Plaza Lighting Ceremony 2017

Whether we watch it live at the Country Club Plaza, or on TV after a big Thanksgiving meal, my kids, along with their many cousins, love one of KC’s favorite traditions: the annual Thanksgiving Plaza Lighting Ceremony. Whether you are a first-timer or you go every year, the lighting ceremony is a truly special Kansas City moment. The switch is flipped at the main stage at Nichols Road & Pennsylvania (by Brio Tuscan Grille). However, there are no bad spots to watch it happen when you are on the Plaza for this magical event.

This year, Kansas City Chiefs players Derrick Johnson and Alex Smith will flip the switch at 6:54pm, followed by fireworks.

Here’s the schedule of events:

• 5–6pm: Pre-show performances and giveaways from the stage
• 6-7pm: KCP&L Plaza Lighting Ceremony, complete with live entertainment, will be broadcast live on Channel 41 Action News
• 6:54pm: Flip of the Switch by Derrick Johnson and Alex Smith, followed by fireworks 
• 7–8pm: Post-ceremony concert featuring The Elders

Can’t make it to the festivities? You and the kids can always watch it live on KSHB-TV, stream it online at kshb.com, or follow the festivities at Facebook.com/KCPLPlazaLights or on Twitter @FlipDSwitch. @FlipDSwitch offers a fun and funny look at the lights, so be sure to share the laughs with your kids!

The Plaza Lights will shine from 5pm-3am nightly, Thanksgiving through January 14, 2018. Tip: Our kids love it when we drive into the Plaza (heading North) from Wornall Road. The view is unbeatable!

Image courtesy of The Country Club Plaza