10 Things To Add To Your Winter Bucket List

Who says winter has to be boring? Contributor Grace Pritchett lays out 10 of her top Bucket List items for the colder days. Here’s to new traditions!

1. Miracle on 20th St.

If you’ve been on social media in the past couple weeks then you’re well aware of Miracle at Rockhill. Presented by J. Rieger, this Christmas-themed pop-up bar feels like the holidays threw up in your aunt’s living room with an appearance by beautifully-made craft cocktails. It’s officially open and will be every day of the week from 5pm to midnight until December 31st, so you have plenty of time to get your holiday cheer.

2. Live Music at Ça Va

The holiday season really isn’t complete without jazz, champagne and a visit to Ça Va. This Westport-based champagne bar constantly feels like a cozy speakeasy that you just discovered despite the fact that Kansas Citians have been flocking to it since it opened in 2014. The live music nights really contribute to this vibe with a local artist taking residency at Ça Va every Thursday night at 9pm. In addition to this regular festive event, Ça Va is hosting a week-long countdown to 2019 starting on December 26th so you know where to find me.

Barre 3 in Brookside. Photo by Ruthie Stark

3. Take the sweat inside

Real talk, winter can be really hard to get through sometimes. Between cold temps, stressful holidays, and the total lack of sun, we all need something to get through it. I personally love indoor workouts for this reason. Get your endorphins going with one of the MANY workout studios in KC. Do your research too because many studios will offer free classes for beginners or even over the holidays. Beat the New Year’s Resolution crowd by having your new favorite place now.

4. Find the best seasonal drink in town

With all the breweries, bars, restaurants, and coffee shops in town, you know the winter drink game is on point. For the best hot cocoa spots in town, hop over to the latest guide from Katie Thompson. For the alcohol-drinkers in the room, you can always count on Boulevard’s Beer Hall to have the latest and greatest pours. Crane Brewing is also getting in on this seasonal action with new releases like Apple Cider Gose.

5. Or make your own!

Whether you’re inspired by all the winter menus in town or you’re still looking for that perfect cranberry cocktail, take some time this winter to craft a signature drink. Get those creative juices flowing with drink recipes from the Boozy Bungalow, who has a cocktail for every occasion, and Kasim Hardaway, with his easy (and vegan) recipe for hot cocoa. Bonus points if you share the delicious details with me because sharing is caring.

6. Jam out in your pajamas

If you spend your winters trying to figure out how you can go out in your pajamas, then do I have good news for you. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art throws a party every third Thursday of the month, aptly called Third Thursdays, and every December they get a little comfier. Join them Thursday, December 20th for live music, arts & crafts, and the chance to hang out in your pj’s in public. Plus, it’s free to attend!

7. Host a cookie swap (or anything else you want to swap)

A long time ago, someone was like “hey, how do I get a bunch of my friends to bring me cookies and I get a million cookies but they also get a million cookies” and so the Cookie Swap was born. It’s a great holiday tradition (that I will definitely be partaking in) but if this sugar coma doesn’t sound like your thing then you can invent your own kind of swap. Whether it’s bottles of whiskey, sweaters, poké bowls, or anything else, you can always find a good reason to gather.

8. Make a gift for someone (or everyone) on your list

Fetch frequently hosts the best and most unique craft workshops and this December is no different. Grab tickets to Cardmaking & Cocktails, Bracelet Making, and the Holiday Giftwrap Workshop, because you know you can do better than some tissue paper in a bag. Work on your art skills with watercolor workshops from my fave, Carly Rae, like ornament painting and modern floral watercolors. If you’re ready to live hardcore, check out Hammerspace for workshops like silversmithing basics, laser-cut ornaments, and welding for everyone.

9. Catch some holiday sales

You can still find the perfect gift for everyone on your list without breaking out the hot glue or watercolors. Check out MIKC-favorite Golden & Pine for handcrafted and ethically-made products, especially with the two fantastic events they’re hosting in the coming weeks. If you like Halloween and horror flicks a little more than Christmas, check out the Horror Holiday Craft Bazaar hosted by the Kansas City Horror Club, of course. And for items that are KC AF, check out the Holiday Maker’s Market events at the Roasterie’s downtown location.

10. Start your 2019 goals

I’m not about to be your life coach (god, could you imagine?) but I see the importance of writing up your goals and your intentions. A quick scroll through social media or a cursory glance at the next Creative Mornings can show you that Kansas City is full of entrepreneurs and self-starters, and they didn’t get there by accident. Grab your planner, your vision board, your spreadsheets, etc. and outline your goals big and small.

GuidesGrace PritchettDecember 10, 2018Food, Drinks, Holiday, Christmas, Winter, Things to Do & See, Tourism, Grace Pritchett, Lifestyle