Holiday Reflections

Union Station, Kansas City's Home, is celebrating the holiday season with its annual installation of "Holiday Reflections." The magical winter wonderland in Union Station's Grand Plaza features spectacular decorations including Kansas City’s largest indoor decorated tree, sky-reaching lights, floating mirrored ornaments, singing penguins and reindeer, whimsical windows, miles of garland, tens of thousands of lights, and of course, trains!

You begin your experience in the pine tree forest with an experience for the senses as the scent of fresh pine wafts through the air, snow falls on the hour, music is played, and two angels herald in the holidays with their trumpets.

The newest attraction this year is a special holiday-themed VR ride. Our family enjoyed the experience as we rode through Lapland, the North Pole, Santa's headquarters, and the Northern Lights. Tickets to Magical Sleigh Ride VR (located inside Holiday Reflections) are $6 and available to purchase once inside Holiday Reflections.

The singing penguin trio is back this year, dazzling children with their holiday crooning.

The displays throughout Holiday Reflections are truly spectacular. You'll find many fabulous photo ops including the I Heart Santa sign, Giant Golden Ornaments, the North Pole, and more.

In addition to singing penguins, you'll find singing reindeer - a more comical musical group. 

The whimsical holiday windows are all animated with delightful Christmas scenes reminiscent of the North Pole. Santa's Holiday Village includes light poles with animated scenes, windows, and a special station where children may write letters to Santa.

The vintage reindeer and decorations throughout offer a hint of nostalgia for guests.

The Jones Store Train display is my personal favorite. The giant toys surrounding the track are delightful and charming.

Visitors are invited to take a ride on the miniature train! Often referred to as the Jones Store Train and beloved by generations during the holidays, it was once a popular attraction at the Jones Store downtown. Riders must be under 48″ tall (approximately 5-6 years of age and under). Accessible with paid admission to Holiday Reflections. Pricing: Union Station Members FREE | Non-members $5. Schedule: Nov. 21 – Jan. 1: 10 AM – 1:30 PM, 2 PM – 4:30 PM & 5 PM – 7 PM. Please Note Train is Closed on the following dates: Nov. 24 – Thanksgiving, Dec. 1, and Dec. 25. Closes early on Dec. 14 (at 5:00 PM), Dec. 24 Christmas Eve (2:00 PM). The schedule is subject to change.

The favorite display for children and adults alike is the Holiday Model Train display, featuring 11,000 square feet of beautiful holiday displays filling the back of the Grand Plaza with moving trains in every scale. Disney, Lego, Coca-Cola, the KCS Holiday Express, classic steam trains, and others run throughout the miniature village. Volunteers donate hundreds of hours every year on this true labor of love for the children of Kansas City, creating the very best model train exhibit we have ever seen (and our family has seen many train exhibits across the country!)

Our family spent an hour enjoying the experience, one of the best holiday attractions in Kansas City this year.

About "Holiday Reflections" walk-thru village: $7 Admission per person Monday thru Friday. $9 Admission Saturday & Sunday. $7 for Members every day of the week.* * Excludes preservation fee. Tickets to Magical Sleigh Ride VR (located inside Holiday Reflections) are $6 and available to purchase once inside Holiday Reflections. Plus, special Santa appearances. For a full holiday schedule visit unionstation.org/holidays

Union Station is ensuring the safety of visitors with limited capacity for this holiday attraction. Tickets may be purchased online at UnionStation.org/events/holiday-reflections-walk-thru-village. Advance tickets are recommended to ensure you'll be able to visit on the day you have planned. Tickets frequently sell out, so buying tickets in advance is highly recommended.

MORE Events to Enjoy as part of Union Station's Home for the Holidays Season:

Plan to attend additional events including Planetarium Laser Shows and more. 

Classic Holiday Movies

Come enjoy some of your favorite holiday movies on the biggest screen in the region! Union Station's Holiday Reflections returns this holiday season. $3.50 Holiday Classic Movie Series in Regnier Theatre!

• 11/18 – 11/23 National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
• 11/25 – 12/8 Elf Extreme Screen Theatre
• 12/9 – 12/17 The Polar Express (pajamas encouraged)

Check unionstation.org for showtimes and tickets.

Santa at Holiday Reflections

Santa will be roaming the exhibit and visiting with families.

• NOV 25-27
• DEC 3-4
• DEC 10-11
• DEC 16
• DEC 18-24

Kansas City Southern's Holiday Express

Please Note: Walkthrough reservations are full, but walk-around visits will be available Dec. 14 – 18. The Kansas City Southern Holiday Express returns for 2022! This six-car holiday train features intricate displays both inside and out and will bring Santa Clause and his elves to visit Kansas City.

Union Station's Holiday Schedule

• 11/18 – 1/1/23: Sky Station LIVE: Stars of FaithArvin Gottlieb Planetarium More Info
• 11/18 – 1/1/23: Laser Holiday MagicArvin Gottlieb Planetarium More Info
• 11/18 – 11/23: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation on the Extreme Screen Theatre More Info
• 11/21/22 – 1/1/23: Holiday Reflections at Grand Plaza More Info
• 11/25 – 12/8: Elf on the Extreme Screen Theatre More Info
• 11/26 – 12/23: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever at City Stage Theatre More Info
• 12/4: Canadian Pacific Holiday Train at Haverty Family Yards
• 12/9 – 12/11: The Nutcracker, All Jazz’d Up! at City Stage Theatre More Info
• 12/9 – 12/20: The Polar Express on the Extreme Screen Theatre More Info
• 12/17: Kansas City Southern Holiday Express Train at Haverty Family Yards More Info
• 12/17: Merry Science Day at Science City More Info
• 12/31: Noon Years Eve at Science City

Read our Guide to Christmas in Crown Center for tips to enjoy their attractions as well during your visit!