Events in Northwest Missouri
Kearney | Kearney’s Magical Night | December 13 at 6 pm
Save the Date for the Kearney Enrichment Council’s annual Magical Night Lighted Christmas Parade! It is Kearney’s favorite Christmas event. Visit downtown Kearney to check out all the different floats, cars, and people dressed in their holiday best.
Local businesses will open their doors for parents and children to swing by and complete a free family craft or activity together. Each stop will offer something unique, so make sure you visit everyone. There will also be a small mall for children’s shopping, a chance to visit with Santa, and a fireworks display to cap off the night.
St. Joseph | Sugar Plum Festival | November 6 – 8
Step into the holiday spirit at the beloved Sugarplum Festival, a St. Joseph tradition for over 40 years! Hosted at the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art, this annual three-day event is your one-stop shop for holiday cheer. Whether you’re starting your holiday shopping or just love that cozy, cinnamon-scented magic in the air, the Sugarplum Festival is the perfect way to kick off the season. Support small businesses, enjoy the charm of the local creativity, and grab a few gifts for the special people on your list (or yourself!).
St. Joseph | The Great Detect-Off | November 15 | 3 – 7 pm
“It’s Holme-cide, my dear Watson!” The Wayward Dreamers Guild and Main Street Saint Joseph present to you their second-annual murder mystery walk in historic downtown St. Joseph. Who killed Sherlock Holmes!?
Do you have the talent, gumption, and shrewdness good enough to tackle the challenge that only the worlds’ greatest detectives can handle? Then look no further. The Great Detect-Off is just such an occasion. Join the likes of Benoit Blanc, Dick Tracy, The Mystery Gang, and more! By interviewing a variety of pop-culture detectives, you will collect clues over the course of an evening while touring downtown St Joseph. Combine it all into a theory that will shock and astonish!
Your investigation will begin at the Downtown Concession Building (625 Felix) where you will check-in, get your wristband, locations map, and your first clue. The drink walk goes from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., but you must check-in no later than 5:30 p.m. Meet at the downtown gazebo at 6:45 p.m. for a reenactment of the murder, costume contest and PRIZES! Both dry and drink tickets are available. Get your tickets at www.givebutter.com/uS982z
Excelsior Springs | Christmas in Excelsior Springs | November 22
Get into the holiday spirit in Excelsior Springs on Saturday, November 22. With activities held throughout the day and evening, there is truly something for everyone. Shop downtown from 10 – 5 during the Holiday Open Houses. If you want more shopping in one spot, the Mistletoe Market is also taking place from 10 to 5 p.m. at the Montgomery Event Venue. There you’ll find special gifts from a variety of vendors in a fun, festive setting. From 10 to 3 p.m., families can visit the Elf Factory at the Excelsior Springs Community Center, where kids have the chance to make a variety of different holiday crafts. The Mayor’s Downtown Lighting Ceremony will take place at 6 p.m., immediately followed by the Lighted Christmas Parade. Whether you just want to come for some activities or make a day out of it, this is a great way to kick off the holiday season!
Plattsburg | Plattsburg Community Christmas | December 5 – 6
The holiday season is the perfect time to visit this quaint, small town! The festivities will begin Friday evening and run through Saturday. Friday events start at 5 p.m. with free train rides, games, a scavenger hunt, and the Children’s Small Mall. Santa will visit at 6:15 p.m., then a holiday parade will begin immediately following the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting at 7 p.m. After the parade, visit the Community Courtyard for free hot chocolate and cookies. The fun continues Saturday with the Holiday Homes Tour and the Forever Christmas Bazaar & Sweet Shoppe. There will be photos with Santa, face painting and crafts, a balloon artist, and additional train rides. Don’t miss this sweet, small-town Christmas celebration!
