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Looking for a joyful holiday getaway without the hassle? We’ve got you covered. With shopping, fine dining, and entertainment options galore all just a short drive away, Lee’s Summit is juuust right. Plan your getaway at ExploreLS.com.
2025 was a BIG year for the Kansas City metro, and over the next couple of weeks, we will be recapping some of the biggest stories of the year. Think of it as KC Daily’s version of Spotify Wrapped.
🧑🎄 Event of the Week: Merry Market at City Market
✋ The five biggest openings across the metro in 2025 (& honorable mentions)
☃️ 2025 Mayor’s Christmas Tree Ornament from Crown Center
🏟️ A new name coming to Children’s Mercy Park
Event of the Week 🎟️
2025 Recap ⏮️
The Five Biggest Openings Across the Kansas City Metro in 2025
1587 Prime
2025 was quite the year for new businesses, events, and restaurants across the Kansas City metro! After analyzing 240+ KC Daily newsletters, 3.1M unique opens, and 167,000+ verified clicks, here were the five biggest openings in Kansas City in 2025:
1. 1587 Prime
The high-end steakhouse from Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce dominated the food & drink headlines this year. Reservations were as coveted as Eras Tour tickets.
The 100,000 entertainment destination in Overland Park features high-speed karting, a massive arcade, VR, laser tag, a 7D Xperience theatre, and more. Birthday parties will never be the same.
3. Atlas9
This “narrative-driven immersive art experience” is hard to really explain without actually visiting. But trust us, it’s worth it. We went twice in the first two weeks it was open!
There are few things Kansas City takes as seriously as its BBQ, so it’s only fitting that the world’s first museum dedicated to the cuisine opened here. KC>Texas>Carolina>Memphis.
Mini-golf meets Top Golf meets Chicken N Pickle at this brand new concept in Overland Park. Good food. TVs galore. Year-round mini-golf. Family-friendly entertainment.
Honorable Mention: Palm Tree Club, Momentum Lounge, Neighbors Coffee, Green Street, Cherry Warehouse Hotel, Margaritaville Hotel Kansas City
Sponsored by Crown Center
Holiday Shopping Awaits at Crown Center! 🛍️
Crown Center
Crown Center is the go-to spot for Christmas shopping this season! During your visit, make sure to pick up the 2025 Mayor’s Christmas Tree Ornament at Crown Center Customer Service.
Wood of Christmas Past: Titled “Sweet Snowman,” this special keepsake is crafted from the wood of the 2024 tree and is the perfect way to add a unique touch to your home. Priced at $19.95 plus tax, your purchase directly supports the community, as all proceeds benefit the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund to help fellow Kansas Citians in need celebrate the season.
Gifts For Everyone: Once you have your special ornament, explore countless local shops and vendors to find one-of-a-kind gifts! With such a wide variety of merchants, you’re sure to find the perfect presents for everyone on your list.
Learn more about Christmas at Crown Center HERE.
KC Daily Picks
In Other News…
🏟️ New Name, Same Sporting: Sporting KC announced a new partnership with Saint Luke’s Health System, which means Children’s Mercy Park will receive a new name. What would you name it? Reply with your idea, and we’ll share our favorite!
⭐️ Independence Day: Visit Independence has unveiled an all-new brand identity in partnership with Kansas City design firm REACTOR Design. A new visitors guide and website are coming in early 2026 for one of America’s most historic towns.
🏘️ Trolley Track Transformation: Property owners in the Brookside Shops area will ask the City of Kansas City to approve the creation of a community improvement district (CID), which would fund improvements to the Trolley Track Trail.
💡 Lenexa Lights: Sar-Ko Aglow is back in Lenexa! Thousands of colorful lights will illuminate Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park on select dates through January 19th.
🏠 Moving Again: A new report from Realtor.com found that the Kansas City Metro has the highest turnover of the 50 largest metros in the United States, with 45 turnovers per 1,000 housing units.
😢 The Good Ol’ Days: If you’re feeling bummed out from the Chiefs being eliminated from playoff contention yesterday (or mourning Mahomes’ ACL), cheer yourself up by remembering this moment from Super Bowl LIV in 2020.
🎟️ Sell Out: Do you have an upcoming event you’d like an extra {{active_subscriber_count}} pair of eyes on? Book an upcoming Event of the Week!
Our KC Daily Partners are local businesses and organizations that have committed to growing with us in the Kansas City community. If you’re interested in what it looks like to be a KC Daily Partner, let’s talk.
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— Nick Hageman | Co-Founder @ KC Daily
