If you love the sights, smells and sounds of Christmas, make the trek to Independence, Mo. Even Scrooge himself would get excited with the plethora of things to do, from sleigh rides to holiday home tours, plus the long list of events at the new Independence Event Center. And it all begins before most anywhere else: The weekend of Nov. 7.

“It’s been intentionally done that way for a couple of years because people love the old-fashioned Harry Truman hometown idea and the Main Street shops, with the magic of a homespun, heartwarming holiday,” says Janeen Aggen, who does media relations for Independence, Missouri, Tourism. “So they’ve put a lot of planning into trying to encourage the sites and attractions during this time.”

On Nov. 7, check out the Independence Event Center for an official grand opening from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. located on Valley View Parkway just off of Highway 40 and Missouri 291. Guests will be entertained by a flurry of festivities and fun, including free food, beverages, an appearance by the Missouri Mavericks mascot, a hockey demonstration by the Mid America High School Hockey League (MAHSHL) and open public ice skating on the Community Ice. Parking is free, and the first 1,000 people in line will receive an Independence Events Center ski cap. All others will receive a commemorative ticket. (See complete schedule of events, including an upcoming concert by Manheim Steamroller, Extreme Ice Racing and all the Maverick hockey games at www.independenceeventscenter.com)

Next, head over to the Mayor’s Tree Lighting scheduled for that evening at the Independence Square, located at 112 W. Lexington. Santa arrives at 4 p.m., and for $2 you can take a sleigh ride around the square.

“They’re pulled by what we call Missouri Mule Deer,” says Ralph Goldsmith, owner of Pioneer Adventures. “We put antlers on our mules.”

They offer hour-long history tours in covered wagons as well, weather permitting. For reservations or more information, visit pioneertrailsadventures.com or call (816) 254-2466.

Nov. 8 is the kick-off for Santa’s Winter Wonderland at Bass Pro Shop (across from Independence Center Mall). That’s when they turn a huge portion of their main floor into a winter wonderland, Ms. Aggen says, with animated figures, trains, laser arcades, arts and crafts and visits with Santa. She says it’s a fun way to shop with the kids, and it stays up until Christmas Eve.

“You can spend a couple of hours there,” she says, “and it’s free.”

There’s much more to do all month, she says, including special holiday attractions at the Frontier Trails museum, free concerts and holiday home tours. So now they offer a sneak preview you can see from home. See the video and get a complete listing of holiday events at www.visitindependence.com or call (800) 748-7323 for more information.

Lifestyles reporter Sylvia Anderson may be reached at sylviaanderson@npgco.com