You won’t need for a coat and mittens for Kansas City holiday fun inside historic Union Station.
Photo: Roy Harryman
There’s a whole lineup of festive sights and activities at Union Station that make holidays in Kansas City a magical time for laughing, singing and exploring. It’s FREE to browse around inside Union Station, but some activities and features do have a fee (usually small). Where possible, we’ve tried to offer tips for keeping your seasonal spend to a minimum.
Included in this year’s complete Kansas City Union Station Holiday Season:
Kansas City’s largest indoor Christmas tree: Measures a full 40 feet tall and gloriously decorated. A perfect place to snap a photo.
Expanded Holiday Reflections walk-thru village: This year’s expanded version fills the Grand Plaza and includes classic holiday train features.
Holiday Classic Movie Series: Watch your Christmastime favorites on the big screen for a small price.
Laser Light Shows: All-time seasonal and holiday favorites in the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium.
Eat, Drink and Be Merry: Splurge on snacks, meals or beverages at Union Station favorites of Pierpont’s, Harvey’s Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and Parisi Coffee. Be sure to check out our “on the cheap” recommendations.
Photo: Roy Harryman
Holiday Reflections Walk Through Village
November 26 – December 27
Union Station’s grand plaza is transformed into Holiday Reflections, a spectacular walk-through holiday village. The setting includes dozens of decorated trees, floating mirrored ornaments, massive lights, window scenes with animation, Rudy’s Wonderland for kids and more.
Union Station’s Holiday Reflections is very popular. Advanced ticket purchases are highly encouraged. You can save a few bucks on admission if you go during the week.
Holiday Reflections is open daily November 26 – December 27 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The last ticket is sold one hour before closing. Sometimes Holiday Reflections is closed for private events. We recommend you check the Union Station Facebook page before you go to confirm they are open to the public.
Holiday Reflections Admission:
- Monday – Friday: $5
- Saturday – Sunday: $8
- FREE for 12 months and younger
- Union Station members enjoy $5 admission any day of the week
You can expect Santa to be around Holiday Reflections from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the following dates:
- December 5
- December 10-12
- December 17-23
- December 26-27
Santa will be roaming about for informal photos. He will not be seated to traditional visits.
Holiday Model Rail Exhibit at Union Station
Train fun comes in all sizes at Union Station. The Holiday Model Rail Exhibit is larger than ever this year with 18 running trains.
View this exhibit as part of your Holiday Reflections admission ticket.
Mini Holiday Express Train at Union Station
The Mini Holiday Express Train was once a fixture at the Jones Store in downtown Kansas City. It now delights little ones (under 48″ tall) with rides at historic Union Station.
The Mini Holiday Express Train is only accessible if you’re purchasing admission to Holiday Reflections. Rides are $5 per kid (added on to Holiday Reflections admission). Union Station members are FREE.
Be sure you buy your Holiday Reflections ticket and Mini Holiday Express Train ride for the same date and timeframe.
The Mini Holiday Express Train runs November 26 – December 27 at these times:
- 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Schedule exceptions include:
- Dec. 3 & 4: Closes at 1 p.m.
- Dec. 10 & 11: Closes at 1 p.m.
- Dec. 24 Christmas Eve: Closes at 1 p.m.
- Dec. 25 Christmas Day: Closed
Photo: Roy Harryman
RELATED: Make Christmas Memories on the Cheap at Crown Center
Trombone Christmas Kansas City
Trombone Christmas Kansas City is one-day only event is a Kansas City tradition started in 2017 to promote the fellowship and music development of local trombone players through the performance of Christmas music.
Trombone Christmas Kansas City happens this year on December 12 at 3 p.m. Admission is FREE.
The performance is held outside in the Haverty Family Yards space.
Classic Holiday Movies on the Extreme Screen
November 26 – December 21
Enjoy frugal nostalgia on the big screen with showings of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Elf, and a Polar Express PJ party.
Tickets are just $3.
Holiday Laser Light Shows at Gottlieb Planetarium
Carolers are great, but there’s a whole new way to get your holiday music fix with Holiday Laser Light Shows at the Gottlieb Planetarium. Choreographed laser light shows happen daily November 20 – January 1.
Theatre for Young America
The magical love of elves coms to the stage for kids in this adaptation of The Elves and the Shoemaker. Admission is $12, $10 for Union Station Members.
Performances are November 26 – December 23. Check the schedule and buy tickets.
Pierpont’s at Union Station
Dress up in your holiday best and imbibe some holiday cheer in the beautiful and historic setting that makes up Pierpont’s. Sit at the 30-foot mahogany bar and have a cocktail or bite to eat.
Happy hour specials let you feel fancy without overspending. Pierpont’s happy hour runs all day on Tuesdays and from 3 to 6 p.m. all the others days of the week.
TIP: You’ll need to sit at the bar to get the happy hour specials.
Union Station Location and Parking
Kansas City’s Union Station is located in downtown Kansas City at 30 West Pershing Road, Kansas City MO.
Parking is available in the parking garage. The normal rate is $5-$15. Sometimes special event parking rates apply and a flat rate is charged.
You can also ride the KC Streetcar and get off right in front of Union Station.
Eat cookies and check out our other holiday posts:
Where to Visit Santa in Kansas City
Best Holiday and Christmas Light Displays in Kansas City
Day-by-Day Guide to Holiday & Christmas Events in Kansas City
Classic Holiday Movies at Theaters in Kansas City
Holiday Shopping Gift Card Bonus Offers
Day-by-Day Guide to Holiday Events in Kansas City
