must not miss* photo opportunity, squeeze your best buds, family, and partners into the larger-than-life Adirondack chairs and strike a pose. New to 2023, this destination on the path is the perfect spot to capture mementos. Don’t forget to tag @powellgardens and use #festivaloflightskc to share your festive selfies!
Festival Favorites
Daily | 4 – 10 p.m.
Fountain Garden
An immersive installation transforms the Fountain Garden, bathing the space in aquatic hues with a dazzling show of light and sound. Quixotic strikes with creativity again at Powell Gardens in 2023, having refreshed this festival-favorite sculpture, unveiling a new light show program to a spirited track.
Daily | 4-10 p.m.
Heartland Harvest Garden
At the Papaya Spiral, a pink beacon transports guests through an Illuminated Passage. Surround yourself with light, stand in the center and take a picture of your group from below, look up to catch a glimpse of the stars.
Daily | 4-10 p.m.
Tram Circle near Visitor Center
All new light installation at the Royal Purple Smoketree (Continus) in the Visitor Center Tram Circle. Marvel at this magic tree as you begin your walk!
Daily | 4-10 p.m.
Education Building (in Children’s Garden)
Children of all ages will enjoy visiting Santa’s Workshop inside the Children’s Garden. Visitors can purchase a Powell Garden craft ornament to decorate or shop for stocking stuffers. Santa’s Workshop is full of unique and traditional toys, games, candies, and gifts.
Food & Beverage at Festival of Lights
More information coming soon!
Daily | 4-9:30 p.m.
Conservatory (Visitor Center)
Powell Gardens’ signature glass-domed conservatory is transformed into a holiday-themed enchanted tiki bar complete with island cocktails, live tropical plants, music and the evolving glow of a suspended installation by featured new media artist, Kevin Heckart. Mele Kalikimaka!
Daily | 4-10 p.m.
Grand Hall (Visitor Center)
Beer, wine, hot chocolate, and hot cider (with spiking options!) and snacks are available in the Visitor Center.
Guests can upgrade their Country Club Hot Cocoa order to a Festival of Lights branded reusable cup, sponsored by Country Club Bank, FDIC.
Daily | 4-10 p.m.
Visitor Center
The Marketplace at Powell Gardens has garden-inspired and locally made gifts, including Powell Gardens grown poinsettias. Shop a selection of sweet and savory snacks alongside favorite beverages.
Daily | 4-9:30 p.m.
Garden Galleries
Warm up halfway through your walk! One side of the warming station in the Garden Galleries greenhouses will serve hot chocolate and hot cider (spiked or non-alcoholic) amidst a festive peppermint display. On the other side, a new interactive installation from featured artist Kevin Heckart adds cheer and whimsy. Warm up and enjoy the lights amidst a display of Powell Gardens grown poinsettias.
Daily | 4-10 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 Lighted Labyrinth 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.
Guests can upgrade their Country Club Hot Cocoa order to a Festival of Lights branded reusable cup, sponsored by Country Club Bank, FDIC.
Daily 4-10 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.
Guests can upgrade their Country Club Hot Cocoa order to a Festival of Lights branded reusable cup, sponsored by Country Club Bank, FDIC.
More information coming soon!