Sometimes, whether by choice or for the best IVF timeline planning, patients find themselves spending the holidays in Kansas City for easy access to fertility treatments here at RRC. If that’s the case, we have you covered.

5 Holiday-Themed Events We’re Looking Forward to In Kansas City

Our office loves the holiday season and all of the traditional community events that go along with that. Here are some of our favorites.

1. Holiday Reflections at Union Station (Nov. 20 – Jan 1)

KC’s Union Station comes to “light” with absolutely gorgeous decorations each year. It becomes a magical holiday wonderland called Holiday Reflections. The hardworking staff creates an entire walk-through village open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Admission tickets are just $7.00, making it one of the season’s most affordable date night ideas. Bundle up, purchase a hot chocolate or your favorite decaf holiday-themed coffee drink, and revel in the magic. If you get hungry or want to make it an official date night/day, head to Harvey’s at Union Station or the M.T. Cafe for a meal.

2. Step Back in Time: It’s a Wonderful Life Radio Play (12/7 – 12/23)

It’s a Wonderful Life is an iconic Holiday Classic, but most people don’t realize that the movie was based on a short story and booklet, The Greatest Gift, self-published by Philip Van Doren Stern in 1943. You can get a bit of that “blast from the past” nostalgia by attending the It’s a Wonderful Life Radio Play performed by Musical Theater Heritage.

Reimagined for the stage as a live radio broadcast, the iconic world of George Bailey and his affable helper angel, Clarence, unfolds as you’ve never seen before. Featuring an exciting ensemble cast, holiday music, and live sound effects performed by foley artists, the beloved, life-affirming story is a holiday treat for the entire family! 

Shows are performed Thursday – Sunday evenings for the December weekends leading up to Christmas. Tickets range from $45 to $65, with performances offered at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., depending on the day.

3. Ice Skating at Crown Center Terrace (November – March)

What’s more fun and romantic than skating in an outdoor rink after dark, enjoying the twinkling lights, listening to your favorite holiday music, and enjoying a delicious hot beverage? Ice Skating at the Crown Center Terrace Ice Rink is a winter season tradition for adults of all ages here in the Kansas City area. The rink is only open from November through March, and they decorate with pizazz over the holiday season.

Visit their website for dates and times, as hours can fluctuate depending on the weather. Tickets are $9, and you’re welcome to bring your own skates. Otherwise, rental skates are available for an additional $5.

This activity isn’t recommended for those who just had an embryo transfer or IUI treatment, so make sure to get permission from your fertility specialist before donning your skates and hitting the ice.

4. The Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens (11/16 – 12/30)

A visit to the arboretum or Powell Gardens is always a top contender on our list of things to do while visiting Kansas City. However, Powell Gardens gets an extra special recommendation this time of year.

The gardens are transformed into a Festival of Lights. Holiday lights turn Kansas City’s botanical garden into a winter wonderland during the Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens. Quixotic will transform the Conservatory (located in the Visitor Center) into Crystal Chambers this year. While the surrounding world sinks softly into a season of hibernation, uncover a new world beneath the frost.  

Make plans for a breath of fresh air during the hectic holiday season! Bundle up with family and friends while you stroll a lighted outdoor path. Experience the natural joy of Powell Gardens through exceptional architecture and the landscape in the most festive season. The winter festival will light Powell Gardens from November 16 – December 30, 2023 (Wednesday-Sunday, 5-10 p.m.).

5. Catch a Live Music Event

There are several live music events worth attending if you’re schedule aligns with theirs. Here are some of the concerts on our radar:

Trans-Siberian Orchestra (12/16)

Rock out this holiday season with Trans-Siberian Orchestra as they bring back ‘The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: The Best of TSO and More’! They’re pulling out all the stops to ensure this winter tour is their best show in years.

They’re only performing one day, December 16th, here in KC, but it’s worth the ticket price if you’re here. They’ll be performing two concerts at the T-Mobile center that day: a matinee at 2:30 and an evening performance at 7:30. Click Here for ticket pricing and more information.

Heartland Men’s Chorus: A Very Merry Christmas Pageant

The Heartland Men’s Chorus of KC’s mission is to build community, celebrate pride, and empower authenticity. The members of HMCKC have joined together to make music as a not-for-profit, volunteer chorus of  LBGTQ+ and allies making a positive cultural contribution through musical excellence. This year, the 140+ strong chorus presents A Very Merry Christmas Pageant, December 2-3 and December 10.

Step into the spotlight of the most fabulous holiday extravaganza ever! Join them as 140 singing contestants compete for the coveted crown, taking you on a theatrical journey through eclectic holiday favorites. From classic carols to contemporary pop hits, their performance will remind you that the holidays are about joy and togetherness.

Click Here for more live holiday music performances and concert ideas.

Visiting RRC Around the Holidays? We’re Happy to Provide Personalized Suggestions

These are just a handful of the fantastic holiday events to do, see, and watch here in the KC area. If you’re coming to the Reproductive Resource Center this time of year, contact us beforehand. Our friendly staff is happy to provide personalized recommendations based on your tastes and preferences.

In the meantime, we hope you enjoy a peaceful holiday season – and don’t forget to have fun!