"Twas the Night Before Christmas" and all through the home delight in an abundance of twinkling trees, decorated wreaths and boughs of greenery.  Savor sweet holiday treats, spiced tea and coffee served in the third floor tea room. Stop by the Carriage House Gift Shop for beautiful one-of-a-kind gifts.

Elegant wreaths, garland, beads, and greenery with touches of shiny silver enhance the beauty of the mansion as "A Victorian Silver Christmas" is celebrated. 


1500 N. Liberty, (816) 325-7430

www.vailemansion.org

A simple 1850s Christmas is shown at the Marshal's Home with homemade wreaths of berries, pinecones,and greenery, and also by the use of ornaments and ribbons. 

Open November 27 & 28; December 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 & 19 (closed Dec. 23-25). Sat. 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Sun. 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. A display of snowmen entitled  "Let It Snow...Men, Let It Snow" will be featured throughout the Chicago & Alton Depot during the holidays. Call (816) 325-7955 for details.

A special evening of twilight tours of the historic holiday homes: Bell ringers will be on hand at Vaile, and complimentary refreshments and music will be presented at Bingham.

Enjoy the sights and sounds of “A Frontier Christmas” during December.  Christmas events are listed under "Heritage Holiday Events"

Tour the Temple and Auditorium during the Christmas season. Free Sunday organ recitals are presented at 3pm November-December. December 12 "Dome and Spire Concert Series" Advent Service at 7 p.m. Music will be provided by the Voices of Peace Chamber Choir and the Emporia State Faculty Brass Quintet.

President Harry Truman called Christmas the “Great Home Festival” and he called Independence home. Visit the Truman Home to see the simple lifestyle and the simple Christmas of this plain-talking president and learn about the beautiful sentiments the first family had for this special holiday. 

Enjoy the Truman Holiday Exhibit at Harry S Truman National Historic Site Visitor Center, featuring Truman Christmas memorabilia. The small gift shop offers Christmas ornaments and other gifts.

Enjoy the holidays at the festively lit Truman Library with the “Memories of Korea" exhibit through December 31, 2010. The Museum shop will have abundant ideas for holiday gift giving.

On December 11th at 11 a.m., Archivist David Clark gives a peek at the Truman family's celebration of Christmas at the White House  with photos, letters, Christmas cards and sound recordings.

President Truman will visit Thanksgiving weekend, November 26 & 27 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.   Plus he will be home for the holidays and visiting his Library on December 26th from 1:30-3:30 p.m..