Kansas City, Missouri, February 11, 2026
The Hallmark Christmas Experience in Kansas City has become a beloved holiday attraction, captivating tens of thousands of visitors and supporting the local economy. This immersive event, held at Crown Center, offers workshops, celebrity appearances, and a vibrant Christmas market where local artisans and vendors thrive. With expectations to surpass 80,000 attendees next season, the event highlights entrepreneurial innovation and brings significant economic benefits to the Kansas City community.
Kansas City’s Hallmark Christmas Experience Ignites Holiday Spirit and Local Economy
The annual Hallmark Christmas Experience in Kansas City has once again captivated audiences, drawing record attendance and solidifying its place as a premier holiday destination. This event not only immerses visitors in a festive atmosphere but also provides a significant boost to the local economy and showcases Kansas City’s vibrant community spirit.
For entrepreneurs and small business owners in the heartland, the success of such large-scale community events underscores the power of innovation and dedicated effort. The Hallmark Christmas Experience, originating from the city where Hallmark Cards, Inc. is headquartered, exemplifies how local enterprise can create broadly appealing attractions that resonate with audiences far beyond state lines, fostering economic growth and community engagement.
A Holiday Phenomenon with Record Attendance
The Hallmark Christmas Experience has rapidly become a cherished tradition, returning “bigger and better” in 2025 after a highly successful inaugural run. The event, held at Crown Center in Kansas City, Missouri, the location of Hallmark’s headquarters, has transformed the area into a festive hub. Its first year alone drew tens of thousands of Hallmark fans, both local and from across the nation.
The event’s popularity surged, with the 2024 season expected to reach or even surpass an impressive 80,000 visitors. This immense draw included guests from all 50 states and 21 different countries, transforming Kansas City into a global holiday hotspot and demonstrating the broad appeal of well-executed, community-focused initiatives. The success points to the effectiveness of creating unique, high-quality experiences that capture public imagination.
Sparking Local Commerce and Community Spirit
The Hallmark Christmas Experience offers a wide array of activities designed to engage visitors, from “Create and Learn” workshops with Hallmark artists to exclusive photo opportunities with beloved Hallmark stars. Attendees can also enjoy signature dining experiences, “Stars on Stage” productions featuring holiday games and movie screenings, and dazzling nightly tree lighting shows at Crown Center Square.
Crucially for Kansas City MO business, the event features a vibrant Christmas market. This market provides a platform for local vendors to showcase their unique products alongside event-exclusive Hallmark merchandise, fostering a direct benefit for Kansas City small business and artisans. The ability to shop for one-of-a-kind gifts and indulge in festive food and themed drinks directly contributes to the local economy and enhances the overall visitor experience. The event not only creates memorable moments but also encourages economic activity throughout the surrounding neighborhoods.
Fostering Entrepreneurial Innovation in Kansas City
Kansas City’s dynamic business landscape extends far beyond major corporations like Hallmark, nurturing a thriving ecosystem for Missouri MO entrepreneurs and startups. The city was recognized in 2015 as one of the top five emerging cities globally for entrepreneurial ecosystems. This growth is supported by a robust network of organizations dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurial spirit.
Key institutions like the UMKC Innovation Center provide essential tools, resources, and support, guiding entrepreneurs from concept to company through various programs. These include the Urban Business Growth Initiative, which offers scholarships for courses to help entrepreneurs start and grow businesses in the urban core of Kansas City, Missouri. The Regnier Institute of Entrepreneurship and Innovation also plays a vital role in inspiring and nurturing entrepreneurs through transformational education and programs.
Further illustrating this commitment, Digital Sandbox KC, a proof-of-concept program, has been instrumental in accelerating early-stage commercialization. Since its inception in February 2013, Digital Sandbox KC has worked with over 300 entrepreneurs and early-stage companies, resulting in 77 funded proof-of-concept projects, 34 new businesses created, 339 jobs, and attracting $28.2 million in follow-on funding. Organizations like KCSourceLink connect a network of over 200 nonprofit resource organizations that provide business-building services for small businesses across the Kansas City region.
Strategic Support for Small Businesses
Understanding the vital role of small businesses in the Midlands economic growth, Kansas City has developed several initiatives to enhance capital readiness and access to funding for entrepreneurs. The KC Small Business Capital Programs, launched by the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City (EDCKC) and KC BizCare Office, aims to empower privately held businesses with fewer than 10 employees.
These programs offer various financial support options, including Kiva Kansas City, which provides crowdfunded microloans with 0% interest, allowing small businesses to access up to $15,000 in capital. Additionally, Micro-Business Grants are available for businesses needing expansion or poised for growth, with grants of $10,000, $15,000, or $25,000. Technical assistance programs like Loan Application Preparation also help small businesses navigate the complexities of bank loan applications, ensuring they have the knowledge and skills to thrive. The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, one of the largest private foundations in the United States and the largest globally devoted to entrepreneurship, plays a significant role in supporting these and other entrepreneurial efforts (Nationwide).
Another key player in supporting high-growth startups is LaunchKC, which invests over $1 million annually in such ventures. This initiative provides $60,000 in funding, along with access to a host of support services, often encouraging companies to relocate to Downtown Kansas City, Missouri, further bolstering the local economy.
Navigating the Regulatory Landscape for Growth
While Kansas City is celebrated for its entrepreneurial ecosystem, small business owners often face challenges with the regulatory environment. Overlapping federal, state, and local regulations, coupled with extensive reporting requirements, can lead to increased staffing costs and hinder business expansion. Calls for streamlined local permitting processes and greater compliance assistance from regulatory bodies are common among businesses, advocating for a focus on technical assistance before punitive measures for non-serious violations.
However, Kansas City’s unique position spanning both Kansas and Missouri offers a flexible business environment, providing diverse incentive and tax options. This dual-state landscape allows companies to select programs and costs that offer the greatest competitive advantage, including corporate income tax credits, sales tax exemptions, and property tax abatements. These strategic financial mechanisms are designed to make it easier for businesses to grow and prosper within the area.
Kansas City’s Economic Trajectory
Kansas City is committed to building a robust and inclusive economy for all its residents. Initiatives like the Equitable Economic Development Plan aim to create a clear, unified framework for stakeholder priorities, streamline access to development tools, and foster public-private partnerships. Community Wealth Building initiatives are also being explored, focusing on strategies like worker cooperatives and employee-owned enterprises to strengthen ownership, spur entrepreneurship, and retain wealth within underserved neighborhoods.
The city’s continuous investment in infrastructure, such as the new Kansas City International Airport which opened in 2023, signals its readiness for global engagement and supports increased traffic for business, tourism, and relocation. This forward-thinking approach, combined with the resilience and innovation of its entrepreneurs and the support from various programs, positions Kansas City for sustained economic growth and continued community vitality.
Kansas City’s commitment to fostering a supportive environment for its businesses, from holiday attractions like the Hallmark Christmas Experience to its extensive entrepreneurial resources, demonstrates a proactive stance on economic development. By embracing innovation, supporting local enterprise, and strategically addressing regulatory concerns, Kansas City continues to build a vibrant and prosperous future.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Hallmark Christmas Experience and Kansas City Business
What is the Hallmark Christmas Experience?
The Hallmark Christmas Experience is an immersive holiday event held at Crown Center in Kansas City, Missouri, the location of Hallmark’s headquarters. It offers fans an opportunity to step into a real-life holiday movie atmosphere, featuring workshops, celebrity appearances, dining experiences, and a Christmas market.
How popular has the Hallmark Christmas Experience been?
The Hallmark Christmas Experience has seen significant success, with its inaugural run drawing tens of thousands of fans. In 2024, the event was expected to reach or surpass 80,000 visitors, attracting guests from all 50 states and 21 different countries. The 2025 event was planned to be even bigger.
What kind of economic impact does the event have on Kansas City?
Events like the Hallmark Christmas Experience contribute to local economic growth by drawing visitors who engage with local businesses, including those at the Christmas market. This influx of tourism supports the city’s diverse economy and promotes community pride.
What support is available for entrepreneurs and small businesses in Kansas City?
Kansas City boasts a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem with numerous resources. Initiatives like the UMKC Innovation Center offer programs such as the Urban Business Growth Initiative, Digital Sandbox KC, and the Regnier Institute of Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Organizations like KCSourceLink connect entrepreneurs to vital resources, and programs like LaunchKC provide funding and support for high-growth startups. The city also offers KC Small Business Capital Programs with micro-business grants and crowdfunded microloans.
How does the regulatory environment affect businesses in Kansas City?
Small businesses in Kansas City can face challenges due to overlapping federal, state, and local regulations, which can increase operating costs and slow expansion. There are calls for streamlined permitting and more compliance assistance to ease these burdens. However, Kansas City’s bi-state location offers a flexible business environment with various tax incentives designed to help companies grow.
Key Features of the Hallmark Christmas Experience and Kansas City’s Business Environment
| Feature | Description | Impact on Kansas City |
|---|---|---|
| Hallmark Christmas Experience | Immersive holiday event with workshops, celebrity appearances, dining, and market. | Draws tens of thousands of visitors from across the U.S. and internationally, boosting tourism and local spending. |
| Record Attendance | Expected to reach or surpass 80,000 visitors in 2024, attracting guests from all 50 states and 21 countries. | Significant economic activity generated by visitor spending at local businesses, including the Christmas market. |
| Entrepreneurial Ecosystem | Ranked among top 5 emerging cities for entrepreneurial ecosystems; supported by UMKC Innovation Center, Digital Sandbox KC, Regnier Institute. | Fosters new business creation, job growth (e.g., 339 jobs created by Digital Sandbox KC startups), and significant follow-on funding. |
| Small Business Capital Programs | Initiatives like KC Small Business Capital Programs offer micro-grants ($10,000-$25,000) and 0% interest microloans (Kiva Kansas City up to $15,000). | Empowers small, privately held businesses (fewer than 10 employees) with crucial funding and technical assistance for growth and expansion. |
| Regulatory Environment | Challenges from overlapping federal, state, and local regulations but also benefits from a flexible bi-state location offering various tax incentives. | A continuous effort to streamline processes aims to reduce operating costs and support business expansion, while incentives attract investment. |
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Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
