Excelsior Springs, Mo. – Santa is making his annual trip through Excelsior Springs and surrounding towns. This year’s lineup includes some pet-friendly options and toy drives, pancake breakfasts, and classic meet-and-greets, and families have several chances to see him before he heads north again.
The listings below are your go-to guide for spotting Santa across Excelsior Springs, Kearney, and Richmond this holiday season! The list will be updated as events are announced, if you’d like one included, please email info@excelsiorcitizen.com.
EXCELSIOR SPRINGS
Santa at the Hall of Waters
Friday, December 12 • 6 – 8 PM
Location: 201 E Broadway, Hall of Waters
Meet at the Hall of Waters for free photos with Santa, pick up some reindeer food, then enjoy a trolley ride through the Lane of Lights.
Santa at Beacon Realty
Saturday, December 20 • 10 AM – 12 PM
Location: 1220 Rainbow Blvd, Beacon Realty
Meet Santa for photos and sharing wish lists!
Flapjacks with Santa (Clay Lodge #207 at Applebees)
Saturday, December 6 • 8–10 AM
Location: 2301 Vintage Ct, Applebees of Excelsior Springs
Come and enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast and get a picture with Santa. The cost is $10 per/person. Tickets are available from Clay Lodge #207, AF & AM Brothers, or pay at the door.
Candy Cane Hunt (Excelsior Springs Parks & Rec)
Saturday, December 6 • 9–10 AM
Location: 500 Tiger Drive, ESHS Baseball Fields
Kids can hunt for candy canes in age groups, meet Santa for free photos, and enjoy hot cocoa, treats, and holiday crafts. Parking is available at the ESHS PAC lot. Free event.
Three Olives Italian Kitchen & Bakery: Toy Drive + Santa Visit
Toy Drive: December 2–22
Santa Appearance: December 20, 6–7 PM
Location: 101 W. Broadway St.
Three Olives is collecting new, unwrapped toys for foster children in Clay County. Santa will be on-site on December 20 for photos. Guests who bring a toy receive 10 percent off their meal (excluding alcohol). Kids receive free hot chocolate with any meal throughout December.
Hightower Heritage Real Estate: Photos With Santa
Thursday, December 11, 4:30–8 PM
Location: 225 N Jesse James Rd.
Annual photo event featuring Santa. Guests are encouraged to bring people and pet food donations for the local pantry.
Letters to Santa Event (NO SANTA)
Friday, December 12, 5 PM
Location: 500 Tiger Drive
A free family event where children can write and send letters to Santa and enjoy hot cocoa. Each child receives a personalized letter back by mail. Santa is not present at this event.
KEARNEY
Long Veterinary Clinic: Photos With Santa (Family + Pets)
Saturday, December 13, 10 AM–2 PM
Location: Long Equestrian Center – Yellow Barn, 19617 State Route 92
$10 per dog (or $10 per family if no pets). Proceeds support the LVC Adopt A Pet Program. Donations of new socks, underwear, and toys are accepted for Foster, Adopt, Connect.
RE/MAX Advantage: Free Pictures With Santa
Thursday, December 4, 5–7 PM
Location: 300 S. Platte Clay Way
Free photos with Santa, hot cocoa, and a winter-themed selfie station.
Turn Key Realty Holiday Open House
Thursday, December 4, 5:30–7:30 PM
Location: 105 S. Jefferson St., Suite C1
Photos with Santa, hot cocoa, and ornament keepsakes (while supplies last). The event also hosts a food drive for the Kearney Food Pantry.
Oak Pointe of Kearney: Pancake Breakfast With Santa
Saturday, December 20, 9–11 AM
All-you-can-eat Chris Cakes pancakes and sausage with Santa photo opportunities. $10 per person.
RICHMOND
Max Motors Richmond: Meet & Greet With Santa
Saturday, December 13, 12–4 PM
Location: 904 Stonner Loop
A free community event offering treats, holiday activities, and photos with Santa.
Santa at The Market at Our Place
Saturday, November 29, 2:30–4:30 PM
Location: 39735 Bus Hwy 10
Free event featuring kids’ crafts, hot chocolate, and a Santa visit, plus a 1 PM cookie pop-up from Hey, Cookie.
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