Celebrate the Magic of the Season this December in Downtown Excelsior Springs

December is the month to experience all the sparkle, joy, and charm that makes Excelsior Springs the best place. From twinkling lights to festive tours to holiday cocktails, there’s something for everyone. Mark your calendars and make plans to join us all month long!

Love Local This Holiday Season

As you make your holiday lists and check them twice, we invite you to celebrate the season by loving on our local small businesses. Every gift purchased downtown, every meal enjoyed at a local restaurant, and every ticket you buy for a community event directly supports the people who make Excelsior Springs special. When you shop small, you’re not just picking out presents… you’re investing in neighbors, strengthening our local economy, and helping our historic district thrive. This December, we hope you’ll choose to shop local, dine local, and experience local as we celebrate the magic of the season together.

Holiday Homes Tour

Saturday, December 6 | NOON – 5:00 PM

Step inside some of the most beautifully decorated homes in Excelsior Springs and enjoy an afternoon filled with stunning holiday inspiration. This year’s tour features five incredible spaces, each decked out for the season and ready to welcome you.

Whether you’re gathering decorating ideas, creating traditions with friends, or simply soaking in the holiday spirit, this event is the perfect way to kick off December.

Tickets are $15 (plus fees) in advance and $20 the day of the event. Click the link below to grab yours today and save!

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Pictures with Santa & Mrs. Claus

Friday, December 12 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Hall of Waters

All aboard! Bring the whole family to the Hall of Waters for a magical evening with Santa & Mrs. Claus! Kids can share their wish lists then grab a FREE picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus courtesy of the Downtown Excelsior Partnership, Inc. and Jade Williams Photography.

Bonus! You can hop on the Excelsior Chamber Trolley and enjoy a ride through the Lane of Lights on us, too!

Images will be available for download within 72 hours of the event.

This is a wonderful way to create holiday memories right here in Downtown Excelsior Springs.

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Cocktails & Candy Canes

Saturday, December 13 | NOON – 5:00 PM

One of the most festival (and fun!) days of the holiday season returns! Join us for Cocktails & Candy Canes, where you’ll stroll through downtown and enjoy a cocktail, mocktail, treat, or gift at EVERY participating location.

Sip, shop, sample, and experience the magic of Christmas in our historic district.

With 22 participating businesses, this is the perfect way to support local and savor the holiday spirit.

Check Out the Participating Small Business Locations

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Lane of Lights

Open Nightly Through December 25
Sunday-Thursday 5:30 PM-9:00 PM | Friday & Saturday 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM

The Lane of Lights shines bright all season long! Load up the car, tune in to your favorite Christmas songs, and take a drive through one of Excelsior Springs’ most magical traditions!

This year’s Lane is brighter than ever thanks to our incredible community of volunteers that construct the display and our hosting groups who volunteer their time to bring joy to thousands of visitors. This lighted display is completely free to drive through, but we kindly ask for a $5-$10 donation per vehicle. Your contribution helps us continue lighting and expanding the Lane each year while also supporting the Excelsior Springs Christmas Committee and the amazing hosting organizations who volunteer their time to make this tradition possible.

Celebrate the organizations and volunteers who keep this tradition glowing!

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Letters to Santa

December 14 Deadline

Families are invited to stop by the Excelsior Springs Museum & Archives and drop off their child’s letter(s) in our official North Pole approved Santa Mail Box.

Every child who writes a letter and includes a return address will receive a response from Santa Claus himself! Delivered straight to your mailbox.

Letters must be placed in the mailbox by December 14th to ensure they make it to the North Pole in time.

This is a sweet, simple tradition that brings big holiday joy to our youngest visitors and it’s completely free to participate!

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Hall of Trees

Open Daily Now Through December 31

Step inside the Hall of Trees at the historic Hall of Waters and experience one of our most breathtaking holiday traditions. Dozens of beautifully decorated Christmas trees fill the space, each uniquely designed by local businesses, organizations, and community groups.

Wander through the glowing displays, snap photographs, and soak in the magic!

Vote for Your Favorites!

You can cast a vote for any tree by making a donation. Every dollar supports the Christmas Committee and helps keep holiday programming strong for future years.

Bring your friends, your family, and your out of town guests! The Hall of Trees is a must see destination this December.

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Additional Events Happening At Our Businesses This Season