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 have we got the perfect destination for you: The Hallmark Christmas Experience in Kansas City!

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or you got to experience the magic last year, we have everything you need to make sure you make the most out of this memorable event.

Inspired? Create and share by tagging @HallmarkStores.

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 the Square, which is free to enter and explore!

  • The Square is a large outdoor courtyard with a bustling Christmas market surrounding the majestic Mayor’s Christmas Tree, with nightly tree light shows.
  • Food and drink options abound with local food trucks, jingle bars, and treats and eats from local vendors.
  • 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 till your heart’s content as you take in the festive scenery.

Things to do indoors  

If you elevate your experience with individual tickets or 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.
  • Create & Learn Workshops with Hallmark artists and writers are perfect for those looking to get crafty and creative. (New this year: a class led by the team behind Elf on the Shelf™!)
  • Tickets are also available for a cozy Breakfast Buffet (with some surprise guests!), Signature Brunch, and Signature Dinner. New this year: a Signature Dessert Experience, brought to you by Nutella (so you just know it’ll be decadent).
  • If you go with a package, you’ll get other amazing perks, including exclusive Stars on Stage shows, an exclusive Community Room, discounts and more.
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 on the Square. From artisan jewelry and candles to one-of-a-kind creations, our local makers bring holiday magic to every booth.
  • 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 Christmassy! Whether you want to paint, write or learn how to do fancy lettering, we have the class for you.
  • Grab a festive drink on the Square and enjoy live music on Friday and Saturday nights!
  • Grab exclusive event merch, including this charming toile tea towel inspired by Kansas City itself. 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 6pm family tree light show, featuring a storybook light show and maybe even a surprise appearance from Santa!
  • Eat a yummy Christmas meal  at the buffet breakfast.
  • Try some local treats like Topsy’s popcorn on the Square.
  • Ever wanted to adopt a reindeer? Now you can! Every baby reindeer comes with an activity book, crayons, a reindeer house gift bag, and your very own adoption certificate. Located at the Hallmarket tent on Saturdays from 3-6pm and Sundays from 10-1pm.
  • Check out nearby Kaleidoscope for crafty, kid-friendly activities!
  • Commemorate your visit with the official Hallmark Christmas Experience ornament! If you pre-order it now, it’ll be waiting for you at the event when you arrive. This is only for package holders—full details and restrictions can be found here.
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.
  • 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 two—it promises to be even merrier and more magical!