Many local shops specialize in holiday treats with a rich heritage. Some favorites include:
- Wally's Pastry Shop is beloved for their chocolate houses at Christmastime. 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. North Kansas City, 816.452.7535
- Strawberry Hill Povitica’s makes handmade European sweet bread in an open kitchen where customers can watch as the bread is baked from scratch. Merriam; 800.634.1002
- Dolce Bakery’s chocolate yule log cake is one of many favorite pastries at this shop, which also specializes in cookies, cakes and baked treats. Prairie Village; 913.236.4411
- André's Confiserie Suisse 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. Kansas City; 816.561.3440
- Annedore's Fine Chocolates makes an array of gourmet chocolates, among them a holiday signature: 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. Westwood Hills; 913.831.0302
- Topsy’s Popcorn 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 fabulous Plaza tin. Multiple locations; TopsysPopcorn.com
- Laura Little's makes beautiful chocolates, and they’ll even personalize them for your loved ones—but their fudge can’t be beat. Prairie Village; 913.722.2226
- McLain’s started in Waldo in 1945 and is one of Kansas City’s oldest bakeries. A family-owned establishment baking fresh pastries, birthday and wedding cakes, bread, cookies, and desserts! Multiple locations; McLainsKC.com
- Cupcake A la Mode is a boutique-style cupcake café, serving at least 21 different flavors of fresh-baked gourmet cupcakes as well as a variety of signature blended coffees and teas. Kansas City; 816.960.1911
- Betty Rae's Ice Cream offers 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. BettyRaes.com