As Kansans, we tend to believe that there’s nothing interesting to do here. That couldn’t be further from the truth. From ice skating to winter themed amusement parks and beautiful light displays downtown, Kansas City is a plethora of people, culture and fun, and winter break is the perfect time to take advantage of it.

Ice Skating

Grab your friends and test your moves on the ice at Crown Center! Open from 10 am to 9 pm Sunday through Thursday and 10 am to 11 pm Friday through Saturday, the ice skating rink is almost always busy with families and groups of friends eager to glide on the ice. It’s also an affordable option, as regular admission is seven dollars and skate rental is three dollars, so you won’t have to check anyone off your holiday shopping list! You can also buy warm cups of coffee and hot chocolate to regroup after your Olympic medal-worthy performance on the ice, or as you watch other skaters.

Volunteer

The holiday season is all about giving back and what better thing to donate than your time. There’s countless organizations in the Kansas City area that are looking for another person to help their cause, so it won’t be difficult to find a place that’s a good fit for you. Harvesters is a popular spot amongst KC residents and BVN students. You can bring in canned foods and/or work in the warehouse to help feed the hungry in northeast Kansas and northwest Missouri. Another idea is to volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House downtown. You can visit their website and sign up for the type of volunteering that works best for you. Their options include individual work where you can go in on your own, group work where you can have friends and family join you, or you can build care packages for the families there. Operation Breakthrough is another non-profit in downtown KC that would love more help this holiday season. They’re a daycare and learning center for underprivileged kids. Like the Ronald McDonald House, you have different options as how to volunteer and can visit the website or call their office to set it up. You can donate specific items they need year round, Christmas gifts for the children, make general cash donations or come in to volunteer. If you go through the appropriate training and want to be become a regular, you can work directly with the kids but, if not, you can also volunteer in the closet, food pantry, or front office.

Worlds of Fun – Winterfest

Worlds of Fun is a popular destination during the summer for its tall roller coasters and popular during the winter for its change in theme. Head down to the amusement park to see it transformed into a winter wonderland! You can meet all your favorite holiday season characters, like Charlie Brown and Linus, as they’re scattered all throughout the park along with some of the regulars of the park. Although not every ride or attraction is open, some of the popular ones, like Cyclone Sam’s and the Bamboozler, are open in the chillier weather too. Amongst other things, like sitting down for a great meal or mailing a letter to the North Pole, you can also sit down and catch your breath while you catch up with friends and family in one of the glass igloos in Jack Frost’s Igloo Village.

Kansas City Mavericks – Hockey

Hockey isn’t necessarily a sport that dominates the culture here in Kansas City, but that doesn’t mean going to a game can’t be a fun and unforgettable experience. It’s an affordable idea with tickets starting at 16 dollars and maxing out at 41 dollars when you order them online. Every home game is at the Silverstein Eye Centers Arena, which is in Independence, MO. Go with some friends or family and make a little day trip out of the game, so you can go to the game and get the chance to explore a new city!

Holiday Shows

Holiday themed shows are available in an abundance in Kansas City from the end of November to the start of the new year. There a multitude of options that range from the classics that have been staples of KC’s holiday culture since forever and new shows that are still making their debuts here. The Kansas City Ballet’s production of the Nutcracker is one of their most well-known and well-attended performances. You have the chance to attend it until December 24th, at the Kauffman Theatre. If you’re looking for something a little newer, a retelling of the classic, be sure to look into attending the Moscow Ballet’s performance of “Great Russian Nutcracker” on December 22nd, at Arvest bank Theatre.