The temperature is dropping but The Soul of Santa “Do Good” Foundation is heating up Kansas City’s holiday season with an expanded lineup of events that combine community giving with festive celebrations – from free breakfasts to concerts promoting peace and unity.
The foundation’s newest addition is “The Soul of Santa Winter Wonderland on Ice,” gliding into the historic 2000 Vine Building from Nov. 15 through Jan. 2. This extended ice skating attraction brings a touch of seasonal magic to the East Side, offering Kansas Citians a chance to twirl and spin through the holiday season.
The yuletide season kicks into high gear Nov. 27 at The Shops on Blue Parkway, with a double-header of holiday cheer. The evening begins with the tree lighting ceremony featuring “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” actor Erika Woods and KC’s own rapper/entrepreneur Kemet Coleman flipping the switch.
The celebration continues with the “Peace for the Holidays” anti-violence concert. The concert features an impressive lineup of local talent, including XTA-C, Fatty the Driver, The Royal Chief, Roblo da Star, Hitman Donnie, Flawless Victory, and Ayinde Jones.
The spirit of giving then takes center stage with two free community breakfasts and toy give aways. The first community breakfast and giveaway is set for Nov. 30 at the Shops of Blue Parkway followed by a Dec. 7 event on Vine Street. Both events begin at 9 a.m. and include toy and winter clothing giveaways, plus the chance to take pictures with The Soul of Santa himself — Tucker Lott. While these events are free, registration is required and spots fill up quickly.
The holiday festivities culminate on December 6 with the foundation’s signature annual Holiday Benefit Concert. Kansas City’s Blair Bryant & Friends will present “A Very Funky Christmas” at the Gem Theater following the 18th & Vine Historic Jazz District tree lighting ceremony. Bryant, who has carved his path in the smooth jazz world with four Top 15 singles and collaborations with industry legends, will put his special spin on holiday classics.
The concert benefits the foundation’s mission of connecting high-functioning individuals with disabilities to resources through personalized workforce development plans inspired by Lott’s late daughter Aria, who lived with epilepsy.
For more information about any of these events, to register for the free breakfasts, or to purchase concert tickets, visit thesoulofsanta.org.
2024 SOUL OF SANCTA SCHEDULE OF EVENTS::
Winter Wonderland on Ice
2000 Vine Building
Nov. 15 through Jan. 2
Varying hours of operation
Ice Skating $10/hr including skate rental
Christmas Tree Lighting & Peace for the Holidays Concert
The Shops on Blue Parkway
4209 E 50th Terrace
Wed, Nov. 27
Tree Lighting: 5-7 p.m.
Concert: 7-9 p.m.
Free
Blue Parkway Community Breakfast & Toy Giveaway
The Shops on Blue Parkway
4209 E 50th Terrace
Sat., Nov. 30 at 9 a.m.
Free (Registration required by November 18)
Register at: bit.ly/SoulSantaBluPrkwy24
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
18th and Vine Historic Jazz District
1512 E 18th St
Fri, Dec. 6
Tree Lighting: 5 – 6:30 p.m.
Free
“A Very Funky Christmas” Benefit Concert featuring Blair Bryant & Friends
The Gem Theater
1615 E 18th Street
Fri, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m.
Tickets $50 to $150 available at thesoulofsanta.org
