Experience Christmas in a simpler time with ten holiday attractions and a wealth of unique gift shops in historic Independence. Beginning in November and continuing through the New Year, homespun Yuletide events highlight the warmth of the season by sharing a special Christmas at home with thousands of holiday visitors.

A 3-site ticket for Bingham-Waggoner Estate, Vaile Mansion, and the 1859 Marshal's Home and Museum is available for $12.00 per person. Add the National Frontier Trails Museum for $16.00 for the four sites.


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Bingham-Waggoner Estate Bingham-Waggoner Estate

"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.

313 W. Pacific, (816) 461-3491

www.bwestate.org




Vaile Mansion Vaile Mansion

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




1859 Marshal’s Home & Museum 1859 Marshal’s Home & Museum

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. 

217 N. Main, (816) 461-1897

www.jchs.org




Christmas at the Chicago & Alton Depot Christmas at the Chicago & Alton Depot

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...Man, Let It Snow" will be at the Chicago & Alton Depot during the holidays. Call (816) 325-7955 for details.

318 W. Pacific, (816) 325-7955

Donations welcomed.

www.chicagoalton1879depot.org




Twilight Tours – Bingham-Waggoner Estate, Marshal’s Home, and Vaile Mansion December 5
Twilight Tours – Bingham-Waggoner Estate, Marshal’s Home, and Vaile Mansion

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.

(816) 461-3491

Hours: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Admission: $12.00 for the three sites




Log Cabin Holidays. 1827 Log Courthouse Log Cabin Holidays. 1827 Log Courthouse

Discover the simpler pleasures of the holidays before chasing lights and twirling tinsel. The 1827 Log Courthouse is trimmed in period fashion with handmade and locally harvested decor. Visitors occasionally find a warm cup of cider and homemade cookies.

107 W. Kansas, (816) 325-7111

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Mon. – Fri.
Admission: free




National Frontier Trails Museum National Frontier Trails Museum

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

318 W. Pacific, (816) 325-7575


www.frontiertrailsmuseum.org




Community of Christ Temple & Auditorium Community of Christ Temple & Auditorium

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.


201 S. River

December 1 - 31: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon. - Sat.;
1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sun.


www.cofchrist.org







Truman Home Truman Home

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.

223 N. Main (ticket center), (816) 254-9929

8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Daily.
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day

www.nps.gov/hstr




Harry S. Truman Library & Museum Harry S. Truman Library and Museum

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..

500 West 24 Highway, (816) 268-8200

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mon. - Sat.; Noon - 5 p.m. Sun.
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s

www.trumanlibrary.org







3/27/2010
     to
12/31/2010
Memories of Korea Exhibit at Truman Library
Description: Commemorating the 60th anniversary of the start of the Korean War. the exhibit will help visitors feel the impact of the Korean conflict and legacy through the eyes of those who lived there, who fought there, and who were permanently changed by what happened there. Organized around four cultural themes - culture and history, antecedents, war, and legacy, the exhibit will explore the rich culture of Korea; the political winds that led to the first battle of the Cold War; forgotten and newly declassified details that shed new light on the conflict; and the story of the war's aftermath, now six decades long.     Call (800) 833-1225.  www.trumanlibrary.org
Location: Truman Presidential Museum & Library, 500 W. 24 Highway
11/5/2010
Holiday Open House on Independence Square
Description: Over 30 shops will be decorated for the holidays and offer specials and treats to shoppers. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Free.  (816)461-0065 or www.theindependencesquare.com

 

Location: Independence Square, Main, Maple, Liberty and Lexington
11/6/2010
Holiday Open House on Independence Square
Description: Over 30 shops will be decorated for the holidays and offer specials and treats to shoppers. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Free.  (816)461-0065 or www.theindependencesquare.com

 

Location: Independence Square, Main, Maple, Liberty and Lexington
11/6/2010
     to
12/24/2010
Visits with Santa Claus at Independence Center
Description: Hours vary, for specific dates and times, call (816) 795-8600 or go to www.simon.com.   Note:  Breakfast with Santa not yet scheduled.  
Location: Independence Center, 2035 Independence Center Drive
11/7/2010
Free Organ Concerts at Community of Christ Temple
Description: Sunday afternoon concerts (Nov 7, 14, 21, 28, Dec 5, 12, 19) at the Community of Christ Temple which is decorated for the holidays.  3 p.m.  Free.  (816) 833-1000.   www.CofChrist.org/dome_spire
Location: Community of Christ Temple. 201 S. River
11/13/2010
     to
12/24/2010
Santa's Winter Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
Description: Enjoy an interactive play area at Bass Pro Outdoor World where kids can write letters to Santa, make crafts, play games, watch operating running train sets and visit with Santa Claus.  Also, each child can have their picture taken with Santa, and get a free 5x7 photo.  Mon-Sat  9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sun 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Free.  (816) 795-4300 or www.basspro.com
Location: Bass Pro Outdoor World, 18001 Bass Pro Drive
11/15/2010
     to
1/10/2011
Christmas with The Trumans Display at Truman Home Information Center
Description: An exhibit of toys, ornaments, photos, wrapping paper, greeting cards and other holiday memorabilia which belongs to the Truman family.  8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.. daily.  Free.  (816) 254-9929.
Location: Truman Home Information Center, 223 N. Main
11/20/2010
Mayor's Tree Lighting
Description: Santa on hand from 2 to 6 p.m, sleigh rides, live entertainment and music until 6 p.m.  At 6 p.m. tree lighting ceremony takes place.  Free. Fee for sleigh rides. (816) 461-0065
Location: Independence Square, Main, Lexington, Liberty and Maple
11/26/2010
Meet Harry Truman at the Truman Library
Description: Niel Johnson as Harry Truman will make two special appearancs at his presidential library on Thanksgiving Day Weekend.  On November 26 and 27, visitors will be able to ask the former president about the challenges and decisions of his presidency, pose for a photo with Harry, or take in an impromptu press conference held by Mr. Truman.  10 a.m.- 2:30 p.m.  (800) 833-1225
Location: Truman Presidential Museum & Library, 500 W. 24 Highway
11/26/2010
     to
12/30/2010
Spirit of Christmas Past Heritage Homes Tours
Description: Bingham-Waggoner Estate, Vaile Mansion and the Marshal's Home all festively decorated for holiday tours.  10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 1-4 p.m. Sunday (closed Dec 23-25).  (816) 325-7111.  (See Holiday Attractions for details).
Location: Bingham-Waggoner Estate, 313 W. Pacific
11/27/2010
"Christmas Lighting Festivities" at Mormon Visitors Center
Description: Join in a celebration of the season as the switch is thrown turning on thousands of twinkling lights and a larger than life Nativity cutout display.  Live music and entertainment.  6 p.m.  Call (816) 435-3499 for details.
Location: Mormon Visitors Center, 937 W. Walnut
11/27/2010
Meet Harry Truman at the Truman Library
Description: Niel Johnson as Harry Truman will make two special appearancs at his presidential library on Thanksgiving Day Weekend.  On November 26 and 27, visitors will be able to ask the former president about the challenges and decisions of his presidency, pose for a photo with Harry, or take in an impromptu press conference held by Mr. Truman.  10 a.m.- 2:30 p.m.  (800) 833-1225
Location: Truman Presidential Museum & Library, 500 W. 24 Highway
12/4/2010
Celebrate the Holiday at the Trails Museum
Description: 10 am - 4 pm - Join as we welcome the festive holiday season!  Free covered wagon rides with paid museum admission, seasonal music (10am -3pm) and refreshments. (816) 325-7575.
Location: National Frontier Trails Museum, 318 W. Pacific
12/4/2010
Mayor's Christmas Carnival
Description: Face painting, carnival games, balloons, and more.  10 a.m. to noon.  Free.  (816) 325-7370
Location: Sermon Center, 201 N. Dodgion (SE Corner of Truman & Noland Rd.)
12/5/2010
Free Organ Concerts at Community of Christ Temple
Description: Sunday afternoon concerts (Nov 7, 14, 21, 28, Dec 5, 12, 19) at the Community of Christ Temple which is decorated for the holidays.  3 p.m.  Free.  (816) 833-1000.   www.CofChrist.org/dome_spire
Location: Community of Christ Temple. 201 S. River
12/5/2010
Twilight Tour of Historic Homes
Description: From 4-7 p.m., enjoy tours of Bingham-Waggoner Estate, Vaile Mansion and the Marshal's Home with complimentary refreshments and music.  $5 adults, $2 children or $12 for the 3/sites for adults and $6 for the 3/sites for children.  (816) 461-3491
Location: Bingham-Waggoner Estate, 313 W. Pacific
12/11/2010
Crazy Quilt Stocking Workshop
Description: 10:00 am.  $40 per person.  Includes fabric kit.  Advance reservations required.
Crafter Sharron Gregg facilitates this wonderful quilt workshop.  Fee includes fabric kit, threads, and templates.  Bring your own needles and scissors.

Location: National Frontier Trails Museum, 318 W. Pacific
12/11/2010
Talkin' Truman - Christmas at the White House
Description: Archivist David Clark takes you inside America's most exclusive address for a peek at the Truman family's celebration of Christmas at the White House.  This intimate holiday portrait is painted with photographs, letters, Christmas cards, and sound recordings from the Truman Library's extensive collection.   11 a.m.  (800) 833-1225
Location: Truman Presidential Museum & Library, 500 W. 24 Highway
12/26/2010
Meet Harry Truman at the Truman Library
Description: Niel Johnson as Harry Truman is home for the holidays and will make a special appearance at his presidential library. Visitors will be able to ask the former president about the challenges and decisions of his presidency, pose for a photo with Harry, or take in an impromptu press conference held by Mr. Truman.  1:30-3:30 p.m.   (800) 833-1225
Location: Truman Presidential Museum & Library, 500 W. 24 Highway



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Tourism Dept. Staff

Independence Department of Toursim
111 East Maple
Independence, MO 64050
Local: (816) 325-7111
Toll Free: (800) 748-7323
Stephanie Roush
Tourism Director
sroush@indepmo.org


Diane Brockman
Tourism Coordinator
dbrockman@indepmo.org

Cathy Offutt
Volunteer Coordinator
coffutt@indepmo.org




Janeen Aggen
Media Relations Consultant
janeena@sbcglobal.net