Powell Gardens Festival of Lights 2026: The ultimate Kansas City holiday guide and here’s how to get tickets

At a glance: dates, hours & location

Dates: Select evenings from November 19, 2026 – January 3, 2027

• November: 19–22, 27–29
• December: 3–5, 10–12, 18–23, 26–29
• January: 2–3, 2027
• Closed: Thanksgiving Eve, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.

Hours: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Location: Powell Gardens, 1609 NW US Hwy 50, Kingsville, MO 64061 (~40 miles southeast of Kansas City).

Top highlights along the 1-mile trail

• Mistletoe & Merriment (Garden Galleries): A climate-controlled conservatory packed with lush tropical plants, Powell Gardens-grown poinsettias, a massive poinsettia tree, and spiked or non-alcoholic hot chocolate.
• Special Events & live reindeer: Guests can enjoy “garden to  glass” cocktail classes, Winter Spiced Garden Tea, Santa’s workshop with complimentary Russell Stover chocolates, and even live reindeer appearances. 
• Missouri Barn & Silo: Climb the silo stairs for panoramic aerial views of the glowing Villandry Garden, or warm up around the ground-level fire pits. 
• Holiday concerts: On select nights music performances will take place at the Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel.

Local food, drinks & bundles

Warm up with Kansas City favorites like The Roasterie Coffee and Louisburg Cider (served hot or spiked), along with craft beer, wine, and seasonal bites across two main festival hubs:

Food & Drink Stops

• Grand Hall Bar + Bites (Visitor Center | À la carte)
  Full bar featuring spiked cider, hot cocoa, Roasterie coffee, local wines, and light savory bites.
• Sip & Sugar Coffee Shop (Missouri Barn | À la carte)
  Fresh bakery pastries, Roasterie espresso, sweet treats, and stocking stuffer gifts.
• Holly Jolly Rest Stop (Missouri Barn | À la carte)
  Hot food, warm cocktails, outdoor fire pits to gather around, and stairway access to the Silo lookout.
• The Marketplace (Visitor Center | Prices vary)
  Locally made Kansas City gifts, festive snacks, botanical home goods, and Powell Gardens-grown poinsettias.

Pre-Packaged Bundles (Available online in advance or onsite)

• Merry & Bright Box ( $25 )
  Includes a curated charcuterie box, two drinks, and a commemorative holiday ornament.
• Winter Wonder Treats ( $10 )
  Includes a hot chocolate, a festive cookie, and a holiday toy for kids to take home.

Family events & Santa visits

• Santa & Mrs. Claus at the Workshop: Select Fridays and Saturdays (Nov 27–28; Dec 4–5, 11–12, 18–19) from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM in the Children’s Garden.
  • Free Activities: Daily letter-writing station and holiday craft.
  • Mrs. Claus Story Time: Saturdays only (Nov 28; Dec 5, 12, 19).
  • Sweet Treat: Free Kansas City-made Russell Stover Chocolates handed out to young visitors.
• Merry Maker Workshop: Build-your-own 16-inch plush animal (includes hot cocoa and cookies).
  • Dates: Saturday, Dec 5 & Dec 12 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Cost: $25 (10% member discount; Festival admission sold separately).

Specialized Holiday Workshops & Tastings

Festival admission is included with both ticketed experiences below:

• Garden Tea: Winter Spiced Tea
  • Dates: Saturday, Nov 21 & Dec 19 | 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
  • Cost: $50 (10% member discount)
  • Details: Spiced winter teas and savory small plates followed by an evening stroll through the lights.
• Garden to Glass: Holiday Cocktail Experience
  • Dates: Saturday, Nov 28 & Dec 12 | 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
  • Cost: $35 (10% member discount)
  • Details: Hands-on mixology class using botanical, garden-grown ingredients, followed by twilight trail access.
• Chapel Concert Series: Acoustic live seasonal music hosted inside the glass-walled Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel (check Powell Gardens’ schedule for performance dates and ticketing).