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Christmas in Kansas City: Top Picks 2010

by Kristina Light

November 7, 2010 midnight

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! The options for Christmas Fun in Kansas City are truly limitless. It's simply impossible to do it all. So, what are the best of the best for festive fun this holiday season? We have your Top Picks for "Can't Miss" Family Fun this Christmas in Kansas City!

#1: Christmas at Crown Center

816.274.8444 Crown Center

Christmas at Crown Center is a Kansas City Tradition! With a whimsical playground made of super-sized Crayola® products, model trains traveling through a gingerbread village, visits with Santa, holiday movies, ice skating, and more... there is something for everyone! And, this year, KC Parent Magazine is hosting a $250 Crown Center Christmas Package Giveaway and you could be a winner! These are just a few of the highlight at Crown Center this Christmas:

Holiday Movies for $3 at the Screenland Bring the family to see some of the best holiday films on the big screens at Screenland Crown Center. This year's lineup features: The Polar Express (Nov 13-14 at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Dec 24 and Dec 26-30 at 11:30 a.m.). How The Grinch Stole Christmas (Nov 20-21, Dec 11-12, at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.) Elf (Nov 26-28 and Dec 17-18 at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.). A Christmas Story (Dec 4-5 at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.). Scrooged (Dec 24 and Dec 26-30 at 1:30 p.m.) Admission is just $3 per person. Get a small popcorn and a juice box (or small drink) for another $2. Call 816.545.8034 for more information. Screenland Movie Theaters
Santa's Gingerbread Village November 26 – December 24. Three model train locomotives travel through a Santa’s North Pole Village made entirely of gingerbread and sweet treats created by the chefs at The Westin Crown Center and Hyatt Regency Crown Center hotels.
Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant This casual restaurant is one your children will not forget! Model Trains travel around the perimeter of the restaurant delivering burgers and fries to your table. Fritz's Restaurants
Santa's Arrival at Crown Center November 26, 10:00 AM . Santa Claus arrives in a horse-drawn carriage to kick off the holiday season. Perry the Penguin, Tip from Crayola®, Casey the Bear and other costume characters help greet Jolly Ol’ St. Nick.

Santa's Crayola Christmas Land November 26 – December 31. Children play on super-sized Crayola® products, and tell Santa their holiday wishes. Santa is in residence November 26 through December 24. The Crayola Christmas Land play area is open through December 31. FREE admission. Photos with Santa are available for a fee.
Ice Skating at the Ice Terrace Kansas City's own outdoor skating rink is open for the season! Regular admission is $6, or free for adults over age 60 and children age 4 and under. Skate rental is $3, or skaters may bring their own. Hours through January: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday & Saturday. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. in February and March. For a great discount, try Two-for-One Tuesdays! After 5 p.m., pay one full price admission and receive a second for FREE. (Skate rental not included, but it's just $3 per person.)
Create Christmas Crafts at Kaleidoscope (Hallmark's Kaleidoscope 2500 Grand Blvd. KCMO. 816.274.8301). Children love creating their own works of art in this magical hands-on art center. Best of all, it's FREE! Kaleidoscope Calendar
Toyland Outdoor Playground The Mayor's Christmas Tree is surrounded by a wonderful wooden playground made of giant toys. The giant wooden trains, wooden soldiers and animals are a holiday favorite for the whole family and offer terrific photo ops!

#2 Christmas at Union Station

816.460.2020 Union Station

Christmas at Union Station is a festive and magical time. The Grand Hall is decorated with beautiful trees and trains, exhibits throughout inspire memories of the season, and children love riding the Jones Store train!

Christmas Train Exhibit: Located in Union Station's Kansas City Power & Light Gallery enjoy the all new Model Railroad Experience. This is one of the largest model railroad displays in America with trains of all sizes running through scenes of a festive Winter Wonderland. Next to the display, guests will learn about Kansas City’s Holiday History with a special Holiday Memories exhibit.
Kansas City Southern Rudy Replica: New for 2010, Union Station will feature a brand new Christmas Tree in the Grand Hall with a replica of Kansas City Southern’s Rudy Holiday Express circling the tree.
Historic Jones Store Train: Beloved by generations at Christmas, the Jones Store Train will be operating with rides for children beginning November 20.
Polar Express Movie: The Holiday Classic Movie, Polar Express will come to the City Stage this Holiday Season. November 26, 2010- January 2, 2011.
Kansas City Southern Holiday Express: Visit Santa aboard the KCS Holiday Express! Enjoy a holiday tradition with a visit to Santa aboard the KCS Holiday Express, a full size Christmas train decorated by Santa and his elves! December 17-19, Friday open 9:30am-8pm, Saturday and Sunday, 9:30am-5:30pm
Marrilac Enchanted Forest November 17-December 5. Marillac's Enchanted Forest of beautifully decorated trees and wreaths returns for its 18th year. Trees and wreaths are decorated and donated to the forest, and all are available for purchase during a three-week silent auction. Proceeds benefit the children of Marillac.

#3 Visit the Fairy Princess

In 1935, Kline’s Department Store of downtown Kansas City was celebrating the Grand Opening of their Toyland. Santa came to other stores; Kline’s wanted to do something original to attract visitors. So they introduced the Fairy Princess. For 25 cents, children visited the Princess, telling her their Christmas wishes. Then, she waved her magic wand and a surprise gift would appear! Over the years, gifts were presented sliding from chutes, appearing on revolving turn tables, hiding in fairyland trees or magically opening trunks. The tradition continued, at just 25 cents, until Kline’s closed in 1970. The Fairy Princess returned in 1987 when the Kansas City Museum brought her back for Christmas. This year, visit the Fairy Princess at the Kansas City Museum or enjoy Breakfast with her at Zona Rosa!

Breakfast with the Fairy Princess November 27 at 8:00 AM, Zona Rosa. Breakfast with the Fairy Princess is quickly becoming one of the most revered holiday traditions at Zona Rosa! The event features traditional holiday entertainment, a kid-friendly breakfast menu and a special gift from the Fairy Princess. Afterward, take a peak inside the winter igloo, stroll though a magnificently decorated Christmas wonderland, and get your picture taken with the Fairy Princess upon her beautiful throne. Advance tickets are required and will be available for purchase at Zona Rosa Guest Services beginning November 1st. Due to the limited number of tickets available for this special event, all tickets must be purchased in person (no phone orders or holds). 816.587.8180 Zona Rosa
Fairy Princess at the KC Museum Saturdays: Dec. 4, 11, and 18 from 10am-4pm, Sundays: Dec. 5, 12, and 19 from noon-4pm, Kansas City Museum. With a wave of her magic wand, the Fairy Princess appears at the Kansas City Museum this holiday season! Take a picture with the Fairy Princess, Create holiday arts and crafts, Enjoy a sweet treat, Visit the Fairy Princess Boutique. $5/child. 816.483.8300 KC Museum Fairy Princess
Read more ideas for Christmas Princess fun in KC.

#4 Celebrate with the Nutcracker

Your children will have visions of sugar plum fairies dancing in their heads after enjoying the magical performance of The Nutcracker. This year, consider an extra special treat with the Nutcracker Tea Party.

Nutcracker Tea Party Sat, Dec 4th, 12:00-2:00 pm, Sun, Dec 5th, 12:00-2:00 pm & 4:00-6:00 pm, Ritz Charles. A Ballet and Tea featuring The Legacy School of the Arts Dance Company and the Overland Park Orchestra at the Ritz Charles. All proceeds benefit public arts programs of Friends of Overland Park Arts. This includes dance, music, public art installations and gallery exhibitions. KC Parent Magazine is a Sponsor for this premier event. Both parties will be a sell-out. $25-40/ticket. 913.895.6390 Nutcracker Tea Party
Sugar Plum Fairy Luncheon December 11, 10:30 am. A magical event for the child in all of us….. Guests will revel in an elegant and magical holiday celebration at the Marriott Hotel in downtown Kansas City. Enjoy shopping for unique holiday gifts at the Silent Auction and Nutcracker Market and dine on a delicious three course lunch. The Master of Ceremonies and the enchanting Sugar Plum Fairy and her friends will delight guests with a swirl of dancing and so much more! Each child will also receive a complimentary photo with the Sugar Plum Fairy. After lunch it’s a short walk to the magnificent Music Hall for the 2:00 p.m. matinee of Kansas City Ballet’s stunning The Nutcracker. Tickets on sale now. 816.931.2232 KC Ballet: Nutcracker BONUS: Enter KC Parent Magazine's exclusive Sugar Plum Fairy Luncheon Giveaway!
KC Ballet: The Nutcracker December 11-24, Music Hall. Holiday magic sparkles as the curtain goes up for Kansas City Ballet’s enchanting presentation of The Nutcracker with live orchestral accompaniment of Tchaikovsky's famous music. Featuring elaborate scenery, stunning choreography and vibrant costumes, Clara’s magical adventure captures the imaginations of all ages. Kansas City Ballet’s The Nutcracker is the largest production in an eight state region. Over 200 area children who are students in the Kansas City Ballet School perform alongside 25 Kansas City Ballet company dancers. This performance lasts approximately two hours. There will be one twenty-minute intermission. Ticket Prices Vary. 816.931.2232 KC Ballet: Nutcracker
See our list of Christmas Shows in Kansas City for more ideas.

#5 Ride the Rails with Santa

This holiday season, create family memories with a fun mixture of whimsy and nostalgia as you enjoy a magical Christmas Train ride with Santa! There are great choices in both Missouri and Kansas!

Santa Train in Belton, Missouri November 27 & December 4 at 10AM, Belton & Grandview Railroad. Ride the rails with Santa aboard the Belton, Grandview and Kansas City Railroad. Enjoy a 45 min. train trip. Reservations required. $9.50/ea. 816.331.0630 Belton, Grandview & Kansas City Railroad
Santa Claus Express in Baldwin City, Kansas December 4 & 5 with departures at 10am, 1pm, and 3pm. Midland Railway. Take an hour train ride with Jolly Old St. Nick and enjoy a photo with Santa in his special rail car. Note: No heat on train so dress accordingly. Children (1-11) /$7, Adults (12 and up)/$14. 913.721.1211 Midland Railway
Read our Complete Guide to Christmas Trains in KC for more great ideas!

#6 Christmas at the Toy & Miniature Museum

816.333.9328 Toy & Miniature Museum

Christmas Time and toys... the two go naturally hand-in-hand. The Toy & Miniature Museum is one of the best loved museums in Kansas City, and rightly so. Children love to discover new surprises at every corner, and adults enjoy reminiscing about their own childhood favorites.

Coleman Dollhouse Open House December 4 from 10am-4pm. Join in the annual tradition as the largest dollhouse in the Museum is opened for all to see! Measuring 9 feet tall and 7 feet wide, the Coleman dollhouse is a testament to the enormous wealth of an illustrious early American family. The house will be open all day and collections coordinator Mary Wheeler will give two talks about the home at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Father Christmas December 19 at 1:30 PM, Toy and Miniature Museum. Jim "Two-Crows" Wallen reprises his role as Father Christmas for this annual storytelling tradition.
50 Years of Barbie The exhibit celebrating America's Favorite Doll is there through December 2010. Read our rave review!

# 7 Step Back in Time for an Old Fashioned Christmas

Kansas City is rich with wonderful historic sites and museums. This holiday season they are offering the best in festive fun for the whole family! These are a few of our favorites:

Candlelight Tours December 3 & 4 from 6- 8:15 PM tours start every 15 minutes, John Wornall House Museum. Step back in time and learn about the Wornall family on different Christmas Eves over the past 150 years. $14/ea. 816.444.1858 John Wornall House Museum
A Visit with St. Nicholas at Shoal Creek December 4 from 10am-4pm, Shoal Creek Living History Museum. Visit log cabins of 1825 and 1835, a school, church, mercantile and then St. Nicholas, resplendent in green velvet robes. Ride the horse drawn sleigh and take the walking tour through 17 historic buildings. $5 per person, 5 and under free.. 816.792.2655. Shoal Creek
Mahaffie Christmas Open House December 4 from 10am-4pm, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm. Visit with Father Christmas and Santa, ride the stagecoach, make gingerbread houses and more. Enjoy stagecoach rides and gingerbread house decorating. Free admission, charge for some activities. 913. 971.5111 Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farmstead
A Country School Christmas December 4, 1-5pm, Lanesfield School Historic Site. Enjoy a traditional 1904 Christmas Celebration! Visit Santa (bring your camera), make traditional Christmas decorations, enjoy Christmas caroling, storytelling, refreshments, and write a letter to Santa with pen and ink. Free. 913.715.2552 Lanesfield School
Christmas 1855 December 11 from 9am-7pm, Missouri Town 1855. Visit with the residents of a mid 19th century community as they prepare for Christmas. The aroma of hearth cooked meals and the sound of authentic music will put you in a festive mood. Recent immigrants will depict their ethnic traditions as they keep their heritage alive with their own special customs. As the afternoon turns to evening, visitors will tour the village by luminary lit paths. Adults, $5.00; Youth 5-13 and Seniors, $3.00; Under 5, free. 816.503.4860 Missouri Town 1855
For many more terrific ideas see our Guide to an Old Fashioned Christmas in Kansas City.

#8 Journey To Bethlehem

Several Kansas City area churches are hosting Living Nativity events this Christmas. These are outdoor walking tours as you experience the sights and sounds of the original Christmas story. Many presentations include actors, live animals and cocoa and cookies after the tour. Tours are free and open to the public; reservations are not required. Excursions begin in intervals and you can arrive at any time in the evening to join a tour. Some tours are not handicapped accessible; we recommend calling ahead for information.

Dec. 3 from 6:00-9:00 PM & Dec 4 from 5:00-8:00 Southminster Presbyterian Church (6305 Roe, Prairie Village, 913.432.3505)
Dec. 3 & 4, 6:30-9:00, South Kansas City Baptist Church (10200 James A. Reed Rd., KCMO, 816.765.7305)
Dec. 4 & 5, 6:00-8:00, Kansas City First Church of the Nazarene (11811 State Line Rd., KCMO, 816.942.9022)
Dec. 10, 7:00-9:00, and Dec. 11 & 12, 6:00-8:00, New Vision Church of the Nazarene (100 S. Sunrise Dr., Raymore, 816.348.0303)
Discover more ideas celebrating the First Christmas in Kansas City.

#9 Christmas Lights

A guide to the Best Christmas Fun in Kansas City would be incomplete without mentioning Christmas Lights... there are many wonderful displays to see, from community displays to home tours, these are our Favorites:

The Country Club Plaza... Hot Tip: Drive to the top of the Hall's Parking Lot and see the view from above... it's worth it! (Lights are lit Thanksgiving - January 16, 2011)
Christmas in the Park.... Hot Tip: This is one of the BEST Christmas Light Displays in the Midwest, making it extremely popular! If you visit midweek, you won't have to wait in long lines and may even get to drive through the display twice! Weekends are very popular, so expect a long wait. (Display begins the day before Thanksgiving and runs through Christmas)
The Ultimate Tree... Hot Tip: This display is an amazing LED Light display with a thirty minute program. Kids LOVE it! Bring Hot Cocoa and cookies and bundle up for the show! (Display runs Thanksgiving - Christmas)
This is just the tip of the iceberg... check out our full list of the Best Christmas Lights in KC (with directions and addresses for the ones listed above) and Lighting Ceremonies for the full scoop!

#10 Try Something New

What could be more fun than Celebrating a Magical Christmas in Kansas City? Enjoying Family Fun for FREE! Check our Great Giveaways ALL Month for Fabulous Prizes!

And see our Calendar of Events in Kansas City for hundreds of fantastic ideas this holiday season!

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Note: This guide was compiled by the staff of KC Parent Magazine and may not be reproduced in print or online without permission. If you have additions to this guide, please email kristina@kcparent.com.

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