Fa-la-lots of Kansas City’s holiday pop-up bars 2023
Stop by Rec Deck the Halls for the award-winning brewery’s festive libations. | Photo via Boulevard Brewing Company
It’s the happiest time of the year — work meetings are postponed, the in-laws aren’t yet in town, and you still have time for a sip at one of KC’s festive pop-up bars.
As part of Editor Maddie’s mission to visit the most anticipated holiday pop-ups of the season, we’ve compiled seven of the city’s cheery and bright delights.
Rec Deck the Halls | Tours & Recreation Center, 2534 Madison Ave., KCMO | Fridays + Saturdays through Dec. 30 |1:30-10 p.m. | $5 | Stop by the award-winning brewery for cozy cocktails in keepsake glassware and tear up a game of shuffleboard.
Miracle | Multiple locations | Every day through Dec. 30 | 4 p.m.-12 a.m. | $15-25 | This pop-up has more than its share of devoted festive fans, so reserve your space now.
Drastic Mensches | Drastic Measures, 5817 Nieman Rd., Shawnee, KS | Through Dec. 30 | Tuesday-Thursday, 4-12 p.m. and Fridays + Saturdays, 4 p.m. -1:30 a.m. | Be a Mensch or don’t come at all, says this James Beard Finalist bar. All sales during Hanukkah will go to Jewish Family Services.
The Wonder Dome | OurHouseKC, 1815 W. 39th St., KCMO | Available during business hours | $5 | This rooftop snow globe experience features a full menu, holiday cocktails and festive non-alcoholic beverages.
Winter of Wizardry | Vignettes, 2376 Armour Rd., North Kansas City, MO | Dec. 15-Jan. 27 | Available during business hours | $5 | Did you get your letter from Hophaven? Be bewitched by the magical menu of concoctions while undergoing an enchanted scavenger hunt for “The Tome of Tonics.”
Kingdom’s Greetings | Arrowhead Stadium, KCMO | Thursdays-Sundays through Dec. 30 | 5 p.m.-11 p.m. | $10-15 | Step into the red + gold penthouse for a picture on the Chiefs sleigh, take a stroll through the Chiefs trees, or curl up by the fireplace in this winter wonderland.
Events
Tuesday, Dec. 5
Badass Women Meet & Greet Coffee | Tuesday, Dec. 5 | 7:30-10 a.m. | 103 Main St., Parkville, MO | Free | Get ready to meet some amazing women over a cup of coffee, where empowering conversations and connections are brewing.
TubaChristmas 2023 | Tuesday, Dec. 5 | 12-1 p.m. | Crown Center, KCMO | Free | It’s hard to miss the sounds of Christmas — especially when hundreds of tube and euphonium players come together for a free outside concert.
Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane | Tuesday, Dec. 5-Sunday, Dec. 31 | 5-10 p.m. | Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, 13800 Switzer Rd., Overland Park, KS | Free | Pack the car, gather the family, and enjoy your favorite holiday tunes as a spectacular light show dances across the front entrance of the Farmstead.
Wednesday, Dec. 6
Talking Trade | Wednesday, Dec. 6 | 8:30-10 a.m. | 900 W. 48th Pl., Ste 900, KCMO | Free, registration required | Join area business leaders for a morning of coffee and networking to discuss international trade topics with like-minded individuals.
Cuban Pen Make & Take | Wednesday, Dec. 6 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Rockler Woodworking and Hardware, 15340 W. 119th St., Olathe, KS | $85 | Create a one-of-a-kind gift this season by making your own Cuban pen.
Kansas City Mavericks vs. Idaho Steelheads | Wednesday, Dec. 6 | 7:05 p.m. | Cable Dahmer Arena, 19100 E. Valley View Pkwy, Independence, MO | $12-$52 | Check out the excitement on the ice as the Mavericks go against the Idaho Steelheads.
Thursday, Dec. 7
Girls Night Out | Thursday, Dec. 7 | 4-8 p.m. | Historic Downtown Liberty, Inc., 118 N. Main St., Liberty, MO | Free | Grab your gal pals and shop until you drop on the historic square with a chance to win gift cards.
It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s... a new book inspired by the life lessons of superheros. Local entertainment journalist Jon Niccum co-created and co-edited “Power Up: Leadership, Character, and Conflict Beyond the Superhero Multiverse,” alongside dozens of writers — connecting comic book heroes and real life conflict management. (KCUR)
Coming Soon
Speaking of reading, you can leaf through your next favorite read at Monstera’s Books (7930 Floyd St.), opening this spring. The new book and plant store in the heart of downtown Overland Park will offer new titles, vintage finds, and plenty of greenery. (Kansas City Star)
Seasonal
It’s a Griswold Christmas — Overland Park’s “Most-Spirited Holiday Home Contest” is now underway through Thursday, Dec. 14. Submit a photo of your over-the-top holiday decor and see if your house becomes one of the stops on the city’s holiday light tour map.
Cause
Gingerbread houses are turning into real homes at the annual Gingerbread Homes for the Holidays fundraiser (101 W. Lexington Avenue). Vote for your favorite by scanning its QR code and donating money to Truman Heritage Habitat for Humanity. All proceeds go to building real houses for families in eastern Jackson County. (KSHB 41)
History
The Rivermarket hasn’t always been a family-friendly restaurant and retail district — once upon a time, “the Key” was the central playground for mafia in-fighting. Listen to the story.(KSHB 41)
Pets
Naughty or nice, treat your pup to CITYDOGs’ Santa Paws Gift Exchange. Message their socials or stop in for a form by Monday, Dec. 11 to join in and swap a toy, treat, or doggie (goodie) bag this season.
Shop
Have an active loved one on your shopping list? Upway delivers rigorously inspected, certified, and 99% pre-assembled e-bikes from top brands(think:Specialized, Aventon, andSuper73) directly to your doorstep — with free express shipping when you use code TREE.*
Feel Good
Now serving surprise birthday cake
Local owner surprises 80-year-old employee with birthday bash
Jetta’s team celebrates her birthday alongside her. | Photo via Alon Management
Lettuce celebrate!
The crew at a local McDonald’s (1600 S. Hamilton Cir.) had a special occasion on their hands...one they knew they had to go all out for. Beloved team member Jetta, who had been with the company for over 40 years, was turning 80 soon.
Local McDonald’s Owner-Operators, Alon Management, decided to throw something burger and better to show their appreciation.
The crew ended up surprising her with an in-store celebration, complete with balloons, cake, and long-time customers. What a Happy Meal.
The Buy
The Buy 12.05.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
The ultimate gift for the year of Barbie: the Barbie Dreamhouse 2023. Can we get one of those spiral pool slides for our house?
Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.