Every region of Missouri offers great places to visit during the holiday season. Northwest Missouri is a virtual winter wonderland, with history, home tours and holiday lights.
Morning
A. Buchanan County Courthouse
The outside view of this National Register site is a shutterbug's dream; inside, learn more about regional history and the courthouse's role in the Ford brothers' trial for the murder of Jesse James.
B. Snow Creek – Snow Skiing
Enjoy snow skiing, snow-boarding and the Tornado Alley Tube Park, which features a thrilling downhill ride and a relaxing journey back to the top of the hill, at Snow Creek. Snow Creek features 12 trails, ranging from beginners to advanced.
Evening
A. Country Club Plaza Shopping & Dining District
One of Kansas City's most popular dining and retail destinations gets into the holiday spirit with a festive celebration and ceremony to mark the "flip of the switch" for thousands of lights around this 15-block area.
B. Crown Center Complex
Crown Center is a great retail and dining destination; the three-story indoor shopping complex has more than 60 shops and restaurants, two hotels, and is home to the world headquarters of Hallmark Cards. During the holidays, it's best known for housing a mammoth Christmas tree and family fun at the Crown Center Ice Terrace ice-skating rink.
Afternoon
A. Bingham-Waggoner Mansion & Estate
Step back in time and enjoy the scenes of a traditional Christmas past at Bingham-Waggoner, one of the most beautiful and historic homes in the region. Holiday-season tours generally begin the day after Thanksgiving and run through Dec. 30 (with select closing dates around the Christmas holiday).
B. Vaile Mansion
Built in 1881, this 30-room mansion comes alive during the holiday season. Celebrate a Victorian Christmas at Vaile Mansion for a holiday experience you won't soon forget. Holiday tours generally begin the day after Thanksgiving and last until Dec. 30 (with select closing dates around the Christmas holiday)