Bells are ringing outside of shops and there’s a chill in the air. Many students agree there’s no better holiday season than one spent in Kansas City. Kansas City’s abundant variety of cultures and traditions makes spending the holiday season a truly unique experience.

Crown Center is a local favorite. Its ice skating rink is the most popular in the area and it has several shops and restaurants.

“During the holidays I love to go downtown because if the weather isn’t bad it’s really nice to go out and see the lights,” junior Jonathan Edens said. “Crown Center has the prettiest lights and the giant tree. You can go inside and get warm or get some food and hot chocolate. Other than that I just love to go see movies with the people I care about because movies are cooler in the winter I think.”

Regular admission is $6, or free for adults over age 60 and children age 4 and under. Skate rental is $3. Skating is open from November 3 to March 11.

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Kaleigh McCarthy

The Plaza never fails to put on an impressive light display. There are also many Christmas themed activities throughout the shopping center, such as visiting with Santa and horse drawn carriage rides which start at $70. The city’s largest Christmas tree is also also available to visit on Nichols Road & Pennsylvania, which is decorated with 3,000 ornaments which are recycled for charity at the end of the month.

“I think there are a lot of fun places to go visit with lights,” freshman Christian York said. “The Plaza has such a fun environment and it makes Christmas more fun.”

The new winter attraction ‘Winterfest‘ at Worlds of Fun has many students buzzing, due to the new extended season for rides and attractions. This includes ice skating, Santa’s workshop, new exclusive restaurants and live performances. Day passes for the park are $28 and ice skating is an additional $10. Winterfest is available November 24 through December 30.

“I want to go back to Winterfest because it was so much fun when I went with my family,” Edens said. “Next time I want to go with my friends and the people I care about so I have someone to hold my hand while I’m there.”

The Kansas City ballet is also performing its annual show ‘The Nutcracker’. The show is at The Kauffman Center For The Performing Arts from December 7 through the 24. Tickets start at $70.

“My family goes to see ‘The Nutcracker’ every year,” senior Emma Kenney said. “I used to do Ballet for eleven years so it’s been something we’ve done since I was a kid. We always have a nice Christmas dinner beforehand too which is really fun. We’re going the 21st so it’s closer to Christmas.”

The 30th annual Christmas in the Park, held at Jackson County Park in the Frank White Jr., Softball Complex, features more than 300,000 lights and animations. Admission is free, however donations for more than 39 local charities are accepted. The park has raised more than one million dollars in donations which goes towards making the holiday season a little more cheerful for children and families in need. Senior, Rebecca Hollar has never been.

“I really want to go and support the Christmas in the Park,” she said. “It’s a light show in the park that you can go to with friends and family. It seems like a lot of fun.”

The holiday season brings out a sense of pride for our community that is unmatched during any other point during the year.

“I think that Kansas City is one of the best places to be,” Edens said. “Not only during the holiday season, but all year round. There’s always so much to do. There’s First Fridays and the Farmer’s Market, but during the holidays they make everything cheerier. It’s so nice because everyone is so friendly to be around.”