Photo by @kansasdroneguy

The early days

Shop 🛍️

• If you’re a Kansas Citian, you probably own a Charlie Hustle heart T-shirt (we do too).
• Do Good Co. is all about sustainability, ethically curating vintage + contemporary clothing.
• Gift shopping for a funky friend? Duet is the shop for you, with an array of unique art + objects.
• Calling all plant parents. Verdant is a botanical gift shop, featuring plants, flowers, ceramics, and gifts.
• Dear Society is a fashion lovers dream, with a curated collection of modern + vintage clothing.

Photo by KCtoday

Eat + drink 🍻

• Do you like books and booze? Afterword Tavern and Shelves is the spot for you.
• If you’re looking for a small batch + local AF beer option — Casual Animal Brewing Company has you covered.
• King G is a classic neighborhood deli and bar — we recommend the pastrami on rye.
• Green Lady Lounge combines two of our favorite things: live music and curated cocktails.
• Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop has been “slinging noodles” and serving tradition since 1997.

Arts + culture 🎨

• Stroll the Leedy Foundation to check out exhibits from regional, national, and international artists.
• More of a maker? Hit up the Artist and Craftsman Supply for everything you need to perfect your craft.
• The Truman is an intimate entertainment venue — and City Editor Bella’s favorite spot to see a concert.
• Head over to The Bird Comedy Theater if you’re looking for a local laugh.
• Are there murals everywhere you look? If the answer is yes, you’re probably in the Crossroads. Check out a list of IG-worthy murals here.

• Hollywood Holidays | Friday, Dec. 16-Sunday, Dec. 18 | 7:30 p.m. | Alumni Hall, Park University Cir., Parkville, MO | $12 | Laugh your way through this annual playwright festival, featuring parodies of your favorite holiday movies and TV specials. 🎥
• DJ NE$$ at Nighthawk | Friday, Dec. 16 | 7 p.m. | 1228 Baltimore Ave., Kansas City, MO | $0+ | Get groovy in the basement bar below Hotel Kansas City. 🎶

• Santastravaganza | Saturday, Dec. 17-Sunday, Dec. 18 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Nebraska Furniture Mart, 1601 Village West Pkwy., Kansas City, KS | Free admission | Experience vendors, gift wrapping, prizes, a trail mix bar, hot cocoa, and prizes. 🎅
• 12 Bars of Charity Bar Crawl | Saturday, Dec. 17 | 2 p.m. | KC Live! Block | $45-$105 | Support a charity of your choice while hopping around local bars.

• Hearthside Christmas Storytime | Sunday, Dec. 18 | 1-3 p.m. | John Wornall House, 6115 Wornall Rd., Kansas City, MO | $5 | Enjoy a classic Christmas story time at this historic KC site.

• Shawnee Fire Department Blood Drive | Monday, Dec. 19 | 1-6 p.m. | 11600 Johnson Dr., Shawnee, KS | Free | Save a life and give blood. 🩸
• Te Deum: O Magnum Mysterium Christmas Concert | Monday, Dec. 19 | 7 p.m. | Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Rd., Prairie Village, KS | $15-$25 | Explore four different musical settings of one of the most famous Christmas texts with this high-quality choral group.

• 30º | Partly cloudy | 1% chance of rain

• Hanukkah sameach. This Sunday evening (Dec. 18) marks the beginning of Hanukkah — the Festival of Lights that lasts for eight days. The final night of Hanukkah is on Monday, Dec. 26. 🕎

• Say hello to the 2023 Parade of Hearts artists. After 526 design submissions to consider, the selection panel narrowed it down to 40 artists. Who else is ready for the unveiling of the new hearts? ❤️

• The Missouri Development Finance Board could vote on a $500,000 state tax credit later this month that would kick off a ~$7 million rehabilitation of the historic Laugh-O-Gram Building — at 1127 E. 31st St. Fun fact: this was the birthplace of Mickey Mouse. 🐭 (Kansas City Business Journal)

• Clock Tower Bakery & Cafe in downtown Overland Park announced it will close for good this weekend. The bakery was known for its housemade pastries and English-style afternoon tea parties. Don’t get too sad — a new bakery is slotted to open in its place in early 2023. (Shawnee Mission Post)

• Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and his foundation paid off almost $10,000 in layaways at a Kansas City-area Burlington store — allowing 50+ families take a deep breath this holiday season. 👏 (KMBC)

• Did you know you can own a piece of the Plaza lights in your own home? Every year, retired bulbs are converted into ornaments for your Christmas tree. Grab your own here. 🎄

• Speaking of holiday lights — you can recycle your broken, old, or unused holiday lights at the Kansas City Zoo this winter through Sunday, Jan. 8. Simply drop your lights off at the Zoo’s Guest Relations desk during Zoo hours. ♻️

• It’s ok if you waited until the last minute to shop this season. There’s still time to shop items from our online shop Six & Main. We’re talking cocktail glasses, shirts, candles, mugs, and more. Our gift guides make shopping easy. 🛍️

• Calling all globetrotters. If exploring bucket list destinations while meeting like-minded travelers is one of your 2023 goals, consider booking a small group trip with Encounters Travel. See one of the seven wonders of the world on the Jordan & Egypt Explorer Trip or snorkel among diverse marine life on the Maldives Uncovered Tour.*

• This Princeton grad’s startup raised $161 million to help people plan for retirement — its free tool can match you with up to three vetted financial advisors serving your area who can help you work towards financial freedom. Try it out for yourself.*

• Still shopping for the hunter or angler in your life? Sportsman’s Box, the leading gear discovery service for outdoorsmen, is adding a free $100 credit for all new members through Saturday, Dec. 31. Choose from nine leading brands with your first Sportsman’s Box and claim your free gift. 🎣 *

• Hand sanitizer demand: 0.24
• Restaurant cleanliness: 2.67
• Recycling collector quantity: 0.63
• Garbage disposal satisfaction: 6.17
• Electric vehicle market share: 0.51
• Particulate matter pollution: 7.89