Savoring the season is a little easier with string lights overhead. | Photo by Chicken N Pickle
Walking in a winter wonderland is all fine and dandy, but we’d rather be sipping in one instead. Here are 20 local pop-up bars that will help you sleigh the end of the year.
Rec Deck the Halls, Boulevard Brewing Company | Fridays + Saturdays through Dec. 28 |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.
Drastic Mensches, Drastic Measures | Tuesday-Saturdays, Dec. 5-Dec. 31 | No cover | Be a Mensch or don’t come at all, says this James Beard Finalist bar serving up Hanukkah-inspired flavors — all supporting Jewish Family Services.
Kingdom’s Greetings, Arrowhead Stadium | Thursdays-Sundays through Dec. 29 | $25 | Step into the red + gold snow globe overlooking GEHA Field for a picture on the Chiefs sleigh and a chance to see surprise guest appearances.
The Sweet Escape Igloo, The Fontaine | Daily through March 16 | $125-$225 | Sip inside a snow globe, with treats like gingerbread hot chocolate, gingerbread cookies, marshmallows, and candy canes for every guest on its nice list.
Coloring Night | Wednesday, Dec. 4 | 4-8:30 p.m. | Casual Animal Brewing Co. | Free | Whether you bring your own or borrow from the bar, enjoy a social session of coloring with a brew (or two) in hand.
Thursday, Dec. 5
Holly & Mistletoe Homes Tour | 10 a.m.-8 p.m. | St. Luke’s United Church of Christ, Independence | $15+ | Explore four beautifully decorated homes located in Independence’s historic Golden Acres neighborhood + a few historic town square spots dating back to the 1830s.
Adults-Only Candlelight Stroll | 5-8 p.m. | Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens | $17 | A peaceful, kid-free evening featuring candlelit woods, live music, and enchanting light displays — ideal for a tranquil date night.
Winter Wonderland Holiday Gala | 5:30-8 p.m. | Negro Leagues Baseball Museum | $65 | Dress holiday chic and hit the dance floor to enjoy live entertainment from Kim Keys, a festive holiday buffet, and door prizes with KC’s Professional Women of Color.
Friday, Dec. 6
USCC Regional Qualifying Competitions | Friday, Dec. 6-Sunday, Dec. 8 | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | Messenger Coffee Co. + Ibis Bakery | Free | Watch as local coffee creatives showcase their skills in a friendly competition + connect with local baristas, roasters, and industry experts over our regional coffee scene.
KCAI End of Semester Exhibition & Sale | Friday, Dec. 6-Sunday, Dec. 8 | Times vary | Kansas City Art Institute | Cost of purchase | Each studio — from photography and graphic design to ceramics and sculpture — will showcase its best work, with sales going directly to the students.
FAC MMA 27 | 7 p.m. | Cable Dahmer Arena, Independence | $15+ | If you watched Netflix’s Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson bout, check out professional fighting up close at this pro + amateur MMA fight night.
Saturday, Dec. 7
Santa Paws in the Park | 2-4 p.m. | Loose Park | Free | Celebrate the howl-idays with a pet parade, ugly sweater competition, photos with Santa, DIY treat wreath + a complimentary pup cup.
After a challenging year marked by family health scares, Kenetra faced lost work and falling behind on bills. Thanks to the Critical Medical Needs program, her overdue electric bill was paid in full. | Photo provided by United Way of Greater Kansas City
If health challenges have made it difficult for you or a loved one to keep up with bills, United Way’s Critical Medical Needs program can step in to help.
Designed to prevent disconnection or restore services for those with serious health issues, the program ensures Kansas Citians stay connected to essential services — thanks to local partnerships with Evergy and Spire.
The Refinery, a $48.1 million, 16-story high-rise project, has broken ground at at 1818-1822 Main St. The 147-apartment building will feature 1,000 sqft of ground-floor commercial space, a rooftop deck + pool with plans to open — get this — after the World Cup, in late 2026. That may be the first time we’ve said that. (KCBJ)
Sports
A new agreement between the Royals + their broadcasting partner made next season’s streaming prospects official: FanDuel Sports Network (formerly Bally Sports) will continue to stream KC’s games in 2025. In the meantime, fans can update their former Bally Sports app here.
Eat
Lenexa Public Market is making room for another meal. With Korean restaurant Kimchi + Bap’s closure, Laos and Thailand-inspired Saap Saap Noodles is moving in nearby. Diners can expect to see dishes like Lao-style pho, pad Thai, and ribeye ramen on its menu upon opening in January. (Johnson County Post)
Announced
Cupini’s, The Combine, Grinders, Blip Roasters — what do all these eateries have in common? Besides delicious bites + savor-worthy sips, these local spots were awarded part of a $200,000 KCMO grant aimed at updated outdoor dining before World Cup 26. See if your favorite spot made the list.(FOX4)
Development
Redevelopment of the former Prairie Village Macy’s has an end in sight, before it has even started. City council was told last week that construction will begin within the first three months of 2025, completing phase one of the two-story project — including a renovated Hen House + additional retail space — in 2026. (Johnson County Post)
Trending
There are plenty of fish in the sea at KC’s very own Shark Tank-style LGBTQ dating event, Where To Find Us. Last month’s debut party featured friends “pitching” their single besties to a crowd, interspersed with performances by local artists, before guests were invited to mingle and test if they’re mermaid to be. (Kansas City Star)
Wellness
Discover the secret to hearing every detail with the Horizon IX by hear.com. These discreet, rechargeable hearing aids deliver sound so clear and natural, you’ll forget you’re wearing them. With phone connectivity, award-winning service, and flexible payment options, join the 425,000+ customers who love them.*
Tech
Want to turn four-hour tasks into 15-minute wins? Download your free ChatGPT mastery guide for 100 battle-tested prompts you can copy/paste ASAP — no coding required. Plus, the guide explores how to use AI ethically at work.*
Travel
Planning to take your RV on the open road in 2025? Buy coverage online in minutes with Roamly, rated five stars by thousands of RV owners.*
Category
History
Put Kansas City on the map
Historical marker or not, these local landmarks deserve a little love. | Photos by Google Earth, Mike Day + KCtoday
You’ve submitted your favorites, now it’s time for us to reveal the finalists for the KCtoday historical marker contest. Check out the nominations below, and don’t forget to vote for your favorite.
Heart Forest
Starlight Theater
Rice-Tremonti Farm Home
Western Auto Lofts
Voting closes Wednesday, Dec. 11 — so be sure to vote for the historical location you’d love to see recognized for its significance.
Need stocking stuffers for everyone on your list? We’ve got you covered.
🎁 For the skincare aficionado: Laneige’s No. 1 bestselling lip mask in the candy cane flavor. 🎁 For those who eat, sleep, and breath organization: A mini label maker with creative functions and templates. 🎁 For the jewelry-obsessed: A stackable 18K gold plated necklace that you can customize with their initial. 🎁 For those who love to hit the trails: A classic knit beanie to keep their noggin warm while hiking. 🎁 For someone who’s always on the go: A magnetic portable charger that can charge up to four devices at once.
I’m taking my first international trip this holiday season, but I’m intentionally refraining from taking any Charlie Hustle KC Heart tees to the airport. IYKYK.
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