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
Why a City Market favorite is jumping the state line — to the food court at Oak Park Mall
Its Brazilian dishes — using recipes the owners grew up eating in São Paulo — have been a City Market draw for more than a decade. Now Taste of Brazil restaurant is expanding to Johnson County, but as a quick-serve kiosk with a limited menu. Taste of Brazil Express plans a late September opening in…
Spiced side hustle gives this Kansas culinary teacher a kick (and a growing market)
Richard Wilks is bringing heat to Kansas’ food scene. A chef and community-builder at heart, Wilks created Burro, a line of chili and garlic crunch oils, sauces, and seasonings designed to fuel real connection around the table. His growing lineup can be spotted at the Overland Park Farmers Market, where loyal customers keep coming back…
Animal health innovators: Building on a new frontier means do-overs, even when you got it right first
Kansas City-based ELIAS Animal Health earned full USDA approval for its bone cancer therapy for dogs earlier this year, but the road to commercialization has been long and anything but straight, Tammie Wahaus shared. The veteran CEO shared her story of pivots — including switching from human health to animal health and adapting to ever-changing…
Development leaders laud HQ expansion for organization that opens workforce to Kansas Citians with autism
A new multimillion-dollar, 80,000-square-foot headquarters along Kansas City’s Brush Creek marks a major milestone for Behavioral Health Allies, strengthening the organization’s workforce training efforts and its belief in the potential for individuals with developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorders, officials said Wednesday. “This expansion is exactly the kind of investment Kansas City needs,” said Tracey…

