High spirits: The Pitch’s round up of holiday pop-ups in Kansas City

KC Christmas Pop-ups Chicken N Pickle Holiday Hideaway. // Courtesy of Chicken N Pickle

Move over fountains. This time of year, Kansas City becomes the city of pop-ups.

Like the decent midwestern city we are, there is no shortage of holiday hospitality across the metro. From glitzy to creepy, and overpriced to NBD, area restaurants and bars are transforming their space to offer limited-time menus and experiences. Many of the following require reservations, so fire up that group text and start making plans.

Chicken N Pickle: The common theme of festive decor and seasonal cocktails continues with the Holiday Hideaway at Chicken N Pickle. The business is offering cozy Christmas vibe reservations from $5 to $10 per person, with seating arrangements for up to six guests. The small reservation fee includes a small shareable food item for the experience. These festivities are also available for private events, scaling up office holiday parties. More information and reservations can be found on Chicken N Pickle’s website.

Snowglobe at Calaveras: Downtown Lee’s Summit is getting in on the holiday fun with Calaveras’s Snowglobe pop-up. The Mexican restaurant is bringing the concept from Exile Brewing in Des Moines, Iowa. Under the lights and dome of the snow globe, consumers will be able to enjoy Christmas-themed drinks from Jack Frost, to Santa’s little helper, to Rudolph’s rum punch. On top of that, Calaveras will also be serving frozen concoctions such as Christmas in the Caribbean and frozen hot chocolate, while still delivering their traditional menu items to guests. The snow globe opens on Nov. 14 and will run through New Year’s Day, excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. For reservations and more information, check out their website.

Kauffman Center for Performing Arts: Winter Wonderland is back in full swing at the Kauffman Center this holiday season. Guests will be able to enjoy specialty-crafted cocktails and pre-performance plates as they sit and await whichever show is on their menu for the night. For those who do not have tickets to a show at the venue, do not fret. Reservations for the dining experience in the founder’s lounge are available to all, ticket or not. The themed dining experience is offered on select dates between Dec. 1 and Dec. 23. Reservations can be made on the Tock website and further information regarding parking and tickets to shows can be found on the Kauffman Center’s website.

Crawling Santa Bar Crawl: For all the Westport frequenters and Christmas carolers, this Santa Bar Crawl is for you. On Dec 2, live the afternoon up in one of Kansas City’s most popular bar scenes. From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., members of the crawl will hop from Tin Roof, the Levee, Kelly’s Westport Inn, and Westport Ale House with a shuttle from Westport Rd. to the Levee running between 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The bar bounce costs $35 which will include a custom sweatshirt or Santa suit, various drink specials, free cover to all four venues, and a $15 donation will go to one of the following charities of your choice: Rally For Rhyan, Molly Hahn and Rebecca Pflueger memorial fund, or Pet Resource Center of KC. Tickets can be found on the link in the Crawling Santa’s Instagram bio.

KC Christmas Pop-ups Boulevard Brewing Rec Deck the Halls. // Courtesy of Boulevard Brewing Co.

Boulevard Brewing: Kansas City’s most famous brewing company is getting in on the holiday action with their Christmas-themed pop-up, Rec Deck the Halls. Between Nov. 24 and Dec 30, Boulevard Brewing is allowing access to the holiday spirit, bringing their carefully curated holiday cocktails, brews, and bites. Count us in for anything with the Cranberry Apple Cinnamon Quirk. On the fourth floor of the brewery, guests can take part in all of the festivities that Rec Deck the Halls offers, including custom keepsake glassware and shuffleboard games. Two-hour seating arrangements apply on a first-come, first-served basis with a $5 cover fee. For private events from groups ranging between eight to 30 people, reservations must be made through Boulevard’s website. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to benefit Kansas City G.I.F.T.

Society: The Christmas spirit is hot at Society in Crossroads. The modern bar will be transformed into a Christmas-themed scene with ornaments and decorations, festive cocktails, and shareable food items for friends and family. Between Nov. 24 and Jan. 14, the pop-up will be in place with no reservations needed. On top of the joyous experience, guests will exit the venue with a surprise holiday gift. More information can be found on Society’s social media platforms as well as its website.

Nine Zero One at the Fontaine Hotel: For those looking for a more romantic holiday experience, Nine Zero One Igloo Bar surely makes the list. It does not get much more intimate than sitting atop the Fontaine Hotel in personal igloos with a special someone. Other than the sparkly views from the rooftop of the hotel, guests will enjoy seasonal cocktails and Christmas-themed ambiance between Nov. 20 to Feb. 18. Further information and reservations can be found on the Fontaine Hotel’s website.

Dempsey’s Burger Pub: For all the merry and jolly in Lawrence, Dempsey’s Sippin’ Santa is a spot to hit. From Christmas princesses and Santa appearances to their specialty cocktails, Dempsey’s is offering an eccentric avenue to get involved in the holiday season for Lawrence residents, while still serving their traditional pub provisions. The pop-up will run from Nov. 24 up until Dec. 31, with exceptions of the Mizzou v. Kansas basketball game on Dec. 9, as well as Dec. 24. Santa and princess appearances will pop-up on select dates as well. All reservations last up to 90 minutes and must be made through resy.com. Further details can be located on the business’s website and social media.

KC Christmas Pop-ups Hey! Hey! Club Sippin’ Santa. // Courtesy of exploretock.com

Hey! Hey! Club KC: Located in J. Rieger & Co’s basement, the Hey! Hey! Club is hosting Sippin’ Santa as the holiday season gets underway. The basement hideaway will be converted to reflect the Christmas cheer that is flowing through the city, offering different seasonal amenities between Nov. 20 and Dec. 30. Guests must be 21 or older and will have up to a 90-minute experience in the space. A $5 fee will be applied to all reservations, going toward benefitting the Maui Strong Fund. Reservations are encouraged, but not required. Parties over six will be subject to a 20% gratuity charge and cannot split checks. Further information can be found on the business’s website, and reservations can be made through exploretock.com.

Power and Light: Power and Light partygoers, look no further for your Christmas fix. Tinsel Tavern is making its way to Power and Light this season in what is formally known as Leinie’s Lodge, offering various seasonal cocktails and festive commodities. Along with that, the pop-up will host themed events such as Christmas karaoke, ugly sweater contests, and Christmas DJ nights. Reservations can be found through Power and Light’s website, with the event running from Nov. 24 to Dec. 30. Ticket holders of Power and Light’s annual New Year’s Eve party, NYE Live!, will have access as well. First-come first-served will be the status quo for bar seating, and the space will also be available for private parties and events. Reservations and details can be found on Power and Light’s website.

Conductor Club: Elf’d Up at Conductor Club circles back for another year of holiday cheer. The pop-up will feature signature cocktails inspired by the 2003 film, Elf. The first round of reservations opens up on Nov. 17, featuring the following dates: Nov. 24, 25, Dec. 1, 2, and 8. The second bundle of reservations will be up for grabs on Dec. 8, featuring the following dates: Dec. 15, 16, 22, 24, 24, 29, and 30. Reservations can be found through the link in the business’s Instagram bio and on OpenTable. A $5 reservation fee goes to the Kansas City Union Station Preservation Fund. Reservations can be tough to snag due to the small, approximately 40-person capacity, but we say it is worth a try. This rotating-theme bar overlooks the Union Station entry and has a reputation for top-tier craft cocktails. Food from Pierpont’s kitchen is available until 9 p.m. on weekdays and 10 p.m. on weekends.

KC Christmas Pop-ups KC Wine Co Jingle Bar. // Courtesy of KC Wine Co.

KC Wine Co: The holiday festivities are making their way down to southern Kansas in Olathe as KC Wine Co presents their Jingle bar pop-up. Specialty cocktails such as their jingle juice, Christmas cosmo, and mistletoe margarita will be featured, along with different vineyard eateries and post-worthy photo ops. The 21 and older event runs through all weekend days starting on Nov. 24 up to Dec. 17. There are no reservations, but pre-authorization is required for groups larger than eight guests. 

Arrowhead Stadium: Kingdom’s Greetings makes its way to the penthouse of Arrowhead Stadium for holiday glee. Transforming the space into a red and gold snow globe means featuring a Chief’s-themed sleigh, red and gold trees, and a comforting fireplace. Brought to you by Vignettes Cocktail Bar and Arrowhead Events, reservations are live on Vignettes’ website or $10-15. As far as parking goes, any gate is suitable for guests to make their way to lot E and there is no fee. At the time of publication, this is sold out. Merry Chiefsmas!

Vignettes: On top of their partnership with Arrowhead Events, Vignettes presents Nightmare Before Christmas in North Kansas City. Open from Nov. 4 to Dec. 9, the event will feature various themed sweets and treats, live music every Friday and Saturday, karaoke on Sundays, stand-up comedy every Tuesday, trivia on Wednesdays, and music bingo every Thursday. The creepy yet jolly lineup of events is reserved for those 21 and older on Friday and Saturday, but Sunday through Thursday the venue is open to all ages. Further information and reservations can be made on the company’s website.

Miracle: Miracle pop-up KC is making its way to the Plaza, Crossroads, and Rockhill, as the holiday season creeps closer. The Plaza location opens on Nov. 23, with the Crossroads opening the following day on the 24, while the Rockhill location is strictly for private events. Miracle will be open to walk-in guests, but reservations can be made through the company’s website. More information can also be found through Miracle’s Instagram as they continue to post about their upcoming events. This returning pop-up has been reliable for holiday glam meets kitsch.

KC Christmas Pop-ups Tom’s Town Tinsel Town // Courtesy of Tom’s Town

Tom’s Town: Tom’s Town is transforming into its 4th annual Tinsel Town Christmas pop-up bar from November 16 through December 24. The main floor will be decked out in all things festive-offering classic, hot, and icy cocktails. Reservations are encouraged for the Main Street hotspot.

Winter Skies: The formerly-rotating top floor restaurant at Sheraton Crown Center has brought back the holiday pop-up experience: Winter Skies. This year the cocktails feature local liquor from Restless Spirits. The small capacity and rapid sell-out have made for barriers even for those willing to pay the $70 reservation fee. Parking is included in the $70 fee, and an undisclosed portion of the fee goes to Children’s Miracle Network. Food and drink are not included in the $70 reservation fee. Judging by the comments on the Winter Skies Facebook posts, this is a polarizing setup and we’re on the side of saying “don’t bother.” At the time of publication, this is sold out.

Crane Brewing: Don your shades for this one. Crane Brewing is transforming into Raytona Beach Holiday Dive Bar for the holidays. The new look debuts on November 29 and features holiday-themed cocktails, dive-only beer releases, classic arcade machines, a Santa altar, and more. This Raytown island vibe does not require reservations, and is open through December 29.

Featured cocktail at Humbug // Photo courtesy of Humbug

Kansas City Club: Bah, humbug. Humbug is a new holiday experience at Kansas City Club, starting November 22. Reservations are available for $25 and the cost includes a live performance of the bittersweet lessons learned by one Ebeneezer Scrooge. Cocktails and small bites are available to bring out the joy in all. Local reposado brand, Apuesto, is a partner, helping to bring an edge to the historic downtown venue.

Iron District: North Kansas City’s container collective, Iron District, has brought back Deck the District from November 15 through December 23. A $5 reservation fee in advance saves your spot in the enclosed and heated upper deck for a full view of the festivities. Drinks from Tiki Huna and small bites are available for purchase.

The Primrose: In Mission, craft cocktail bar, The Primrose, is blooming into a different festive flower. The Poinsettia is the holiday identity, offering festive libations in a holiday lounge atmosphere.  No reservations, only walk-ins, are the way this spot operates. The Poinsettia, traditional and classy, vibe begins November 15 and turns back into a tried-and-true primrose after December 31.

The House: In Westwood, The House is transforming its mini footprint into a winter wonderland. Think ugly Christmas sweaters, holiday crooning on vinyl, and copious garland… but with a Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop flair. The House opens its festive doors, Friday, Nov. 17, and remain welcoming to the holly and jolly on Fridays and Saturdays from 5 – 11 p.m. through Dec. 31. $1 from each holiday cocktail purchased will be donated to ReStart. We recommend the hot buttered rum cocktail ($10). The House does not accept reservations. The small space is first come, first served but there is a large outdoor patio with heaters and a firepit for cheery overflow!

Our House KC: A different house than the one mentioned above, has brought back their beloved Wonder Dome experience. Our House KC is a family-owned restaurant on West 39th St. The Wonder Dome will include live music, holiday drinks, and Our House’s food menu. Mr. & Mrs. Claus will be visiting for a special brunch on December 10 and 17, so make reservations for your family soon!

Drastic Measures: Shawnee’s James Beard Award nominated cocktail bar, Drastic Measures, will bring back the holiday pop-up: Drastic Mensches. Starting December 8, Drastic Measures will transform the intimate space, and donate 100% of sales during Hanukkah to Jewish Family Services. Drastic Measures does not accept reservations or have a cover charge.

Goat and Rabbit: Details have not yet been announced, but save the date for December 11. Goat and Rabbit are eschewing the jolly and facing the Krampus. If candy canes and mistletoe aren’t your thing, this 39th Street joint may be for you.