Don’t Miss These Holiday Season Treats in Northwest Missouri

Plattsburg

What: Christmas Homes Tour
Where: Plattsburg
When: December 3
Schedule: 9 am – 4 pm
Visit Plattsburg this holiday season to tour five of the city’s beautiful homes decorated for the holidays. Homeowners will open their doors and invite you to enjoy the Spirit of Christmas. In addition, the Clinton County Historical Society Museum will be open for guests to enjoy. After making your way through the picturesque homes and museum, drop by the Community Courtyard for the annual Forever Christmas Bazaar. And don’t forget to stop in and see all of the downtown businesses that will be open for your shopping pleasure, including four new boutiques.

Smithville

What: Smithville Wine Walk
Where: Downtown Smithville
When: November 12
Schedule: 3 – 7 pm
Come wearing your ugliest Christmas sweater. It will be a beautifully tacky evening of shopping at Smithville’s local brick-and-mortar stores while you sip. And an open Christmas Market will feature more vendors offering all kinds of goodies just in time for Christmas. No tickets are required to shop, so don’t miss this one.

What: Smithville Community Lighted Christmas Parade
Where: Downtown Smithville
When: December 3
Schedule: 6 – 7 pm
Sponsored by the Smithville American Legion Auxiliary, the parade will be held around the Smithville Town Square.

Kearney

What: Kearney’s Magical Night
Where: Downtown Kearney
When: December 10
Schedule: 6 – 7 pm
The Lighted Christmas Parade will run through downtown Kearney featuring different floats, cars, and people dressed in their holiday best.
7pm: Santa will arrive and, as usual, will take pictures with the kiddos.
7 pm – 9 pm: Kearney’s Magical Night will officially begin. This two-hour window is when local businesses open their doors for parents and children to swing by and do a free family craft or activity together. Each location will offer something unique, so make sure to make it around and see everyone.

Excelsior Springs

What: Christmas in Excelsior Springs Kickoff
Where: Excelsior Springs
When: November 19
Schedule: 11 am – 7 pm
Activities will be held around town throughout the day, culminating in the Mayor’s Tree lighting downtown at 6 pm, followed by the lighted Christmas parade. Activities include children’s crafts at the Excelsior Springs Community Center, the Mistletoe Market at the Montgomery Event Venue, and open houses at many downtown businesses.

St. Joseph

What: Sugarplum Festival
Where: Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art
When: November 10 – 12
Schedule: 5:30 – 8 pm on Nov. 10, 10 am – 8 pm on November 11, and 10 am – 4 pm on November 12
Everyone looks forward to the second weekend in November for the annual Sugarplum Festival at the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art. For over 40 years, visitors have kicked off the holiday season at this St. Joseph tradition. The festival includes unique gifts, artisan-made crafts, vintage goods, 30+ small businesses, local entrepreneurs and crafters, live music and performances, delicious cafe lunch, and much more.

What: Breakfast with Santa and Gingerbread Workshop
Where: Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art
When: December 3
Schedule: 9 am – 12 pm
Ring in December with Santa Claus at the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art. Santa’s pancakes are served hot off the griddle with sausage, juice, coffee, and a special treat for the kids. After dining with jolly Old Saint Nick, participate in a special gingerbread house decorating workshop in the museum classroom. Reservations are required for both breakfast and the workshop. For children ages 5+.