Get your fuzzy socks and hot cocoa ready, Kansas City. From light displays to holiday parties and seasonal festivals, winter is where KC thrives.

Gather the family and friends and celebrate what makes the holiday season special with this guide featuring 27 winter events happening between December and February.

Where to see lights

Lee's Summit Magic Tree | Starting Wednesday, Nov. 27 | 1401 NW River Rd., Lee's Summit | Free entry | Come see this celebratory holiday landmark + bring a new, unwrapped toy to benefit Operation Toy Soldier.

Food and drink

Holiday Classes at The Culinary Center of Kansas City | Dates and hours vary | 7920 Santa Fe Dr., Overland Park | Prices vary | Get your chef on at one of these holiday themed cooking classes.

Local tree farms

Bierman's Christmas Tree Farm | Dates vary | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | 2825 S. 63rd St., KCK | Drink hot chocolate and go on a sleigh ride before bringing home the perfect tree.

Strawberry Hill Christmas Tree Farm | Now through Tuesday, Dec. 23 | Hours vary | 794 Hwy. 40, Lawrence | It's the farm's 40th year selling Scotch pines + Fraser and balsam Firs.

Sunshine Flowers | Open daily starting Wednesday, Nov. 27 | 10 a.m. | 4509 Rainbow Blvd., KCK | Find your tree and the rest of your holiday greenery — including Christmas cactus.

Soil Service | Dates and hours vary | 7130 Troost Ave., KCMO | While you’re at the nursery, check out their other winter trees and shrubs.

Scout Troop 199 | Dates and hours vary | 6630 Nall Ave Mission, KS | A troop tradition for the past 60+ years.

Christmas Ranch Tree Farm | Open Friday through Monday, starting Friday, Nov. 29 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | 24818 NE 148th St., Excelsior Springs, MO | Fun fact: this Christmas tree farm was used as a filming location for the Lifetime movie "My Sweet Holiday."

Ice skating, snowboarding + everything in between

Snow Creek | Dates and hours vary | 1 Snow Creek Dr., Weston | Ticket and pass prices vary | Ski, snowboard, and tube until your fingers are frozen if the weather allows.

Independence Community Ice | Dates and hours vary | 19100 E. Valley View Pkwy., Independence | Class and admission prices vary | Check the inclusive skate options with sleds and walkers available for all.

Kansas City Curling Club | Dates vary | 2525 NW S. Outer Rd., Blue Springs | Prices vary | Join a league, learn the basics, or participate in an open curling session at KC's only dedicated curling facility.

AdventHealth Sports Park at BluHawk | Dates and hours vary | 16201 Shawnee Dr., Overland Park | $12 admission, $5 skate rental | Whether you're a pro or just doing it for fun, skate the ice rink's inaugural season and sign up for a variety of classes.

Festivals and events

Hallmark Christmas Experience | Friday, Nov. 29-Sunday, Dec. 22 | Times vary | Crown Center | Free entry | Step into a Hallmark Christmas movie with this immersive town square experience showcasing nightly light shows, a Festive Food Hall, and activities like the Hallmark Card-Sending Station.

Red Stocking Breakfast | Saturday, Dec. 7 | 7:30-10:30 a.m. | Fiorella's Jack Stack BBQ, Overland Park | $15+ | Raise money for KCSL’s child abuse prevention programs with a festive breakfast served up by local celebs + fun activities and silent auction opportunities.

The Jewish Nutcracker | Sunday, Dec. 8 | 11 a.m. + 4 p.m. | The Lewis & Shirley White Theatre at The J, Overland Park | $6+ | Follows Rebecca and the Nutcracker on their magical journey from Bubbe’s house to the Land of Nosh, encountering everything from mice to dancing dreidels.