Christmas in Kansas City

November 23

Spirit of Christmas Past Heritage Homes Tour

The tours run from November 23 to December 29 (no tours on Sunday). Admission is $12 for all homes or $5 for one home for adults and $2 for children. The Heritage Homes tour will take you to the following homes decorated for the holidays:

• Marshal's Home, 217 N. Main, Independence, MO
• Vaile Mansion, 1500 N. Liberty, Independence, MO
• Bingham-Waggoner Estate, 313 W. Pacific, Independence, MO

Missouri and Kansas State Troopers Launch Annual Holiday Toy Drive for Hospitalized Children

Between November 23 and December 12, all the Krispy Kreme stores in Overland Park, Independence, and Merriam will have MO and KS State Troopers collecting toys. This toys collection event is in honor of Missouri Trooper Michael L. Newton, who was killed on duty in May 2003. During the drive, Krispy Kreme will give away a free dozen doughnuts to anyone who donates a new toy with a value of $10 or more. Last year’s drive generated approximately $10,000 worth of toys.

Kansas City Ballet's The Nutcracker

You can always count on the Kansas City Ballet to put on a great performance for Christmas. In 2007, the Kansas City Ballet celebrated its 35th anniversary with The Nutcracker, choreographed by Todd Bolender to Tchaikovsky's magnificent score played by the Kansas City Symphony Ballet Orchestra. For 17 performances throughout December (December 1 - 23), follow the timeless story of Clara, the Mouse King and her Nutcracker Prince. Music Hall, 301 W. 13th St., Kansas City, MO 64108. Admission is between $25 and $80.

Annual Poinsettia Show

From December 1 through to December 30 (closed Christmas Day) from 9am to 9pm, at the Swope Park Greenhouse, 69th & Elmwood, Kansas City, MO, you can see for free a breathtaking display of over 30 varieties of this beautiful plant. This is a FREE exhibit and there are several varieties of poinsettias on sale. Call 513-8970 for more information.

December 2

Nativities Around the World

From December 2 to January 4 from 9am to 4pm (except Christmas Eve until 6pm), you can enjoy heavenly music, twinkling lights on outdoor trees, festive decorations inside and a display of hundreds of charming handcrafted nativity sets from around the world at the Mormon Visitors Center, 937 W. Walnut, Independence, MO. Call 816-836-3466 for details. Admission is free.

7th Annual Will to Succeed Foundation Celebration

The 7th Annual Will to Succeed Foundation Celebration is celebrated at the Overland Park Convention Center at 6000 College Blvd in Overland Park, Kansas from 5:30pm to 10pm. admission is $100.

December 3

City Hall Holiday Concert Series

From December 3 - 7 and December 10 - 14 at 12 p.m. - 1 p.m, at The City Hall Rotunda 414 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, MO, you can see the 37th annual City Hall Holiday Concert Series featuring performances by school bands, choruses and other local performers for free of charge. For more information, call 513-7500.