With a generous helping of nostalgia, a dash of whimsy and a sprinkle of music, folded in with a dose of elegance, The Queen City of the Trails - Independence, MO - has created a winning recipe for family fun this holiday season.

FREE FUN

Stop in for a visit at the Chicago and Alton Depot, decorated with greenery, trees and ornaments of the era, as well as a special train exhibit. The whole family will want to sing along with children’s choirs and strolling carolers at the Holiday Tree Lighting on the Square Nov. 19 and wander through the quaint shops surrounding the historic courthouse to sample treats and see new Christmas merchandise during the Holiday Open House on Nov. 4 and 5. Kids can jump on moonwalks, pick up a balloon or play games at the Mayor’s Christmas Carnival December 3 or watch miniature trains roll through a fantasy landscape at Santa’s Winter Wonderland.

The interactive Winter Wonderland area, open from Nov. 4 through Dec. 24 at Bass Pro Shops also features animated figures, arts and crafts, arcade fun, a free 4 x 6 photo with Santa and much more.

FRONTIER FESTIVITIES

Visit the National Frontier Trails Museum Shop for frontier and pioneer themed presents in the museum store, offering discounts from Thanksgiving weekend through Christmas Eve. Cider, cookies and visits with Father Christmas are available every Saturday before Christmas. On Saturday, Dec. 3, as a bonus, covered wagon rides are included with paid admission. Crafters can learn how to make a Crazy Quilt Stocking in a Dec. 10 workshop.           

HOMES TOURS

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, from Thanksgiving weekend through Dec. 30. Don't miss the chance to see these homes in the early hours of evening during the Twilight Tours on Dec. 4 from 4 to 7 p.m., with complimentary refreshments at the Vaile Mansion and live music and complimentary refreshments at the Bingham-Waggoner Estate.

The decorated Chicago and Alton Depot is also open for tours on Nov. 25, 26 and 27 and Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20. For a contemporary holiday tour of five private homes and a church, take part in the 51st annual Holly and Mistletoe Tours sponsored by the Independence Young Matrons on Dec. 1.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Every Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. during November and December, savor the peaceful beauty of a free organ recital at the Community of Christ Temple. Then sit back and revel in the majestic sounds of “Lessons and Carols,” Advent Concert with music and messages of the season on Dec. 11.

The Independence Events Center will host Family Holiday Ice Skating with twinkling lights, seasonal music and skating with Santa on Dec. 20-24.

Another choice for families, is the holiday show at the Puppetry Arts Institute. This year's performance of Treasures from Toyland can be seen Saturdays, Dec. 3, 10 and 17.

SANTA SIGHTINGS

Kids can share their wish list with Santa at the Independence Center Mall through Christmas Eve, on the Square during the Mayor’s Tree Lighting Nov. 19, at the Mayor’s Christmas Carnival on Dec. 3, or at Bass Pro Shops in Santa’s Winter Wonderland from Nov. 4 through Dec. 24.

An old-fashioned 19th century Father Christmas will meet and greet children on Dec. 1, 8 and 15 at the National Frontier Trails Museum.  

SHOPPING

Holiday shopping begins at the Holiday Open House on the Square Nov. 4 and 5, continues at the Best Little Arts and Crafts Show at the Sermon Center on Nov. 18 and 19, and winds up at the gift shops of the National Frontier Trails Museum, Vaile Mansion, Bingham-Waggoner Estate, 1859 Jail, Puppetry Arts Institute and Harry Truman Library.

TRUMAN HERITAGE

You can also share in Truman Christmas memories by visiting with Harry at the Harry S. Truman Library on Nov. 25 and 26 and Dec. 26. The Truman Library will present a “Christmas in the White House” program on Dec. 10.