Feel the joy of the holidays in East Independence! Our guide has all the festive events and activities you need. For those who know East Independence's rhythm and those just learning its beat, our guide orchestrates holiday harmony.
This season, admire the stunning Evergy Plaza Lights as they illuminate the night with vibrant displays. In addition, the Crown Center Ice Terrace invites families to enjoy outdoor ice skating surrounded by twinkling lights and festive decorations. And the Union Station Holiday Reflections, showcasing magnificent holiday-themed exhibits, is something you definitely don't want to miss. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around East Independence
- Evergy Plaza Lights (Kansas City)
- Union Station Holiday Reflections (Kansas City)
- Crown Center Ice Terrace (Kansas City)
- The Nutcracker (Kansas City)
- Christmas in the Park (Lee's Summit)
- Winter Magic (Kansas City)
- A Christmas Carol (Kansas City)
- Kansas City Symphony: Handel's Messiah (Kansas City)
- Vaile Mansion: A Victorian Fashionable Christmas (Independence)
- 20th Annual Winter Solstice Torch-Lit Hike (Independence)
See these and even more events listed below!
East Independence Holiday Light Displays
Evergy Plaza Lights
What to Expect:
Synchronized lighting of historic marketplace buildings.
Description:
Thousands of glimmering lights illuminate the Country Club Plaza's 15 blocks, creating a spectacular holiday display.
Where: Kansas City | More Info: Evergy Plaza Lights
Union Station Holiday Reflections
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday experience with VR sleigh ride and model trains.
Description:
Union Station's Holiday Reflections is a spectacular walk-through holiday village featuring sky-reaching lights, decorated trees, forest friends, and a model train gallery. It includes a mini holiday express train ride and a magical virtual reality sleigh ride. The event immerses visitors in the holiday spirit with brilliant sights and sounds.
Where: Kansas City | More Info: Union Station Holiday Reflections
Winter Magic
What to Expect:
Twice the lights in a new Northland location.
Description:
Winter Magic is a drive-thru holiday light display in Kansas City, featuring twice the lights and a new location in the Northland. The event offers a one-mile drive with breathtaking light displays and festive music, making it a memorable experience for families and friends.
Where: Kansas City | More Info: Winter Magic
Christmas in the Park
What to Expect:
Over half a million lights and 200 animated displays.
Description:
Christmas in the Park is a spectacular holiday event featuring over half a million lights and 200 animated displays, all designed and built by Jackson County Parks & Rec's talented crews. The drive-through event begins at the Frank White Jr., Softball Complex and winds through Longview Campground, offering a festive atmosphere with free admission and the opportunity to make voluntary exit donations to benefit local charities.
Where: Lee's Summit | More Info: Christmas in the Park
Holiday Park and South Pole
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday light displays with volunteer efforts.
Description:
Holiday Park and South Pole in St. Joseph, MO, feature beautifully lit entrances and drives, houses, and other decorations. These winter displays are the result of community efforts and are open nightly from 6-10 PM, weather permitting.
Where: St. Joseph | More Info: Holiday Park and South Pole
Evergy Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens
What to Expect:
Extensive light display in a botanical garden setting.
Description:
Powell Gardens transforms into a vibrant winter spectacle with over 20 miles of lights, creating a breathtaking display of holiday illumination.
Where: Kingsville | More Info: Evergy Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens
Capital City Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Spectacular light displays and festive decorations.
Description:
Capital City Festival of Lights is an annual celebration featuring elaborate light displays and festive decorations throughout the city, creating a vibrant and joyful atmosphere.
Where: Jefferson City | More Info: Capital City Festival of Lights
East Independence Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
The Nutcracker is a timeless ballet production featuring beloved characters like Clara and the Nutcracker Prince, set against opulent costumes and magnificent sets. Choreographed by Devon Carney, this adaptation of E.T.A. Hoffman's story includes a memorable score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and stunning choreography.
Where: Kansas City | More Info: The Nutcracker
Kansas City Symphony: Handel's Messiah
What to Expect:
Iconic choral performance with exceptional acoustics.
Description:
Handel's Messiah is a renowned choral masterpiece performed by the Kansas City Symphony and Chorus, featuring nearly 150 musicians and special guest vocalists. The event takes place in Helzberg Hall, known for its impeccable acoustics, making it a triumphant experience of Handel’s most famous work.
Where: Kansas City | More Info: Kansas City Symphony: Handel's Messiah
A Christmas Carol
What to Expect:
Classic tale of redemption with iconic characters and festive music.
Description:
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. Rediscover the true meaning of the holidays in this beloved tradition.
Where: Kansas City | More Info: A Christmas Carol
Living Windows
What to Expect:
Interactive window performances with holiday sounds and scenes.
Description:
Living Windows is an annual outdoor Christmas market and performance event in Independence, MO, featuring window displays, holiday sounds, and scenes. The event takes place at Liberty Lounge, an outdoor urban park, with vendors and concessions available from 4 pm to 8 pm.
Where: Independence | More Info: Living Windows
Mayor's Christmas Concert
What to Expect:
Annual concert benefiting Community Services League.
Description:
The Mayor's Christmas Concert is an annual event featuring Independence School District fourth graders singing Christmas carols, raising funds for Community Services League, and fostering community spirit through music and philanthropy.
Where: Independence | More Info: Mayor's Christmas Concert
Spirit of Independence Concert Band’s Christmas Concert
What to Expect:
Free community concert with local musicians performing holiday classics.
Description:
The Spirit of Independence Concert Band presents a free Christmas concert featuring a variety of holiday tunes, showcasing the talents of local musicians under the direction of Jane Hicklin.
Where: Independence | More Info: Spirit of Independence Concert Band’s Christmas Concert
East Independence Other Holiday Activities
Crown Center Ice Terrace
What to Expect:
Unique outdoor ice skating experience in downtown Kansas City.
Description:
Crown Center Ice Terrace is Kansas City's original public outdoor ice skating rink, offering a fun and family-friendly experience with admission for adults and children aged 4 and older, and skate rentals available. The rink operates from November to March, with varying hours throughout the season.
Where: Kansas City | More Info: Crown Center Ice Terrace
20th Annual Winter Solstice Torch-Lit Hike
What to Expect:
Family-friendly outdoor winter celebration with live raptors and a roaring bonfire.
Description:
Join us for the 20th Annual Winter Solstice Torch-Lit Hike at George Owens Nature Park. Walk a forest trail lit by torches and enjoy an outdoor winter evening with family and friends. Live raptors, an ice sculpture, and a roaring bonfire will keep you warm while you learn about how animals, plants, and trees prepare for winter. Limited travel mugs will be unveiled, and the Ugly Sweater Trail supports Truman Heritage Habitat Humanity.
Where: Independence | More Info: 20th Annual Winter Solstice Torch-Lit Hike
Vaile Mansion: A Victorian Fashionable Christmas
What to Expect:
Elegant Victorian-era decorations and traditions.
Description:
Step into the grandeur of the Vaile Mansion for a Victorian-inspired holiday celebration, featuring intricate decorations and period-specific traditions.
Where: Independence | More Info: Vaile Mansion: A Victorian Fashionable Christmas
GloWild at the Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium
What to Expect:
Unique lantern festival with handmade sculptures and family-friendly activities.
Description:
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, dinosaurs, an enchanted forest, and a fairy garden. The event offers a variety of activities such as hayrides, pumpkin decorating, and acrobat performances.
Where: Kansas City | More Info: GloWild at the Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium
Gateway Arch Park Winterfest
What to Expect:
Outdoor ice skating and heated igloos under 100,000 twinkling lights.
Description:
Gateway Arch Park Winterfest is a six-week winter celebration featuring ice skating, s'mores stations, heated igloos, and exciting events like try hockey free and visits from princesses and superheroes. The event takes place in Kiener Plaza under the shadow of the Gateway Arch.
Where: St. Louis | More Info: Gateway Arch Park Winterfest
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Independence (3 miles)
- Blue Springs (7 miles)
- Raytown (8 miles)
- Liberty (11 miles)
- Kansas City (12 miles)
- Lee's Summit (13 miles)
- Gladstone (13 miles)
- Kansas City (15 miles)
- Prairie Village (17 miles)
- Leawood (17 miles)
- Grandview (17 miles)
- Overland Park (19 miles)
- Shawnee (20 miles)
- Raymore (21 miles)
- Belton (22 miles)
- Lenexa (23 miles)
- Olathe (29 miles)
- Leavenworth (34 miles)
- Gardner (36 miles)