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!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Independence
- Crown Center Ice Terrace (Kansas City)
- Evergy Plaza Lights (Kansas City)
- Union Station Holiday Reflections (Kansas City)
- Christmas in the Park (Lee's Summit)
- Winter Magic (Kansas City)
- Santa's Arrival at Crown Center (Kansas City)
- Mayor's Tree Lighting 2024 (Lee's Summit)
- Legends Outlets Holiday Celebrations (Kansas City)
- Holiday Swing by Strawberry Swing (Kansas City)
- Santa's Gingerbread Station (Kansas City)
See these and even more events listed below!
Independence Holiday Light Displays
Evergy Plaza Lights
What to Expect:
Synchronized lighting of historic marketplace buildings.
Description:
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
Union Station Holiday Reflections
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday experience with virtual reality sleigh ride and grand liquid fireworks show.
Description:
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
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 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
Christmas in the Park
What to Expect:
Over one million lights and 200 animated displays designed and built in-house.
Description:
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
Mayor's Tree Lighting 2024
What to Expect:
Thousands of sparkling lights and special guest appearances.
Description:
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
Independence Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Swing by Strawberry Swing
What to Expect:
Unique blend of handmade crafts and festive holiday activities.
Description:
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
Legends Outlets Holiday Celebrations
What to Expect:
Holiday shopping with exclusive deals and entertainment options.
Description:
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
Westport Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Local artisans showcase unique gifts in a festive atmosphere.
Description:
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
Santa Paws: Pet Photos with Santa
What to Expect:
Pet-friendly holiday market with photo ops and unique gifts.
Description:
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
Holiday Craft Show at Belton Parks & Recreation
What to Expect:
Handcrafted products by local artisans.
Description:
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
Holiday Craft Fair at Raymore Activity Center
What to Expect:
Unique handmade and handcrafted goods from local vendors.
Description:
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
Independence Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Santa's Arrival at Crown Center
What to Expect:
Santa's arrival in a horse-drawn carriage.
Description:
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
KC Ballet's The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
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
Kansas City Symphony's Holiday Performances
What to Expect:
Live orchestral performances of beloved holiday films and classics.
Description:
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
KC Repertory Theatre's A Christmas Carol
What to Expect:
Redemptive journey with Christmas spirits.
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. 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
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 starting at $9 and skate rentals available.
Where: Kansas City | More Info: Crown Center Ice Terrace
Santa's Gingerbread Station
What to Expect:
Interactive Santa visits with photo opportunities.
Description:
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
GloWild at the Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium
What to Expect:
Unique lantern festival with handmade sculptures and special 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 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
Christmas Open House at Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm Historic Site
What to Expect:
Historic farm setting with holiday activities.
Description:
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
An 1855 Christmas Celebration at Missouri Town 1855
What to Expect:
Historic reenactment of 1850s Christmas traditions.
Description:
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
Candlelight Tour at Fort Osage
What to Expect:
Historic holiday celebration with interpreters in period attire.
Description:
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
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- East Independence (3 miles)
- Raytown (6 miles)
- Kansas City (9 miles)
- Blue Springs (9 miles)
- Liberty (11 miles)
- Gladstone (11 miles)
- Kansas City (11 miles)
- Lee's Summit (13 miles)
- Prairie Village (14 miles)
- Leawood (14 miles)
- Grandview (16 miles)
- Overland Park (16 miles)
- Shawnee (17 miles)
- Lenexa (20 miles)
- Raymore (20 miles)
- Belton (20 miles)
- Olathe (26 miles)
- Leavenworth (31 miles)
- Gardner (34 miles)
- Lawrence (45 miles)