Here are fifteen things to do in KC this weekend, December 12–15, including Kansas City Book Crawl, The Nutcracker and Vintage Holidays.
Kansas City Book Crawl
Take a tour of KC’s best bookstores and knock out some holiday shopping at Kansas City Book Crawl. Participants can pick up their Kansas City Booksellers Association “passport” at any of the 19 participating shops across KC, which includes favorites such as Blk + Brwn KC and Rainy Day Books. The day will conclude with an afterparty at Fountain City Winery for any attendees that visit over half of the shops on their passport.
December 14. 8 am–9 pm. Locations vary.
The Nutcracker and the Mouse King
Although E.T.A. Hoffman’s novel The Nutcracker and the Mouse King is the inspiration behind the classic ballet The Nutcracker, the book is a far more calamitous story than the festive and colorful production. Owen/Cox Dance Group is bringing the original story of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King to life in a contemporary jazz adaptation in collaboration with The People’s Liberation Big Band of Greater Kansas City and Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey.
December 13, 7:30 pm; December 15, 2 pm. Polsky Theatre.
Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings
This classic candlelight concert features the Fountain City Quartet to bring the magic of a live, multisensory musical experience to the holiday season. Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings features classic holiday songs like “Deck the Halls” and “Silent Night” under the warm glow of candlelight.
December 13. 6:30 & 8:45 pm. The Gem Theater.
The Nutcracker
It wouldn’t truly be the holidays without Kansas City Ballet’s annual performance of The Nutcracker at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Since artistic director Devon Carney first reimagined the show for the ballet in 2015, it’s become a tradition for many KC families.
With opportunities for professional photos with characters before and after the performance, along with a scenic designer who doubles as an author and illustrator of children’s books and a family VIP experience, The Nutcracker will be entertaining for young fans and older ones alike.
December 6–8, 11–15 & 18–24. Times vary. Muriel Kauffman Theatre.
The Texas Tenors
The Kansas City Symphony presents Emmy Award-winning vocal group The Texas Tenors as they perform their heartwarming holiday concert, “Deep in the Heart of Christmas.” From classic seasonal favorites like “O Holy Night” to the crowd-pleasing original hit “Bootdaddy,” the group blends harmonies and arrangements for this special holiday performance.
December 13. 8 pm. Helzberg Hall.
Vintage Holidays
Presented by Mid America Freedom Band at Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Vintage Holidays combines holiday music with vintage Hallmark artwork. In collaboration with the Hallmark Archives, vintage holiday cards from throughout Hallmark’s extensive past collections will be projected while the symphony reimagines beloved Christmas carols.
December 14, 5–7 pm; December 15, 2–5 pm. Lyric Opera of Kansas City.
The Allman Betts Family Revival
The Allman Betts Band formed over half a decade ago. Consisting of three sons of the founding members of the Allman Brothers Band, they keep the family legacy and memory of the beloved group alive. The new band holds a yearly celebration that brings together various blues, Americana, country and rock artists to perform the original band’s timeless catalog.
December 15. 8 pm. Uptown Theater.
Hallmark Christmas Experience
The Hallmark Christmas Experience is set to kick off a new Kansas City tradition this year with a memorable experience for all ages. Inspired by the festive charm of a Hallmark holiday movie, the event has transformed Crown Center into a vibrant holiday market. General admission is free, but visitors can purchase admission to additional activities and special events featuring Hallmark stars and artists.
November 29–December 22. Times vary. Crown Center.
Christmas in the Crossroads
Ring in the yuletide season at Christmas in the Crossroads, where the arts district cocktail bar Society is transforming their space into a full-fledged holiday experience. Indulge in shareable bites and seasonal cocktails—including sugar cookie martinis with sprinkle rims and white cranberry margaritas among many other beverages—with no cover charge.
November 29–January 4. Times vary. Society.
Winterland: A Holiday Cirque Experience
Take in the sights and sounds of the season at Winterland: A Holiday Cirque Experience. The Quixotic production prides itself on being an immersive experience—made complete with live music, art installations, dancers, and cirque performance––to transport participants to a shimmering winter wonderland.
November 29–December 22. Times vary. Grand Theater at Crown Center.
Rec Deck the Halls
Celebrate the season with Boulevard Brewing Company’s holiday pop-up bar Rec Deck the Halls. In addition to a menu of beloved staple brews and festive cocktails, the pop-up will feature limited-edition Aronia Berry Kriek Ale. The ale highlights the region’s natural heritage, brewed with aronia berries sourced from KC’s botanical treasure, Powell Gardens. A portion of the $5 cover charge will benefit Guadalupe Centers and Kansas City G.I.F.T.
November 29–December 28. Times vary. Boulevard Brewing Company.
A Christmas Carol
A Kansas City tradition for more than 40 years, this Charles Dickens classic is a cemented part of KC Rep’s Christmas past, present and future. Enjoying this performance of A Christmas Carol is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit and a good reminder of what the festivities are really about.
November 23–December 28. Spencer Theatre.
Ebenezer Scrooge’s Big KC MO Christmas Show
Once you’ve enjoyed the classic Dickens story, you might consider checking out a less conventional retelling. Directed by Ernie Nolan, Ebenezer Scrooge’s Big KC MO Christmas Show at the Unicorn Theatre on the Levin Stage promises a performance full of music, laughter and fun. Watch five actors take on multiple characters, including Scrooge, Tiny Tim, the ghosts and more, in this family-friendly show personalized just for Kansas City.
November 26–December 22. Times vary. Unicorn Theatre.
Jingle at KC Wine Co.
No tickets or reservations are necessary at this Christmas pop-up in Olathe. Festive cocktail pop-up Jingle will be serving festive cocktails including a Mistletoe Marg and Jack Frosty. Hard cider flights, wine, beer, wine slushies, charcuterie, and flatbread pizzas are also on the menu.
November 8–December 22. Times vary. KC Wine Co.
Festival of Lights
The only thing more beautiful than Powell Gardens in the spring is the botanical garden in the winter, shining with holiday lights. The Festival of Lights is a great opportunity to appreciate the garden’s landscape and architecture while ushering in the holiday spirit. In addition to the mile-long walking path, which includes over 20 miles of lights, attendees may enjoy other attractions such as winter plants like poinsettias, local artwork, opportunities to visit Santa and even workshops on how to make holiday decorations and drinks.
November 14–January 4. Powell Gardens.
