Here are ten things to do in KC this weekend, December 26–29, including Knights of Lights, Guy Torry and True Lions.
Knights of Lights
The holiday season is an enchanted time at the Renaissance Festival’s village. With fairy houses, a castle, a pirate ship and a village of old bedecked with millions of twinkling lights, it truly becomes a magical place.
The festival village is set up for strolling and packed with shops, food vendors and activities to explore, such as visits with Santa Claus and cookie decorating. This season, the festival will also have several special events, including the Feast of Lights, where a lavish three-course meal along with live entertainment can be had inside an igloo.
There will also be fun activities, including a costume contest, a 12 Days of Christmas themed event, glow-in-the-dark putt-putt and Snowball Alley, where people can have snowball fights. On Saturdays, there is a character parade and magic show.
November 29–December 31, Fridays and Saturdays, 5:30–10 pm; Sundays, 5:30–9 pm.
Trevor Turla
KC singer-songwriter and trombonist Trevor Turla has been taking his show on the road, but he’s back in town for the holiday season. Turla’s soulful, dynamic performances have a way of getting the crowd to sing along in no time with songs like “Walk With Love.”
December 27. 10 pm. The Ship.
Guy Torry
In the 1990s, comedian and actor Guy Torry was the visionary behind LA’s Phat Comedy Tuesdays, an all-Black comedy night that helped launch the careers of household names like Chris Rock and Steve Harvey. Throughout his career, the St. Louis-native has amassed an impressive list of credits, including BET’s Comic View and HBO’s Def Comedy Jam. Torry will present two nights of double headers at Zona Rosa’s Funny Bone Comedy Theater.
December 27 & 28. Times vary. Funny Bone Comedy Theater.
Sin Fronteras: Music Without Borders
While Latin Grammy-award winning singer and violinist Mireya Ramos is based in New York, she calls Kansas City her second home. Her latest project Sin Fronteras melds music from both sides of the Mexico-United States border, weaving together rancheras and country-western stylings. The performance is Ramos’ collaboration with two bands: Los Texmaniacs and KC’s own Slim Hanson and the Poor Choices.
December 28. 7:30–9:30 pm. Music Theater Heritage.
Sippin’ Santa
The holiday tiki pop-up Sippin’ Santa has returned to the Hey! Hey! Club, the intimate space at J. Rieger & Co., which is transformed for the holidays into a swanky tropical holiday oasis. This holiday pop-up features festive original cocktails in holiday inspired glassware/mugs, themed decorations and at the end of this year’s season, Sippin’ Santa will donate proceeds from the $5 reservation fee to HopeKids Kansas City, a nonprofit organization that supports children with life-threatening medical conditions and their families.
November 18–December 29. J. Rieger & Co.
True Lions
Fronted by fiddler and vocalist Alison Hawkins, KC Americana band True Lions describes themselves as “elevated folk freaks.” In addition to Hawkins, this weekend’s line-up includes Fritz Hutchinson on mandolin, Carly Atwood on upright bass and a cameo from Andrew Morris––the guitarist of bluegrass group The Matchsellers. The performance is a part of Stockyards Brewing Company’s series Sunday Service.
December 29. 3–6 pm. Stockyards Brewing Company.
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.
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.
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.
