Kansas City Museum’s Fairy Princess: An Enchanting Holiday Tradition

Some holiday traditions stand the test of time. When I was a little girl, my grandmother and mom took my cousins and I to visit the Fairy Princess at the Kansas City Museum.

As young girls, they used to visit the Fairy Princess each year at Kline’s Department Store in downtown Kansas City. It was a tradition they were able to keep alive when The Kansas City Museum brought her back in 1987 after the department store closed in the 1970s.

I remember the visit fondly, excitedly waiting in the wings for it to be our turn — walking up to the Fairy Princess and telling her my one Christmas wish. I don’t remember what exactly I wished for, but I remember how I felt… awe and excitement of being in such a beautiful place surrounded with my cousins and visiting this magical princess. With a wave of her wand, she granted our wishes, and we departed with a gift. But most importantly, a memory that lasted forever.

Last year, I was thrilled to take my daughter to experience The Fairy Princess at the newly renovated, Kansas City Museum with my mom and our friends.

I’m not sure who was more excited, the girls or the moms. The girls were entranced by the beautiful princess in a stunning white gown and the moms were in awe of the Nell Hill’s holiday decor that transformed the museum into a holiday wonderland. It was an enchanting evening where the girls played dress up and my mom and I were each able to relive just a bit of our childhoods through my daughter.

This year, the Kansas City Museum is celebrating 37 years of Fairy Princess magic. The event sells out each year and a $15 per child ticket is required.

Reserve Your Time

Thursday, December 7
3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Click here to purchase your timeslot.

Friday, December 8
3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Click here to purchase your timeslot.

Saturday, December 9
10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Click here to purchase your timeslot.

Sunday, December 10
Noon to 4 p.m.
Click here to purchase your timeslot.

KCMC Tips

  • Parents/Caretakers are required to select a date and time slot. Each child is required to have a ticket. Tickets are $15.
  • Parking is free and available on Gladstone Blvd. and around the perimeter of the Museum property on N. Indiana Ave, Norledge Ave., and Walrond Ave.
  • The entrance to the Museum is located at the south gate of Gladstone Blvd. An accessible entrance including a ramp and elevator lift is located at the west gate on Norledge Ave.
  • Please arrive at your designated time, they do not recommend coming too early.
  • Only four adults allowed per child are allowed to enter the gallery.
  • A professional photographer is on site to take photos for you to select one printed option to take home. You will have access to the gallery to buy additional images and digital downloads by the photographer.
  • Each child with a ticket will receive one special gift from the Fairy Princess.

    Enjoying their cookie at Elixir Soda Fountain, located downstairs of the Kansas City Museum.
  • Each child with a ticket will receive a sweet treat that that you can enjoy downstairs at Elixir, the old fashion soda fountain.
  • You’ll receive 10% off in Wisteria Boutique, located inside Kansas City Museum. Just show your ticket at check out. Great for holiday gifts and souvenirs!
Laura Mulcahy
Laura is wife to Marty, and mom to Michael (15), Joseph (13) and Anna (8). She spends most of her days juggling working from home, shuffling kids to activities and can usually be found cheering on the boys from the baseball stands. She is born and raised in Kansas City, graduated from KU (Rock Chalk Jayhawk!) and has spent most of her career in advertising sales. She loves big Italian family dinners, trying out new restaurants and activities and loves raising her family in Kansas City!