The Story of the Plaza Lights

*Courtesy: Missouri Valley Special Collections, Kansas City Public Library, Kansas City, MO*

Every holiday season, the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, Missouri, transforms into a mesmerizing wonderland of lights, a tradition that has captivated hearts for nearly a century. But how did this dazzling spectacle come to be? The story begins with a simple strand of Christmas lights and the vision of one man.

The Humble Beginnings

On December 25, 1925, the Mill Creek Building at the Country Club Plaza bore witness to a modest yet heartwarming sight - a single strand of Christmas lights hanging above its doorway. Charles "Pete" Pitrat, the maintenance supervisor of the Nichols Company, had initiated what would become a beloved tradition.

To fully appreciate the significance of this tradition, let’s dig into the origins of the Country Club Plaza itself. Conceived by J.C. Nichols in 1912, this visionary shopping center was designed with wide streets and ample parking spaces, anticipating the rise of automobiles as the future of transportation. Despite skepticism, the Plaza's Spanish-style architecture, green spaces, and convenient location next to Brush Creek soon drew throngs of visitors. Nichols's dream of a shopping haven intertwined with residential development began to take shape.

The Plaza's transformation into a holiday wonderland truly commenced in 1930 when the first Plaza Lighting Ceremony took place. What began with a single strand of lights had grown into a captivating display adorning the entire Plaza.

A Glorious Tradition Takes Root

Over the years, the Plaza Lights evolved from a small, heartfelt gesture into a radiant display that marks the beginning of the holiday season. Each Thanksgiving evening, nearly 100,000 people gather on the Plaza to witness the illumination ceremony, making it one of the nation's most outstanding lighting displays.

Yet, there was one exception in this century-long tradition. In 1973, during a time of energy crisis, President Richard Nixon called on Americans to abstain from lighting Christmas lights to reduce dependence on foreign oil. It was the only year the Plaza remained in darkness, a testament to the importance and impact of this cherished event.

The Country Club Plaza Lighting Ceremony is more than just an assembly of lights. It is a tradition deeply rooted in the hearts of Kansas City residents, a symbol of community, hope, and the holiday spirit.

As we revel in the brilliance of the Plaza Lights each year, let us remember the humble beginnings of a single strand of lights and the visionaries who turned this display into a century-old tradition. The Country Club Plaza Lighting Ceremony is a testament to the enduring magic of the holiday season and the power of a simple strand of lights to illuminate our lives with joy and togetherness.