Lots of Christmas Fun Coming to the Northland This December
CLAY COUNTY — December is packed with Christmas events across the Northland, and there’s something for just about everyone. This isn’t every event happening, but it’s a solid rundown of what’s going on in the Gladstone Dispatch and Courier-Tribune coverage areas—listed in order so you can plan your holiday fun.
Dec. 5
• Candy Cane Quest (Smithville)
Smithville Parks & Rec kicks things off at 6 p.m. in Heritage Park, 320 E. Main St. Santa drops more than 5,000 candy canes, and kids ages 0–12 scramble to find them. It’s free—just bring a bag and a flashlight. The whole hunt lasts only a few minutes, so don’t be late!
• Jingle & Mingle (Kearney)
A ladies-only craft night from 7–10 p.m. at the Kearney Enrichment Council/Spark Academy, 307 S. Jefferson. Crafts, snacks, and a good cause—helping buy new tech equipment for Spark Academy. Email sparkstudios@kearneyenrichmentcouncil.org to register.
Dec. 5–6
• KidzMall at Shoal Creek Community Church (Gladstone)
Kids get to shop with an elf for gifts priced $1–$4. Parents stay outside. Cash only.
— Dec. 5: 5:30–7:30 p.m.
— Dec. 6: 9–11 a.m.
Hot chocolate and cookies included.
Dec. 6
• Visit with St. Nicholas (Shoal Creek Living History Museum)
10 a.m.–2 p.m., 7000 NE Barry Rd. $8 admission; kids 10 and under are free. Tour the old buildings and get treats from St. Nicholas.
• Photos & Cookies with Santa and Mrs. Claus (Gladstone)
11 a.m.–3 p.m. at Atkins-Johnson Farm, 4109 NE Pleasant Valley Rd. Digital photos are $15. Write letters to Santa, explore the Holiday Toys exhibit, and enjoy the decorated farmhouse. Register at gladstonemo.activityreg.com.
• Doll House Tea (Liberty)
1–2:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Country Home, 2115 Maturana Dr. American Girl dolls, prizes, and a hand-painted tea set. Tickets are $12. Call 816-810-3172 for reservations.
• CandyLand Christmas (Smithville)
1–5:30 p.m. Downtown Smithville. Start at the Senior Center (113 W. Main St.) for Santa, goody bags, and a CandyLand map of local business stops. Mayor’s Christmas Tree lighting is at 6 p.m.
• Liberty’s Hometown Holidays
2–5 p.m. along Kansas Street and at City Hall, 101 E. Kansas St. Crafts, photos with Santa, s’mores, music, petting zoo, and a holiday market. Tree lighting at 5:10 p.m.
• Smithville Lighted Christmas Parade
Starts at 6 p.m. in downtown Smithville. To participate, call/text 816-805-6080 or email char684@icloud.com.
• Holiday Nights at Atkins-Johnson Farm (Gladstone)
7–9 p.m. Free event with Dickens Carolers, crafts, a luminary trail, vintage toys, letters to Santa, and roasted chestnuts. Park at Newcomer’s White Chapel Funeral Home (6600 NE Antioch Rd.) and take the shuttle.
• Liberty Symphony Orchestra: “Merry and Bright”
7:30 p.m. at Second Baptist Church, 300 E. Kansas St. Free admission.
Dec. 7
• Holiday at the Hill (Hillside Christian Church)
10 a.m. service featuring “The Poetry of Promise,” 900 NE Vivion Rd.
• Northland Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops
At North Kansas City High School, 620 E. 23rd Ave.
— 2:30 p.m.: Hawthorn & English Landing choirs
— 4:30 p.m.: Bell Prairie & Briarcliff choirs
Audience sing-along included.
• Northland Community Choir: “Echoes of a Northern Sky”
3 p.m. at Parkville Presbyterian Church, 819 Main St. Tickets $15 at the door; students free.
Dec. 8–9
• Phone Calls From Santa (Gladstone)
Kindergarten–2nd graders can get a personal call from Santa. Forms available at the Gladstone Community Center or online at gladstone.mo.us. Drop forms off at Santa’s mailbox or mail to 6901 N. Holmes.
Dec. 11–13
• Luzicka Ballet: “The Nutcracker”
Performances at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 11–13 and 2 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Liberty Performing Arts Theater. Tickets at Luzickaballet.com.
Dec. 13
• Community Christmas Concert (Liberty)
3 p.m. at Second Baptist Church. Guest conductor Mark Hayes leads the program. Free, with an offering taken. A pre-concert talk with Hayes runs 2:15–2:35 p.m.
• Kearney’s “A Magical Night” & Lighted Christmas Parade
Parade starts at 6 p.m., followed by photos with Santa at City Hall. Local businesses host free crafts and activities. Sip & Shop, Hot Chocolate Bar, and a “Small Mall” for kids round out the night.
Dec. 14
• KC Saxophone Christmas (Liberty)
At William Jewell College’s Mabee Center. Registration at 3 p.m., rehearsal at 4, performance at 6. $15 fee.
• Bethlehem Village (Hillside Christian Church)
3:30–5 p.m. Nativity, petting zoo, carols, treats, and kids activities.
• Living Nativity (Chandler Baptist Church)
Starts 5:30 p.m. Drive-through Nativity with live animals, actors, and lighted scenes.
Dec. 16
• Syncopations Winter Concert (Liberty)
12:30 p.m. The Shoal Creek Elementary choir performs by the Liberty Christmas Tree.
Dec. 20–21
• Liberty Youth Ballet Company: “The Nutcracker”
2 & 6 p.m. Dec. 20 and 3 p.m. Dec. 21 at Liberty Performing Arts Center. Tickets at libertyyouthballetcompany.org.
• Ibsen Dance Theatre: “The Nutcracker”
At William Jewell College's Peters Theater.
— Dec. 20: 2 & 7 p.m.
— Dec. 21: 2 p.m.
Tickets at Ibsen or by calling 816-436-7277.
If you want, I can also shorten this into a quick calendar-style list, add snark, or create a social media version.
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