20+ ideas to help you plan your trip to the Hallmark Christmas Experience

An aerial view of Crown Square during the 2024 Hallmark Christmas Experience; the square is lit up with Christmas lights and decorations; at the center of the square is an enormous Christmas tree that is several stories tall and lit up from top to bottom with lights.

Ever wanted to step inside of a picture-perfect Hallmark Christmas movie? Or travel to a place where you could immerse yourself in all things Christmas—the sights, the sounds, the tastes—and really connect with the spirit of the season? Well, hold on to your Santa hat, because we have got the perfect destination for you: The Hallmark Christmas Experience in Kansas City!

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or you’ve already made it your annual tradition, we have everything you need to make sure you make the most out of this memorable event.

Inspired? Create and share by tagging @HallmarkExperiences.

Two families stand on stage at the Hallmark Christmas Experience, preparing to pull an enormous lever that lights a towering Christmas tree in Crown Center Square.

Things to do outdoors  

The outdoor portion of the event happens in Crown Center Square, which is free to enter and explore!

  • Crown Center Square is a large outdoor courtyard with a bustling Christmas market surrounding the majestic Mayor’s Christmas Tree, with nightly tree light shows.
  • Stop by local vendors or The North Pole Kitchen for a seasonal snack, then grab something to sip from The Cozy Cup.
  • A card-sending station lets you mail a Christmas card from the event—we pay the postage.
  • Buy a ticket to the Light Walk, which is just what the name suggests—a walk through beautiful light displays—and is the perfect place for photos and holiday vibes.
  • Across the way, you can purchase entrance to the Ice Terrace and skate to your heart’s content as you take in the festive scenery.
  • Stop by the Holiday Hallmarket Pop Up Shop for event-exclusive merch and festive Hallmark gifts, plus don’t miss your chance to get your Hallmark Christmas Experience T-shirt screen printed right before your eyes!

Things to do indoors  

If you elevate your experience with individual tickets, a Day Pass or one of our curated ticket packages, you’ll have access to lots of festive fun inside the Westin Kansas City at Crown Center.

  • Our Stars on Stage shows—starring our beloved Hallmark Stars, live and in person—are an amazing way to get a peek behind the scenes with your favorite stars and hear all about their lives on and off screen. New this year: Saturday Showcases available only once per weekend and each with their own unique Hallmark theme. Each show is two hours long, filled with surprises and guaranteed to create memories you won’t forget.
  • Create & Learn Workshops led by Hallmark artists and writers are perfect for those looking to get crafty and creative. New this year: Hallmark Artist and Writer Q&A. An exclusive look at how Hallmark moments come to be—straight from the people who create them every day. Hear from a panel of experts who bring Hallmark magic to life through the cards and products you love.
  • Tickets are also available for a cozy Breakfast Buffet, Signature Brunch, and Signature Dinner. New this year: a Signature Afternoon Tea Experience for those looking to relax like Christmas royalty.
  • For those chasing the most magical Hallmark Christmas weekend, opt for a ticket package to unlock special perks like more Stars on Stage shows, community activities with fellow package holders, special discounts, and even a photo opportunity with the Hallmark Stars.
A woman paints a whimsical Christmas wreath on a piece of stretched canvas at a Canvas and Clinks Create & Learn Workshop at the Hallmark Christmas Experience.

 

The Hallmark Christmas Experience has something for everyone—so no matter who you go with, you’ll have so many options for Christmastime fun!

If you’re planning to go with friends:

  • Find lots of cute and trendy gifts (for yourself and others) from local vendors in the Christmas Market. From artisan jewelry and candles to one-of-a-kind creations, our local makers have just the right thing.
  • Treat yourselves to a show with the Hallmark Stars! The Hallmark Dating Game is a show that’s guaranteed to make the whole group laugh. Get tickets here.
  • Sign up for a Create & Learn Workshop and make something festive! Whether you want to paint, write or learn the art of hand lettering, we have the class for you.
  • Grab a festive drink in the Christmas Market and enjoy live music on Friday and Saturday nights!
  • Grab exclusive event merch. This year, package holders have the option of pre-ordering and picking it up at the event. Full details and restrictions can be seen here.
Attendees of the 2024 Hallmark Christmas Experience walk the path of the Light Walk, which is lined with trees, sculptures and figures covered in shining, twinkling Christmas lights.

 

For a romantic Christmas getaway:

  • Indulge in gourmet food and fabulous views at the Signature Dining Experiences, held high above the square at the American restaurant.
  • Hold mittened hands and glide together at the Ice Terrace, then cozy up with some cocoa on the Square.
  • Capture the perfect holiday pic in the Light Walk.
  • Can you say MATCHING T-SHIRTS? Stop by Hallmarket for event-exclusive shirts, screen-printed on site!
  • Book a room at the Westin Kansas City at Crown Center and stay right in the heart of the festivities.
A group of five Hallmark movie stars, including Lacey Chabert, Andrew Walker, Benjamin Ayres, and Nikki DeLoach sit on stage at the 2024 Hallmark Christmas Experience during a Q&A panel.

 

If you’re a Hallmark Channel superfan:

  • Don’t miss the Stars on Stage shows in the Westin Kansas City at Crown Center! These shows feature different Hallmark stars each weekend. Tickets for individual shows can be purchased here.
  • Want the full fan experience? Upgrade your visit with one of our ticket packages.
  • Get exclusive event merch at Hallmarket on the Square.
  • Stay alert—the stars pop up in different places throughout the event, so you never know who you’ll run into or where!
  • Don’t miss the tree light shows at 6, 7, 8 and 9pm! Often, some of the stars are there to lead the countdown!
  • Stop at the nearby Hallmark Visitor’s Center for an all-day movie marathon.
Products displayed at the Hallmarket during the 2024 Hallmark Christmas Experience.

 

For a fun-filled family Christmas adventure:

  • Climb on all the giant wooden toys surrounding the mayor’s Christmas tree, then take in the family tree light show at 6, 7 or 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, or 6 p.m. on Sundays.
  • Eat a yummy Christmas meal  at the buffet breakfast.
  • Try some local treats like Topsy’s popcorn on the Square.
  • Commemorate your visit with the official Hallmark Christmas Experience ornament!
Attendees at the 2024 Hallmark Christmas Experience hold warm drink cups with lids and wear cozy knit caps as they're gathered in Crown Square, talking and laughing.

 

If you want to explore more of Kansas City:

  • Check out the next-level Christmas vibes just down the street at Kansas City Union Station, including a walk-through miniature Christmas village complete with trains!
  • Grab some delicious barbecue—Kansas City is famous for it! Try some of our favorites: Jack Stack, Gates, Q39 or Kansas City Joe’s.
  • Check out nearby Kaleidoscope for crafty, kid-friendly activities!
  • Hop on the streetcar and explore the Rivermarket, just a few stops north of Crown Center.
  • Or head a few stops south on the streetcar to Country Club Plaza, a beautiful outdoor shopping area with Spanish architecture and lovely Christmas lights.

There really is something for everyone at the Hallmark Christmas Experience. We ho-ho-hope you’ll join us for year three—it promises to be even merrier and more magical!