‘Tis the season for holiday cheers. Your 2022 guide to festive Kansas City pop-up bars
Holiday-themed pop-up bars are returning to Kansas City for the holiday season. Themed drinks, festive atmospheres and more await.
Some favorite spots from last year open this weekend, while others aren’t open until Thanksgiving. Check out the list of holiday pop-up bars in Kansas City.
A POP UP BEFORE CHRISTMAS
Opening on Nov. 12, Deep Roots in Shawnee is hosting a “Nightmare Before Christmas” themed experience. Live music, entertainment, trivia, craft cocktails and holiday desserts are on the menu at 4601 Shawnee Drive.
Make reservations here. The earliest time to book a reservation is 4 p.m., and it’s open every Wednesday through Saturday until Dec. 31. The bar is closed on Christmas Eve.
DECK THE DISTRICT
The Iron District at 1599 Iron St. in North Kansas City turns the shipping container pavilion into a holiday celebration, complete with a heated upper deck. Featuring all your favorite foods from Taco Tank, Tupelo Joes, Vegan Crave and special drinks from Tiki Huna.
Reservations open Nov. 10. The pop-up is open from Nov. 17 to Dec. 17.
DRASTIC MENCHES
The theme is Hanukkah at Drastic Measures, but for a limited time. From Dec. 19-24, the cocktail bar in Shawnee celebrates the Jewish holiday. Half of the proceeds they make during this time will go towards Jewish organizations in Kansas City.
No reservations are needed. The bar is regularly open from 4 p.m. to midnight on Tuesday to Thursday and 4 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, but the bar hasn’t announced holiday pop-up times.
ENCHANTED TIKI BAR
The Powell Gardens at 1609 N.W. U.S. Highway 50 in Kingsville turns its glass-domed conservatory into a holiday-themed tiki bar. Island cocktails, live tropical plants and a new suspended art installation by media artist Kevin Heckart.
Sepiatones Ukulele will also bring their holiday sound to the pop-up on Dec. 17, 23, and 30. It’s included in the Festival of Lights ticket, which costs $16 for adults. You’ll also need to buy a parking pass, which is $8.
Select your date and buy tickets here.
FETCH THE HALLS
Popular theme bar Vignettes on 2376 Armour Road in North Kansas City changes themes every month, and for the holidays, they’re wearing pink on Wednesdays.
A Mean Girls-themed pop-up bar takes over the space from Nov. 18 to Jan. 7. Themed foods and drinks from the movie are on the menu, and you’ll be able to sign the Burn Book.
Reservations are open now. Times will vary, and it’s closed on Christmas Eve.
HOW THE CONDUCTOR CLUB STOLE CHRISTMAS
Pierpoints in Union Station hosted a Home Alone pop-up bar last year, and now it seems someone stole their Christmas spirit.
The Grinch has sneaked inside the pop-up bar and left his anti-holiday cheer all over the place. The bar will bring the books, movies and songs to life with drinks, food and more.
The pop-up bar will be open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from Nov. 11 to Jan. 7.
Follow their Instagram to find out when the next round of reservations will open. You’ll make those reservations here and it costs $5.
KRAMPUS BAR
For the naughtiest of Kansas Citians, this Christmas-themed bar hosted by 9th and State at 1717 W. 9th St. opens on Black Friday and runs until New Year’s Eve.
Krampus is a figure in central and eastern Alpine folklore who scares children who have misbehaved around the Christmas season. Themed cocktails made by 9th and State co-owner Sean Hamilton are sure to give you the same creeps.
Make your reservations here. Times will vary and it’s closed on Christmas Eve.
MIRACLE
The temporary seasonal bar is returning to two locations this year: 4807 Jefferson St. on the Plaza and 1323 Walnut Dr. in the Power & Light District. The Leawood location is no more, but they have a private space at Rockhill Grille on 2000 Grand Blvd.
Reservations for each location will open Nov. 11 at 10 a.m., but you can also walk-in and grab an open spot. Check their website for more information.
The Plaza pop-up opens on Thanksgiving, right after the Plaza lights are lit. Downtown’s location opens Nov. 25.
NINE ZERO ONE IGLOO BAR AND LOUNGE
The Fontaine’s rooftop bar on 901 W. 48th Place turns into an igloo for the holidays. Enjoy your festive drinks from inside a snow globe. The rooftop begins the experience on Nov. 25 and you can book your reservations here.
Additional themed set-ups like glamping — glamorous camping — igloos and log cabins are available to be booked for extra fees ranging from $150-400.
NORTHEAST POLE
The winter pop-up experience at PH Coffee on 2200 Lexington Ave. brings holiday cheer and festive drinks to its visitors. It’ll be open on these dates:
Dec. 8-10
Dec. 15-17
Dec. 20-23
Reserve your spot for any of these dates here for $10.
REC DECK THE HALLS
Boulevard Brewing Company will transform its fourth floor into a Christmas experience on Nov. 25, the day after Thanksgiving.
The pop-up experience brings tons of holiday-themed drinks, cocktails, foods, glasses and more. Flings, Quirks and barrel-aged beers will be on the menu for the pop-up.
“We were thrilled with the response we received from the inaugural ‘Rec Deck the Halls’ and are so excited for its return,” Amber Ayres, Boulevard Director of Consumer Experience, said in a statement. “Our team is hard at work making sure this year is even more festive and fun and we can’t wait to welcome Kansas City to our own winter wonderland this holiday season.”
Two-hour seating will be available on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the holiday season for $5. A portion of the proceeds will go towards Kansas City G.I.F.T., a local nonprofit organization providing grants for Black-owned businesses.
The venue will also be available to rent for holiday parties from Monday-Thursday.
SIPPIN’ SANTA
Julep is not only bringing back its tiki holiday theme for its cocktail bar at 4141 Pennsylvania Ave., but is expanding it to both Taco Republic locations: 500 County Line Road in Kansas City, Kansas and 4100 W. 83rd St. in Prairie Village.
Book your reservations for KCK and Prairie Village here. The pop-ups open Nov. 21.
SNOWBOUND
Chicken N’ Pickle’s North Kansas City location at 1761 Burlington St. turns into a cozy ski lodge for another year. Summit views, a gondola, outdoor fire pits and craft bites are in store for visitors, along with visits from Bigfoot.
Reservations open Nov. 11 and it costs $15. The pop-up opens Nov. 18 and will be open at these times:
Monday through Friday: 4:15 to 11 p.m.
Saturday: 2:45 to 11:45 p.m.
Sunday: 2:45 to 9:30 p.m.
THE RUDOLPH
The Primrose on 5622 Johnson Drive in Mission has a holiday-themed speakeasy in store for visitors. Running from Nov. 29 to New Year’s Eve, this winter-themed experience brings cocktails such as “Candy Cane Lane,” “Merry in Mexico,” and “Son of a Nutcracker” to all.
The holiday pop-up bar is free to attend.
THE WONDERDOME
OurHouseKC on 1815 W. 39th St. turns its rooftop into a snow globe for the holidays. The restaurant will be decked out with a brand-new all-clear tent, holiday decorations and snowflake projectors.
Special drinks and brunch with Santa Claus are all on the menu while the Wonderdome is open. It’ll be open for walk-ins from Nov. 29-30, and then you’ll have to make a reservation for the remaining days. You can book your spot here.
TINSEL TOWN
Tom’s Town at 1701 Main St. converts its distillery into a holiday-themed lounge for another Christmas season. Guests will be able to enjoy themed drinks such as Rudolph’s Revenge and the Salty Snowman, watch classic Christmas movies and listen to the most popular Christmas songs.
Every room will be decorated with holiday cheer and tons of tinsel. The pop-up opens Nov. 25 and you can book your reservations here. Prices range from $31 to 50.
WHOS HOLIDAY PARTY
If you missed The Grinch-themed bar at Pierpoints, The Social Bar and Grill at 13410 W. 62nd Terrace in Shawnee has you covered.
Grinch-themed drinks and foods will be available for all who enter.
Make your reservations here, as it opens Nov. 17 and stays open until New Year’s Eve. Times will vary and it’s closed on Christmas Eve.
WINTER SKIES
The former “Skies” location on the 42nd floor at The Sheraton in downtown Kansas City no longer spins, but it’s transforming into a winter-themed cocktail bar on Dec. 1.
“We see posts on our social media all the time from folks reminiscing about their visits to Skies,” Kaitlyn Mueller, marketing manager for Sheraton Crown Center, said in a statement. “It’s really our pleasure to bring it back to life for a bit,”
You can book reservations here. starting at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11. It’ll cost $35 for a two-hour reservation with complimentary parking. The only dates for now are Dec. 1-2, but additional dates will be announced later.
Did we miss any holiday pop-up bars around Kansas City? Let us know at kcq@kcstar.com and we’ll add it to our list.
