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 Gingerbread Village where kids can ride the historic Jones Store Train, for just $5 per child.
New Features for 2025
EXPANDED: Stroll Downtown Kansas City’s original 1920’s Petticoat Lane complete with historic storefronts featuring the most iconic shopping destinations from our past. The sights, sounds, and smells will enchant every sense!
ENHANCED: Marvel at brilliant recreations of Kansas City’s historic Holiday 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.
ENCHANTED: Step into our spectacular new Gingerbread Village featuring an all-new entrance, a 30-foot-tall twinkling tree, life-size gingerbread and candy displays, and the historie Jones Store mini ride-on train. Tickets: $5, free for members.
EXCITING: Buckle up for a holiday-themed Virtual Reality Ride, transporting you and your famiy to a holiday wonderland for a 4D, full immersive adventure. Presented by Ford Motor Company. $6 General Admission and $4 Members.
NEW: Immersive holiday photo ops designed to make a million new family memories, including:
- Tree Slide (for our younger guests)
- Massive Word Tree (every viewing angle reveals a surprise)
- Singing Snowman (a delight for every age)
- Greatly expanded Holiday Gift Shop
Holiday Reflections is open from November 21 through January 4, from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m, Monday-Friday and 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. on weekends (check their website for special hours). Expect to spend 45-60 minutes in total enjoying the decorations, taking pictures, and marveling at the sights.
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 “Junie B in Jingle Bells” is great option for a live holiday performance. Tickets are $10 for Union Station members, and $12 for nonmembers.
Science City
Join Science City this holiday season on December 13th for Merry Science Day and celebrate the New Year at the annual Noon Year’s Eve on Dec. 31. Advanced tickets strongly suggested.
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!
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