Skip to main content

Christmas in Kansas City by Terri Austin



Here in Kansas City (Missouri, not Kansas—we natives feel very strongly about the distinction) we’re only known for a couple of things: Walt Disney spent his formative years here and our proud title as The City of Fountains. 


 
 The latter was started by visionary, J.C. Nicols. He took the once murky swamp of Brush Creek and turned it into the country’s first shopping center in 1923. Influenced by Seville, Spain, the architecture has a Spanish feel, with decorative tiles and mosaics, and of course, fountains around every corner.




Our holiday season kicks off with one major event—the Plaza Lighting Ceremony. On Thanksgiving night, after massive amounts of food have been consumed and the football game is over, the ceremony begins with great fanfare. 


Every year is the same—people start gathering early, stamping their feet in the cold, patiently waiting. Parking is always a nightmare. There’s not a bathroom to be had. But that never deters people from showing up.


Everyone I know has a childhood story about their parents bundling them in the car, braving the traffic to find a parking spot miles away, and trekking toward the heart of the Plaza to watch the lights turn on. 

I always feel a little sentimental this time of year, so this is my love letter to you, K.C. Mwah! Happy Holidays, everyone!

Comments

  1. What a nice story about the Plaza. I love the lights down there at Christmas and the Cinderella coaches. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Lovely lights! I was there a couple years ago for RT. It snowed. In May. Crazy weather you have in Missouri.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I remember that, Shana. May 1 or something and it was snowing like mad!

      Delete
  3. I was born and raised in Kansas City Missouri! I love to represent KC and show everyone why we are the Show Me State. Thank you for the great pics and information. Merry Christmas blessed Yule and Happy New Year! !!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, it's been a great place to live. I heart KC! Merry Everything, Joni! *waving madly*

      Delete
  4. How gorgeous! Thanks for these Terri :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Well poop. You're going to get TWO replies or none. Darned silly tablet. Terri, I need to move. Get the couch (and the beads) ready. I want a lights tour, then some trash TV and beading.

    ReplyDelete
  6. What a wonderful tradition, thank you so much for sharing and have a wonderful holiday season!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment