If you don’t have New Year’s Eve plans in KC, here are 7 things to do

Congratulations, you made it to the end of 2025! The question now, is how will you celebrate?

Will you bring in the new year with your family at home, or celebrate with your buddies for a night on the town? If you chose the second option, the Kansas City area has some options for you.

Some events are family-friendly, while others are catered mainly to adults. Here’s what’s happening in Kansas City on Wednesday, Dec. 31, and what you need to know as 2026 rolls around.

Kansas City Renaissance Festival

• When: 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.
• Where: 633 N. 130th St., Bonner Springs
• What you’ll see: Following the Knights of Lights from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., the festival will close for an hour before reopening for its 21+ New Year’s Eve celebration. Surround yourself with the bright light displays while enjoying appetizers, entertainment, door prizes & a glass of champagne.
• Tickets are $52.35 and are available on kcknightsoflights.com.

New Year’s Eve at the Uptown

• When: 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
• Where: Uptown Theater, 3700 Broadway Blvd.
• What you’ll see: Four event spaces will be used for one last night in 2025 at the Uptown Theater. Local talent will be present to provide the entertainment, which includes a drag show on the main stage from Luna Flare, Korakkay, Minti Varieties, Karmella Uchawi and EV. The Encore Room will also be turned into a Mexican cantina, which will offer margaritas.
• Access to an open bar featuring cocktails, beer, wine, and champagne are included with your ticket for the 21+ event. Ticket prices are marked at $80.45 on Ticketmaster.com, where you can purchase them online. You can also purchase them in person at the Uptown Theatre box office.

NYE Live! At Power & Light District

• When: Doors open at 7 p.m.
• Where: Power & Light District, 50 E. 13th St.
• What you’ll see: As we step into 2026, why not bring back your favorite era for one night? Power & Light District asks attendees to dress like your favorite decade, while dancing to music from different eras. Power & Light is offering multiple ticket options, which includes access to up to 12 bars, food and drink packages; a Times Square–style ball drop; and more.
• Power & Light offers three packages, silver, gold and platinum options for the 21+ event. The cheapest option is the silver option at $86.63, while the platinum package is the highest priced ticket at $188.23. Tickets can be purchased online at powerandlightdistrict.com.

New Year’s Eve: FUN HOUSE

• When: 9 p.m. to midnight
• Where: Crossroads Hotel, 2101 Central St.
• What you’ll see: The Crossroads Hotel says its event will feature “wild performances, bubbles and bubbly, and a big ol’ midnight moment.” Music will be curated by Kansas City DJ DANSCLVB , while the entertainment is provided by Quixotic, a performance art collective that uses technology and dance for a live experience.
• Tickets will run you $195.42, which will get you access to an all-inclusive bar, champagne available through throughout the evening, and a food menu featuring sweet and savory bites. Tickets can be purchased on eventbrite.com.

New Year’s Eve in Paradise

• When: 9 p.m. to midnight
• Where: Margaritaville Hotel Kansas City, 1491 N. 98th Terrace, Kansas City, Kansas
• What you’ll see: Put on your best tropical chic resort wear as Margaritaville closes out 2025. A $20 ticket includes a voucher for one drink, passed hors d’oeuvres and desserts, party favors and more. Margaritaville is also offering discounts on rooms for New Year’s Eve, which comes with two tickets to the party, $50 daily breakfast credit and a 1 p.m. late checkout.
• Information on the party and rooms can be found online at margaritavilleresorts.com.

New Year’s Eve Tasting Menus

• When: Seatings are at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., respectively
• Where: The Belfry Collective, 1532 Grand Blvd. (16th Street entrance)
• What you’ll see: This upscale bar and restaurant is offering a select menu for New Year’s Eve. Pay $80 for a four-course meal, with each entrée featuring a cocktail that pairs with it.
• Want to try something different for you New Year’s Eve dinner? Ground Control, which is downstairs from Belfry, is offering a five-course meal that has a “taste of New Year from 5 different cultures,” according to Ground Control. This seating is at 7 p.m., and will cost $120. To book a table, contact The Belfry Collective at 816-471-7111.

Zoo Year’s Eve

• When: 10 a.m. to noon
• Where: Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, 6800 Zoo Drive
• What you’ll see: Don’t want to keep you and the kids up till midnight? The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium will have an early countdown on New Year’s Eve. The event is free, where the animals will be receiving special themed enrichment.

Are there more parties being thrown in KC? Feel free to let us know at ralexander@kcstar.com.

Rashad Alexander

The Kansas City Star