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This holiday season, create family memories with a fun mixture of whimsy and nostalgia as you enjoy one of these magical Christmas Train experiences in Kansas City. From train rides to the beloved Polar Express to marvelous model train displays from classic collections to villages made of gingerbread... we have everything for Kansas City's Train Fans! First stop? Why, Union Station of course!
Holiday Reflections photos by Kristina Light
Trains at Union Station
Celebrate the holidays at Kansas City's own Union Station with Train Rides, Exhibits, and shows! Union Station, 30 W. Pershing, Kansas City, MO
Holiday Reflections Nov. 20 - Jan. 1: Union Station’s Holiday walk-thru village, “Holiday Reflections” presented by BOK Financial, fills 27,000 square feet of historic Grand Plaza. The ticketed experience features sky-reaching lights, dozens of decorated trees, Santa visits, miles of garland, life-size sparking photo ops, a mini-ride on the train and more. New this year: For the first time a Liquid Fireworks Fountain will be presented in the center courtyard of Grand Plaza creating a show-stopping whimsical experience for all to enjoy. Featuring a 16-foot-tall water show, powered by nearly 10,000 gallons of water, and 300 special effects lights all weighing over 60,000 pounds to create a festive musical fountain show...and the first of its kind in Kansas City. Holiday Reflections' newest Selfie Scenes to snap hundreds of holiday pics include New! Kiss Me Wall (we’ve invited Travis & Taylor to test it out), New! Santa’s Rocket Sleigh Hanger (we love reindeer, but rocket power will knock your socks off) is new! Lollipop Land (for the love of candy, this is so cool) and more! Plus, a fan-favorite, the Holiday Model Train display, a full 10,000 square feet fills the back of the Grand Plaza with decorated landscapes featuring moving trains in every scale.
Canada Pacific's Holiday Train is coming to Kansas City! Join us at Union Station on Nov. 27 from 6:45-8 PM for a special holiday event. The 2023 CPKC Holiday Train tours Canada and the United States from Nov. 20 through Dec. 19, raising money, food, and awareness for the important work that food banks do in their communities. it will stop at Union Station on Nov. 27. Professional musicians play free concerts from the brightly decorated train’s stage. CPKC donates to the local food shelf at each stop and encourages attendees to also donate. Since its inception in 1999, the CPKC Holiday Train has raised more than $22.5 million and more than 5 million pounds of food for community food banks across North America.
Polar Express in your PJs Dec. 8-31 Come enjoy some of your favorite holiday movies on the biggest screen in the region! Union Station's Holiday Reflections returns this holiday season. $3.75 Holiday Classic Movie Series in Regnier Theatre! Find the complete $3.75 Christmas Classics schedule here.
All Aboard Exhibit This amazing train-themed exhibit is inspired by the people and technology of trains and railroads and is packed with interactive activities as well as featuring one of the most elaborate model train layouts in the region! Your kids can hop in the cab of a 1920s Steam Locomotive, role play in the sleeper and dining cars, learn how to transport goods and materials, create a toy train village, move miniature freight containers along an expansive toy table landscape, build and test Brio Tracks, and so much more! “All Aboard" is just one of the amazing exhibits you'll discover when you visit Science City! And with over 300 interactive exhibits and 100,000 square feet of themed spaces to roam and explore, there's something for guests of every age - including dedicated spaces just for early learners - and something NEW to discover with every visit! Skip the Ticket Office lines and get your tickets online in advance: https://sciencecity.unionstation.org
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dszc Getty Images/iStockphoto
Union Station
A place for great adventure. Where Kansas City Connects. All of these phrases – and more – are regularly used to describe Union Station. Visitors of all ages, from all places and for all reasons tie Union Station to special and magical moments.
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KC Northern Railroad
Three 16-inch gauge trains restored and operated by volunteers run on a half-mile track through tunnels that are sure to make your children smile.
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Crown Center
2450 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MissouriCrown Center is the place for pure entertainment. With exciting events and unique attractions. A center full of locally owned shops and restaurants. And two luxury hotels so you can stay at the center of it all.
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Enchant Chrsitmas
Enchant is an immersive experience weaving magic into its every corner, perfect for joyful seasonal celebrations. Adventure through The Mischievous Elf, a captivating, larger-than-life light maze that is the cornerstone to the Enchant experience.
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Science City at Union Station
Kansas City’s Science Center, Science City at Union Station Kansas City, is a dynamic, hands-on science center featuring nearly 200 individual interactive exhibits and daily programming. Kids of all ages experience the amazing world of science fir...
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Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
Savor beautiful gardens including a Monet garden, a children’s garden and water gardens.
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Youthfront Camp
21667 Spoon Creek Rd, Edgerton, KansasYouthfront Camp has provided fun and faith-building experiences to kids and teens for more than 80 years. Campers have a blast at the Splash Park on the lake, zipline, sport courts, water slides and more.
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Fritz's
2450 Grand, Kansas City, MissouriOld-fashioned diner with a train theme serving American breakfasts, burgers & soda-fountain treats.
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Trains at Crown Center
Santa's Gingerbread Station Nov. 24 - Dec. 24: Santa's Gingerbread Village Santa Claus will welcome the public throughout the holiday season for visits, wish lists, and photos. A photographer will be on-site to take photos for a fee, or you may take your own. Photo packages start at $12. Open November 24 - December 24, 2023, with the following hours: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm, Monday - Saturday. Noon - 5:00 pm, Sunday. 10:00am - 5:00pm, December 24. Please note that Gingerbread Village will not be a part of Santa's Gingerbread Station this year.
Mayor's Christmas Tree The centerpiece of the city's Christmas is the 100-foot-tall Mayor's Christmas Tree, in Crown Center Square, lit every evening beginning the night after Thanksgiving. During the day, enjoy the wooden playground beneath the tree's base where you'll find beautiful giant wooden toys where children play and families take photos. You'll find wooden soldiers, cars, planes, animals, and of course... a Christmas train!
GloWild: North Pole Village photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium
The Kansas City & Aquarium Zoo (6800 Zoo Dr., Kansas City, MO) is home to an open-air, large-scale train. A highlight of the ride is a trip through the tunnel. Season: year-round; operates daily if the weather is above 50 degrees. While you're at the zoo, enjoy their holiday events! On Dec. 2 & 3 meet Santa. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be making a special stop at the Zoo. Kids can write letters to Santa and then meet the jolly old guy in person. Be sure to bring your camera to capture those candid moments with Santa and Mrs. Claus. You can also catch our cold-weather penguins as they take a walk in the chilly outdoor air during our Penguin March. On Dec. 16 Santa Delivers gifts to the animals. Santa is back one last time before the big day and this time, he is visiting some extra special animals! All weekend long, guests can catch a glimpse of Santa as he is delivering gifts to some of our animal residents who have made the top of the nice list this year.
GloWild: North Pole Village
As a big fan of GloWild at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, I was thrilled to experience this year's Around the World display. And, now they've added North Pole Village to the display with brand-new holiday lanterns to enjoy through Dec. 30!
The first of the fabulous holiday additions is the spectacular life-size train at the entrance to the zoo. The holiday displays continue near the end of the GloWild loop as you enter the Australian section of the zoo. There, visitors are welcomed by a cheerful Santa, a whimsical candy cane archway, snowmen, nutcrackers, and of course, St. Nick himself. The event includes a chance to meet Santa (in Australia) every evening from 6-9 pm (included with admission). We even met Mrs. Claus greeting guests at the warming station where they could enjoy cocoa and goodies.
North Pole Village is just one section of the GloWild experience. Visitors get to journey "Around the World" as they see landmarks and animals from all seven continents. The Roman Coliseum, Eiffel Tower, Mount Rushmore, and Statue of Liberty are just a few iconic landmarks you'll see. Music for each country sets the scene as you see each display.
This event does require a separate ticket from daily Zoo admission. Tickets can be purchased at www.kansascityzoo.org/glowild.
Enchant Christmas
Enchant Christmas is the newest holiday experience in Kansas City, Kansas, at home on the Monarchs Field at Legends Stadium. Enchant Christmas is an immersive experience weaving magic into its every corner, perfect for joyful seasonal celebrations. Adventure through The Mischievous Elf, a captivating, larger-than-life light maze that is the cornerstone to the Enchant experience. Wander the Village of tiny storefronts featuring artisan vendors, specialty crafters, and boutiques - perfect for holiday gift gathering. As you shop, satisfy your festive cravings and indulge in a tasty seasonal treat or delightful beverage. Experience Enchant Christmas' Ice Skating Trail as you glide through a dazzling forest of Christmas lights. Visit with Santa in the Enchant Village to find out if you’re on the naughty or nice list! And, parents of young ones - escape and unwind in the Little One's Play Place at Enchant. Amidst Enchant’s festive wonder, families will find activities away from the hustle and bustle here. Access is included with any admission ticket and children 0-7 will find all kinds of fun to explore. Information at Enchant Christmas.
Kristina Light, Fritz's at Crown Center
Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant Level 1 Crown Center Shops. 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. Little Engineers love the train decor and delight in the novelty! Fritz's Restaurants
Join Santa on the Kansas City Northern Miniature Railroad Christmas Train. Dec 9, 12-4 pm (weather permitting).6060 NW Waukomis Dr. This will be our last ride in 2022 and will be a Merry, Festive event with the typical Joyful Family experience of every KCNRR ride.
The Overland Park Arboretum is home to a beautiful train garden and depot. This holiday season, children may visit Santa there during the Luminary Walk.
Take a stroll along the lit pathways to experience the magical Gnome and Fairy Villages, Marder Garden by candlelight, and the colorful Children's Garden, and enjoy musical performances throughout. The gardens are bright with color - while the walkways through quiet woods are lit with candles. Trees, buildings, and bridges are all part of the show, with thousands of lights aglow. Photos with Santa are available from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m., and the trains run in the Train Garden from 5:00 to 8:45 p.m. Complimentary hot cider is available in the Children's Discovery Garden.
- Join us on one of our nine available nights spanning 4 weekends - Nov. 24-25, Dec. 1-2, 7-9, 15-16
- $15 per person; children 5 years and younger are free
- Enter during the half-hour time slot you select. The last entry is at 8:00 p.m. Lights go out at 9:00 p.m.
- Free parking (though it is limited! Overflow parking is available at Wolf Springs Elementary School)
- No pets allowed except for registered service animals.
- Tickets are NOT refundable. Tickets may be exchanged for another night/time based on availability. On your receipt, there will be a link to swap tickets. Use that link to exchange tickets. If you have problems making the exchange, you may call 888-850-8718 or email fota@artsandrec-op.org for assistance. Please review our Ticket Policies before purchasing.
- Interested in a quieter evening? Learn more about Adults-Only Candlelight Stroll on Thursdays, Nov. 30 and Dec. 14.
- Interested in a less crowded experience? Learn more about Electric Glow on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.
Start your holiday season with u
Youthfront Staff
Youthfront's Christmas at Camp
Youthfront invites you to Christmas at Camp. Experience the wonder of the holiday season in this festive event for the whole family! Fully decked out for Christmas, Youthfront’s Camp West features a beautiful illuminated lake walk with interactive experiences to retell the Nativity story. Sip hot chocolate by a bonfire and grab some festive treats from our Snack Shack. Gather your little ones for Santa’s Barrel Train, play at our family game stations, and much more! Open for two weekends in December– Fridays and Saturdays, December 1, 2, and December 8, 9.
For more holiday events, visit our KC Calendar.