OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – The annual Kansas City Holiday Boutique is back this year Nov. 9-12 at the Overland Park Convention Center with more than 330 exhibitors.
The doors officially open at 10 a.m. each of the four days this year, but getting there an hour early might get you a little extra shopping.
“They can come in at 9 o' clock and as they are waiting downstairs to get in to the show at 10, they can shop our new exhibitors in the two rooms downstairs,” said show manager Lis Gardon. “The line gets very long in the morning, so we want to be able to enhance the experience by allowing them to shop before they can get upstairs.”
That’s not the only change this year.
Gardon said ticket sales have been through the roof, so to prepare for the big crowds. There’s even extra parking.
Starting Thursday after 5 p.m., there will be a shuttle from the Black and Veatch parking lot to the Overland Park Convention Center.
There’s also a discount for people who don’t feel like driving at all.
“We've partnered with Uber, and if you use the code "hit the road" you get $15 off your Uber ride,” explained Gardon.
The boutique will be open all weekend with a variety of options for shoppers to choose from.
“It's one place for you to buy everything you need for your shopping and Christmas needs,” Gardon said. “We have everything from jewelry to home decor, to Christmas items. I mean, there is a variety, a wide range, and something here for everybody.”
But it’s not just holiday items. Local artisans will also have their own booths set up.
“They will have clothing, they have shoes, they have hats," said Gardon. "They have anything you want that says Kansas City on it.”
If you’re hoping to avoid some of the crowds, Gardon said the slowest times are typically Thursday after 5 p.m., Saturday evening and Sunday early afternoon.
Tickets are $12 each. If you want to save $2 on your ticket, buy it online here.
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