The Ultimate 7-Step Guide To The Hallmark Christmas Experience Kansas City 2024: Stars, Tickets, And Free Magic
The Hallmark Christmas Experience is returning to its hometown roots in Kansas City, Missouri, for its second annual, even bigger celebration in 2024, transforming the Crown Center area into a real-life holiday movie set. This highly anticipated immersive event, which runs across four weekends, is the ultimate destination for fans of the iconic brand, offering a blend of free, open-to-the-public attractions and exclusive, ticketed events that bring the magic of the Hallmark Channel to life. As of the current date, December 24, 2025, details are finalized for this year’s spectacular event, confirming a star-studded lineup and brand-new attractions that solidify its place as one of the Midwest’s premier holiday destinations.
This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about navigating the Hallmark Christmas Experience, from confirmed dates and the celebrity guest list to the tiered ticket packages and the best free activities for the whole family. Whether you are a dedicated Keepsake Ornament collector or simply looking to step into a picture-perfect Christmas scene, the holiday magic awaits just outside Hallmark's global headquarters.
Hallmark Christmas Experience 2024: Essential Dates, Location, and Star-Studded Lineup
The Hallmark Christmas Experience is a multi-weekend event designed to immerse fans in the warmth and joy of the holiday season. Unlike many pop-up events, the core experience is free, making it accessible to all holiday enthusiasts visiting Kansas City.
Event Schedule and Location
- Location: Crown Center, Kansas City, Missouri (right outside the Hallmark headquarters).
- 2024 Dates: The event runs on weekends, starting from November 28/29 and concluding around December 21/23, 2024.
- Core Experience: The main, immersive outdoor experience at Crown Center Square is free and open to the public.
- Related Traditions: The event coincides with other classic Crown Center holiday traditions, including ice-skating at the Crown Center Ice Terrace and viewing the towering Mayor's Christmas Tree.
Confirmed Hallmark Star Appearances
One of the biggest draws of the event is the chance to meet and interact with fan-favorite actors from the Hallmark Channel’s extensive library of Christmas movies. Nearly 40 stars were expected to attend the event across the four weekends. Star appearances are often tied to the exclusive ticketed packages, but some public sightings are possible.
Key Hallmark actors confirmed for appearances during the 2024 event included:
- Lacey Chabert
- Tyler Hynes
- Jonathan Bennett
- Nikki DeLoach
- Andrew Walker
- Paul Campbell
- Wes Brown
- Brennan Elliott
- Warren Christie
- Niall Matter
- Ginna Claire Mason
- Kimberley Sustad
- Benjamin Ayres
These actors participate in Q&A sessions, photo opportunities, and exclusive packaged events like the "Reindeer Games" and "Saturday Showcase."
Decoding the Ticket Tiers: Be Merry vs. Find Magic Packages
While the general atmosphere and Crown Center attractions are free, fans looking for exclusive access, guaranteed celebrity interactions, and premium experiences must purchase one of the two main ticket packages. These packages are limited and historically sell out quickly, especially the more exclusive tiers.
The "Be Merry" Package (Tier 1)
The "Be Merry" package is the entry point for ticketed experiences, offering a curated selection of activities for a memorable weekend.
- Price: Approximately $259 per guest.
- Inclusions: This package typically includes access to exclusive events, workshops with Hallmark artists (where you can punch your ticket to fun), and opportunities for photo ops with some of the attending stars.
The "Find Magic" Package (Tier 2)
The "Find Magic" package is the premium offering, designed for the ultimate Hallmark superfan seeking the most intimate and exclusive access to the event and its stars.
- Price: Approximately $699 per guest.
- Inclusions: This package includes all "Be Merry" benefits plus access to the most sought-after events, such as the "Reindeer Games" and other exclusive VIP gatherings. The "Find Magic" package for Weekend 1 (November 28-30) was noted as being sold out, underscoring its high demand.
For fans who missed the main ticket drops, it is advisable to check the official Hallmark Christmas Experience website for any last-minute individual tickets or à la carte event sales that may become available.
The Free Magic: Public Attractions and Immersive Photo Opportunities
Even without a ticket package, the Hallmark Christmas Experience offers a wealth of free activities that capture the spirit of a Hallmark movie. The transformation of Crown Center is itself a major attraction, turning the area into a festive, highly-decorated "Hometown Holiday" scene.
Must-See Free Activities
- The Immersive Movie Set: The entire Crown Center area is decked out with elaborate holiday decorations, allowing visitors to feel like they have stepped directly onto the set of a Christmas film. This is the perfect spot for family holiday photos.
- Crown Center Ice Terrace: While skating requires a fee, watching the skaters beneath the holiday lights and the Mayor's Christmas Tree is a classic Kansas City holiday tradition and a free spectacle.
- Mayor's Christmas Tree: Enjoy the sight of one of the nation's tallest Christmas trees. The ornaments sold for the tree since 1981 are a Hallmark tradition that raises money for the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund.
- Destination North: This area is where children can visit Santa Claus, a key part of the traditional Crown Center holiday lineup.
- Hallmark Headquarters Display: The windows and lobby of the Hallmark headquarters often feature stunning, elaborate holiday displays and exhibits related to the brand's history and Keepsake Ornaments.
- Shopping and Local Atmosphere: The Crown Center shops and nearby areas are filled with holiday cheer, local vendors, and specialty Hallmark items, providing a festive atmosphere for holiday shopping and dining.
Keepsake Ornament Club (KOC) Exclusive Weekend
For the most dedicated Hallmark collectors, the Keepsake Ornament Club (KOC) Weekend is a separate, highly anticipated event held during the Hallmark Christmas Experience. In 2024, the KOC activities took place around Thursday, December 5.
This event is exclusively for KOC members and includes unique activities, exclusive access to new ornament releases, and special events with Hallmark artists and designers. Ticket packages for the KOC weekend are separate from the "Be Merry" and "Find Magic" tiers and are limited to one package per KOC member, emphasizing the exclusivity for the collector community.
Logistical Tips for Attending the Experience
Planning is crucial for maximizing your time at the Hallmark Christmas Experience, especially given the large crowds drawn to the Crown Center area during the holiday season. The event has grown significantly, and being prepared will enhance your "Hometown Holiday" adventure.
- Book Early: If you plan to purchase a ticket package, secure it the moment they are released, as they sell out within hours or days. Hotel accommodations in the Crown Center area also book up quickly.
- Parking: Crown Center offers extensive parking, but expect high traffic and long wait times on peak weekend days. Utilize the Crown Center parking garages.
- Dress Warmly: Much of the free, immersive experience is outdoors in Kansas City's late November/December weather. Layering is essential to comfortably enjoy the lights, displays, and outdoor activities.
- Check the App/Website: Always consult the official Hallmark Christmas Experience website for the most up-to-date schedule, as star appearances and event times can change.
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