This holiday season, create family memories with aannafun mixture of whimsy and nostalgia as you enjoy one of these magical Christmas Train experiences in Kansas City. From train rides to the belovedannaPolar Express, toannamarvelousannamodel train displays from classic collections to villages made of gingerbread… we have everything forannaKansas City’s Train Fans! First stop? Why, Union Station of course!
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
- Model Train ExhibitannaLocated in Union Station’s Kansas City Power & Light Gallery enjoy the 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. FREE. Donations accepted. Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10 AM to 5 PMSunday: 12 PM to 5 PM
- Holiday ReflectionsannaNov. 21 – Jan. 1:annaPresented by BOK Financial, Union Station expands and adds to its magical “Holiday Reflections” walk-thru holiday village. This spectacular themed experience fills Union Station’s massive Grand Plaza and features sky-reaching lights, dozens of decorated trees, forest friends, and giant, floating mirrored ornaments PLUS a bigger-than-ever Rudy’s Wonderland where kids can ride the historic Jones Store Train (Mini Holiday Express Train). Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with brilliant sights and sounds as only Kansas City’s historic home can deliver. Starting at only $7 order your tickets online at unionstation.org and reserve your time! Your ticket to the Holiday Reflections Walk-Thru Village, presented by BOK Financial, includes access to our award-winning Model Train Gallery. With an additional $5 ticket (FREE for Union Station Members), your little ones (under 48”) can catch a ride thru Rudy’s Wonderland on the Mini Holiday Express Ride-On Train.
Canada Pacific’s Holiday Train is coming to Kansas City!annaJoin us at Union Station Dec 4. for a special holiday event with a annaannachance to meet Kansas City Current women’s soccer players:annaAlex Loera, Addisyn Merrick, Cassie Miller, Hailie Mace and Mallory Weber.annaEnjoy a free special performance by Kansas City’s own The Snow Globes at Haverty Family Yards at Union Station.Be there to welcome the arrival of the CP Holiday Train and enjoy the show featuring, Lindsay Ell and JoJo Mason. Special pre-holiday train event with The Snow Globes and Kansas City Current: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.CP Holiday Train Performance: 7:00 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. annaWe encourage you to donate online to the local Harvesters Community Food Network in Kansas City.annaHarvesters will also be accepting non-perishable and monetary donations at the event.anna
- KCSannaHoliday ExpressannaDec. 14anna– 18: Kansas City Southern is very happy to report that after a two-year hiatus due to the global pandemic, the Holiday Express will be returning to the rails this holiday season! The festive, six-car holiday train with intricate displays inside and out will bring Santa Claus and his elves to visit children and families in 20 communities in eight states. In addition, the KCS Holiday Express project will continue its tradition of charitable giving to The Salvation Army.annaThis year, the festive, six-car holiday train with intricate displays inside and out will bring Santa Claus and his elves to visit children and families in 20 communities in eight states. See theannafull schedule here. In addition, the KCS Holiday Express project will continue its tradition of charitable giving to The Salvation Army. 2022 Details:annaWednesday Dec 14:annaAll day – train available to public for outdoor viewing. No walk-through tours. 6-8 p.m. – Walk-through tours for KCS employees and their families and USKC members. Reservations required and limited to 6 spots per transaction. Valid ID required upon entry. Registration details provided by KCS.annaThursday Dec 15:annaAll day – train available to public for outdoor viewing. No walk-through tours.annaFriday Dec 16:annaAll day – train available to public for outdoor viewing. No walk-through tours.annaSaturday Dec 17:anna10 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. – Walk-through tours available to the public. Reservations required and limited to 6 spots per transaction. Visit unionstation.org for more information and to make a reservation.annaSunday Dec 18:annaAll day – train available to public for outdoor viewing. No walk-through tours.
- Polar Express in your PJsannaDec. 9-17annaCome enjoy some of your favorite holiday movies on the biggest screen in the region! Union Station’s Holiday Reflections returns this holiday season. $3 Holiday Classic Movie Series in Regnier Theatre!annaFind complete $3 Christmas Classics schedule here.
- All Aboard Exhibitanna 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 1920’s 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:annahttps://sciencecity.unionstation.org
- Santa’s Gingerbread StationannaNov. 25 – Dec. 24: Santa’s Gingerbread VillageannaannaSanta 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.anna Photo packages start at $12. Open November 25 – December 24, 2022 with the following hours: 10:00am – 7:00pm, Monday – Saturday. Noon – 5:00pm, 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 TreeannaThe centerpiece of the city’s Christmas is the 100-foot-tall Mayor’s Christmas Tree, in Crown Center Square. During the day, enjoy the wooden playground beneath the tree’s base where you’ll find beautiful giant wooden toys where children play and familiesannatake photos. You’ll find wooden soldiers, cars, planes, animals, and of course… a Christmas train!
- Fritz’s Railroad RestaurantannaLevel 1annaCrown 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!annaFritz’s Restaurants
Join Santa on the Kansas City Northern Miniature Railroad Christmas Train. Dec 10, 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’s rides.
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.annaThe 23rd Annual Luminary Walk is proudly presented by FNBO, Westlake Ace Hardware, and Sarin Energy Solutions. Experience the magical Gnome and Fairy Villages, serene winter woods by candlelight, and the colorful Children’s Garden. Enjoy musical performances along the walk and visit with Santa in his Woodland Depot. Trees, buildings, and bridges are all part of the show, with thousands of lights aglow. Enjoy 11 magical evenings, spanning the four weekends following Thanksgiving including the Adults-Only Candlelight Stroll on Thursday, December 1.anna
The Kansas City 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.annaSeason:annayear-round; operates daily if the weather is above 50 degrees. While you’re at the zoo, enjoy their holiday events! On Dec. 3 & 4 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 ol’ 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. 17 & 18 Santa Delivers.annaSanta 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 that have made the top of the nice list this year.anna
Lee’s Summit Historical Society Museum
The Lee’s Summit Historical Society Museum (220 SWannaMain) is housed in a 1905 train depot in the heart of Downtown Lee’s Summit. The museum is free (donations accepted) and open to the public on Thursdays and Fridays from 10:00 pm – 2:00 pm and Saturdays from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.annaExplore maps and artifacts of the area’s early history.anna This year, Lee’s Summit is especially celebrating their train heritage with a Polar Express theme.annaMake your way to Howard Station Park on Friday, November 18th for the Mayor’s Tree Lighting in Downtown Lee’s Summit. The train depot serves as the perfect backdrop for this year’s theme, “Downtown LS Polar Express.” The festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. on SE Main Street. Join your friends and family to celebrate the holiday season and see Mayor Bill Baird light Downtown in thousands of sparkling lights. Guests will enjoy an evening filled with musical performances and a special visit from Santa & Mrs. Claus. Complimentary keepsake ornaments will be available at the event sponsor booths on SE Main Street while supplies last.
For more holiday events, visit our KC Calendar.