This holiday season, Kansas City’s historic 18th & Vine Jazz District will welcome its first-ever ice skating rink.
The Soul of Santa Winter Wonderland on Ice opens Nov. 15 at 2000 Vine Street, offering a new winter attraction that aims to bring more visitors to the area while providing affordable family entertainment.
“We want to bring joy and happiness to the residents along with giving something for people with disabilities and children to enjoy,” says Soul of Santa founder Tucker Lott. “It’s not just for [18th & Vine] residents; it’s for the whole city.”
The 50-person capacity rink will operate through Jan. 2, with public skating sessions available Friday through Sunday. General admission costs $10 per hour for adults and children five and older, while children four and under skate free. Skate rental is included with admission, though visitors can bring their own skates.
Beyond the ice, visitors can enjoy refreshments from various vendors, including hot chocolate served by Seven Brew and the Salvation Army. Local Black-owned food trucks and vendors, including pizza from The Combine, will offer warm treats.
For Lott, the skating rink represents more than just winter recreation. It’s part of his broader vision for economic development and community engagement in the district.
“For the past several years, my eye has been on how to improve foot traffic in the district,” says Lott. “Another part of the drive for doing this is to connect businesses, especially minority businesses, in the inner core of the city.”
The rink’s location at 2000 Vine Street was strategically chosen to create synergy with neighboring businesses, including Missouri’s first Black-owned brewing company, Vine Street Brewing. This collaborative approach reflects Lott’s philosophy of community development.
“I’ve always been a big proponent of small businesses working together for good,” says Lott. “That’s what the Soul of Santa vision is all about: spreading good.”
This new winter attraction builds upon the Soul of Santa Foundation’s existing community initiatives. Since 2018, when Lott introduced the first Christmas tree lighting ceremony to 18th & Vine, the foundation has expanded its presence in the district through various holiday events and year-round community service programs.
The Winter Wonderland on Ice represents another first for both the foundation and the district, adding to Kansas City’s growing list of winter attractions while creating new opportunities for community gathering and economic growth in the Jazz District.
Soul of Santa Winter Wonderland on Ice
2000 Vine Street, KCMO
Nov. 15 to Jan. 2
Private Group Rentals Tue. – Thu.
Fri. 4 – 10 p.m.
Sat. 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sun. Noon – 6 p.m.Tickets at TheSoulofSanta.org
