7 Essential Secrets To Conquering The Kansas City Holiday Boutique (The Real 'Holiday Mart Overland Park') In 2025
Are you ready to dive into the premier holiday shopping event in Johnson County? The search term "Holiday Mart Overland Park" is a common one, but it actually points to the spectacular Kansas City Holiday Boutique, a massive marketplace that transforms the Overland Park Convention Center into a winter wonderland every November. This year, for the 2025 season, the event is scheduled to run from November 20-23, 2025, promising five days of unique vendors, exclusive merchandise, and festive cheer that attracts tens of thousands of shoppers from across the Midwest.
This comprehensive guide will cut through the confusion, provide you with the latest 2025 dates and hours, and give you the insider tips you need to maximize your experience at this essential Kansas City metropolitan area tradition. Forget the old, general information—this is the fresh, up-to-date intel you need for the upcoming holiday season.
The Ultimate 2025 KC Holiday Boutique Buyer's Guide
The Kansas City Holiday Boutique is not just a market; it's a full-scale retail experience managed by Marketplace Events, LLC, featuring hundreds of specialty vendors. It is the premier destination for finding one-of-a-kind gifts, seasonal decor, and gourmet foods before the Black Friday rush even begins. Understanding the logistics and schedule is the first step to a successful shopping trip.
1. The Critical Distinction: Boutique vs. Mart
For topical authority and to fully answer the user's query, it is vital to clarify the local market landscape. While many people search for "Holiday Mart Overland Park," they are almost certainly looking for the Kansas City Holiday Boutique at the Overland Park Convention Center. The original and separate event is the Holiday Mart, which is the largest annual fundraiser for the Junior League of Kansas City, Missouri (JLKCMO). Historically, the JLKCMO Holiday Mart has been held at venues like Bartle Hall or the Sheraton at Crown Center in downtown Kansas City, MO.
The KC Holiday Boutique, conversely, is located in the heart of Johnson County, Kansas, making it the primary holiday shopping destination for the Overland Park and surrounding suburban areas. Knowing this distinction is key to planning your trip and ensuring you arrive at the correct venue on College Boulevard.
2. 2025 Dates, Location, and Operating Hours
Mark your calendar for the 2025 Kansas City Holiday Boutique. The event is a multi-day affair designed to accommodate every type of shopper, from the early bird to the evening enthusiast.
Event Schedule & Venue:
- Venue: Overland Park Convention Center
- Address: 6000 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS 66211
- General Dates: Thursday, November 20 – Sunday, November 23, 2025
Daily Hours (Estimated based on recent shows):
- VIP Shopping Night (Wednesday, Nov 19 or 20): 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Exclusive access)
- Thursday & Friday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
3. Insider Guide to the VIP Shopping Night
For the serious shopper, the VIP Shopping Night is the single best ticket to secure. Held on the Wednesday evening before the general opening, this exclusive event offers a less crowded environment, allowing you to browse the hundreds of vendors at a leisurely pace. Limited tickets are available for this perk-filled evening, which often includes complimentary refreshments, a quieter atmosphere, and the first chance to purchase the most sought-after, one-of-a-kind items before they sell out.
If you are looking for specific, high-demand items like handmade jewelry, unique apparel, or local artisan goods, paying the premium for the VIP experience can save you time and ensure you don't miss out. It is the ultimate strategy for avoiding the peak weekend crowds.
4. The Vast Vendor Landscape: 15+ Key Shopping Entities
The KC Holiday Boutique is renowned for its sheer volume and variety of vendors, typically featuring hundreds of businesses, with a strong emphasis on local and regional artisans. This high concentration of sellers ensures a diverse selection of gifts for everyone on your list, from the hard-to-shop-for relative to the newest member of the family.
The marketplace is segmented into several key shopping categories, giving the event a high topical authority in the regional retail space. Key entities and product types you can expect to find include:
- Apparel & Accessories: Boutique clothing, scarves, designer handbags, and seasonal wear.
- Jewelry: Everything from fine, handcrafted pieces (like those from Michele Avery Jewelry) to trendy costume jewelry.
- Home Decor & Holiday Decor: Seasonal decorations, custom signs, candles, and unique furniture pieces.
- Gourmet Food & Drink: Local jams, specialized spice blends, craft coffee, and pre-packaged holiday treats.
- Children's & Toys: Educational toys, unique children's clothing, and books.
- Art & Photography: Works from local Kansas City artists, prints, and custom portraits.
- Health & Beauty/Body: Artisan soaps, lotions, bath bombs, and wellness products.
- Specialty/Novelty: Unique finds like "grab and go bundles" or mystery bags from vendors such as KC Relics.
Many vendors, including boutiques like Tillie & Co Boutique, offer exclusive show specials and discounts only available during the event, making it a prime opportunity for budget-conscious shoppers.
5. Navigating Tickets and Pricing
While ticket prices can vary slightly each year, purchasing them in advance online is always the most cost-effective and time-saving option. General admission tickets are typically priced lower than at the door, and official event channels are the best place to buy. While resale sites may list average prices around $36, general admission is usually much lower.
The price of the VIP Shopping Night ticket will be higher, reflecting the exclusive access and perks. Keep an eye on the official Kansas City Holiday Boutique website for the release of the 2025 ticket packages, which may include multi-day passes or special "Girls Night Out" packages.
6. Essential Logistics: Parking and Accessibility
The Overland Park Convention Center is well-equipped to handle the large crowds, but planning your parking is crucial. One of the biggest advantages of the Overland Park location is the ample parking.
- Primary Parking: There are over 5,000 FREE parking spaces available in the Convention Center's North Lot, specifically designated for shoppers.
- Overflow Parking & Shuttle: During peak times, especially on the weekend, a free shuttle service is typically offered from a nearby auxiliary lot, such as the Black & Veatch parking lot on Lamar Avenue, to help manage traffic flow.
- Local Warning: Be sure to use the designated lots. The event organizers explicitly warn shoppers not to park in local business lots, as vehicles parked there may be towed.
- Accommodation: The venue is conveniently attached to the Sheraton Overland Park at the Convention Center, making it an ideal choice for out-of-town visitors looking for a full weekend shopping getaway.
7. Don't Miss the Festive Features
Beyond the shopping, the KC Holiday Boutique offers several festive features to enhance the holiday spirit. The lower level of the Overland Park Convention Center often hosts a dedicated area for seasonal fun, which typically runs daily from 9:00 AM to noon. This area is perfect for families and children, offering a break from the main retail floor. Look for opportunities to take photos with Santa, participate in holiday-themed activities, or simply enjoy the beautifully decorated displays that provide inspiration for your own home decor.
The combination of convenience, variety, and the sheer volume of unique, high-quality vendors solidifies the Kansas City Holiday Boutique as the true "Holiday Mart Overland Park" and the must-attend event of the 2025 holiday season.
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