Country Club Plaza, Kansas City

The Country Club Plaza, commonly known as The Plaza, is a landmark shopping center located in the Country Club District of Kansas City. Opened in 1923, it holds the distinction of being the first planned large outdoor suburban shopping center in the United States, specifically designed to cater to the growing number of shoppers arriving by automobile. Conceived by developer J.C. Nichols in 1922, The Plaza is renowned for its architectural style, which combines Baroque Revival and Moorish Revival influences reminiscent of Seville, Spain.

Spanning a 14-block area, The Plaza features a blend of high-end retail shops, dining establishments, and entertainment venues, alongside offices and public spaces. Notably, it boasts more than 30 statues, murals, and tile mosaics, as well as iconic architectural reproductions, including a half-sized replica of Seville's Giralda Tower and replicas of San Francisco’s Path of Gold streetlights. The area is dotted with more than 40 statues, fountains, sculptures, 12 towers, and vibrant sidewalk cafes, offering a picturesque and culturally rich environment for visitors.

One of The Plaza's most cherished traditions is its annual "Season of Lights." Originating in 1925 with a modest strand of colored lights above a doorway, the tradition has since grown into a grand spectacle, with an official lighting ceremony that first took place in 1930. On Thanksgiving night, tens of thousands gather to witness a celebrity guest flip the switch, illuminating the Plaza with festive lights that remain on display until mid-January. This event, broadcast live on local television, has become a beloved hallmark of Kansas City’s holiday season.