Last updated: November 11, 2024
Experience the joy of the season in Independence with our comprehensive holiday guide. Whether you're a local or a tourist, our guide helps you enjoy the festive fun in Independence.
One of the highlights of the holiday season is the Evergy Plaza Lights, where dazzling displays illuminate the night with captivating designs. Another attraction is the Crown Center Ice Terrace, featuring a charming outdoor rink that invites families to skate amidst holiday decorations. And the Union Station Holiday Reflections is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing immersive light displays and festive activities. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Synchronized lighting of historic marketplace buildings.
Thousands of glimmering lights illuminate the 15 blocks of the Country Club Plaza, a local tradition over 90 years old, featuring detailed window displays and live performances.
Where: Kansas City | More Info: Evergy Plaza Lights
Immersive holiday experience with virtual reality sleigh ride and grand liquid fireworks show.
Union Station's Holiday Reflections is a spectacular themed experience featuring sky-reaching lights, dozens of decorated trees, forest friends, and a grand liquid fireworks show. The event includes access to the award-winning model train gallery and a ride on the mini holiday express train. It also offers a magical virtual reality sleigh ride and special appearances from Santa Claus.
Where: Kansas City | More Info: Union Station Holiday Reflections
Twice the lights in a new Northland location.
Winter Magic is a drive-thru holiday light display in Kansas City, featuring twice the lights as previous years, a new location in the Northland, and affordable weekday ticket prices. The event includes a one-mile drive through breathtaking light displays and festive music, making it a memorable holiday experience for families and friends.
Where: Kansas City | More Info: Winter Magic
Over one million lights and 200 animated displays designed and built in-house.
Christmas in the Park is a spectacular holiday event featuring over one million lights and 200 animated displays, all designed and built in-house by talented crews. The drive-through display begins at the Frank White Jr., Softball Complex and winds through Longview Campground, offering a free admission experience with voluntary exit donations benefiting local charities.
Where: Lee's Summit | More Info: Christmas in the Park
Thousands of sparkling lights and special guest appearances.
Join Mayor Bill Baird at Howard Station Park for the Mayor's Tree Lighting 2024, featuring thousands of sparkling lights, musical performances, and special guests including Santa and Mrs. Claus. Enjoy late night shopping and live window displays in Downtown Lee's Summit.
Where: Lee's Summit | More Info: Mayor's Tree Lighting 2024
Unique blend of handmade crafts and festive holiday activities.
The Holiday Swing by Strawberry Swing is a premier holiday event featuring handmade goods, local makers, food trucks, and seasonal activities at Crown Center Square.
Where: Kansas City | More Info: Holiday Swing by Strawberry Swing
Holiday shopping with exclusive deals and entertainment options.
Legends Outlets Kansas City offers a variety of holiday celebrations with exclusive deals, dining options, and entertainment. Shoppers can enjoy discounts at over 100 outlet stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The event features a range of activities to make your home Halloween-ready with spooktacular finds.
Where: Kansas City | More Info: Legends Outlets Holiday Celebrations
Local artisans showcase unique gifts in a festive atmosphere.
The Westport Christmas Market is a holiday celebration featuring local Kansas City makers and crafters selling unique, handcrafted gifts. Enjoy festive music, seasonal treats, and warm beverages while exploring charming market stalls.
Where: Kansas City | More Info: Westport Christmas Market
Pet-friendly holiday market with photo ops and unique gifts.
The Santa Paws Holiday Mart is a pet-friendly event featuring photo ops with Santa, artists, leash makers, and bakers. It's a perfect destination to find special gifts for your dog-loving family and friends. The event is held indoors at The Dogs' Spot - Dog Training Center and Boutique in North Kansas City, Missouri.
Where: Overland Park | More Info: Santa Paws: Pet Photos with Santa
Handcrafted products by local artisans.
The Holiday Craft Show at Belton Parks & Recreation features over 60 local artisans showcasing a variety of handcrafted products.
Where: Belton | More Info: Holiday Craft Show at Belton Parks & Recreation
Unique handmade and handcrafted goods from local vendors.
The Holiday Craft Fair at Raymore Activity Center offers a variety of handmade and handcrafted goods from local vendors. Shop for unique gifts and seasonal items in a festive atmosphere.
Where: Raymore | More Info: Holiday Craft Fair at Raymore Activity Center
Santa's arrival in a horse-drawn carriage.
Santa Claus arrives at Crown Center in a horse-drawn carriage, marking the beginning of the holiday season. He will make his way to Santa's Gingerbread Station, where he will reside through December 24.
Where: Kansas City | More Info: Santa's Arrival at Crown Center
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
The Nutcracker by Kansas City Ballet is a timeless ballet production featuring stunning choreography, lavish sets, and memorable music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. It tells the enduring story of Clara and the Nutcracker Prince, with beloved characters like Dr. Drosselmeier and the enchanting Sugar Plum Fairy.
Where: Kansas City | More Info: KC Ballet's The Nutcracker
Live orchestral performances of beloved holiday films and classics.
The Kansas City Symphony presents a series of holiday concerts featuring Handel's Messiah, The Texas Tenors: Deep in the Heart of Christmas, and Christmas Festival. These performances include live orchestras, symphonic arrangements of Christmas classics, and special guest vocalists. The events also feature an early visit from Santa Claus and exciting musical surprises.
Where: Kansas City | More Info: Kansas City Symphony's Holiday Performances
Redemptive journey with Christmas spirits.
Join Ebenezer Scrooge on his redemptive journey with Christmas Past, Present, and Future. Meet the Cratchits, Tiny Tim, and the irresistible Fezziwigs, and hear the haunting and joyous Candlelight Carol. This classic adaptation by Stuart Carden and Jason Chanos, directed by Jason Chanos, brings the true meaning of the holidays to life at the Spencer Theater.
Where: Kansas City | More Info: KC Repertory Theatre's A Christmas Carol
Unique outdoor ice skating experience in downtown Kansas City.
Crown Center Ice Terrace is Kansas City's original public outdoor ice skating rink, offering a fun and family-friendly experience with admission starting at $9 and skate rentals available.
Where: Kansas City | More Info: Crown Center Ice Terrace
Interactive Santa visits with photo opportunities.
Santa's Gingerbread Station is a delightful holiday destination where Santa Claus welcomes the public for visits, wish lists, and photos. A photographer is on-site to capture memories, and photo packages are available.
Where: Kansas City | More Info: Santa's Gingerbread Station
Unique lantern festival with handmade sculptures and special activities.
GloWild at the Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium features a one-mile path of intricate lighted sculptures crafted by 151 artisans, including elements like Atlantis and dinosaurs, and an enchanted forest. The event includes special features like access to the Sobela Ocean Aquarium on Wednesdays and seasonal-themed lanterns.
Where: Kansas City | More Info: GloWild at the Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium
Historic farm setting with holiday activities.
Celebrate the holiday season at Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm Historic Site with festive decorations, handmade ornaments, and visits to the historic Mahaffie House. Enjoy the Heritage Center's rustic wood timber frame interior and cozy fireplace while making holiday memories.
Where: Olathe | More Info: Christmas Open House at Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm Historic Site
Historic reenactment of 1850s Christmas traditions.
Step back in time to the mid-1800s at Missouri Town Living History Museum, where historic cooking, caroling, and music bring Christmas traditions to life.
Where: Lee's Summit | More Info: An 1855 Christmas Celebration at Missouri Town 1855
Historic holiday celebration with interpreters in period attire.
Step back in time to the early 19th century at Fort Osage's Candlelight Tour. Authentically attired interpreters guide guests through holiday-themed activities and seasonal beverages, recreating the festive atmosphere of winters past.
Where: Sibley | More Info: Candlelight Tour at Fort Osage
