Holiday Happenings and Gift Ideas

Celebrate the holiday season in the Kansas City region! Check out these exciting holiday happenings, including new and returning events, exhibits and live performances. Invite family and friends and buy tickets now! Also, find unique gift ideas for everyone on your list. 

Celebrate the Beauty of the Season with Art & Crafts

Over 100 booths of handcrafted gifts and décor for every budget. You will find wood, metal, glass and fabric art, books, photography, ceramics, pottery, jewelry, baked goods, and much more. This festive family event will also feature Santa and Mrs. Claus for pictures from 12:00-3:00 PM on Saturday. Admission is free, but customers are encouraged to make a donation to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City.

KC Clay Guild Holiday Sale and Pottery Tour

Shop small this year by joining us December 2nd-4th for KC Clay Guild’s annual holiday sale and tour! With multiple locations in the Kansas City area, shoppers can find beautiful handmade gifts ranging from ceramic jewelry, functional wares, and small sculptures made by local artists. For more information on participating artists and locations visit kcclayguild.org/holiday-sale.

Plan big memories at the National Museum of Toys/Miniatures!

The National Museum of Toys/Miniatures is a one-of-a-kind experience where art meets history and every visitor leaves a little younger. This holiday season, visit GingerBread Lane, a sweet installation by artist Jon Lovitch. Shop for the perfect gift at the Museum Store and bring home a souvenir that gives double the joy. Every sale supports the museum’s educational goals and continued growth in the years to come. Museum members save 20% on purchases!

Vespers returns to Lawrence with seasonal sounds at KU!

It’s one of the most exciting times of year in the KU School of Music. The beloved annual Vespers program is returning for its 98th year to the Lied Center. Celebrations kick off on Sunday, December 4th, at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, and features performances and seasonal sounds from vocal and instrumental ensembles. Jazz Vespers, another free event, returns this year as well, kicking off on December 8th at 7:30 p.m. For more information, please contact music@ku.edu.

Find unique gift items at the Lawrence Holiday Art Fair!

Shop for unique holiday gifts from local and regional artists at the Lawrence Art Guild’s Holiday Art Fair! Find quality, original, handmade items by 25 area artists, Dec. 10, 10-5 and Dec. 11, 10-4 at the Cider Gallery. Also check out the All Members Show highlighting work from more than 50 member artists, Nov. 25- January 24. Meet the artists and enjoy refreshments and live music at the Opening Reception, Nov. 25, 5-9 pm.

A Weekend of Free Christmas Music at Rockhurst University

Saturday, December 3, 7 p.m., the Rockhurst University student chorus will perform the 32nd Annual Ceremony of Lessons and Carols, various musical works together with scriptural readings from the Christmas story. A holiday reception follows this longstanding Rockhurst tradition. Sunday, December 4, 7:30 p.m. is Musica Sacra Chorus and Orchestra, a performance featuring music by Antonio Vivaldi and Francesco Durante with traditional carols. Live program notes shared by Timothy McDonald, Musica Sacra director at 6:45 p.m.

Upcycle Piano Craft ~ Fine Pianos for Beautiful Music

Upcycle Piano Craft transforms pianos into fine instruments for beautiful music. Visit the Upcycle Piano gallery of new and beautifully restored instruments on Main Street, Midtown Kansas City. Join us the first Tuesday each month for “Happy Hour at the Piano Shop”, a celebration of music featuring Kansas City’s finest musicians. Upcycle Piano Craft is a full-service piano company. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram @upcyclepianocraft. 816-219-0800.

Visit 80 Santa Fe Art Gallery’s Holiday Small Works Show

Come visit downtown Overland Park’s newest art gallery! 80 Santa Fe Art Gallery’s Holiday Small Works show will feature small works from multiple local artists. Pieces include painting, pottery, photography, and more, all priced under $300. Show opens November 18th and runs through January 14th. Join us every third Friday of the month from 5-7pm for new show openings, including cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Follow 80 Santa Fe Art Gallery on social media @80SantaFe for more info.

Kick off the holidays with Amahl and the Night Visitors!

Seamlessly combining live singing and chamber music with puppet mastery, Amahl and the Night Visitors tells a touching story about the real meaning of generosity. This original Lyric Opera of Kansas City production is the perfect way to kick off your holiday season and get in touch with the season’s spirit.

Evergy Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens Illuminates

Now in it’s 6th year, Evergy Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens continues to celebrate the natural joy and beauty of the season. Bundle up with loved ones to walk through a mile of lighted gardens! The winter festival is open November 10 – December 30, Wednesday-Sunday (4-10 p.m.).