Arguably the most recognizable feature of KC’s skyline is a neon dream. | Photo by Mike Day
We’ve all been there: Describing 10 lefts, 20 rights, and a jumble of cardinal directions to (totally lost) friends + family visiting from out of town. Isn’t it easier to just point out a landmark?
That’s exactly what we’re doing. We have 10 of the most recognizable Kansas City landmarks — from bright signs in the night sky to beacons of stone and metal. Not only are these local icons easy to remember, but they’ll also get you where you need to go in a jiffy.
A new landmark may or may not move in next door. | Photo by Michael H., 2023 Picture of the Year
Union Station
Address: 30 W. Pershing Rd. Nearby: National WWI Museum and Memorial, Boulevard Brewing Company
One of the crown jewels of modern-day Kansas City, Union Station opened in 1914 after a flood wiped out West Bottoms’ Union Depot. Did you know? The bustling building we know today was abandoned in 1989, only reopening in 1999 thanks to a bi-state effort.
KC-based Trans World Airlines (TWA) originally sponsored a Disney ride based on the rocket in Tomorrowland, and it sported a replica at its headquarters from 1955-1962. That HQ building now hosts Barkley, which in turn hosts the fourth version of the rocket — and has even adopted the rocket and colors in its logo.
Winter Magic | Saturday, Dec. 7-Sunday, Jan. 5 | 6-9 p.m. | Platte Purchase Park | $20+ | It’s time! The lights are on at one of KC’s biggest drive-thru holiday experiences, now located in the Northland.
Tuesday, Dec. 10
Second Tuesday Jam & Rolling Record Store | 6 p.m. | Kansas City Bier Company | Free | Enjoy a night of live music from local musicians + peruse Manor Records’ Rolling Record Store for hundreds of hand-picked vinyl.
“The Lord of the Rings” (1978) | 7-9 p.m. | Stray Cat Film Center | $7 | In anticipation of Warner Bros. newest anime epic, “The War of the Rohirrim,” journey to the original on-screen, retro, rotoscoped Fellowship.
Wednesday, Dec. 11
Ugly Sweater Group Run | 6 p.m. | Sar Ko Par Trails Park, Lenexa | $6 | Pull out all the bells and whistles for this fun run through Sar-Ko-Aglow before sharing a bite with your running buddies at Jefferson’s happy hour.
Derek Hough: Dance For The Holidays | 8 p.m. | Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland | $39+ | The stand-out “Dancing with the Stars” pro is putting his Emmy-winning choreography chops to work in a one-of-a-kind, stunning stage show production.
Thursday, Dec. 12
Makers Social | 5:30 p.m. | National WWI Museum and Memorial | Free, RSVP | Enjoy history, handcrafts, and hors d’oeuvres as KC’s craft community il-loom-inates the vibrant legacy of wartime artistry in this knot-so typical happy hour hang.
Friday, Dec. 13
Music vs. Poetry - Holiday Party & Live Show | 7 p.m. | Equal Minded Cafe | $1+ | Come one, come all musicians, poets, and comics to perform your creative work on-stage for a chance to win $500 cash.
Saturday, Dec. 14
Kansas City Cozy Book Crawl | 8 a.m.-9 p.m. | Kansas City Metro | Free, RSVP | Traverse KC’s literary landscape as you collect unique stamps and stickers for your “bookstore passport,” discovering new favorite stops + stories along the way.
SantaCon KC 2024! | Saturday, Dec. 14-Sunday, Dec. 15 | 4 p.m. | Westport | $50+ | Whether you plan to wear a suit or stockings, load up the sleighs (ahem, party buses) with this mob of merry Santas spreading cheer from bar to bar, all benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Swifts Cajun Cuisine, Incline on 9th, Conchita Tacos, and Cortadito are some of KC’s top new restaurants, according to Yelp. Hungry for more? There’s plenty of local food + drink news to dish on.
Development
Retail, restaurants, and brand-new lodging are on the way to Logistic Parks Kansas City, the region’s largest industrial park. Edgerton Crossing’s 42-acre footprint will offer mixed-use amenities to workers + visitors of the major I-35 hub, including a Maverik travel center set to finish construction by the end of 2025. (KCBJ)
Number
25,000. That’s how many donations Toys for Tots still needs to make this holiday season special for 48,000 local children. Drop off new, unwrapped toys, personal care items, and sports equipment at the Overland Park Convention Center now until this Thursday, Dec. 12.
Listen
Was “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” by Shaboozey your top song of 2024? If you said yes, you’re not alone, because that was the most-streamed song in KC this year. Kansas Citians also had “Beautiful Things” by Benson Boone, “I Had Some Help (feat. Morgan Wallen)” by Post Malone, and “Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar on repeat. (FOX4)
Community
Giving back, one driveway at a time. KCMO’s Snow Angels program pairs volunteers with nearby seniors and residents with disabilities to help remove snow from their drives + walkways during the winter. If you’re 18+, in good health, and handy with a shovel, consider signing-up.
Shop
Spend $150 at stores like Halls Kansas City or Shop Local KC and you’ll score a $25 gift card during Crown Center’s Wonderful Wednesdays promotion on Dec. 11 + Dec. 18. Make it a hump day double feature by topping off your shopping spree with a visit to Hallmark’s free Christmas town square across the street.
Legacy
One of Kansas City’s original Royals, Al Fitzmorris, has died at the age of 78. The longtime starting pitcher spent eight seasons with the team after joining in its 1969 inaugural season, and returned to metro after retiring to become a familiar voice on Royals radio broadcasts. (Kansas City Star)
Holiday
Get your wish list ready, KC. Santa’s Gingerbread Station is officially open at Crown Center now through Tuesday, Dec. 24. Bring the kids to see Santa, take photos, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Plus, find unique gifts for everyone on your list. Learn more.*
Home
Did you know new windows could lead to lower energy bills? Read: Modern windows have better insulation. Renewal by Andersen is offering $400 off per window and $850 per door, so you can start the new year by saving on style upgrades for your home. Get your free quote.*
The Buy
The Buy
Slippers that are warm, cozy, and able to be worn indoors and outdoors (so you can run errands in your slippers — score). Try these faux fur-lined houseshoes on Amazon or go for the UGG Tasman slipper that started the trend.
On this week’s edition of something I never knew I needed: Betty Rae’s Betty Bomb, a breathtaking concoction of warm cookies/cake, ice cream, and two choose-your-own toppings. It’s now available at all locations — an unfortunate realization for my wallet.
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