Independence Other Christmas Activities 2026

Guests gather at the Community of Christ Auditorium to enjoy a festive holiday concert. The event features a media presentation preceding the performance and welcomes thousands of attendees. Seating is available on a general admission basis, alongside limited reserved VIP...

Visitors celebrate the return of the skating season at Kansas City's original public outdoor ice skating rink. Guests can take to the ice and enjoy complimentary cups of coffee and hot chocolate.

Visitors gather to watch the illumination of a 45-foot Christmas tree and welcome Santa during an evening ceremony. Guests can listen to live music on the covered lawn, browse holiday vendor booths, and enjoy children's activities inside the market building....

Visitors can gather to watch Mayor Bob Pape light up Merriam Plaza and listen to holiday caroling performed by local elementary schools. The celebration also features visits with Santa, hands-on crafts, sweet treats, and holiday surprises for all ages.

Mayor Leonard Jones flips the switch to light up the Mayor's Christmas Tree to kick off the holiday season. Families can enjoy a visit from Santa while listening to holiday carols performed by local school choirs. Complimentary cookies and hot...

Explore Victorian holiday traditions and learn how central clothing—whether handmade or purchased—was as a Christmas gift during the nineteenth century. Visitors can view seasonal decorations, hands-on crafts, and living history demonstrations throughout the site.

Visitors step back in time on an evening guided tour to meet the historic residents of Fort Osage. The experience shares how they lived, worked, adapted, and celebrated Christmas through difficult times. In addition, guests can visit the education center...

Participants run or walk through Westport in a holiday-themed 5k, a 1k Reindeer Trot, or a 200-meter Elf Dash for kids. The route starts and finishes on the road outside Manor Square. After crossing the finish line, racers can enjoy...

This holiday homes tour is hosted by Kappa Kappa Gamma. Attendees visit featured home tour locations in Prairie Village.

Families can kick off the holiday season with a festive pancake breakfast. The morning includes seasonal crafts, games, and an appearance by Santa.

Children hunt for candy canes outdoors before warming up inside with milk and cookies. Indoors, kids can take part in festive crafts, listen to story time, and enjoy a musical performance. Santa and Mrs. Claus may also drop by for...

Participants run or walk through a designated park route in capped group waves supported by event coordinators. The event operates without timing chips, allowing runners to optionally log their own times with an app or coordinator assistance. Entry includes a...

The inaugural holiday gathering at Hometown Olathe Family Farm centers around a community tree lighting. Following the lighting, guests can take part in a silent disco open to all ages.

Welcome the holiday season with bright lights and seasonal entertainment at the library. Guests can listen to music performed by the Olathe Civic Jazz Band, participate in holiday crafts, and visit with Santa to take pictures.

Spectators gather along the street to watch dozens of horses and authentic horse-drawn wagons adorned in garland and bells. The all-horsepower procession features draft horse breeds such as Percherons, Clydesdales, Belgians, Shires, and Suffolks pulling historic freight wagons, covered wagons,...

Held as part of Baldwin City's Festival of Lights, Breakfast with Santa offers a cheerful morning for families. Guests can enjoy pancakes, participate in festive activities, and meet Kris Kringle. Professional photos are also available to commemorate the occasion.

Experience the magic of Liberty Hometown Holidays, a beloved community event that brings festive cheer to the season. Stroll through downtown Liberty and admire the beautifully decorated storefronts, participating in the popular contest to vote for your favorite. This celebration...

Experience a truly magical holiday season at Park Place with Strolling Santa and Carolers. Families can visit with Santa on select Saturdays, creating cherished memories. Delight in the sounds of Dickens-style carolers as they fill the air with festive tunes,...

Experience the holiday spirit at Boulevard Brewing Co.'s Rec Deck during their 'Deck the Halls' event. They offer a festive atmosphere perfect for enjoying seasonal beverages and seasonal treats. It's a great spot to soak in the holiday cheer and...

Get ready for the Leawood Rotary Christmas Auction Part 1, a special event designed to bring the community together for a festive cause. This auction is a key part of the club's holiday fundraising efforts, offering a chance to bid...

Bring the family to Olathe for a heartwarming "Cookies With Santa" event. This festive gathering offers a magical opportunity for children to meet Santa Claus, share their holiday wishes, and enjoy delicious cookies. Several "Cookies With Santa" sessions are available,...

Join The Soul of Santa for a heartwarming FREE community breakfast and giveaway event. This special gathering aims to spread holiday cheer and provide a welcoming atmosphere for all. While registration is required and capacity is limited, the event promises...

Celebrate the holiday season with a delightful gingerbread house making class. Participants of all ages can design and decorate their own festive creation with guidance from experienced instructors. It's a perfect opportunity for family bonding and creating lasting memories with...

Embark on a festive adventure with The Great Candy Cane Hunt and other 'Hometown Holidays' events in Olathe. Families can send letters to Santa, enjoy 'Cookies With Santa' sessions, and witness the magical Olathe Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting. Explore dazzling...

Join the beloved Lawrence tradition of the Santa Rescue and Holiday Light Ceremony. Watch as Santa Claus is dramatically rescued from the roof of Weaver's Department Store by the local fire department. Once Santa is safely on the ground, the...