Big KC holiday light display moves sites and gets even bigger: What you need to know
One of Kansas City’s most popular drive-thru holiday light displays is moving, merging, growing — and lowering its prices.
Winter Magic, which has operated in Kessler Park and Swope Park in recent years, will take what is billed as the Midwest’s longest animated light tunnel to Platte Purchase Park in the Northland and will run Nov. 1-Jan. 5. It will merge with the Holiday Light and Magic display that has operated in Wyandotte County Park, creating one display with twice as many lights.
With sections dedicated to the 12 days of Christmas, a toy workshop, a KC pride and more, many lights will synchronize to music played through car radios.
The Kansas City Parks and Recreation Department’s annual holiday display will kick off with a lighting ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1, followed by the drive-thru opening 30 minutes later. Standard admission on weekdays is $20, down from $25 in 2023.
Here’s everything you need to know if you plan to visit Winter Magic.
When will Winter Magic operate?
After opening night, it will open at 6 p.m. nightly through Jan. 5. Closing times will vary but will typically be 9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 10 or 11 p.m. Friday-Saturday.
Where will it operate?
Winter Magic will take place at Platte Purchase Park, 10400 N. Platte Purchase Drive. That is off Northwest 100th Street near Missouri 152 and U.S. 169.
How much does it cost?
You can reserve a time slot online for $20 per vehicle for Mondays through Thursdays, $30 for Fridays and Sundays, $40 for Saturdays. Admission at the gate will be $7 more. Passes for up to five Monday-Thursday visits are available for $60.
What kind of vehicles are allowed?
Cars, trucks, SUVs and vans are permitted with up to 15 passengers; motor coaches, trailers, limousines, motorcycles and vehicles holding more than 15 passengers are not. Also, vehicles over 13 feet tall will not be admitted.
Other things to know
▪ Nov. 5 will be Tay Tay Tribute Night, featuring some of Taylor Swift’s greatest hits.
▪ The onsite ticket attendant will not accept cash.
▪ Visitors will not be allowed outside of their vehicles.
Where can I get more information?
