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The holidays are in full swing here in Kansas City, even though this December weather seems completely out of whack for the season. But step inside any one of the region's pop-up bars or makers markets and feel the warmth of holiday music, festive cocktails and good cheer transport you to a winter wonderland.
Gear up in your best sweaters and get festive at these pop-ups and merry markets for shopping, sipping, snacking and sharing time with family and friends.
Yuletide spirits
Holiday pop-up bars of all shapes and sizes are making spirits bright this season, with nearly a dozen located across the metro area.
Sippin' Santa KC at Julep Cocktail Club
Hand-crafted tiki drinks meet the spirit of Christmas at Julep's Sippin' Santa pop-up. Enjoy cocktails and light bites in a cozy setting. Reservations are recommended. A portion of the $25 reservation fee will be donated to the AAPI Victory Fund and Children’s Mercy Hospital.
Now in its third year, Miracle Kansas City holiday pop-up has expanded to three locations at Country Club Plaza, Power and Light District and Town Center. Immerse yourself in a setting with floor-to-ceiling festive decor, food and cocktails with fun monikers, such as Elfing Around, SanTaRex and Christmaspolitan. Reservations are recommended for parties of 2+ with a limited number of bar stools and tables available for walk-ins.
Rec Deck the Halls at Boulevard Brewing Company
Boulevard Brewing hosts its first Rec Deck the Halls holiday pop-up, complete with holiday-inspired cocktails and barrel-aged beers. Open weekends throughout December, two-hour seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis for a $5 cover charge. Groups over 10 will require a reservation. A portion of proceeds goes to Kansas City G.I.F.T., a nonprofit that provides grants to black-owned businesses in Kansas City.
Hoppy Holidays Pop-Up at Brew Lab
Located in downtown Overland Park, Brew Lab's Hoppy Holidays pop-up is a good stop for some low-key Christmas fun. Indulge in a flight featuring six holiday-themed beers including Yippee-Ki-Yay, a gingerbread Hefeweizen. If beer isn't your thing, nine handcrafted holiday-themed cocktails are sure to bring you some cheer. Try the Yule Mule for a spin on the classic Kentucky Mule, or Rudolph Fizz made with Tom's Town gin, cranberry infusion and ginger beer.
Conductor Club at Pierpont's, Union Station
A "Home Alone" movie-themed holiday pop-up on the third floor of Union Station provides a magnificent view and setting to imbibe cocktails and spirits. The names of the drinks, such as Check It Out, Old Man Marley, reference lines from "Home Alone." Guests may also order classic cocktails, spirits and shareable plates including lobster mac 'n' cheese, Buffalo cauliflower, cheese plates and tempting desserts. Reservations are available through Jan. 2.
Nine Zero One Igloo Bar at The Fontaine Hotel
Enjoy craft cocktails, wine and a seasonal menu from inside an igloo stationed on the rooftop. Arrive early enough to admire the sunset, if possible. Igloos accommodate up to eight guests. Indoor bar, lounge, and dining are also available.
Snowbound, A Merry Ski Lodge at Chicken N Pickle
This bar, eatery, and pickleball destination hosts a ski lodge-style pop-up on the rooftop of Chicken N Pickle. Keep warm next to outdoor fire pits. Guests 21 and over may partake in a selection of eight cocktails and light appetizers. Prepare for your outing by browsing the FAQs and making your reservation in advance.
Tinsel Town at Tom's Town Distilling Co.
Tom's Town in the Crossroads has been transformed into Tinsel Town, a holiday pop-up featuring festive decor and Christmas-themed cocktails. Tinsel Town is open through the New Year and reservations are available for parties of 2 or more.
Lord of the Drinks at Vignette
This year, Vignette hosts a "Lord of the Rings" inspired pop-up bar for hobbits to celebrate the holidays. Fulfill your Shire fantasy for merriment with drinks and songs themed after "Fellowship of the Ring." Bri Burrows of The Big Rip Brewing Company brewed a limited-release English Style Dark Ale — dubbed It Comes in Pints — for the occasion. Others may opt for some of the nine craft cocktails and appetizers available.
Stop and shop
Need to pick up some last-minute Christmas gifts or stocking stuffers? One of these holiday makers' markets is sure to have something for everyone on your list.
Chriskindlemarkt at The Campground, Dec. 16-18
“Traditionally, Chriskindlmarkt is an open-air, European-style Christmas market,” says Christopher Ciesiel, who co-owns and operates The Campground with Cristin Llewellyn. The couple takes their family on an annual trip to Chicago to attend the holiday market, and when it was canceled in 2020, they launched their own version in Kansas City's West Bottoms. The tradition continues this month with vendors, food, hot drinks, Christmas music and more.
The 11th Annual Holiday Swing at Merry Market, Dec. 17-19
The Strawberry Swing and The City Market host a European-style outdoor holiday market as well. Shop for gifts and support local artists and makers, while you enjoy street food vendors, tasty holiday drinks, entertainers, holiday lights and more. Vendors include Brown Suga Bakes, Kansas City Canning Company, Heaven Scent Soy Candles, Barkville Bakery, Tasty Good Toffee and many others. See the full list of makers here and don't forget to reserve your spot in advance.
Holiday Block Party & Maker Sale at 31st and Cherry St., Dec. 19
If you haven't finished (or started) your holiday shopping yet, you're in luck! Head to 31st and Cherry Street this Sunday, Dec. 19 at 11 a.m.-4 p.m. for a Holiday Block Party and Maker Sale featuring goods created by local artists. Hosted by Build Trybe, Maker Village, Cherry Pit Collective and Oddities Prints, you'll find ceramic pots and mugs, prints and stickers, teas and tinctures, vintage goods and more. Warm up with a bonfire out back and hot drinks from Cafe Cà Phê.
Handmade Holiday Gift Sale at The Bunker Center for the Arts
Have a hard-to-shop-for art aficionado on your list? Shop for original artwork at this group exhibition at The Bunker Center for the Arts, featuring several artist studios and galleries with works selling for $500 and under. Online shopping is also available.
Grünauer Outdoor Christmas Market, Dec. 18
Grünauer hosts its annual Christkindlmarkt on its patio courtyard featuring local vendors on Saturday, Dec. 18, from 1-9 p.m. The market is open to the public and features locally made items including jams and jellies, glass steins, imported Austrian coffee, candles and more.
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