Independence Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025

Union Station Kansas City invites visitors to 'Home for the Holidays' with its spectacular 'Holiday Reflections' event. This immersive experience features a massive indoor holiday tree, a walk-through village with dazzling lights and decorations, and family-friendly activities. Enjoy classic holiday movies, planetarium shows, and a festive mini train ride. It's...

Join the City of Liberty for Hometown Holidays and the Mayor's Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. This festive event offers a delightful afternoon of family activities, including photos with Santa, kid's crafts, a petting zoo, and live music. Stroll through the Holiday Market, enjoy kettle corn, and vote for the best...

The Evergy Plaza Lights in Kansas City is a spectacular 15-block holiday display, a tradition cherished for over 90 years. The event kicks off with a lighting ceremony on Thanksgiving night, after which the lights shine daily from 5 pm to 3 am through mid-January, transforming the Country Club Plaza...

Experience the magic of the 38th Annual Christmas in the Park, a beloved holiday tradition. This spectacular drive-through event transforms the Longview Lake Campground into a winter wonderland with over one million lights and 200 animated displays, all crafted in-house. Admission is free, and voluntary donations collected at the exit...

Welcome the winter holiday season at this festive community gathering. The event features the ceremonial lighting of the Mayor's tree and menorah, creating a magical start to the festivities. Attendees can enjoy s'mores, games, and the sounds of the season, all while browsing the offerings of the Mission Market vendors....

Experience the magic of Winter Magic, Kansas City's premier drive-thru holiday light display. This beloved annual event transforms your car into a front-row seat for a spectacular show of millions of lights synchronized to festive music. Discover enchanting displays, magical tunnels, and a unique Christmas Pickle Scavenger Hunt, all from...

Get ready for a dazzling holiday transformation with the Big Christmas pop-up experience, running from November 12th to January 4th across multiple locations. They're decking the halls for an unforgettable festive season, offering a magical atmosphere perfect for cozy date nights, family outings, or get-togethers with friends. Indulge in specially...

Join Zona Rosa for their annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony, presented by Saint Luke's North Hospital, to officially launch the 2025 holiday season. Experience live music from local bands, enjoy festive treats from food trucks, and grab a warm adult beverage. The Grinch and Cindy Lou-Who will be on hand for...

Join the community for Lenexa's cherished Sar-Ko Aglow Lighting Ceremony, a highlight of the Kansas City metro's holiday season. Mayor Sayers will officially ignite the park's festive illuminations, ushering in an evening of enchantment. Enjoy complimentary hot cocoa, delightful carols from the Dickens Carolers, and magical visits with Santa Claus....

Step into a magical holiday wonderland at the Evergy Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens. This enchanting event transforms the botanical gardens into a breathtaking spectacle of light and color. Stroll through illuminated pathways and marvel at creative light installations that bring the spirit of the season to life.

Step back in time for a 'Very Merry Victorian Christmas' at the Vaile Mansion. Families can book professional 30-minute photo sessions amidst stunning holiday decor. Capture cherished memories in the beautifully adorned parlors of this historic Independence landmark, with digital photos delivered about a week later. This event serves as...

Experience fifteen years of holiday magic at The 15th Annual Holiday Swing, Kansas City's original outdoor, European-style Christmas market. This beloved event invites you to shop, sip, and get into the holiday spirit with the city's favorite makers. Discover unique handmade goods from talented artists and enjoy festive food trucks,...

Discover a festive marketplace brimming with unique holiday gifts, apparel, home decor, and artisanal crafts. The KC Holiday Boutique offers a one-stop shopping experience with over 300 vendors, daily live entertainment, and opportunities to find delicious treats. Don't miss the exclusive VIP Shopping Night for early access and special perks.

Prepare for an unforgettable holiday spectacle as the Trans-Siberian Orchestra returns to T-Mobile Center with their acclaimed 'The Ghosts of Christmas Eve' tour. This electrifying production blends rock, classical, and theatrical elements, promising a dazzling display of pyrotechnics, lasers, and compelling storytelling. The show also features a special second set...

Step into a world of wonder with Kansas City Ballet's 'The Nutcracker,' a cherished holiday tradition. Follow Clara's magical journey from a Christmas Eve party to the Land of the Sweets, encountering a Nutcracker Prince, a Mouse King, and the Sugar Plum Fairy. This enchanting performance boasts dazzling costumes, breathtaking...

Get ready for a night of festive fun at the TSOS "Do Good" Foundation's Christmas Karaoke Fundraiser! Hosted by the energetic Mr. Juice Jamz, The Royal Chief, this event promises an unforgettable evening. Sing your heart out for a chance to win the grand prize of $500, all while supporting...

Step into a magical Christmas experience at the Twilight Gala At The Mansion. This enchanting evening invites guests to wander through the historic halls, each uniquely adorned with splendid holiday decorations. Discover the fascinating history within the mansion's walls while enjoying festive entertainment, delightful hors d'oeuvres, and delectable holiday treats....

Capture cherished holiday memories with professional Christmas photo sessions at the historic Vaile Mansion. Families can enjoy 30-minute sessions within the mansion's elaborately decorated Victorian parlors, creating a magical backdrop for festive portraits. Digital photos will be provided about a week after the session, making it a perfect way to...

Prepare for a cherished holiday tradition with "Christmas at Resurrection," a spectacular event that has become a Kansas City favorite. This immersive experience features a 120-voice choir, a full orchestra, and the Kansas City Dance Collective, guiding you on a musical journey from the local zoo to the manger in...

Lace up your skates for a quintessential winter experience at the Crown Center Ice Terrace. Celebrating over 50 years, this beloved outdoor rink offers fun for all ages from early November through early March. Enjoy gliding across the ice under the open sky, with convenient skate rentals available on-site. It's...

Join the excitement as the Crown Center Ice Terrace, Kansas City's beloved outdoor skating rink, opens for its 53rd season. Celebrate opening day with a special free skate session from 6 am to 9 am. Enjoy complimentary coffee and hot chocolate while you glide across the ice, marking the festive...

Blue Springs Parks & Recreation offers a Winter Break Camp designed to help children discover new skills and build a supportive community. The camp focuses on healthy risk-taking and leadership challenges to foster individual growth, confidence, and self-respect. Campers will build friendships based on honesty and caring, creating memorable experiences.

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 offers a heartwarming atmosphere with various community activities and a...

Experience the enchantment of the season at the Mayor's Tree Lighting ceremony. Join Mayor Bill Baird as he illuminates downtown Lee's Summit with thousands of twinkling lights, transforming it into a winter wonderland. The evening features live musical performances, opportunities to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus for photos, and extended...

Journey back to the early 19th century for a unique holiday experience at Fort Osage National Historic Landmark. Costumed interpreters will guide you through the historic fort, sharing stories and insights into how the holidays were celebrated. The Education Center offers a warm respite with festive activities and seasonal beverages....

Join Santa Claus for a delightful morning of holiday cheer! This event features a delicious pancake breakfast, engaging games, and fun holiday crafts. It's a perfect opportunity for children to meet Santa and create lasting Christmas memories. Early registration is highly recommended as the event historically sells out.

Join the City of Merriam for their cherished annual tradition, Christmas in the Courtyard. This magical evening features the ceremonial flip of a switch to light up Merriam Municipal Plaza, accompanied by a special visit from Santa Claus. Enjoy live music from local elementary students, engaging crafts, and delightful treats,...

Join the Grandview community for the Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. This magical event marks the official start of the holiday season, featuring a special visit from Santa Claus and delightful carols performed by local school choirs. It's a cherished tradition for families to gather and celebrate.

Join the annual Candy Cane Hunt for a delightful morning of holiday fun! Children aged 6 and under can search for candy canes on the lawn before heading inside for milk, cookies, engaging crafts, and captivating story time. A special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus might even make the...

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, ensuring families can find a convenient time to create lasting...

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 holiday light displays scattered throughout Stagecoach Park, Downtown Olathe, and...

Experience the magic of the season with Olathe's Hometown Holidays! This festive celebration offers a variety of events, from 'Cookies With Santa' to the Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting. Send letters to Santa at designated mailboxes across the city and enjoy dazzling holiday light displays at local parks and the library....

Olathe invites you to celebrate the holiday season with its Hometown Holidays event series. Experience the enchanting Olathe Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, a dazzling spectacle that kicks off the festive spirit. Children can send their wishes to Santa through special mailboxes located at City Hall, Olathe Community Center, and...