Margaritaville Kansas City: The Frosted Reef Christmas Pop-Up
An under-the-sea holiday pop-up bar with beach-ball Christmas trees, a tropical Santa and heated cabanas. Here's what we ordered, what to know before you go, and what's new for 2026.
Heads up: We visited in December 2025. The 2026 pop-up looks very similar to last year's event and decor, so the photos and our notes are from our 2025 visit. The details below are for 2026.
Book your stay at Margaritaville KC
Opens Friday, Nov. 27, 2026
- Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday5 – 10 PM
- Friday & Saturday5 – 11 PM
Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Reservations are welcome but not required, and there's no time limit. For groups larger than 6, call LandShark ahead at 913-340-1800. Book on the Margaritaville holiday page.
The vibe
The decor is over the top and so festive. I loved the mix of tropical and Christmas decor all over the property, especially in the bar. Think a Christmas tree covered in beach balls, flip-flops and flamingo floats, flamingos in Santa hats and scarves, and a tropical Santa with a ukulele.
Outside, the walkway to the cabanas is covered in a canopy of twinkle lights with glowing reindeer. It wasn't super busy when we went, but there was a good crowd.
The Frosted Cabanas
We sat inside the Frosted Reef but got a peek at the Frosted Cabanas, and they were so cute. We didn't get a chance to have a drink in one, but they'd be perfect for a group. There are six enclosed, heated cabanas on the pool deck. Each one fits up to 10 people and comes with plush lounge seating, blankets, a heater, board games, a TV, a Bluetooth speaker, complimentary hot chocolate and a welcome snack.
- Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday$200 per cabana
- Friday & Saturday$250 per cabana
- Yule Tide & Turtle Time
- The Frosty Flamingo
- Holiday at the Reef
- Fa La La Lagoon
- Snow on the Sand
- Holiday at Hibiscus
What we ordered
The Seasick Crocodile was the cutest and most festive drink we tried. It was fun and tasty but quite sweet, and honestly, all the drinks we tried were on the sweeter side. Good news: the Seasick Crocodile is back on the menu for 2026.
Josh ordered the Siren's Song, made with Woodford Reserve, Licor 43, agave and lime juice.
I liked the coconut shrimp, but Josh didn't. The coconut flavor is strong, so skip it if you're not a big coconut fan.
2026 menu highlights
You can order LandShark favorites or from the holiday menu of cocktails, mocktails, bites and desserts.
Staying at the resort
December 2025 was our first time staying at Margaritaville Hotel Kansas City, and it made a fun little family overnight getaway from our home in Springfield, MO.
The resort feels pretty commercialized, but it's very clean and welcoming, and it's kid-friendly, which was great for us. The outdoor pools looked awesome, so I'd love to come back in the summer when they're open.
Our kids loved the indoor pool and the Fin City Arcade. The pool area has seating for parents and a walk-up window where you can order food and drinks from the bar, so everyone's happy.
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Tips for your visit
- Dress warm. It was a little cold inside the bar, and it was freezing outside when we visited.
- Reservations are optional. You can book on OpenTable, but walk-ins are welcome.
- Bringing a big group? Book a Frosted Cabana, or call ahead if you have more than 6 people.
- Bring the kids. The pop-up is open to all ages, and the whole resort is family-friendly.
- Plan around the schedule. It's closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
- Stay the night and make it a mini holiday getaway.
More Christmas fun
Another Christmas pop-upCheck out the J.HO.HO.B. Christmas Pop-UpRead the review