Best Christmas Ever in Independence, MO
INDEPENDENCE, MO, October 13, 2007. A true American Original, invites young and old to join in "The Best Christmas Ever". The holiday season is filled with a flurry of special events at more than a dozen sites and attractions. This historic heritage hometown mixes nostalgia, fantasy and creativity with a splash of culture in a winning recipe for family fun. Homespun events that hearken back to a simpler old-fashioned time of Christmas long ago begin in early November and run non-stop till December 30.
Highlights include visits to historic sites dressed in their holiday best, from the rustic charm of the 1827 Log Courthouse to the station master's cozy quarters upstairs in the Chicago and Alton Depot. Three unique homes of yesteryear, the Marshal's Home, Bingham-Waggoner Estate and Vaile Mansion, are featured in the Spirit of Christmas Past Heritage Homes Tours . Don't miss the chance to see the special homes in the early hours of evening during the Twilight Tours.
Elegantly decorated modern day private residences open their doors to the world for a day in the annual Holly and Mistletoe Tours and the new Holly Trolley Home Tour, spotlighting homes in the historic Englewood neighborhood of Independence.
Christmas is a magical time for all ages in Independence. Play carnival games at the Mayor's Holiday Carnival, snuggle with your kids in a horse drawn sleigh ride with Santa and enjoy a children's production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Live old-time music, visits with a frontier era Father Christmas, food and free wagon rides are highlights of the Christmas celebration at the National Frontier Trails Museum. Eat breakfast with Santa or marvel at the lifelike puppets and marionettes in the Christmas in Puppetland and Tea With Mrs. Claus shows at the Puppetry Arts Institute. Cheer on the costumed Village Dancers as they dance a Virginia Reel at the Mayor's Tree Lighting, sit back and relax to the glorious music of Handel's Messiah or sing along with music of the season as performed by hundreds of school children and the Independence Symphony at the Community Christmas Concert. Finally, don't miss the unique and handcrafted creches on display at the beautifully decorated Mormon Visitors Center.
For a complete listing of holiday events, call Independence Tourism at 800-748-7323, 816-325-7111 or go to www.visitindependence.com .
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