‘The Soul of Santa’ takes over Kansas City for two weekends of family-friendly events
“The Soul of Santa” takes over Kansas City for the fourth year in a row. The foundation started as a single Christmas tree lighting at 18th and Vine, and now extends to Blue Parkway to serve both communities during the holidays.
The Soul of Santa’s “Do Good” foundation aims to help adults with disabilities by connecting them with resources and support to help them throughout their lives. It was started by Tucker Lott.
He wanted to create a world where no one ever feels forgotten or overlooked due to their disability or differences. It was inspired by Lott’s daughter, Aria, who lived with epilepsy.
People of all ages can enjoy the events across two weekends, featuring a large balloon display show, community breakfasts and tree lighting ceremonies.
THE BIG BALLOON BUILD
The event kicks off with the Big Balloon Build. It’s an international festival coming to the United States for the second time since its beginning, bringing balloon artists from all over the world to create a holiday toy town at the Gregg/Klice Community Center.
The event’s proceeds will benefit Operation Breakthrough and the Troost Market Collective.
“We feel the message of the Big Balloon of bringing different communities together in the holiday season perfectly aligns with the Soul of Santa “Do Good” Foundation’s ideals,” Betsy Smith, spokesperson for Soul of Santa, said.
It opens at a special time of 5:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Gregg/Klice Community Center on 1600 E. 17th Terrace.
It will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Friday to Sunday following the opening day.
You can get your tickets here.
If you’re going to miss out on Thursday, check out what else Soul of Santa is bringing for the next two weeks.
THIS WEEKEND
Holiday Market
The holiday market will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day this weekend at the Gregg/Klice Community Center. It’s curated by Art Garden KC and the Big Balloon Build. Around 25 local makers and businesses will sell candles, jewelry, clothing, home décor, ceramics and more.
Christmas Tree lighting ceremony
As the market closes on Friday, the tree lighting ceremony will take place from 6-7 p.m. on 18th and Vine. Mayor Quinton Lucas and Negro Leagues Baseball Museum president Bob Kendrick will speak before local hip-hop artist Tech N9ne flips the switch.
Concert
Following the ceremony, a holiday benefit concert will happen from 7-10 p.m., featuring artists like Eric Benét, Chanté Moore, Kim Keys, Andrea Macklin, Amber Underwood, Doris Donley, Tahirah Hinds and Marlin Hatcher Jr.
Community breakfast
A free community breakfast and toy and clothing giveaway will also be held on 9-10:30 a.m. on Saturday at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. The event will include free hot breakfast, toys and clothes for children, financial literacy education, a reading of an original Christmas story and pictures with Santa.
NEXT WEEKEND
Christmas Tree lighting ceremony
The tree lighting ceremony starts at 6 p.m. on Friday at The Shops on Blue Parkway. Mayor Lucas will also be in attendance at this tree to speak beforehand, along with Tucker Lott. Flipping the switch will be FOX 4 News reporter Shawn Edwards.
Community breakfast
There’s another free community breakfast and toy and clothing giveaway from 9-10:30 a.m. on Dec. 10 at The Shops at Blue Parkway. It’ll feature the same benefits as Dec. 3’s breakfast, with the addition of The Star’s photographers taking complimentary holiday portraits for you and your loved ones.
