Museum re-opening, rooftop cocktail lounge, and more
Gingerbread House Contest – Downtown Liberty
Downtown businesses will display their decorated gingerbread houses December 3-5. The public can vote for their favorite dwelling at HistoricDowntownLiberty.org, and the top three businesses will receive money for advertising.
The winner will be announced the week of December 7.
“Holiday Toys” exhibit – 4109 Northeast Pleasant Valley Road – Gladstone
Through December 11, the Atkins-Johnson Farm and Museum will display a collection of children’s toys from the late 1800s through the mid-20th century. The historic house museum is located on twenty-two acres and also includes gardens, a trail, a cemetery, an orchard, barns, beehives, and original farm outbuildings.
It’s one of the oldest continuously occupied homes in Clay County and is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.
Photo courtesy The Strawberry Swing.
Merry Market – 5th and Walnut, KC
Every weekend through Christmas, Merry Market puts a spotlight on handmade goods and supporting small, local businesses. The open-air European-style experience is a collaboration between The Strawberry Swing, a network of indie markets and pop-ups, and The City Market.
The curated craft fair features more than 90 artisans and makers, street food vendors, holiday drinks, strolling entertainers, and more. City Market shops and restaurants will offer holiday-themed specials, in-store activities, and promotions.
Admission is free.
Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum re-opening – Independence
After shutting down due to COVID-19, the Truman Museum and Presidential Library will reopen to the public December 2. The complex’s $29 million renovation project will provide several updates for visitors, including a new 3,000-square-foot entrance and lobby, immersive sound-and-light theaters, a fourteen-foot interactive globe, and expanded insights on Truman’s leadership and family.
Timed-entry tickets are required and can be purchased online. General admission is $12 with discounts for seniors, students, veterans, and active members of the U.S. military.
Admission is free for members and children 12 and younger.
Prime Social – 4622 Pennsylvania Ave #1600 – KCMO
A new entry to the Country Club Plaza, this rooftop lounge offers panoramic views from the sixteenth floor of the 46 Penn Centre building.
Sip on craft cocktails such as a smoked old fashioned, the Strawberry Field (tequila, lime, strawberries, and bitters) or the Plaza Punch (French aromatized aperitif wine, aloe water, housemade grenadine, cinnamon, and lemon). Nosh on shared plates of A5 Japanese Wagyu beef, hand-rolled sushi, oysters on the half-shell, lobster tempura, ginger chicken meatballs, and other premium items.
The fire pit on the outdoor patio keeps the atmosphere cozy.
