The Thanksgiving lighting ceremony is back at the Plaza. Here’s what to know

With Thanksgiving comes one of Kansas City’s favorite traditions: the Country Club Plaza lighting event. The 92nd annual lighting ceremony returns to normal on Nov. 25; 2020’s edition was a broadcast-only event.

Planning on going? Here’s what you need to know.

When does it start?

Pre-lighting festivities kick off at 5 p.m. with performances from local acts such as Quixotic and the Musical Heritage Theatre. Giveaways are also planned on the main stage, which is at the intersection of Nichols Road and Pennsylvania Avenue.

KMBC’s broadcast of the lighting ceremony begins at 6 p.m., and at exactly 6:52 p.m., the switch will be flipped. This year’s guests are Kansas City Current players Tristin Stuteville, Elizabeth Ball, Sydney Miramontez, Kristen Edmonds, Maddie Nolf, Kristen Hamilton and Jaycie Johnson.

Fireworks will immediately follow the lights being turned on, and local yacht rock cover band Summer Breeze will close the ceremony with a performance starting at 7 p.m.

Where are the best views?

The lights surround the entire Country Club Plaza, so it’s hard to miss when they’re turned on, but some views are just better than others. The rooftop of the Plaza 211 parking garage will let you see the actual ceremony.

Many of the parking structures, such as the Valencia Garage and the Time Building Garage, are close to the stage. It’s recommended to show up a little early if you want the best views, which will be along Nichols Road between Pennsylvania and Broadway.

After the ceremony, the best views include the second floor of Barnes & Noble, The InterContinental and McCormick & Schmick’s. The rooftops of any parking structure also give a good view of the land.

What else do you need to know?

The parking garages are free and open to the public for the ceremony.

The lights will be on from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. every day until Jan. 9.

Want to know more about the history of the lights? Check out our KCQ story from last year.

Have another question about events or how to get involved in your community? Ask our Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com or with the form below.

This story was originally published November 22, 2021 at 5:00 AM.