Imagine this—the wind is brisk, but the steam from your spiked hot cocoa gently warms your face. You mosey from booth to booth, examining the wares of local artisans and bakers while traditional carols fill the air. Should you enjoy a bite indoors at Bamboo Penny’s? Or, sip and lounge at the fire pit next to the ice rink? Either way, it’s time to make sure you have great gifts for everyone on your list. Sounds pretty dreamy, huh?
With the opening of the holiday season at Park Place in Leawood, this wonderful Saturday afternoon for you and the family is mere days away. They’ll welcome the season, and the man in red himself, at the Holiday Season Premiere on November 20th. And, this year, they’re adding something new– a European-style Holiday Market on November 27th.
Now, first things first—Santa Claus will arrive at 1p.m. on November 20th to kick things off, with THE Grinch driving him in via Zamboni at The Ice at Park Place. Santa will then stroll Park Place shops so that every child (of every age) can experience the magic of finding Santa in real life. Guests may take photos with Father Christmas at no charge. After you’ve shamed The Grinch and chatted with the Big Guy, enjoy the sounds of the Dickens Carolers as they stroll and sing in traditional 18th-century dress. (Santa and the Carolers will appear every Saturday through December 18th.)
You might catch Santa doing some of his own shopping on the 20th, as many Park Place retailers will offer one-day specials to welcome holiday shoppers. Some of which include:
- Outta the Blue – $3 Hot Cocoa & Coffee served rink side
- The Bar Method – Stop in on 11/20 & get a free in-studio class voucher! Plus, 1-day only special: 20 classes for $250! (reg. $380)
- Flowers by Emily – 10% off holiday centerpiece orders all day!
- Panache Chocolatier – Launch of limited edition “Land of the Sweets” Nutcracker Collection. Purchase the Collection on 11/20 for a chance to win 2 tickets to the KC Ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker!
- Alysa Rene Boutique – Free $25 Gift Card w/ $250 purchase & $50 Gift Card w/ $500 purchase. Georgina Herrera Trunk Show – all day!
- Moshiri Jewelry –20% off select Men’s rings & Balls of Pearls pendant necklaces.
- Moda Domani –20% off any one item (custom included)
The last Saturday in November is Shop Small Saturday, although Park Place embraces local retailers year-round. Beyond the local shops with holiday offers, the day presents the first annual Holiday Market complete with the surroundings of a quaint village in the winter, and the ability to sip on your cocktail while you shop along 116th Pl. street.
The street will be closed to accommodate shoppers and more than 40 local vendors, with wares ranging from handmade candles to jewelry to pastries. Teddy Bear Mobile will be designing and building custom teddy bears, while Zydeco Meadery will tempt guests with honey wine. Or, how about an empanada from Happy Tummy KC? Flocking Good Designs might have the perfect frock for your youngster’s Christmas outfit. Or visit Schenker Family Farms, where all of their meats and products are 100 percent Kansas-made. The Market will run from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The Market is just the tip of the iceberg on the 27th. The retailers of Park Place will have specials during Shop Small Saturday as well. Just to name a few:
- Outta the Blue – $3 Hot Cocoa & Coffee served rink side
- Flowers by Emily – 10% off Monthly Flower Program subscriptions
- The Bar Method – Stop in on 11/27 & get a free in-studio class voucher! Plus, 1-day only special: 20 classes for $250! (normally $380)
- Panache Chocolatier – FREE samples of new Choco Poppo flavor Peppermint Poppo. Contest: Purchase the “Land of the Sweets” Collection on 11/27 for a chance to win 2 tickets to the KC Ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker!
- Alysa Rene Boutique – Pick your discount! Shop in-store and reveal your discount between 15% – 50% off your entire purchase.
- Moshiri Jewelry – 20% off select Men’s rings & Balls of Pearls pendant necklaces.
- Moda Domani – 20% off any one item (custom included)
- Le Reve Nail Salon – Buy $50 Gift Certificate, get $5 Free
These aren’t the only specials, either. On both the 20th and 27th, you can grab a Pumpkin Cheesecake soft-serve cone from Ice Cream Bae for $4 and, get a $10 free gift card from RA Sushi when you buy $50. You can work off your holiday sushi and soft serve in December with a free month of Orangetheory Fitness when you join on the 20th or 27th. Need a little pampering? Timothy Weber Salon is offering a free $5 gift card when you purchase a $100 gift card, as well as 10 percent off Redken products. And don’t forget self-care. MassageLuXe will offer free five-minute hydro-massages from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Need more? Get an hour massage for $49 or buy one get one free ($110).
Last year proved that the holidays can be even better outside, with strolling Santa, cheery carolers, and the ice rink to keep the kiddos happy. Grab a drink, finish your shopping, and welcome the season! Park Place is your destination to support local, festive fun, European-style; no ticket required.
Visit ParkPlaceLeawood.com/events for a full calendar of events.