Your Guide to Holiday Events in Independence, Missouri: Seasonal Lights, Festive Markets, Historic Tours & Family Fun (2025)

Looking for holiday events in Independence, Missouri? From sparkling seasonal lights and historic home tours to festive markets, family-friendly activities, concerts, and neighborhood traditions, Independence offers a full calendar of holiday happenings in 2025. Whether you’re searching for Christmas events near Kansas City, holiday lights in Independence, MO, or unique seasonal experiences, this guide highlights the best ways to celebrate the season across the city. Save this list and explore everything Independence has to offer this holiday season.

 *Please check individual event websites for ticket details, hours, and reservation information.

Holiday Tours at Bingham-Waggoner Estate

Nov. 17 – Dec. 30 | Bingham-Waggoner Estate
Experience one of Independence’s most magical Christmas traditions as the Bingham-Waggoner Mansion transforms into a holiday wonderland. Enjoy guided tours filled with historic charm, splendid decorations, and elegance. Closed Nov. 26–27, Dec. 24–25, and Dec. 31.

Hours: Mon–Wed: 10 a.m. or 12 p.m. (call ahead to reserve), Thu–Sat: 10 a.m.–3 p.m., and Sun: 1 p.m.–3 p.m.

https://www.bwestate.net

Best Little Arts and Crafts Show

Nov. 21–22 at 10 a.m. | Sermon Center
Shop dozens of booths featuring handmade holiday gifts, seasonal décor, and unique crafts, a perfect stop for local holiday shopping.
https://www.independencemo.gov/events/43rd-annual-best-little-arts-craft-show

Englewood 3rd Friday Artwalk

Friday, Nov. 21 at 5 p.m. | Englewood Arts District
Stroll through galleries and shops, enjoy live performances, meet makers and artists, participate in a cake walk, and even create your own glass ornament. Bring a canned food donation for a free sleigh ride from Pioneer Trail Adventures.
https://www.englewoodbiz.org

Square Lighting on the Independence Square

Friday, Nov. 21 at 6 p.m. | Independence Square
Kick off the season with live entertainment, sleigh rides, Santa, and thousands of twinkling lights. This year’s ceremony is led by Hallmark actors Jamie Addison & Meagan Flynn from Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.
Lights on at 6:30 p.m.
https://www.indepsquare.com

Santa’s Village at Uptown Market

Friday, Nov. 21 at 6:30 p.m. | Independence Uptown Market
Step into Santa’s Village for crafts, reindeer games, photos with Mr. & Mrs. Claus, and kid-friendly holiday fun. Sponsored by the Parks Improvement Sales Tax and Comcast.
https://www.independencemo.gov/events/santas-village

A Very Merry Victorian Christmas at Vaile Mansion

Opens Nov. 28 | Vaile Mansion
Tour one of Missouri’s most iconic historic homes as it dazzles with Victorian holiday decor, ornaments, and festive displays.
Tours: Thu–Sat 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sun 1–4 p.m.
https://www.vailemansion.org

Shop Small Saturday

Saturday, Nov. 29 | Citywide
Support Independence’s local businesses, from Englewood and the Square to Country Meadows and 39th Street. Look for specials, promotions, and holiday shopping events across the city.

22nd Annual Winter Solstice Torchlit Hike

Wednesday, Dec. 3 at 5 p.m. | George Owens Nature Park
Walk a torchlit trail decorated with hand-painted polar bears, meet live birds of prey, enjoy an ice sculpture photo op, and sip complimentary hot chocolate. Free program supported by the Parks Improvement Sales Tax.
https://www.independencemo.gov/events/22nd-annual-winter-solstice-torch-lit-hike

Winter Trails

Thurs–Sun, Dec. 5 – Jan. 31 | George Owens Nature Park
Stroll the beautifully decorated Winter Trails featuring community-designed holiday nutcrackers in partnership with Truman Heritage Habitat for Humanity and the Fort Osage School District. 

https://www.independencemo.gov/events

Elf Jr. – Children’s Performing Theatre

Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13 at 7 p.m.
Dec. 7 & 14 at 2 p.m. | Sermon Center
Enjoy this heartwarming musical based on the beloved holiday film as Buddy the Elf discovers the true meaning of Christmas.
https://childrensperformingtheatre.weebly.com/

Annual Twilight Gala at Bingham-Waggoner Mansion

Friday, Dec. 5 at 5 p.m. | Bingham-Waggoner Estate
An elegant evening of holiday treats, live entertainment, and historic charm inside a beautifully decorated estate.
https://www.bwestate.net

Living Windows on the Independence Square

Friday, Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. | Independence Square
Walk the Square as local businesses transform their storefronts into live holiday scenes. Enjoy performances, lights, shopping, vendors, and festive fun.
https://www.indepsquare.com

Winter Farmers Market

Saturday, Dec. 6 at 9 a.m. | Independence Uptown Market
Shop local growers, bakers, and makers offering produce, baked goods, and handmade holiday items.
https://www.independencemo.gov/independence-farmers-market

Holiday on Strings: A Marionette Revue

Saturdays, Dec. 6, 13, 20 at 11 a.m. | Puppetry Arts Institute
A festive marionette show filled with songs, stories, and Yuletide charm, a holiday tradition for families.
https://www.puppetryartsinstitute.org

Champagne & Chandeliers at Vaile Mansion

Saturday, Dec. 6 at 5:30 p.m. | Vaile Mansion
Sip champagne and explore the opulent rooms of Vaile Mansion decked out in Victorian holiday splendor.
https://www.vailemansion.org

Mayor’s Christmas Concert

Sunday, Dec. 7 at 2:30 p.m. | Community of Christ Auditorium
A cherished holiday concert featuring Independence School District students. Free general admission; doors open at 1:30 p.m.
https://www.cslcares.org/mayors-christmas-concert

Senior Holiday Lights Trip

Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 5:30 p.m. | Palmer Center
A festive guided trip to the Plaza Lights, Oak Park Mall, DeAnna Rose Farmstead, and Longview Lake’s Christmas in the Park.
Tickets: $34
https://www.independencemo.gov/palmercenter

Santa Skate

Thursday, Dec. 11 at 4 p.m. | Cable Dahmer Arena
Enjoy $10 unlimited ice skating, free skate rental, photos with Santa, food trucks, bounce houses, a craft fair, and more.
https://cdarena.info/SantaSkate25

Annual Seniors’ Christmas Celebration - SOLDOUT

Friday, Dec. 12 at 9 a.m. | Palmer Center
A festive holiday meal, games, conversation, and a visit from Santa. Tickets: $10
https://www.independencemo.gov/palmercenter

Cookies & Cocoa with Mrs. Claus

Saturday, Dec. 13 at 10 a.m. | Bingham-Waggoner Estate
Children ages 3–8 can enjoy cocoa, cookies, crafts, and a story read by Mrs. Claus.
https://www.bwestate.net

Wreaths Across America

Saturday, Dec. 13 at 11 a.m. | Woodlawn Cemetery
Honor local veterans by participating in a national wreath-laying ceremony.
https://wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/167601/Overview

Vaile Mansion Twilight Open House

Sunday, Dec. 14 at 6 p.m. | Vaile Mansion
See Vaile Mansion glow at dusk with docents available to answer questions.
https://www.vailemansion.org/

Spirit of Independence Christmas Concert

Sunday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. | Truman Memorial Building
A musical celebration with holiday favorites, dancers, storytelling, and a visit from Santa.
https://www.facebook.com/SpiritofIndependenceBand

Sensory Santa at Toddler Town

Thursday, Dec. 18 at 10 a.m. | Sermon Center
A calm, sensory-friendly Santa visit is ideal for toddlers and children who prefer a quieter holiday experience.
https://www.independencemo.gov/events

Englewood Parade of Lights & 3rd Friday Artwalk

Friday, Dec. 19 at 5 p.m. | Englewood Arts District
A special 3rd Friday Artwalk, starting at 5 p.m., paired with the inaugural illuminated Parade of Lights at 6 p.m., honoring the memory of community ambassador Jodi Krantz. Following the parade of lights, Surrey
Rides will be available from 7-9 p.m.
https://westindconnection.com/

Missouri Model Railroad Museum's Holiday Event

Saturday, Dec. 20 at 11 a.m. | Missouri Model Railroad Museum
The Museum will host a day of holiday activities, including a visit from Santa & Mrs. Claus at 11 a.m., face-painting, Elf on the Shelf contest, followed by a free movie showing of the Polar Express (with paid admission), a Polar Express Photo Spot, and a special hot cocoa goodie bag.
https://showmerails.org

These 2025 holiday events in Independence, Missouri, offer something for everyone, from historic home tours and Christmas concerts to outdoor adventures, family activities, and local shopping. Bookmark this guide as you plan your holiday season, and be sure to check event websites for updates, tickets, and weather-related changes.