Holiday memories are even sweeter with a visit to one of these local sites where they put a special twist on Christmas classics.
A Christmas Village Made Entirely of Gingerbread
Crown Center (Level 1, Crown Center Shops 2500 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO) has been hosting holiday memories for generations of Kansas Citians with the magic of the 100-foot-tall mayor’s Christmas tree, ice skating, photographs with Santa and holiday magic. Still, our favorite holiday attraction at Crown Center is the gingerbread village on display through December. Visit Santa while you're there! This whimsical holiday village, made entirely of real gingerbread and sweets, is a true feast for the eyes. If you’d like to make your own village, we have the shopping list for you:
- 170 lbs. sugar
- 165 lbs. flour
- 1,620 eggs
- 8 gal. egg whites
- 20 lbs. ginger
- 20 gal. molasses
- 20 lbs. baking soda
- 14 lbs. salt
- 180 lbs. assorted candies
Coca-Cola’s Santa, Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen and Sweet Treats WinterFest at Worlds of Fun
WinterFest at Worlds of Fun returns this year with many treats to satisfy your holiday sweet tooth! Their restaurants will offer an array of unique holiday goodies and Christmas classics. Only at WinterFest can guests enjoy holiday nachos: sweet potato fries with swiss cheese sauce, chicken, cranberries and topped with a crispy fried brussels sprout. Other delicious foods include mint cannolis, apple pie, candy cane ice cream, pumpkin ice cream, funnel cakes with holiday toppings and, of course, hot chocolate.
Coca-Cola’s holiday commercials and trademarks are beloved, and you’ll see a 30-foot-tall inflatable Coca-Cola Santa holding an ice-cold bottle, and the Coca-Cola polar bear. Don’t forget to stop by Mrs. Claus’ kitchen, where you can decorate your own box of cookies baked with her top-secret recipe—with Mrs. Claus herself.
In addition to sweet treats, enjoy holiday shows with Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the gang, a live holiday show called Tinker’s Toy Factory and more. Visit Artisan Alley, enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas as the theme park is decorated with holiday lights, ride the Holly Jolly Trolley, ice skate and visit a stable of animals reminding us of the first Christmas.
Chocolate Christmas Village Houses
For many North Kansas Citians, the holidays wouldn’t be the same without a chocolate house from Wally's Pastry Shop (3855 N. Oak Trafficway, North Kansas City, MO, 816.452.7535). Master pastry chefs Wally Uhl and his son, Manfred, were trained in Europe and they’ve been preparing their confections for Kansas Citians, including President Truman and other local celebrities, for decades. Their delightful Christmas village houses are both whimsical and delicious—the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table.
Made-from-Scratch Gingerbread Houses
Mely’s Yogurt & Ice Cream (4051 Somerset Dr., Prairie Village, KS, 913.381.9642) has been a Corinth Square landmark for more than 30 years. In addition to the frozen treats, patrons delight in the holiday confections. Mely’s bakes beautiful gingerbread houses and they offer both decorated and undecorated houses for customers. You may buy their premade houses to decorate at home. In addition to the gingerbread houses, they also sell sugar arts (sugar bells, sugar balls, Christmas tree, lamb) and peanut brittle.
Traditional Treats
Many local shops specialize in holiday treats with a rich heritage. Some of our favorites include:
- Winstead’s. (Multiple locations: WinsteadsSteakburger.com). This Kansas City original, since 1943, has been serving steakburgers, fries, and rings for families on the Country Club Plaza after a light-seeing tour for generations. They are known for their Skyscraper - a giant ice cream soda or shake meant for sharing. And, to make it even more memorable, the drink is served with a holiday (or birthday, or celebratory) song!
- Strawberry Hill Povitica (7226 W. Frontage Rd., Merriam, KS, 800.634.1002). The shop makes handmade European sweet bread in an open kitchen where customers can watch as the bread is baked from scratch.
- Country KeepsakesTearoom (501 Main St., Belton, MO, 816.348.7888) Country Keepsakes is one of the quaint shops lining Main Street Belton. Offering a wide variety of teas, quiches and sandwiches, the home-cooked menu changes every month. Throughout the holiday season, their delicious hot cocoa hits the spot.
- Dolce Bakery Yule Log (3930 W. 69th Ter., Prairie Village, KS, 913.236.4411). The chocolate yule log cake is just one of the favorite pastries at this shop, which also specializes in cookies, cakes and treats.
- André's Confiserie Suisse Buche Noel (5018 Main St., Kansas City, MO, 816.561.3440). Andre’s refers to their Christmas cake shaped as a yule log by its French name, Buche Noel. The cake lives up to its reputation as a delicious and beautiful dessert.
- Annedore's Fine Chocolates Plaza Christmas Lights (5000 State Line Rd., Westwood Hills, KS, 913.831.0302). Annedore’s makes an array of gourmet chocolates, but their holiday signature is a box of chocolate Country Club Plaza Christmas lights wrapped in an artisan box with a gold bow—they’re almost too pretty to eat! They also make a fabulous cup of hot chocolate.
- Topsy’s Popcorn in the Christmas Tin (Multiple locations: TopsysPopcorn.com). Serving Kansas City their famous gourmet popcorn since 1950, Topsy’s makes it seem like Christmas. At our house, their popcorn is essential to our holiday celebration, in flavors of cinnamon, cheese and caramel, presented in their beautiful Plaza tin.
- Laura Little's Candy Kitchen Fudge (2100 W. 75th St., Prairie Village, KS, 913.722.2226). Laura Little’s makes beautiful chocolates, and they’ll even personalize them for your loved ones—but their fudge can’t be beat.
- Betty Rae's Ice Cream (multiple locations: BettyRaes.com). This local ice cream shop is taking the city by storm with their gourmet one-of-a-kind flavors and made-from-scratch waffle cones. Their Egg Nog Ice Cream is a holiday favorite and the shop also sells fresh pies for Christmas.
- The Upper Crust Pie Bakery (7943 Santa Fe, Overland Park, KS, 913.642.2999 and lower level of Pryde’s Old Westport, 115 Westport Rd., Kansas City, MO) is owned and operated by sisters who know the art of a delicious made-from-scratch pie. Their shop specializes in buttery, flaky crusts and delicious flavors. Try Grandma’s apple pie with a hint of nutmeg, blackberry apple, pumpkin pie or French apple with a streusel crumb topping.
Sweet Themed Events
We want to know.... where do YOU find the best hot cocoa in KC? The best Christmas cookies? The best holiday treats? Please comment below! We love discovering new places around town!
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Nov 29, 2019
Santa's Gingerbread Station
All aboard for a favorite holiday tradition at Crown Center! Kids and families can explore this interactive exhibit, meet and have their photo taken with Santa Claus (through December 24).
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Dec 7, 2019 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Candy Cane Course 5K
Join us for the annual Candy Cane Course, sponsored by North Kansas City Hospital. Proceeds from this run will benefit the Safety Around Water program at the North Kansas City YMCA.
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Dec 7, 2019 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
The Great Candy Cane Hunt
Bring your flashlights and help us find the Candy Canes Santa dropped on Stagecoach Park. Special Candy Canes can be redeemed for great prizes. The night will kick off with crafts and activities. After all the Candy Canes are found warm up with s...
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Dec 7, 2019 11:00 a.m. - noon
Candy Cane Hunt: Excelsior Springs
Excelsior Springs Community Center
Our annual Candy Candy Hunt will be on December 7th at 11:00am on the ESHS grass practice fields. Come search for candy canes, win prizes and meet Santa!
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Dec 8, 2019 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Gingerbread House & Landscaping Workshop
Spend an afternoon designing your gingerbread dream house and landscape with chef Melissa Fahlstrom of Sugar Whipped Bakery.
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Dec 12, 2019 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Grinch Candy Cane Hunt
Sylvester Powell Jr. Community Center
OH NO! The Grinch is planning to steal all of the candy canes from Beverly Park. Please help us find them before it's too late. After all of the candy canes have been found, we'll head inside to warm up with some hot chocolate.
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JCPRD
Dec 13, 2019 10:30 a.m. - noon
Candy Cane Hunt #1
Create a festive craft then go on the hunt for candy canes hidden around the facility. Take part in Open Playground too! Call (913) 826- 2950 for details. This sweet event is $10 per child, $11 nonresidents. Register today at www.jcprd.com, click...
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Dec 14, 2019 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Candy Cane Course 5k / 10k EAST KC
The fun includes great swag (designer shirt, custom medal), chip-timing, live results and awards, free photos, costumes, free kids dash, great post-race food, and plenty of fun activities.
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JCPRD
Dec 18, 2019 10:30 a.m. - noon
Candy Cane Hunt #2
Create a festive craft then go on the hunt for candy canes hidden around the facility. Take part in Open Playground too! Call (913) 826- 2950 for details. This sweet event is $10 per child, $11 nonresidents. Register today at www.jcprd.com, click...
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Dec 21, 2019 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Grain Valley Candy Cane Hunt
Grain Valley Parks & Rec and Aquatic Center
Santa’s elves have been busy hiding hundreds of candy canes in Armstrong Park! Make sure to dress warm for this fantastic outdoor event! Special prizes will be awarded for finding the “special” candy canes!
