Top Things to Do with Out-of-Town Guests During the Holidays in KC

People from out-of-town want one thing--to try our famed Kansas City barbecue. This is one thing we do better than everyone else, so take your guests to one of these great KC sauce houses--which is guaranteed to knock your guests' socks off.

Kansas City truly is a shopaholics paradise--and these top shopping areas are great places to take out of town guests. From quaint boutiques, awesome shops and department stores, to discount outlets and vintage retailers--you'll find it all here in Kansas City.

The Plaza Lights have been illuminating our famed Country Club Plaza for decades with over 80 miles of lights and 280,000 multi-colored bulbs outlining and illuminating the shopping and dining district. Old and young alike with marvel in their beauty-it truly is something to see. You can shop, dine and even take a carriage ride whilst you're there.

Crown Center, located in the heart of downtown Kansas City, has three levels of great shopping and dining and is a great place to take out-of-towners. During the holidays you can ice skate at the Crown Center Ice Terrace, sit on Santa's lap and see the beautiful mayor's Christmas tree glowing throughout the holiday season in the Crown Center Square.

Longview Lake's Christmas In The Park is one of Jackson County Parks and Recreation's most celebrated events of the year. Three hundred thousand lights and 175 animated figures and splashes of Christmas color transform Longview Lake Park into an enchanting winter wonderland. 

Maybe you don't celebrate Christmas. Maybe it's not a big deal in your family. Maybe you're just looking for something fun to do with your holiday guests. Whatever it is--here are five ideas for things to do on Christmas Day in the KC Metro.

Take your family and loved ones to one of these great Seasonal productions throughout the holiday season. From classics like "The Nutcracker" and "A Christmas Carol" to fun productions like "Every Christmas Story Ever Told" you're sure to find something fun in one of KC's great theaters.

The famed 18th and Vine Jazz District has everything from the Kansas City Jazz Museum, Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, and the historic Gem Theater. Head to the Blue Room (one of the greatest Jazz clubs in the world) for appetizers, cocktails and some great Jazz throughout the holiday season.

The district features over eight city blocks of restaurants, nightclubs and bars, shopping, and retail. The P&L is located downtown, across from the Sprint Center.

Hometown hops house, Boulevard Brewery-has a great (and FREE) tour that gives you a short history of the brewery, informative tour and a free Boulevard beer tasting that tops it all off.

The downtown Marriot, located at 200 W 12th St, is something to see during holiday time. Locals and guests alike will marvel at the dazzling light display on the outside of the south side of the downtown hotel. From Santa and his reindeer to snow falling and 20 story candy canes--you can sit for hours and watch the ever-changing lights display.