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KC’s New Year’s Eve Guide

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Bid farewell to 2019 and Ring in 2020! Celebrate the New Year with fun for the entire family… you’ll find family-friendly parties across the metro as our favorite venues roll out the red carpet for YOU!

Noon Year’s Eve at Science City


Dec 31 from 12:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Science City at Union Station 30 W. Pershing Kansas City, MO. 816.460.2083. Noon Year’s Eve is THE place to have a fun, safe and educational New Year’s Eve party for children of all ages and parents too! Discover the magic of science with hands-on science, interactive maker activities, spectacular stage shows and a 2,500+ Balloon Drop! 

New Year’s Eve at WinterFest at Worlds of Fun


Dec. 31 from 5pm – Midnight, Worlds of Fun. The holiday fun doesn’t stop when Christmas ends! Worlds of Fun is offering a unique way to celebrate New Year’s Eve with a family-friendly twist: New Year’s Eve at WinterFest! Rock out to live local music, join Snoopy’s Rockin’ Countdown, and finish the night with fireworks at the stroke of midnight!

  • Rockin’ New Year’s Eve Celebration with 2Proud2Beg · 9:00-11:30 PM | Tivoli Music Hall Jam out to the live tunes of local Motown cover band, 2Proud2Beg, as they send off 2019 on a high note. Stick around to the end for a surprise finale before heading out to the International Plaza stage for the final countdown of the night.

  • Tinker’s Little Elf New Year’s Sing-A-Long · 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, & 9:00 PM | Moulin Rouge Theater Grab a mic and serenade the night with Tinker at a karaoke sing-a-long just for the little ones!

  • Snoopy’s Rockin’ NYE Countdown · 9:00 PM-12:00 AM | International Plaza

  • FIREWORKS at MIDNIGHTJoin Snoopy and your favorite Midway Merriment characters as they ring in the New Year like never before! Leading up to Midnight, a live DJ will be spinning modern hits to get you moving and keep you warm. Be at the party by 11:30 PM to join the full cast of WinterFest and help in the countdown when the time comes. Marvel at the fireworks illuminating the sky to welcome 2020!


Zoo Year’s Eve


Dec. 31 Kansas City Zoo, 6800 Zoo Drive, Kansas City, MO. The countdown is on! Before the clock strikes midnight on Monday, December 31, head out to the Zoo for “noon year’s eve” festivities. Beginning at 10 am, we are getting in the New Year’s spirit by making party hats in the lobby while a DJ counts us down to the noon hour one song at a time. The fun doesn’t stop there. Check out Wings of Wonder bird show at 11:30 am then head to Discovery Barn to see lemurs, meerkats and more. Take in the Sea Lion Splash at 1:30 pm followed by a penguin feeding at 2 pm at Helzberg Penguin Plaza.

Ring in the noon year with us at the Zoo!

Paradise Park’s New Year’s Eve Party


Dec. 31 at Paradise Park, 1021 NE Colbern Road, Lee’s Summit, MO. 3-2-1… Happy 2020! Come ring in the New Year early with us! Our 12 NOON Foam Factory Ball Drop is LEGENDARY! It’s a total family-friendly blast and kid-friendly celebration. And it’s still snowing inside! Be sure to arrive early so you don’t miss the countdown and Ball Drop at exactly 12 noon! It’s included with a FlexPass! Or purchase your Foam Factory admission.

A Roaring Twenties New Year’s Eve Gala


Dec. 31 from 7 pm – 1 am, at Embassy Suites by Hilton / Kansas City Olathe Conference Center 10401 South Ridgeview Road, Olathe, KS. You are cordially invited to this one-of-a-kind New Year’s Eve celebration and The Culture House fundraiser for the entire family! Attire: Semi-formal with optional 1920s theme  TICKETS INCLUDE: *DJ and Dancing All Night!*Heavy Hors D’oeuvres, Desserts & Beverages!*Silent and Live Auction! *Additional Items May Be Available for Purchase!*Champagne Toast and Balloon Drop at Midnight! (Beer, wine, and soda included. Bracelets will be sold at check-in for unlimited access to adult mixed beverages.) REGISTER ON THE TICKET PAGE AT WWW.CULTUREHOUSE.COM! TCH is a 501c3 not-for-profit organization.

CoCo’s New Year’s Eve Carnival


Dec. 31 from 8-11pm at CoCo Key Water Resort, 9103 E 39th St, Kansas City, MO. NYE Packages include overnight accommodations with 4 water resort passes valid for (2) days, Kansas City’s largest beach ball drop at 11pm, one large pizza with 4 drinks, four (4) $5 arcade cards, champagne toast/Sparkling grape juice for the kiddos, cotton candy, games, food specials, balloon twister, bounce house and much more

Celebrate with Ice Skating


Take a Spin around the ice at one of the Metro’s outdoor rinks! You’ll find our complete guide to Winter Sports here.

Family Fun at Main Event


Main Event offers three locations: Main Event Olathe, Main Event Independence, Main Event North KC, in the metro where you’ll have a blast enjoying their state-of-the-art bowling, multi-level laser tag, thrilling high ropes adventure courses, video games, billiards and fast-casual restaurants. The 45,000- to 75,000-square-foot family entertainment centers offer specials throughout the week and great packages for groups. 

Roller Skate in the New Year


Remember the last time you laced up the skates? Local roller rinks host family sessions in the winter when school is out. Most rinks will be hosting New Year’s Eve parties. Contact rinks for details.


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.

Three Summery Ways to Make the Most of Winter in KC

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“I’ll finally see a summer breeze

Blow away a winter storm

And find out what happens to solid water

When it gets warm.”

Even our old pal Olaf dreamed of summer on the frozen tundra! If summer can’t get here soon enough for you to enjoy, take a break from winter with one of these outings:

Journey to Oz at Crown Center

Open Feb. 9- May 12. One of the world’s beloved movies turns 80 this year, and Crown Center is celebrating by bringing the magic of the big screen to you!  Families can tour the enchanting world of the Munchkins, follow Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion, sneak into the Wicked Witch’s castle and much more.   Open Monday – Friday, 10am to 6pm; Saturday, 10am – 7pm; Sunday, 11am to 6pm.  816-274-8444. 

Go for a Swim

Kansas City is home to many great indoor pools where you can swim the day away dreaming of summer. The Lenexa Rec Center (Lenexa.com) features a warm water leisure pool, lap lanes and water slides. Legacy Park Community Center (CityOfLS.net) in Lee’s Summit features a lap pool, lazy river and hot tub.  Gladstone Community Center (Gladstone.mo.us) offers a lap pool, diving well and leisure pool with zero-depth entry and interactive play structures that include a pirate ship, flume slide, dumping buckets and spray features. These are just a few great indoor pools; you’ll find more in our Going Places guide on KCParent.com.

Visit the Tropics

The Kansas City Zoo’s (KansasCityZoo.org) Tropics Exhibit is the perfect place to warm up on a cold day. Watch as Asian small-clawed otters swim under the see-through foot bridge, take a photo of the African crested porcupine, watch primates like the blue monkey and golden lion tamarind play, and enjoy the beauty of tropical birds. Then, stroll over to the Discovery Barn, Helzberg Penguin Plaza and Polar Bear Passage for more indoor exhibits.

Holiday Shopping Experiences in KC

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Sales, craft shows, special shopping events for children, and opportunities to support local businesses abound in Kansas City this holiday season.

Note: This guide may not be reproduced in print or online without permission from KC Parent. Please submit events for consideration in this guide to kristina@kcparent.com.

Our Favorite KC Area Shopping Districts:


Photo credit DiMartino Photography.

Shopping at Crown Center

Shop a variety of shops and enjoy many great restaurants at Crown Center. Ice Skating at the Ice Terrace, crafts at Kaleidoscope, live shows, and a visit with Santa are all musts when visiting this local holiday landmark. The Mayor’s Christmas tree, a 100-foot tree will illuminate the city throughout the holidays and acts as a symbol for the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund, which benefits the Kansas City’s less fortunate residents. After the holidays, the wood from the tree is repurposed to be commemorative ornaments, which are sold the following year to benefit the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund.

One of the highlights of a holiday visit to Crown Center is Santa’s Gingerbread Station. Explore this interactive exhibit, meet and have their photo taken with Santa Claus (through December 24), climb aboard the Crown Center Express Train Engine, and enjoy Gingerbread Village. No admission fee. Photos with Santa are available for a fee, or you may take your own.

Open during Crown Center Shops Holiday Hours:

  • Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

  • Sunday, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.

  • Christmas Eve, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

  • New Year’s Eve, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

  • Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day


Legends Outlets

Located in the heart of Village West, the state of Kansas’ top tourist destination, Legends Outlets Kansas City is the only outlet shopping destination serving the greater metropolitan region. Conveniently situated at the intersection of Interstate 435 and Parallel Parkway, just north of Interstate 70 in Kansas City, Kansas, Legends Outlets is the home to more than 75 leading designer and favorite brand-name stores including Coach, Banana Republic Factory Store, Gap Factory, J.Crew | crewcuts, Nike Factory Store, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, Tommy Hilfiger Outlet, Victoria’s Secret and Under Armour® Factory House, among many more, which offer savings of up to 65 percent off regular retail prices. Also featuring a wide array of restaurant and entertainment venues, the property welcomes more than 10 million guests annually.

Save the date for Legends Outlets’ 15th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, November 16, featuring live entertainment, kids’ activities, prize giveaways, Santa photos, and more! And, Black Friday at Legends Outlets is always a favorite! 

Shopping at Independence Center

Boasting more than one million square feet of retail space and 12 million annual visitors, Independence Center is one of the largest regional shopping centers serving the local community since opening in 1974. Independence Center is anchored by Dillard’s, Macy’s, Sears, and Dicks Sporting Goods and includes more than 100 popular retail stores such as H&M, Forever 21, PINK, Pandora, Carhartt, Victoria’s Secret & Old Navy. Independence Center is also one of the only fully enclosed shopping centers in the Kansas City Metro area.

On Nov. 9 Santa Claus is coming to Independence Center & lighting our tree with the magic of the holidays. Yuletide carols & sweet treats will make spirits bright at this FREE event! He’ll be on hand throughout the holiday season for photos! 

Summit Fair

Summit Fair, a 507,000 square foot open-air lifestyle center, serves the growing, affluent southeast Jackson County area of the Kansas City metropolitan area. The center, anchored by Macy’s and JCPenney, also includes home furnishings, men’s and women’s fashion, fast-casual eateries, sit-down restaurants and specialty retailers. Conveniently located off of Interstate 470 & Highway 50, the shopping center is just east of SummitWoods Crossing. The synergy of new shops and restaurants, combined with the design of Summit Fair featuring a Main Street shopping area with beautiful landscaping, fountains and pedestrian walkways, makes Summit Fair a shopping destination for eastern Jackson County. Be sure to visit Summit Fair on Black Friday for great specials.

Downtown Lee’s Summit

DLSMS hosts over 100 days of community events, drawing hundreds of thousands of people each year to a thriving and vibrant downtown that is home to over 100 locally-owned businesses. Volunteers donate thousands of service hours each year to help ensure that Downtown Lee’s Summit continues to serve as the economic and cultural hub of the community as well as a premier destination for entertainment and shopping in the Kansas City metro.

Mark your calendar for great events at Downtown Lee’s Summit including:

  • Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony: Downtown Lee’s Summit: Nov 22, 2019 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

  • Small Business Saturday: Downtown Lee’s Summit: Nov 30, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

  • Selfies with Santa: Downtown Lee’s Summit: Nov 30, 2019

  • Selfies with Santa: Downtown Lee’s Summit: Dec 7, 2019

  • Candy Cane Course 5k / 10k EAST KC: Dec 14, 2019 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

  • Selfies with Santa: Downtown Lee’s Summit: Dec 14, 2019

  • Selfies with Santa: Downtown Lee’s Summit: Dec 21, 2019


Upcoming Shopping Events:

KC’s Living Nativity Guide

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As you celebrate this holiday season, set aside time to remember the birth of Christ at a local living Nativity or pageant.

As you celebrate this holiday season, set aside time to remember the birth of Christ at a local living Nativity or pageant.

Journey to Judea

FREE Nov. 22-24, Dec. 6-8, Countryside Baptist Church, 14150 W. 175th St., Overland Park, KS. Reserve your free ticket at JourneytoJudea.com

Come listen to Moses, David, Isaiah and others foretell the coming of the King. See the busy innkeeper and the young pregnant couple who were denied residence by him. Watch the angels tell good news to shepherds. Witness the empty cross and the open tomb and hear the next chapter of the story.

The Nativity

Dec. 6-8, Grace & Holy Trinity Cathedral, 415 W. 13th St., Kansas City, MO, admission charged. 

A cast of more than 40 puppets, including beautiful seven-foot puppets, live music and a choral accompaniment grace the stage for this biblical enactment.

Walk Through Bethlehem

FREE Dec. 6-8 from 5-10 pm, Church of the Open Door 4800 S. 20th St. Trafficway, Leavenworth, KS.

This Christmas, join us as we step back in history for a FREE live, interactive event, set in the village of Bethlehem at the time of Jesus’ birth.

Journey to Bethlehem

FREE Dec. 6 & 7 at Southminster Presbyterian Church 6306 Roe Ave , Prairie Village, KS

Free 20-minute indoor walk-thru interactive guided tour of the Christmas story with seven scenes including live animals. Bell choir, carols and readings while you wait.

Morning at the Manger

FREE Dec 14 at 10 am at Lenexa Baptist Church. Preschoolers and their families are invited to enjoy a special event designed just for them! From 10:00 – 11:30 am: Families can visit a variety of activity stations including a live petting zoo, making an ornament, decorating a cookie, an obstacle course and more! The event concludes with an interactive, kid-friendly Christmas worship time.

One Starry Night

Dec. 14 from 6-8:30pm at Raytown Chapel Church 5413 Blue Ridge Cutoff, Kansas City, MO

Step in time to the little town of Bethlehem. Families will have a chance to hear the Christmas story while enjoying activities, crafts, and food!

Drive-thru Living Nativity

FREE Dec. 14 from 5:30-7:30pm at The First Baptist Church of Kansas City, Missouri 100 W Red Bridge Rd, Kansas City, MO.

Join us on Dec 14, 5:30-7:30 for an extraordinary telling of the story of Jesus’ birth with live animals… From the comfort of your car, you will enjoy our Drive-Thru Nativity with your families and friends!

Journey to Bethlehem

Dec. 15 from 3- 7:30 pm at Community Covenant Church 15700 W 87th St Pkwy, Lenexa, KS. Sign up for a tour time at http://bit.ly/Journey2Bethlehem.

Travel along with Joseph and Mary on their journey from Jerusalem to Bethlehem. Their story will come to life in front of your eyes as you experience the true meaning of what Christmas is all about. When your tour is complete, children and adults can experience an interactive Jerusalem marketplace.

Walk to the Manger

FREE Dec. 15 at Colonial Presbyterian Church – OPKS Campus (12501 W. 137th Street, Overland Park, KS). 

This is an interactive nativity experience for children and their families.

Christmas in the Barn

FREE Dec. 24 at 4:30 pm, Johnson Farms, 17701 Holmes Rd., Belton, MO, freewill donation accepted.

Come to the 12th annual Christmas in the Barn and experience a full sensory celebration of our savior’s birth with live animals and music. We will offer a nondenominational service with both contemporary and traditional music. Homemade sweets and hot beverages will be served, and live music will set the mood. A freewill donation will benefit a charity Marian Hope Center for Children’s Learning.

Find more events on our KC Calendar.

Memorable Holiday Weekend Reunions

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Reunions don’t have to take place in the sweltering heat of summer. Gathering together is a cherished part of the holidays, making a perfect season for reunions. Whether you’re hosting out-of-town family, friends, or planning a group get-together to celebrate the season, we have ideas for a variety of ages and interests.

Make memories and enjoy a taste of Kansas City as you host an amazing reunion.

Friday Night Fun Night


If your family is creative….

Head to Paint, Glaze & Fire on the second Friday of the month for family night. Their $45 special includes four studio fees, a large pizza and soda, plus 15 percent off pottery. You can add guests for $6 each and add pizza as well—so this package accommodates any family perfectly. They offer a wide selection of ceramics, from ornaments to mugs to figurines, featuring favorite animals, characters and seasonal pieces. If the second Friday doesn’t work, the shop is open every Friday (and throughout the week), and you’ll find great KC coupons.

If your family loves adventure…

Paradise Park offers a variety of group packages. Book an Exit Room (specifically designed for families so tweens and teens can participate) and work together to crack the code and escape in under an hour. Then, enjoy some of the adventures like laser tag, rock wall climbing, foam factory or arcades. Save with KC coupons.

If your family loves holiday traditions…

Make some hot cocoa and warm cookies and bundle up for a light-seeing tour. Lights are on starting mid-November, and you’ll find a complete guide to KC lighting ceremonies. We love the whimsy of the Legends tree synchronized to carols, the 100-foot-tall mayor’s Christmas tree at Crown Center, and the Magic Tree in Lee’s Summit near Christmas in the Park. Check out our guide to the best Christmas lights in Kansas City.

Saturday in the City


If your family wants to experience a taste of Kansas City…

The Crown Center District is ideal for entertaining a variety of ages. If you have children in your group, book a session at Kaleidoscope (reservations will ensure they have space for your group). Then, enjoy a spin on the ice at the Crown Center Ice Terrace, or explore Sea Life Aquarium or Legoland. The day after Thanksgiving, the mayor’s tree is lit in a ceremony complete with music and fireworks. Once the decorations are ready, be sure to snap photos under the mayor’s tree and enjoy the outdoor playground. For lunch, children love Fritz’s, where trains deliver food to your table, but grown-ups may be partial to Unforked, where the delicious menu is prepared with locally grown ingredients. After lunch, walk the Link to Union Station. Catch a film on the Extreme Screen, explore Science City and, after Nov. 17, enjoy holiday traditions including the Jones Store Train, holiday films and beautiful decorations. For dinner, treat your guests to a Kansas City classic at Jack Stack at the Freight House (reservations recommended).  Then, drive home through the Country Club Plaza lights (lit beginning Thanksgiving evening) for a finale to the evening.

If your family enjoys history and holidays…

Spend the day at the National World War I Museum, a world-class museum telling the story of the Great War. On Nov. 11, the museum is commemorating the centennial of Armistice Day with special events. Enjoy lunch in the museum’s café. Then, take a tour of Downtown aboard the streetcar (see our Streetcar scavenger hunt to enjoy). Choose one of many great restaurants in the KC Power & Light District for dinner. 

If your family loves the arts…

Spend a day enjoying the fine arts. Begin at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art where admission is free. Explore this world-class museum where you can enjoy everything from ancient to modern art. Dine at the Rozelle Courtyard, or choose a nearby restaurant on the Country Club Plaza. Then, take the family to the Kansas City Repertory Theatre’s production of A Christmas Carol, where you’ll enjoy the heartwarming classic on stage.

Sunday Funday


If your family enjoys reminiscing….

Visit the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, one of our favorite multigenerational outings. Something is so special about our childhood memories of playing with beloved toys, whether that favorite electric train set, a special dollhouse, a keepsake tea set or the greatest pinball game ever. Toys connect generations, and there is no place better to reminisce and create family connections. Explore the largest collection of nostalgic toys, fine-scale miniatures and marbles in the Midwest.

Our family took a trip to the museum with four generations. As we culled through room upon room of treasures, grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, parents and children shared their favorite memories playing with marbles, a favorite Barbie doll or Raggedy Ann, ride-on pedal toys, paper dolls, Teddy bears and dollhouses. The children loved discovering surprises in every dollhouse and each room of the museum, and the adults loved watching their reactions and remembering their own childhoods.

If your family loves animals…

The Kansas City Zoo is home to several amazing indoor exhibits, and the holidays are especially fun. Santa dives with the penguins on weekends (beginning Thanksgiving weekend), and the zoo hosts several holiday-themed events (all on the calendar on KCParent.com). You’ll love watching Berlin and Bam Bam, the zoo’s resident polar bears, play in their polar oasis. The penguins are always a delight, and you can head next door to experience the stingray touch tank. These are just a few of our favorite indoor exhibits at the zoo, perfect to enjoy on a brisk winter’s day. Tip: Bring your own picnic or dine at one of the zoo’s restaurants.

If your family is daring…

Sign up for a group session at iFly, where you can experience the magic of flight with indoor skydiving. Coaches at iFly guide each member of your group through the process in their fun and safe environment. This is an unforgettable family adventure. Read about our iFly Adventure here.

These ideas are just the tip of the iceberg. You’ll find more inspiration with our KC Going Places guide features hundreds of attractions sorted by category, budget and neighborhood. Our KC calendar is another great tool for planners. And always remember to check our KC coupons  for great savings.

Kristina Light loves sharing her city with others and will be sharing more holiday ideas on KCParent.com all season long.

KC’s Christmas Trains

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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! .

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 Exhibit Located 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 PMa

  • Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 visiting Union Station Nov. 17-19. It’s the world’s only operating Big Boy locomotive, and Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 will be visiting Union Station this November. Twenty-five Big Boys locomotives were built exclusively for Union Pacific Railroad, the first of which was delivered in 1941. The locomotives were each 132 feet long and weighed 1.2 million pounds

  • KCS Holiday Express Dec. 18 – 22 Back for its 19th annual run, the Kansas City Southern Holiday Express train brings Santa Claus and his elves back to Union Station. The Kansas City Southern Holiday Express is unlike any other train in the world! One of Kansas City s favorite holiday traditions, the Kansas City Southern Holiday Express Train brings Santa to Union Station just before Christmas. Guests can visit with Santa and tour the train for free.  Led by Kansas City Southern, Southern Belle business train, the Holiday Express train includes a smiling tank car Rudy; a flatcar carrying Santa’s sleigh, reindeer and a miniature village; a gingerbread boxcar; the elves’ workshop; the reindeer stable; and a little red caboose

  • Polar Express in your PJs Dec. 6-18 (SHOWTIMES: MONDAY – FRIDAY 12:30PM, 3PM, 5:30PM & 8PM | SATURDAY & SUNDAY 10:00AM, 12:30PM, 3PM, 5:30PM & 8PM​12/18 SHOWTIMES: 12:30PM, 3PM. GENERAL ADMISSION $3) COME DRESSED IN YOUR PJS & ENJOY THE SHOW! Tom Hanks and director Robert Zemeckis (“Forrest Gump”; “Cast Away”) reunite for “Polar Express,” an inspiring adventure based on the beloved children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe. Find complete $3 Christmas Classics schedule here.

  • Kansas City Southern Rudy Replica Union Station’s Christmas Tree in the Grand Hall will feature a replica of Kansas City Southern’s Rudy Holiday Express circling the tree. 

  • Ride the Historic Jones Store Train Take a ride on our miniature train! Often referred to as the Jones Store Train and beloved by generations at 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). Union Station Members FREE | Non-members $5


Trains at Crown Center

  • Santa’s Gingerbread Station Nov. 29- Dec. 31. All aboard for a favorite holiday tradition at Crown Center! Kids and families can explore this interactive exhibit, meet and have their photo taken with Santa Claus (through December 24), climb aboard the Crown Center Express Train Engine, and enjoy Gingerbread Village. No admission fee. Photos with Santa are available for a fee, or you may take your own. Open during Crown Center Shops holiday hours.

  • Mayor’s Christmas Tree The 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 families take photos. You’ll find wooden soldiers, cars, planes, animals, and of course… a Christmas train!

  • 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


Santa Train Rides

Weekends in December: Belton, Grandview & Kansas City Railroad 502 E Walnut St, Belton, MO. Santa will join us for a 40 minute train ride, will visit with guests, and will stop for photos if you wish, all while the train moves down the track. Be sure to bring a camera! We will sing songs and talk to Santa about activities at the North Pole. After the train, the Railroad will serve hot chocolate and a cookie for each passenger. The Gift Shop will be open too! Did we mention to bring a camera? Only 46 seats are available per train and they sell quickly. Admission Charged

Overland Park Arboretum

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, held from 5 to 9 p.m., three weekends, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 29-30, Dec. 6, 7, 13 & 14. This Arboretum fundraiser features a mile of candles, holiday lights, live musical entertainment, Santa Claus in the Depot, horse-drawn wagon rides, hot cider around a campfire and mystical Gnome and Fairy Villages. Volunteers and staff members are transforming the Arboretum into a wonderland of candles and lights, music and holiday fun. Thousands of candles line the walkways and trails. Holiday lights will be on display from trees, buildings, and bridges. Children will be thrilled to see Santa’s Woodland Depot in the Train Garden and chat with him nightly from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Kansas City Zoo Train 

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. Season: year-round; operates daily if the weather is above 50 degrees. While you’re at the zoo, enjoy their holiday events! Every weekend, Santa dives with the penguins. Get a one-of-a-kind photo of Santa as penguins torpedo around him. Watch the penguin bubbles trail the man in the red suit and hear the children giggle. Dives are at 2 p.m on Saturdays and Sundays.

Lee’s Summit Historical Society Museum

The Lee’s Summit Historical Society Museum (220 SW Main) 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. Explore maps and artifacts of the area’s early history. 

Santa Express & Country Christmas

Dec. 14 & 15, National Agricultural Hall of Fame 630 N 126th St. Bonner Springs, KS. $5/car. Visit the National Agricultural Center for some holiday farm fun this season! Take your photo with Santa and be sure he knows your wish list! Ride the miniature train around a historic farm town and scenic pond. Come and enjoy hay wagon rides, holiday activities, hot chocolate and cookies!

For more holiday events, visit our KC Calendar.

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