Get ready for a thrilling holiday season in Independence! Our guide features all the top exciting events. From Independence aficionados to curious travelers, our guide showcases both traditional and unique holiday experiences.
This season, the PNC Festival of Lights dazzles with its stunning display of lights and festive decorations, perfect for all ages. Another highlight, WinterFest, transforms the town into a winter wonderland brimming with fun activities and seasonal entertainment. And the Deck the Y’alls Lightfest is something you definitely don't want to miss; it features a breathtaking showcase of holiday light displays. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
Join the Independence Discussion!
Top Holiday Events In and Around Independence
- PNC Festival of Lights (Cincinnati)
- WinterFest (Mason)
- Deck the Y’alls Lightfest (Florence)
- Light Up the Fair (Burlington)
- Pyramid Hill Lights (Hamilton)
- Christmas Walk and Tour
- Parade
- Holiday Walk (Fort Thomas)
- Santa 5K
- Light up Ludlow and Bromley (Ludlow)
See these and even more events listed below!
Independence Holiday Light Displays
Light Up the Fair
What to Expect:
Over 1 million synchronized LED lights.
Description:
Light Up the Fair is a spectacular Christmas lights drive-thru show featuring over 1 million individually controlled LED lights synchronized to festive music. The event takes place at the Boone County Fairgrounds, offering a 2-mile drive-through route filled with captivating displays and holiday cheer.
Where: Burlington | More Info: Light Up the Fair
Deck the Y’alls Lightfest
What to Expect:
Spectacular light display with ice skating and holiday activities.
Description:
Deck the Y’alls Lightfest is an extravagant holiday event at Thomas More Stadium, featuring over 2.5 million brilliant lights and dazzling decorations. Enjoy ice skating, holiday activities, food, drinks, and fireworks in a vibrant celebration that rivals the North Pole.
Where: Florence | More Info: Deck the Y’alls Lightfest
PNC Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Immersive light display with animal lanterns and interactive activities.
Description:
The PNC Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden features 4 million LED lights, 5 Fiona fairies in Fairyland, a blacklight puppet show, and the Wild Lights show on Swan Lake. Visitors can also enjoy seasonal concessions, meet ambassador animals, and visit Santa in Santa's Village.
Where: Cincinnati | More Info: PNC Festival of Lights
Pyramid Hill Lights
What to Expect:
Drive-through holiday light show with local artist installations.
Description:
Pyramid Hill Lights features a 2-mile drive-through light show with over one million lights, local artist installations, and a journey to the North Pole filled with art and nature.
Where: Hamilton | More Info: Pyramid Hill Lights
Independence Holiday Markets and Shopping
Craft Show
What to Expect:
Unique handmade crafts available on all four floors of the community center.
Description:
The Best Little Arts and Crafts Show at the Roger T. Sermon Community Center in Independence, MO, features over 100 booths with original handmade merchandise, available concessions, and free parking. The event is a great place to find unique gifts for the holiday season.
Where: Independence | More Info: Craft Show
Independence Other Holiday Activities
Christmas Walk and Tour
What to Expect:
Expanded holiday celebration with various fun venues.
Description:
The City of Independence presents the annual Christmas Walk & Tour, featuring a Santa 5k, craft show, tree lighting, and parade in the downtown Courthouse Square area, including Municipal Square.
Where: Independence | More Info: Christmas Walk and Tour
Santa 5K
What to Expect:
Unique holiday-themed 5K run with festive attire encouraged.
Description:
Join the 10th annual Santa's 5K Fun Run in Independence, KY, where participants receive a race t-shirt and Santa hat. Runners are encouraged to add festive attire like Santa suits and antlers. Prizes are awarded to top finishers in multiple age groups.
Where: Independence | More Info: Santa 5K
Parade
What to Expect:
Patriotic procession honoring military service.
Description:
The Memorial Day Parade in Independence is a significant event sponsored by the Moon Brothers American Legion Lodge. It features a procession through the city, celebrating the start of summer and honoring those who have served in the military.
Where: Independence | More Info: Parade
Holiday Walk
What to Expect:
Bike ride and tree lightings in a charming small-town setting.
Description:
The Fort Thomas Holiday Walk is an annual event featuring a Tour de Tinsel Bike Ride, the Lighting of the Inverness Tree, and the Lighting of the City Building Tree. This festive celebration brings together the community with a touch of Hallmark Movie Magic.
Where: Fort Thomas | More Info: Holiday Walk
WinterFest
What to Expect:
Unique blend of ice sculptures and live music in a winter setting.
Description:
Lake Chelan Winterfest offers intricate ice sculptures, spectacular fireworks shows, an infamous ice bar, live music, and a snow slide across downtown Chelan and Manson. Discover activities for all ages, including kids' crafts and family activities.
Where: Mason | More Info: WinterFest
Christmas in the Park and Luminary Night
What to Expect:
Luminaries illuminate the city streets with festive lights and activities.
Description:
Join us for Christmas in the Park and Luminary Night, where charming streets are lined with luminaries, carolers, and local vendors. Enjoy carriage rides, visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, and experience the joy of the season.
Where: Park Hills | More Info: Christmas in the Park and Luminary Night
Light up Ludlow and Bromley
What to Expect:
Pre-holiday parade wine and food gathering.
Description:
Join us for a festive evening in Ludlow and Bromley as we warm up for the Light Up Ludlow and Bromley Holiday Parade. Enjoy wine, cheese, charcuterie, and panini sandwiches while you pregame for the parade at 5:45 PM.
Where: Ludlow | More Info: Light up Ludlow and Bromley
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Florence (6 miles)
- Covington (10 miles)
- Cincinnati (13 miles)
- Fairfield (28 miles)
- Mason (31 miles)
- Hamilton (32 miles)
- Lebanon (39 miles)
- Middletown (40 miles)
- Oxford (40 miles)