Entrepreneur behind Soul of Santa aims to create Rockefeller Plaza holiday experience on KC’s east side
October 31, 2024 | Startland News Staff
Tucker Lott hopes an outdoor ice skating rink at 2000 Vine — the home of Vine Street Brewing — will help solidify a new holiday tradition in the 18th and Vine entertainment district, the veteran entrepreneur said.
“We wanted to create a holiday atmosphere where families could gather and have fun,” said Lott. “The entire idea is to create a holiday experience like at Rockefeller Plaza in New York but on the east side of Kansas City.”
The Soul of Santa Winter Wonderland is set to open Friday, Nov. 15 and run through Jan. 5.
Tickets begin at $10 for adults and children older than 5. All proceeds benefit Lott’s The Soul of Santa “Do Good” Foundation, which primarily connects high-functioning individuals with disabilities, as well as their parents or caregivers, to resources such as holistic workforce development plans, food, transportation, clothing and financial literacy.
“The Soul of Santa ‘Do Good’ Foundation seeks to create a world where no one ever feels forgotten or overlooked due to their disability,” said Lott, president and founder of Tucker Lott Cards, LLC and the founder and creator of The Soul of Santa Brand. “It is our soul brand purpose for each and every person to feel love, joy and acceptance.”
The foundation was inspired by Lott’s late daughter Aria Lott, who lived with epilepsy. She has six songs on The Soul of Santa Christmas album compilation including “Fingers in the Snow” and “Diversity.”
“The Soul of Santa symbolizes the privilege each and every one of us has to celebrate Christmas in a manner that reflects our heritage and our belief in the spirit of the holiday known as Christmas, and all that it represents,” Lott said.
Hours for the ice skating rink will vary by day. Click here for more information on group rates and availability.

2024 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Wonder developers eye emerging businesses and creatives for Troost
Business is brewing at the former Wonder Bread bakery. With a flurry of activity at 30th and Troost, the historic site is undergoing a transformation: from yet another vacant space on the corridor to an anchor for residential and commercial life on Troost. “They’ve gutted the inside and they’ve done a ton of work,” said…
Video: Nonprofit wants to bring coworking, craft fairs and farmers markets to Troost
Nonprofit group Troost Market Collective hopes to revitalize a section of Troost Avenue — from 31st to Linwood — bringing a coworking space, art collective and maker spaces, as well as regular festivals and farmers markets. While other developers are busy building residential and retail space along the Troost corridor, Troost Market Collective co-founders Katie Mabry…
Troost revival: Can a brewpub, retail and 670 housing units mend racial divide?
No turning back now, Ilan Salzberg said. “This is real,” the Wonder lofts developer laughed, gesturing at the freshly installed kitchen cabinetry and hardware in a model apartment unit at 30th Street and Troost Avenue. Wonder is expected to be the first of three major residential developments to open between 27th Street and Armour Boulevard…

