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Naughty or nice night for a drink: Your guide to Kansas City holiday bar getaways
The holiday spirit shows up in some unexpected places this year, with festively themed pop-up bars and nightlife experiences jingling through the season at nearly 30 Kansas City area businesses and venues — from the world’s loudest stadium to the smallest speakeasies.
The Gingerbread; photo courtesy of T-Mobile Center
“The Gingerbread is our way of bringing extra holiday cheer to the heart of Kansas City,” said Jay Cooper, general manager of the T-Mobile Center, one of the unlikely holiday hotspot hopefuls debuting a limited-time concept. “It’s the perfect place to create special memories with family and friends this holiday season.”
Built within the arena’s largest hospitality space, The Gingerbread features giant gingerbread figures, a whimsical gingerbread horse carousel, and sparkling gingerbread trees — along with drinks and a menu of Santa sliders, Christmas tree skewers, naughty and nice pretzels, charcuterie, elf dip, Christmas crunch and pumpkin gingerbread cheesecake bars.
The Gingerbread experience is open select dates through Dec. 29. Click here for more info or to secure tickets.
Keep reading to learn more about holiday pop-ups at Arrowhead and CPKC stadiums.
Ho-Ho-Ho At The House; photo courtesy of The House
Not far down the road, a neighborhood dive bar nestled within a cozy home-style space is transformed again into Ho-Ho-Ho At The House. It’s the holiday brainchild of the owners of Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop, led by Malisa Monyakula — offering not only Christmastime fare but a sampling of Lulu’s authentic Thai flavors.
Unlike many holiday pop-ups throughout the region, Ho-Ho-Ho At The House has no cover charge or reservation required. And $1 from each holiday cocktail purchased benefits Operation Breakthrough, a nonprofit that provides a safe, loving, and educational environment for children in poverty.
Click here to check out Ho-Ho-Ho At The House.
Keep reading for a roundup of holiday pop-bars, ranging from Grinch-themed and Hallmark-inspired to igloo getaways and a Hanukkah alternative. Note: Many of these experiences are 21+ and require reservations. Is a venue missing from this list? Email Startland News at [email protected]
Christkindlmarkt @ The Campground
5 p.m. to 10 p.m, Thursday to Saturday; Noon to 3 p.m., Sunday
Open Dec. 5 to Dec. 8
The Campground, 1531 Genessee St.
Christkindlmarkt returns for a one-weekend-only experience in the West Bottoms featuring holiday beverages, market foods, fire pits and local artists.
Christmas in the Crossroads @ Society
4 p.m. to 1 a.m., Mondays to Fridays; 9 a.m. to 1 a.m., Saturdays to Sundays
Open through Jan. 4
Society, 2050 Central St.
Visit an immersive neighborhood holiday experience with a hand-crafted dinner menu, Christmas cocktails, holiday music, and top-level service.
Conductor Club Express @ Union Station
5 p.m. to midnight, Fridays; 4 p.m. to midnight, Saturdays
Open now
Conductor Club at Pierpont’s, Union Station, 30 West Pershing Road
Hop aboard the Conductor Club Express for holiday-themed drinks like Milk and Cookies for Santa and Polar Express Punch — and don’t forget to stay nice with shots of You Better Not Pout and You Better Not Cry!
Drastic Mensches @ Drastic Measures
4 p.m. to close
Open Tuesdays to Saturdays through Dec. 31
Drastic Measures, 5817 Nieman Road, Shawnee
Two-time James Beard honoree Drastic Measures offers a pivot on the KC holiday experience with drinks inspired by traditional Hanukkah and Jewish holiday flavors and dishes — celebrating the Jewish people in the Kansas City community and giving them a space that is as loud and bright as all of the Christian holiday pop-ups. Proceeds benefit Jewish Family Services Kansas City.
The Gingerbread @ T-Mobile Center
5 p.m. to close
Open select dates through Dec. 29
T-Mobile Center, 1407 Grand Blvd.
Indulge in seasonal craft cocktails, festive drinks and small shareable bites that nod to holiday fan favorites surrounded by hand-crafted holiday gingerbread decor. Arrive photo-ready for Insta-worthy photo ops including a life-size gingerbread carousel.
5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Open Thursdays to Sundays, through Dec. 28
The House, 2707 W 47th Ave, Westwood
This festive dive bar — brought to KC by the owners of Lulu’s Noodle Shop — is decked out with twinkling lights, inflatable snowmen, and all the winter vibes. Sip on holiday cocktails, enjoy holiday tunes, and make s’mores by the fire pit — as well as tasting authentic Thai samplers from Lulu’s.
Holiday Hideaway @ Chicken N Pickle
Hours vary
Open Mondays to Sundays through Dec. 30
Chicken N Pickle, North Kansas City and Overland Park
With lodge vibes, summit views, a cozy atmosphere, and outdoor fire pits, this 21+ experience offers 10 festive cocktails and a variety of beer, wine & liquor. All reservations include a red pepper hummus and charcuterie shareable for the table.
Hours vary
Open Fridays to Sundays through Dec. 22
KC Wine Co., 13875 S. Gardner Road, Olathe
The new Black Barn at KC Wine Co. in Olathe becomes a magical winter experience where merry visitors may sip on specialty cocktails like Jingle Juice, snap share-worthy photos and indulge in tasty vineyard snacks.
Jolly: A Country Christmas @ Faulkner’s Ranch
6 p.m. to close
Open daily through Dec. 22
Faulkner’s Ranch, 10600 Raytown Road
Jolly is Where Your Favorite Hallmark Christmas Movie Meets Nashville Honky Tonk! Faulkner’s fusion of festive food and beverages, served in their over-the-top western themed event barn, are sure to sleigh your holiday!
Kingdom’s Greetings @ Arrowhead
5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Open Thursdays to Sundays through Dec. 29 (closed on Chiefs home game days, Dec. 8, Dec. 21)
GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium
In this snow globe of red and gold, you can take your picture on the Chiefs sleigh, sip on a holiday beverage as you take in a view of the iconic field and experience all the Chiefs holiday cheer. It’s enough to inspire a Holiday Touchdown love story.
3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Open Thursdays to Sundays through Dec. 22
1401 NW River Rd., Lee’s Summit
This holiday themed pop-up bar offers an enchanting, whimsical, and festive holiday experience — complete with Christmas trees, twinkling lights, snowflakes, nutcrackers, as well as festive holiday tunes. A portion of the proceeds go to The Magic Tree Foundation which supports Operation Toy Soldier.
Hours vary
Open daily through Jan. 5
Bar K, 501 Berkley Parkway
This Grinch-inspired pop-up — serving up holiday mischief with a dash of Whoville charm — is decked out in whimsical, over-the-top decor that would make anyone’s heart grow three sizes.
Merry Grinchmas @ Smoke Brewing Co.
11 a.m. to close
Open daily through Dec. 31
Smoke Brewing Co., 209 SE Main St, Lee’s Summit
This modern-rustic eatery and microbrewery adds holiday grinchery to its BBQ plates, house beers and cocktails. Check out the over-the-top winter wonderland filled with trees, ornaments, lights, gifts, and of course … the Grinch.
Merry Little Libations @ Scratch
5 p.m. to close
Open Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 22
Scratch Gourmet Kitchen, 3939 W 69th Terrace, Prairie Village
Sip on handcrafted holiday cocktails featuring unique twists on classic favorites. Gather with friends, toast to the season, and capture unforgettable memories in a space filled with cheer and holiday vibes.
Miracle @ Rockhill Grille + Country Club Plaza
Hours vary
Open daily through Dec 23 (Rockhill location); Dec. 28 (Plaza)
2000 Grand Blvd. (Rockhill); 4807 Jefferson St. (Plaza)
Kansas City’s OG holiday bar becomes a Christmas classic of its own with enough nostalgic holiday cheer to spread across two KC hot spots.
The Naughty List KC @ Power & Light Building
6 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Open Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 28
Power & Light Building downtown, 1330 Baltimore Avenue
This festive pop-up bar in an iconic KC landmark is checking the Naughty List twice. Whether you’ve been good or bad, you’ll want to save your spot. 21+ only event.
Pink Pony Christmas @ Vignettes
6 p.m. to 11 p.m., Wednesdays to Fridays, Sundays; 1 p.m. to 1 a.m., Saturdays
Open Wednesday to Sunday through Jan. 11
Vignettes, 2376 Armour Boulevard
Kansas City needed a Midwest Princess holiday bar, and this one delivers. Join Vignettes for its latest pop-up destination — plus Chappell Trivia Wednesday, Girls Glam Music Bingo Thursday, Live Music Friday, Saturday and Karaoke Sunday!
Rec Deck The Halls @ Boulevard
1 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Open Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 28
Boulevard Brewing Co., 2534 Madison Ave.
Boulevard’s fourth-floor holiday pop-up bar returns with a magical experience featuring a cheery holiday menu of creative cocktails, Quirk Hard Seltzers, Quirktails, Fling Craft Cocktails, and of course boozy barrel-aged beers. Don’t miss keepsake glassware, deliciously retro holiday fare, and shimmering shuffleboard courts.
Rooftop Holiday Igloos @ Green Dirt on Oak
10 a.m. to close
Open Wednesdays to Sundays through Jan. 4
Green Dirt on Oak, 1601 Oak St.
Celebrate the season with a magical rooftop experience featuring: a trio of festive holiday cookies paired with 4 oz. of creamy sheep’s milk cheese; your choice of a warm, non-alcoholic beverage, mulled wine, hot cider, or hot chocolate (can be spiked for an upcharge); and signature “bar nuts,” with popcorn and crispy chickpeas for the perfect savory crunch.
Sippin Santa @ J. Rieger & Co.
4 p.m. to midnight
Open daily through Dec. 19
J. Rieger & Co., 2700 Guinotte Ave.
The Hey! Hey! Club gets transformed into a tropical holiday oasis where festive revelers can enjoy signature tiki cocktails in a whimsical beach bar takeover.
Snowflake Soiree @ CPKC Stadium
Hours vary
Open Dec. 21-22
CPKC Stadium, Berkley Riverfront Park
Make unique holiday memories on the riverfront as the home of the KC Current welcomes a culinary partnership that blends quality time with loved ones with comforting and delicious tastes of the season, specialty cocktails featuring iconic spirits and spiked holiday favorites.
Sweet Escape Igloo @ The Fontaine
Two-hour booking available daily
Open through March 16
Nine Zero One Igloo Bar, The Fontaine, 901 W. 48th Place
Get ready for the sweetest holiday experience yet! This season, step into a gingerbread winter wonderland with these iconic Country Club Plaza rooftop igloos, where cozy festive décor, handcrafted holiday cocktails, and a mouthwatering seasonal menu come together to make your visit truly unforgettable.
Tinsel and ’Tinis @ Union Station
8:30 p.m. to close
Open Thursdays to Saturdays through Dec. 21
Holiday Reflections, Union Station, 30 West Pershing Road
Presented by Russell Stover Chocolates, this holiday experience is exclusively for adults (ages 21+) and features themed drinks and a magically festive atmosphere complete with the visual wonder of a walk-thru holiday village. Don’t be left out of these exclusive, adults-only evenings celebrating the magic of the season in the warm indoor embrace of Union Station’s historic halls.
4 p.m. to close
Tuesdays to Saturdays through Dec. 28
Shark Bar, KC Live! Block, 1340 Grand Blvd.
Decked out with wall-to-wall beach-themed Christmas holiday decor, this popular pop-up offers a seasonal cocktail menu, as well as a calendar full of special events and themes: Paint a Souvenir Glass or an Ornament (every Wednesday); Christmas Pajama Party (Dec. 6); Naughty and Nice (Dec. 13); and Ugly Christmas Sweaters (Dec. 20).
Hours vary
Open Mondays to Sundays through Dec. 30
Tom’s Town, 1701 Main St.
Step into a holiday wonderland as Tinsel Town takes over Tom’s Town’s basement speakeasy, Pendergast Lounge, and main tasting room — all decked out in dazzling holiday decor! While you’re there, grab Tom’s Town’s Holiday Edition Double Oaked Bourbon, sampler packs featuring bourbon, gin, and vodka, gift cards and more non-alcoholic merchandise!
11 a.m. to close
Open daily through Jan. 1
Char Bar, 4050 Pennsylvania Ave.
A two-hour Icy Igloo reservation accommodates up to five guests, with an exclusive menu of festive snacks, winter warmers and chilly treats. Each booking also includes “sugar & spice” smoked nuts and a complimentary bottle of Prosecco or non-alcoholic sparkling cider.
3 p.m. to close
Open Tuesdays through Sundays
OurHouseKC, 1815 W. 39th St.
This rooftop holiday snow globe experience boasts a day-and-night experience with a full restaurant menu, holiday cocktail menu, and a festive non-alcoholic beverage menu for all ages.
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