Holidays at Union Station: All You Need to Know

One of the most iconic holiday destinations in Kansas City is Union Station. The beautiful, historical building is adorned with the magic of the season as families bustle about to the buzz of miniature trains, delighting everyone who enters the gold-laden doors. The lineup of attractions broadens every year, giving Kansas Citians a reason to visit more than once.

Holiday Reflections

Held in the Grand Plaza, Holiday Reflections is a feast for the eyes. This spectacular themed experience is a walk-through holiday village featuring floor to ceiling lights, a multitude of decorated trees, forest friends, floating mirrored ornaments and a bigger-than-ever Winter Wonderland where kids can ride the historic Jones Store Train, for an additional $5 per child.

New Features for 2024

Stroll Downtown Kansas City’s original 1920’s Petticoat Lane complete with historic and charming storefronts featuring the most iconic shopping destinations from our past. The sights, sounds, and smells will enchant every sense!

Marvel at brilliant recreations of Kansas City’s historic “CROWNS” that once decorated nine Downtown intersections and welcomed shoppers to the heart of Kansas City for the holidays. Each Crown Chandelier features over 20,000 brilliant crystals.

Holiday Reflections is open from November 22 through January 1, from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Customers must select date of visit, and advance ticket purchases are strongly encouraged to avoid a wait, or to be turned away. You may arrive up to 30 minutes before your hourly timed ticket. Expect to spend 45-60 minutes in total enjoying the decorations, taking pictures, and marveling at the sights.

Within the Holiday Reflections display, at one of the MANY photo opportunities!

Arvin Gottleib Planetarium

Celebrate the season at The Planetarium with two wonderful holiday shows: Laser Holiday Magic and Sky Station Live: Stars of Faith.

Regnier Extreme Screen Theatre

At a cost of only $3.75 per ticket, a visit to the Regnier Extreme Screen Theatre should be on your KC holiday bucket list. Their Classic Holiday Movie Series includes “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” “Elf,” and “The Polar Express.” Make this a relaxing last stop after your eventful visit to Union Station.

City Stage Theatre

Theatre for Young America’s “Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is great option for a live holiday performance. Tickets are $10 for Union Station members, and $12 for nonmembers.

Science City

Science City will be celebrating Noon Year’s Eve on Dec. 31, complete with a massive balloon drop. Tickets, again, must be purchased in advance.

Mom Tips for Visiting Holiday Events at Union Station

  • Plan ahead by purchasing tickets online for any and all exhibits.
  • Take advantage of all the amazing photo opportunities! Warn kids ahead of time that pictures will be taken.
  • Parking is plentiful. The West Yard Garage Parking accepts credit, debit and cash. The South Plaza and Triangle Lot only accepts credit or debit card.
  • Strollers are welcome.
  • Food is not allowed within the Holiday Reflections display, but options for sweet treats, coffee, lunch and dinner all exist within Union Station.
  • If children are wanting to ride the mini train within Holiday Reflections, make sure to purchase the $5 ticket as well. Union Station members receive free train rides!
  • If viewing “The Polar Express” at the Extreme Screen Theatre, plan on everyone wearing pajamas for an extra special treat!

What a wonderful time of year. Happy Holidays!

Kristin Ruthstrom
Kristin is a Lee’s Summit suburb transplant, after living in the Brookside and Plaza areas for over eight years. Raising three young boys with her husband, Jake, has helped her to embrace the messy, wild side of life where love is expressed in bear hugs and body slams. Professionally, she can be found teaching classes as an adjunct professor in the areas of Business, Marketing and PR. She is able to provide her students with applicable, real-life knowledge as she draws from several years working in the corporate sector. “Free time” (ha!, what's that again?) is spent on an occasional date night to favorite local restaurants, reading blogs on everything from home design to politics, riding her sweet beach cruiser bike and thinking of ways to convince her husband to do yet another home improvement project.