Best of Christmas in Kansas City

Christmas in Kansas City is my favorite time of year. Our readers love the Ultimate Guide to Christmas in Kansas City, your complete guide to local holiday events, but sometimes it is daunting to sort through hundreds of holiday celebrations. These are our top picks for Christmas in Kansas City.

Note: This guide may not be reproduced in print or online without permission from KC Parent Magazine. Also, please keep in mind that some events may change due to weather or reservation policies. Always verify events with venues in advance. 

Christmas at Crown Center

Crown Center is a Kansas City Christmas Tradition. Crown Center(2450 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO). With live theaters, beautiful shops, holiday performances, visits with Santa, and Ice Skating, this is your premier holiday destination:

• Crown Center Holiday Choirs thru Dec. 17. Beautiful music fills the halls of Crown Center, as more than 130 area school, church and community choirs perform throughout the holiday season.
• Crown Center Ice Terrace
• Santa’s Gingerbread StationDec. 31. Kids and families can explore this new interactive exhibit, meet and have their photo taken with Santa Claus, climb aboard the Crown Center Express Train Engine, and enjoy the return of Gingerbread Village. FREE admission. Photos with Santa are available for a fee, or you may take your own. Open during Crown Center Shops holiday hours. (Closed Christmas Day.) After visiting Santa, head over to The Coterie for a live production of A Charlie Brown Christmas showing thru Jan. 3.
• EBT Laughing Santa and Santa’s Countdown to Christmas Nov. 27 - Dec. 31 Crown Center Shops, Level 1 Showplace, 2450 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO. FREE. 816-274-8444. Don't miss one of Kansas City's favorite pieces of Christmas nostalgia, EBT Laughing Santa, who first appeared at KC's Emery, Bird, Thayer department store in the early 1900s. The mechanical marvel has chuckled his way through the holidays at Crown Center since 1979. Not far away, you'll find Santa's Countdown to Christmas display, a popular photo opp during the holidays. http://www.crowncenter.com

Holidays at Union Station

Union Station (30 W. Pershing Rd., Kansas City, MO.  http://unionstation.org/) is one of our city's most beautiful landmarks and a favorite family destination. This holiday season, you'll find fun all month long at Union Station:

• Classic Holiday Throwback Movie Series: Elf Nov. 27 – Dec. 3 at Extreme Screen Theatre
• ​Fables in Frost Dec. 4-6, at H&R Block City Stage. A winter performance by Seamless Dance Company and Aerial Performing Arts. 
• ​Classic Holiday Throwback Movie Series: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation Dec. 4-10 at Extreme Screen Theatre.
• Classic Holiday Throwback Movie Series: Polar Express Pajama Party Dec. 11-17 at Extreme Screen Theatre.
• Merry Science in Science City Dec. 12 from 10am-5pm at Science City. There will be holiday themed hands-on projects for the entire family to enjoy.
• KCS Holiday Express Dec. 16-20. Back for its 15th annual run, the Kansas City Southern Holiday Express train brings Santa Claus and his elves back to Union Station. The KCS Holiday Express is unlike any other train in the world! The Holiday Express train is free and open to the public. At each stop, The KCS Charitable Fund will make a contribution of gift cards to the local Salvation Army to provide warm clothing and other necessities for children in need. http://www.kcsouthern.com/en-us/pdf/2015-holiday-express-schedule.pdf

A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol Nov. 20 – Dec. 24 at Spencer Theatre, 4949 Cherry Street, Kansas City. 4+. 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Start at $29. Kansas City’s favorite holiday tradition is back for its 35th season, and the magnificent new Spencer Theatre promises an experience that’s more magical than ever. Come share the joy, as our theatre transforms into a page right out of Dickens. Richly textured sets, ornate costumes and spectacular special effects will transport the entire family into the tale of the grumpy Ebenezer Scrooge, who requires the intervention of a few ghostly guides to find the true meaning of Christmas – and life itself. www.KCRep.org

The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker  ballet is a holiday must-see. These are our favorite Nutcracker performances in the area:

• Kansas City Ballet presents The Nutcracker Dec. 5 – 24 at Muriel Kauffman Theatre | Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, 1601 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City. Join Kansas City Ballet this holiday for the classic, Victorian-era story by E.T.A. Hoffman. Witness a completely reimagined performance with exquisite costumes, grand new sets, stunning special effects and all new choreography by Artistic Director Devon Carney. See your children’s wonder ignite and feel the glimmer once more as your childhood dreams return and inspire you to IMAGINE AGAIN. Kansas City Ballet Artistic Director Devon Carney presents an all new production of this favorite holiday classic. Carney promises a traditional yet boisterous, adventurous, and reimagined production. www.kcballet.org/performances-tickets/2015-2016-season/ 
• Nutcracker Tea Party Dec. 5 & 6 at Ritz Charles, 9000 W 137th St, Overland Park, KS. $50-75/ea. Enjoy a performance of The Nutcracker ballet by Crescendo Conservatory and a Tea Party with an elegant menu and character meet and greets.  http://www.nutcrackerteaparty.org/ 
• Clara's Dream Dec. 19-20 in Olathe, KS. Please join our Miller Marley family in celebrating the Holiday season with Clara’s Dream and A Holiday Musical Revue!  Act One consists of A  Holiday Musical Revue featuring the Miller Marley Performance Companies.  Act Two consists of Miller Marley’s original take on the Nutcracker.  A shortened version including all of the magical moments seen through Clara’s eyes!  Join us in celebrating  what has become Miller Marley’s favorite Winter Holiday tradition!  For additional information call 913-492-0004. http://www.millermarley.com/MM/MMMarquee-UpcomingEvents.shtml

Christmas at the Zoo

Kansas City Zoo, 6800 Zoo Dr., Kansas City, MO  http://www.kansascityzoo.org. FOTZ Memberships (good through March 2017 if purchased now) are always a great holiday gift. This December, visit the zoo for fun holiday events with our polar pals!

• Santa Dives with Penguins Weekends Nov. 27 – Dec. 20 (Fri, Nov. 27 and Sat & Sun thereafter). What’s red and swimming with the penguins at Helzberg Penguin Plaza? Santa! Get a one-of-a-kind photo of Santa as penguins torpedo around him. Santa will be diving at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• Holiday Wild at the KC Zoo Dec. 5 & 6 from 10am-2pm. This is your chance to tell Santa what’s on your wish list. Bring your camera and have your picture taken with Santa! Friends of the Zoo (FOTZ) members will enjoy an exclusive breakfast snack and a special meet and greet with Santa on Saturday, Decemeber 5 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. http://www.kansascityzoo.org/node/1521#sthash.giMcfeRU.umoMOASd.dpuf
• Lions & Trees Dec. 12 & 13 at 10am and 2pm. Bring your pride to see the Zoo's pride receive holiday trees filled with only the finest feline gifts. What does a lion do with a bow and wrapping paper? http://www.kansascityzoo.org//node/1683#sthash.CuJoGB7y.dpuf

Living Nativities & Christmas Pageants

These local churches and organizations present living nativities and pageants:

• Journey to Judea Nov. 22 and Dec. 3- 6 Countryside Baptist Church, 14150 W 175th Street, Olathe, KS. Free. (913) 592-3270. Journey to Judea is a dramatic, outdoor Christmas event for the entire family. Through a guided tour, experience the sights and sounds of God’s story up close and personal as groups literally walk through the story of the Bible. Over one hundred costumed actors and live animals bring the presentation to life. Admission is free, but tickets must be reserved online in advance. www.journeytojudea.com 
• Redeeming Birth: A Walk Through Bethlehem Dec. 4 from 6:30-9:30pm, Grace Christian Fellowship Church 7230 Quivira Road, Shawnee, KS. An opportunity for the whole family to experience the Christmas story. Free. http://gcfc.net/?tribe_events=walk-through-bethlehem 
• ​8th Annual Community Nativity Display Dec. 4-6 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 15915 West 143rd Street Olathe, KS. Free event open to the community. There is a theme this year, so the nativities displayed will fit into one of these categories. Europe, Metal, Resin/plastic, Cloth, or Porcelain. https://www.facebook.com/olathenativity/?fref=ts 
• The Nativity Dec. 4 -6 at Grace & Holy Trinity Cathedral, 415 W 13th St, Kansas City, MO. $16 adults $11 children. 816-756-3500. A cast of over forty puppeteers bring these larger-than-life Biblical characters to life. http://www.paulmesnerpuppets.org/ 
• Very Merry Morning Dec. 5 from 10am-1pm at Westside Family Church, 8500 Woodsonia Dr, Lenexa, KS. Come experience the nativity story through the eyes of your preschooler. Families and friends are invited to come and journey at their own pace through a variety of interactive stations where preschoolers can make an ornament, test out their woodworking skills, share the good news in the post office, venture through an obstacle course on the way to Bethlehem, decorate cookies, and much more. www.westsidefamilychurch.com/very-merry 
• Christmas at Resurrection Dec. 9-13 at Church of the Resurrection, 13720 Roe Ave, Leawood, KS. 300 actors, singers, dancers and instrumentalists perform in a celebration of Christmas and the depiction of the traditional Christmas story. http://www.cor.org/ 
• Drive-thru Living Nativity Dec. 11-13 at Lone Jack Baptist Church, 202 S. Bynum Road, Lone Jack, MO. All. 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Free. 816-423-5463. Come celebrate the season with us as we engage you in an interactive journey through HIStory starting in the Garden of Eden and leading to the most humble of places for the birth of the King of Kings - all from the comfort of your own vehicle. Best of all, it’s totally FREE (NO donations accepted). http://www.lonejackbaptist.org 
• Happy Birthday Jesus: The Night Jesus was Born Dec. 12 from 9am-12:30pm at St. John's UMC, 6900 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, MO. Happy Birthday Jesus is a fun, creative and FREE community event designed to help children learn the true meaning of Christmas and to celebrate the birth of Christ! We encourage all kids to wear their comfy PJ's while we travel back to the night of Jesus' birth! Your child will experience a morning of music, stories, games and crafts. http://stjohnsumc.org/ 
• A Kansas City Christmas Dec. 12 & 13 at 5pm each night at Lenexa Baptist Church 15320 W 87th St Pkwy, Lenexa, KS. An evening of Christmas music featuring the Lenexa Baptist Church choir and orchestra followed by a delectable dessert buffet.  This is a free event with child care provided for ages three and under. http://lenexabaptist.com/events/1455/a-kansas-city-christmas/
• Come Adore Him at Christmas In the Barn Dec. 24 at 2pm and 4:30pm at Johnson Farms (17701 Holmes Rd, Belton, MO. 816.331.1067). Come join Lord of Love Lutheran Church Pastor Meggan Prosser-Gebhardt at our 8th annual Christmas In the Barn service Thursday, December 24 at the farm. Our community of friends will share two identical, full sensory celebrations of our Savior's birth this year: one will begin at 2:00 pm followed by a second at 4:30 pm.  Our heated barn has priority seating and parking available for those who need it  And although our barn is heated, please dress warmly & check the website for updates or cancellations due to inclement weather. We will be serving homemade sweets and hot beverages and have live music to set the mood. Come adore Him this early evening with us.  A free will donation will be taken for Lord oF Love Lutheran Church's Wednesday Night Community Meal. http://www.johnsonfarms.net/
• Giant Puppet Nativity Dec. 24 at 4:30pm at St. Peter's United Church of Christ, 700 E. 110th St., Kansas City, MO. The annual retelling of the Christmas story will feature larger-than-life Wise Men as part of the Giant Puppet Nativity. http://www.kcspucc.org 

JCCC Performing Arts Series Holiday Shows

The JCCC Performing Arts Series (12345 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS. http://www.jccc.edu) is a favorite and their holiday shows promise to be fantastic:

• The Ultimate Christmas Show Dec. 5 at 8pm. The three zany characters who make up the Reduced Shakespeare Company take you on an irreverent yet heartwarming trip through the holidays. Gasp at the shocking history of our best-loved Christmas traditions as portrayed in the Annual Holiday Variety Show and Christmas Pageant at St. Everybody’s Nondenominational Universalist Church, where all faiths are welcome because they believe just about anything.
• Jim Brickman Comfort & Joy Tour Dec. 12 at 8pm. Jim celebrates this in a one-of-a-kind concert event filled with lush instrumentals and soaring vocals.

National Museum of Toys and Miniatures

The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures (5235 Oak Street, Kansas City, MO. $5/admission for ages 5 and up) reopened this year offer beautiful new exhibits just begging to be explored. This holiday season, they offer many events to celebrate Christmas. These events are included in the price of admission http://toyandminiaturemuseum.org

• Music in the Museum Dec. 20 from 1-4pm. Take a break from the hectic holiday season to enjoy traditional holiday music from Simple Strings in the museum’s historic Tureman Education Center. Included with museum admission.
• Coleman Open House Dec. 5 from 10am-4pm See the museum’s nine-foot-tall dollhouse decked out for the holiday season. Get up close as museum educators open the doors for a day of in-depth talks about the museum’s largest dollhouse and its contents.
• Father Christmas Comes to T/m Dec. 13 from 1-3pm. Father Christmas comes to T/m to share stories of holidays past. Professional storyteller Jim “Two Crows” Wallen will engage the entire family with interactive tales of Old Saint Nick in the museum’s historic Tureman Education Center. Be sure to bring your camera so you can snap keepsake photo of your family with Father Christmas! 

Holiday Fun at Paradise Park​

Paradise Park (1021 NE Colbern Road, Lee’s Summit, MO.  http://www.paradise-park.com/) is a great place to spend quality time as a family. This holiday season, they offer some of the most unique Christmas events in town:

• Ginormous Gingerbread House Party Dec. 1 – Jan 5 at . 9:30 am to 6:00 pm. $6.49 plus tax. Our bigger-than-life creation is the coolest place to warm your holiday spirits and have a blast too! Its laser light show, awesome holiday music and indoor snow make this the best interactive gingerbread house in the world!!! It’s an enchanting, fairy-tale memory your whole family will love!
• Santa & Me Saturdays Dec. 5-19 from 10am-2pm. Free Viewing. Bring your own camera and enjoy quality face time with Santa at Paradise Park for FREE! Don’t forget to visit Santa’s Studio too and make your Christmas wish list along with all the other fun you can share throughout the holiday season. http://www.paradise-park.com/

Holidays at Powell Gardens

Powell Gardens (1609 N.W. U.S. Highway 50, Kingsville, MO) celebrates the season with special events in the gardens throughout the winter. www.powellgardens.org​

• Holiday Concert Series in the Chapel  Dec. 12-13. The Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel is an extraordinary venue in which to enjoy seasonal music. Tickets are $14 ($10/members) and include Garden admission, trolley service and Gardens by Candlelight: A Luminary Walk. 
• ​Gardens by Candlelight: Luminary Walk Dec. 12 & 13 from 5-7:30pm. Enjoy the yuletide spirit with a stroll through the Gardens aglow with the light of hundreds of luminaria. The path will take you across the Island Garden, where you can warm your hands over a fire, before moving on to the peaceful holiday beauty of the Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel. Take the trolley back to the Visitor Center to warm up in the cozy comfort of the Grand Hall with a glowing fire and live music. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and homemade cookies. 
• Home for the Holidays Dec. 5 from 11am-3pm. Stock up on poinsettias you won’t find elsewhere (including our impressive poinsettia trees), hand-crafted wreaths, ornaments and stocking stuffers for everyone on your list. Throughout the day, our expert panel of staff and volunteers will share ideas for decorating and gift giving.

Holiday Luminary Walk

16th annual Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens' Holiday Luminary Walk Nov. 27-28, Dec. 4-5 from 5-9pm at the Overland Park Arboretum, 8909 W. 179th St., Overland Park, KS. This major fundraiser features a mile of candles, holiday lights, live entertainment, Santa Claus, horse-drawn wagon rides, hot cider around a campfire and mystical Gnome and Fairy Villages. Volunteers and staff members are transforming the Arboretum into a wonderland of candles and lights, music and holiday fun. Thousands of candles line the walkways and trails. Holiday lights will be on display from trees, buildings and bridges.Children will be thrilled to see Santa's Woodland Depot in the Train Garden and chat with him nightly from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. It will be held from 5 to 9 p.m., two weekends, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 27th-28th and Dec. 4th-5th. Admission is $8 per person; children 5 and younger are free. Advance tickets can be purchased at any Hen House Market, Westlake ACE Hardware stores, and online at www.opabg.org. Tickets can also be purchased the night of the event. https://www.opkansas.org/events/holiday-luminary-walk/

Christmas Past

Step back in time and enjoy a holiday history lesson at these local museums:

• Victorian Winter Wedding thru Dec. 30 at Vaile Mansion, 1500 N. Liberty, Independence, MO. Adults $6.00, Children $3.00. With a profusion of ribbons, lace, cherubs, angels, and garland - each room is ready for Victorian Christmas Wedding. Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 AM to 4 PM, Sunday 1 PM to 4 PM, Closed December 23-25. http://www.vailemansion.org/
• Christmas at the Bingham-Waggoner Estate thru Dec. 30 at Bingham-Waggoner Estate, 313 W. Pacific, Independence, MO. All adult admissions - $6.00 Youth 6 – 16 - $3.00. 816-461-3491. “Deck the Halls” is the theme. Walk in tours Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Twilight Tour on Sunday, December 6th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. This annual event will give you the opportunity to stroll at your leisure, enjoying light refreshments and live music. http://www.bwestate.org
• 27th Night-time Christmas Tour Dec. 4 & 11 at Strawberry Hill Museum 720 N 4th St, Kansas City, KS. During these evening tours, the museum will be illuminated using Victorian oil lamps and Christmas lighting.  Each tour begin at 6:00 p.m. and is followed by drinks and dessert. Call early to make your reservation (913-371-3264).  http://www.strawberryhillmuseum.org/calendar/

• Fairy Princess at KC Museum Sat & Sun Dec. 5-20 from Noon-4pm at Kansas City Museum, 3218 Gladstone Blvd., Kansas City, MO. $10 per child and no rsvp is necessary. To past generations of Kansas City children, the holidays meant a visit with the fabulous Fairy Princess at Kline’s Department Store at 1113 Main Street. There, in Kline’s wondrous Toyland, yesterday’s youngsters told their fondest holiday hopes to the Fairy Princess. But the beautiful Fairy Princess did much more than listen. Being magical, she waved her wand to make a surprise gift appear for each child. This gift was a delightful prelude to the holidays when children received toys on their wishlist. http://kcmo.gov/kansascitymuseum/fairy-princess/
• Christmas at Lanesfield weekends thru Jan. 2 from 1-5pm at Lanesfield Historic Site, 18745 S. Dillie Rd, Edgerton, KS. Drop in and see the school decorated for an old-fashioned Christmas! Practice your penmanship, and learn how Christmas was celebrated in 1904. Make an ornament to take home. http://www.jocogov.org/dept/museum/event/2014/11/12/4550

• A Very Fifties Christmas thru Jan. 1 at The 1950s All-Electric House, 6305 Lackman Rd., Shawnee . $5 Adults, $4 Seniors, $3 Children 5 yr - 12 yrs.. Rock around our aluminum Christmas tree on the guided tour and celebrate the holidays 1950s-style! Times: 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. Monday-Friday. Extended holiday hours 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. Saturdays. http://www.jocogov.org/dept/museum/event/2014/11/10/4547
• Gallery Walk: Christmas in the West Dec. 3- 17 at National Frontier Trails Museum, 318 W. Pacific, Independence, MO. 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Regular museum admission. Learn the holiday observations of pioneers in the American West during this thirty minute guided tour. http://www.ci.Independence, MO.mo.us/parksandrec/Calendar#sthash.siGtf43g.dpuf
• Shawnee Christmas Around Town Dec. 5 from 4:30-7:30pm at Shawnee Town Museum, 11501 W. 57th Street, Shawnee, KS. Santa Claus will arrive around 5:15 p.m. to help the Mayor light the City’s Christmas tree and present a check to the recipients of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund. Then Santa will ride to the museum (11600 Johnson Drive) where all sorts of exciting activities await! Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 5:45 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. while Wonderscope entertains with holiday activities. Take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage, sing along with the carolers, have your face painted by Sister Act Facepainting, take home a balloon from our balloon artists, and visit live reindeer! You can also have a guided tour of our 1920s farmhouse decorated for the season with real German tinsel and 1920s ornaments on the tree. http://www.shawneetown.org
• Christmas Open House Dec. 5 from 10am-4pm at Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm, 1200 Kansas City Road, Olathe, KS. FREE ADMISSION. 913-971-5111. Enjoy holiday decorations, music, and old-fashioned activities such as stringing popcorn and cranberries. Make a gingerbread house ($4) and visit the historic house and grounds. Santa arrives at 1pm! Stagecoach rides available for $2/ages 3 and up (weather permitting). http://www.mahaffie.org
• NFTM Happy Holidays Dec. 5 from 10am-4pm at National Frontier Trails Museum, 318 W. Pacific, Independence, MO. Free wagon tours, refreshments and great deals in the Museum Store. http://www.ci.Independence.MO.mo.us/parksandrec/Calendar
• Country School Christmas at Lanesfield School Dec. 5 from 1-4pm Lanesfield Historic Site, 18745 S. Dillie Rd, Edgerton, KS. Holiday caroling, storytelling, and crafts. Free refreshments and a visit from Santa completes the afternoon. http://www.jocogov.org/dept/museum/event/2014/11/10/4545
• Belton, Grandview & KC Railroad Train Rides with Santa Dec. 5 & 12 at Belton, Grandview & KC Railroad, 502 E. Walnut St., Belton, MO. Come, take a step back in time to the first half of the last century and ride a train like your grandparents may have ridden with SANTA! Reservations required. http://www.beltonrailroad.org/
• Anderson House Christmas Dec. 5 (10am-4pm) & 6 (noon-4pm) at Battle of Lexington Historic Site, 1101 Deleware, Lexington, MO. Enjoy a decorated Anderson House, desserts and music. This event is free and open to the public. www.mostateparks.com/event/62942/anderson-house-christmas
• Christmas on the Farm Dec. 5 from 2-7pm at Watkins Woolen Mill, 26600 Park Road North, Lawson, MO. Visit with costumed interpreters as you stroll along lantern lit paths to the Watkins family home, where you will be greeted by the smell of hot apple cider and the sound of Christmas carols. Enjoy free samples of traditional treats, flaming of the plum puddings, reading of the family letters and a visit with Father Christmas. Activities at the visitor center will include kid’s crafts, live traditional holiday music and a performance by the Lathrop Singing Mules grade school choir. This event is free of charge and the Watkins home is open for the duration of the event. http://mostateparks.com/event/62123/christmas-farm
• A Visit with St. Nicholas at Shoal Creek Dec. 5 from 10am-4pm at Shoal Creek Living History Museum in Hodge Park, 7000 NE Barry Rd, Kansas City, MO. $5 per person (age 5 and under free). Take a break from the present and experience a 19^th century Christmas. Join us for a walking tour through our holiday decorated homes and log cabins of the 1800’s while re-enactors bring the village to life. Visit St. Nicholas in the Thornton Mansion in his resplendent green velvet robes, make your Christmas purchases at the Mercantile and post your St. Nicholas letter. Experience a Civil War encampment, warm up by the “potbellied” stove in the school to hear storytelling, find peace in the serene setting of an 1884 Church, see how 1880’s Swedish immigrants celebrated Santa Lucia Day and watch how lace was made in the Arnold Home. End your visit with a brief horse drawn sleigh ride through the countryside. http://kcparks.org/event/a-visit-from-st-nicholas-2/
• Candlelight Christmas Tour Dec. 11 & 12 from 6:30-8pm at John Wornall House Museum, 6115 Wornall, Kansas City, MO. Explore Christmas on the frontier by using all five of your senses. See, smell, touch, taste, and hear Christmas traditions from the Civil War-era. http://www.wornallmajors.org/experience/events/
• Canes, Cocoa and a Claus! Dec. 11 from 6-8pm at Shawnee Indian Mission State Historic Site 3403 W. 53rd Street, Fairway, KS. Bring your flashlight to participate in a candy cane hunt for children ages 10 and under.  Parents must accompany their children on the candy cane hunt! Afterward, children can have a chat and photo opportunity with Santa and Mrs. Claus.   Cookies and hot cocoa will also be provided.   While you're there, check out the beautiful Christmas Trees and Holiday greenery available for purchase at the 2nd Annual Shawnee Indian Mission Foundation Christmas Tree Sale, in collaboration with Boy Scout Troop 192. Proceeds from the sale are shared between the Foundation and Troop 192. http://www.fairwaykansas.org

• A Christmas Celebration Dec. 12 from 9am-5pm at Missouri Town 1855, Fleming Park. Adults $5.00; Youth 5-13 and Seniors $3.00, Under 5 free. The Christmas customs of English, German and French settlers are brought to life in this historic antebellum community. The smell of wood burning fireplaces, period music and authentic decorations and special visit and candy treat from “Belsnickle” will thrill children of all ages. http://www.jacksongov.org/missouritown/
• Day in the Life: Christmas During the War Dec. 13 from 10am-5pm at National World War I Museum and Memorial, 100 W. 26th St., Kansas City, MO. The Living History volunteers will focus on how Christmas was celebrated by soldiers during the war. FREE to the public. http://theworldwar.org

Holiday Shopping

Shopping is more fun at these events:

• #LegendsHoliday Instagram Contest Nov. 21 – Dec. 16 Legends Outlets, 1843 Village W Pkwy, Kansas City, KS. Starting at the Legendary Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 21, and for the 25 days following, shoppers can show their holiday spirit by taking pictures in front of Legends Outlets’ 45-foot tree and posting to Instagram using the hashtag #LegendsHoliday. Legends Outlets will track the hashtag #LegendsHoliday and award Instagram followers with various prizes throughout the contest, including a $500 Legends Outlets gift card as the grand prize for one Instagram follower to be announced on Dec. 16. http://www.legendsshopping.com/
• Small Business Saturday Downtown Lee's Summit Nov. 28 at Downtown Lee's Summit, Lee's Summit, MO. Shop more than 45 specialty stores in Downtown Lee’s Summit, a Great American Main Street Award winner. From home decor and gifts to accessories, clothing and everything in between, the friendliest merchants around will help you find just what you’re looking for this holiday season. In addition, pick up a “Passport to Downtown Lee’s Summit” at participating stores and you could win big! Customers who collect a stamp or signature from all participating stores will turn in their passports to be entered to win prizes. http://downtownls.org/event/small-business-saturday-2015/

• December Holiday Open House Dec. 4-6 in Downtown Lee's Summit. Check out all of the wonderful gift and decorating ideas Downtown Lee’s Summit merchants have to offer. Enjoy classes taught by participating Downtown merchants and experts while shopping for the holidays. Customers also can enter to win a Downtown Lee’s Summit shopping spree. http://downtownls.org/event/holiday-open-house-2/
• Santa's Secret Workshop Dec. 5 from 9am-1pm at Pine Ridge Presbyterian Church, 7600 NW Barry Rd, Kansas City, MO. Come SHOP at Pine Ridge’s annual Santa’s Secret Workshop for Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, etc! We’ll have gifts from $1 - $10 for kids to buy in our “Small Mall.” Santa will be here and we’ll have lots of cookies and hot cocoa! The kids will get to make their own “gift tag” as a craft for each gift! The church’s Many Hands crafting group will also feature a variety of terrific items for sale in the foyer during the event. http://www.pineridge.org/​

You may also like the Ultimate Guide to Christmas in KC for MORE EVENTS and the BEST Christmas Lights in KC for beautiful light displays from the Country Club Plaza to Crown Center, Johnson County to Jackson County and more!