Mayor Lucas and neighborhood kids flip the switch to turn on the drive-thru holiday lights experience.
Although it was 70 degrees outside, Dickens Carolers and hot chocolate from PH Coffee made it feel like Christmas on Cliff Drive during the Winter Magic lighting ceremony on November 2.
For the last two years, KC Parks has partnered with Jolt Lighting to present the very popular Winter Magic holiday lights at Camp Lake of the Woods in Swope Park. In fact, it was so popular that the event outgrew the space.
“As we looked at other potential KC Parks locations, Cliff Drive quickly rose to the top of the list, ” said KC Parks Director Chris Cotten. “Thank you to Aaron and Skylar O’Dell with Jolt for making the move to the Historic Northeast with us. We can’t wait to see how you have transformed this beautiful byway into a drive-thru Christmas party!!”
Director Cotten also thanked the neighborhoods for welcoming Winter Magic to Northeast Kansas City. “We appreciate your support and enthusiasm for the event and look forward to showcasing your amenities and attractions to visitors from all over the region,” said Cotten.
(CHECK OUT NORTHEAST BUSINESSES OFFERING DISCOUNTS TO WINTER MAGIC VISITORS)
Mayor Quinton Lucas commented on the historic significance of Cliff Drive and recognized KC Parks President Jack Holland and Commissioner Scott Wagner before riling up the crowd by asking, “Who’s ready for Christmas?”
He then invited the children in attendance to come forward and help flip the switch to turn the lights on. After a countdown from 12 (for the 12 Days of Christmas), they did just that! Then, everyone hopped back in their vehicles and drove through the inaugural Winter Magic holiday lights experience on Cliff Drive.
Winter Magic runs through January 1, 2023, from 6 p.m. to around 10 p.m. nightly. Vehicles queue up/enter through Gate 1 at The Paseo & Lexington, 1800 Cliff Drive. The one-mile lights experience begins about ½ mile into the drive and ends just prior to exiting onto Gladstone via Gate 3 by the Kansas City Museum. Gates 1 and 3 will only be open during Winter Magic operating hours. (Map)
Tickets are $25.00 per carload (limited to 250 cars/hour) and are available online for advanced purchase. A portion of proceeds benefit Children’s Mercy Hospital, KC Parks and capital improvements along Cliff Drive.
Purchase tickets online, Drive-Through Ticket in Kansas City, MO | Winter Magic (wintermagickc.com)