Evergy Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens features new installations, a featured artist, and plenty of holiday cheer.

On November 10, Evergy Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens (Nov. 10 – Dec. 30) will open its doors for the sixth iteration of a beloved holiday festival. This winter festival is a breath of fresh air during a hectic holiday season. All are invited to bundle up, stroll along a lighted outdoor path with immersive, botanically inspired installations, and celebrate the natural joy of the most wonderful time of the year. The updated name reflects the support of a new presenting sponsor, Evergy.

“Partnering with Powell Gardens on the Evergy Festival of Lights is a natural fit for us. With the Gardens’ environmental mission and the energy efficiency of this LED holiday lighting exhibit, we are delighted to help bring this event to the community,” said Elizabeth Danforth, Director of Corporate Social Impact at Evergy. Mark Zimmerman, Chief Operational Officer and Interim Chief Executive Officer of Powell Gardens, echoes Danforth’s excitement. “The holiday season is a wonderful and unique way to experience Kansas City’s Botanical Garden,” he said. “Thanks to our generous sponsors, Powell Gardens continues bringing natural joy and family traditions to the community in every season.”

Festival goers will walk a mile-long outdoor path woven through 25-acres. (The path is ADA compliant with shorter options available). Miles of strung, wrapped, and manipulated lights highlight Powell Gardens’ trees such as the visitor-favorite Magic Tree, botanical forms, and architecture. Encounter holiday-card worthy photo stops along the way, including the new Merry & Bright Selfie Station located near the Education Building in the Children’s Garden or the Snow Globe Selfie Station along the trail.

New in 2022, Evergy Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens features artwork from local artist Kevin Heckart. A Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI) alumnus, Heckart specializes in using code to construct dreamy, interactive light installations. His work has been shown at The Whitney Museum of American Art, Tokyo Culture Art, and in such publications as WAD Magazine, The New York Times, and MTV. His work will add a touch of wonder and whimsy to the Enchanted Tiki Bar with Verticalis, the Peppermint Warming Station located in Garden Galleries with Garden Office, and the Villandry Garden with Light Labyrinth. Rounding out our artist lineup, Quixotic will return to reprise the Fountain of Light, a sound and light display in the Fountain Garden.

Choose from the many concession locations to stock up on holiday treats and festive drinks, including the new Sip & Sugar Coffee Shop located next to the Holly Jolly Rest Stop at the Missouri Barn and Silo. In addition to Country Club Bank Cocoa (hot cocoa sponsored by Country Club Bank), guests can enjoy a locally roasted cup of coffee along with assorted bakery treats at this location.

Upgrade your experience and prepurchase the all-inclusive ticket option beginning on November 18, 2022, (Fridays at 5:30, 6:45, and 8 p.m., and Saturdays at 5 p.m., 6:15 p.m., and 7:30 p.m.)! Included with the ticket is Festival of Lights admission with a special skip-the-line VIP Entrance, parking, a delicious holiday buffet dinner and dessert, and your choice of an alcoholic (wine or beer) or non-alcoholic beverage.

This year, make natural joy part of your family tradition. Evergy Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens is open Wednesday-Sunday, 4-10 p.m. Additional days (November 21-22, December 19-20 and 26-27) have been added to accommodate seasonal holidays. Tickets are available at www.powellgardens.org/lights.