More than 80 miles of lights outline every building within Kansas City's famous Country Club Plaza shopping, dining and entertainment district. All parking garages throughout the Plaza are free. The lights remain lit nightly, through 17 January.

A two-mile drive-thru light display with more than 86 arrays. Located at the Osage Beach City Park. Bring the kids on Saturday night, December 5, 12 and 19 to meet Santa.

This traditional celebration has been held in historic Ste. Genevieve for more than 250 years. The event includes instructions in traditional dance. Everyone is encouraged, but not required, to dress in French Colonial costumes. Guests may bring a basket of snacks for their enjoyment; there is a cash bar. As is tradition, all men present will be treated to piece of La Galette des Rois (King’s Cake). The lucky fellow who finds a charm in his piece will be crowned Le Roi (King of the Ball). The new King selects his Queen; together they reign over the Ste. Genevieve festivities throughout the year.

Doors are opened at 7 p.m. with singing of traditional French songs by Les Petits Chanteurs; guests are formally introduced beginning at 7:30 p.m.; music and dancing begin at 8 p.m. All are invited to join in the merriment; the King’s Ball is a family affair. However, children must be accompanied by an adult. Proceeds from the ball benefit the Ste. Genevieve Museum.

The event is held in the VFW Hall. Tables for 8-10 persons may be reserved. Tickets: $10; children, $5.

Rarely seen items from the archives are on public display, featuring big documents, big events, big personalities, and big ideas from the region’s history. Organized by the National Archives at Kansas City, It’s Big features pieces of American history including: audio clips from the FBI’s surveillance of Kansas City mobsters; the original complaint from Brown v. Board of Education, the case that ended school segregation; documents and photos of famous personalities with a local connection, such as Negro Leagues baseball player Roy Tyler and Kansas City founding father John Calvin McCoy; and famous and infamous signatures found in the National Archives holdings, including Abraham Lincoln, Leon Trotsky, Sitting Bull, Walt Disney and the Birdman of Alcatraz.

Kawa Kon is a themed anime, video game, and Japanese culture convention with more than 70 activities and 25 vendors. It is held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. The cultural activities include: hands-on Japanese culture demonstrations; including bunraku puppet theater; two tea ceremonies; a kimono fashion show; taiko drumming; Japanese games for children; storytelling; a doll festival celebration; and other activities. There will be a Vampire Knight dance on Friday.

Along with these cultural events, Kawa Kon presents a variety of anime and video game programming, including: game shows; a costume contest; discussion panels; and special guests.

Kawa Kon is a family-friendly event; children must be accompanied by an adult. Admission: Fri., $20; Sat., $25; Sun., $15. Discounts for ages 6-12, groups of 5+, and anyone in costume. Three-day pass available. See our Web site for details and online registration.