The Californer - Bells & Balls in the Bottoms Ring In Kansas City's West Bottoms Holiday Weekends

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West Bottoms 2020 tree ready for holiday lighting.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Californer -- With the twinkle of the tree lighting, Kansas City's West Bottoms Entertainment District aims to create the spirit of Christmas in this time when we are reminded every moment counts. The outdoor Christmas lighting and 35' Christmas tree will be lit up for the district's Bells and Balls in the Bottoms First Friday Weekend, December 4-6. Many stores will extend their open times, including additional weekends leading up to Christmas, and some are open during the week as well.

The bell and ball adorned three-story tree, and a snowmwaker will transform the historic area's 13^th and Hickory intersection into a winter wonderland. Santa and the Grinch will be available for photos in a 2020 fashion.

District stores generally open at 9 am on Friday and Saturday, and 11:00 am on Sundays, offering new, vintage, and antique merchandise that shoppers cannot find elsewhere. First Friday Weekend only, the Full Moon Street bars will be selling cocoa, hot cider, and drinks of all varieties, in addition to some superior local coffee shop offerings. Indoor and outdoor seating is available to dine on area food favorites from the restaurants, like Chef J's BBQ and food truck fare.

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"The lighted tree and historic buildings add to the fun of holiday shopping in this spacious area where social distancing is natural. Our added snow machine during First Friday Weekend is another plus for wintertime photos," said Amber Arnett-Bequeaith, West Bottoms district spokesperson. "This is a special Christmas. People are looking for heartfelt things, and shoppers in these massive stores love the hunt to discover gifts and home furnishings that are sure to be cherished."

Festival of the Full Moon will have a new theme each month. The 2020 schedule announcement of First Friday Weekend themes to be announced later in December.

About the West Bottoms Historic Entertainment District:

The West Bottoms Historic Entertainment District, located just off the 12th Street Bridge, has 22 warehouses in a thirteen-block area with approximately 600 vendors and more than 25 stores and restaurants. Many of its large, multi-story buildings have histories starting over 120 years ago. These repurposed, vast spaces form the largest, year-round, indoor vintage entertainment district. The West Bottoms is the destination for interior decorators and designers, collectors, and consumers seeking stylish décor and gift options with history and patina that cannot be replicated. The new Full Moon Escape Rooms add another adventure option in the area. westbottoms.com

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