Holiday Time in Kansas City

Photo courtesy of Roy Inman

This time of year, every city, county or town is doing something to get people in the holiday spirit. The holiday traditions I am most familiar with are those in Kansas City, Missouri. My favorite tradition here in the weeks leading up to Christmas has to be going to see the Holiday Model Railroad Display at Union Station (30 W Pershing Rd). 

Imagine dozens of different model train lines running around the massive mini-town.  Most of the scenery is loosely based on the Kansas City area, but there are sections devoted to frontier life, the ’50s and coal-mining caves among other things.

While most of the scene is pretty tame, the creators occasional throw in silly things.  Every year my family and I try to pick out the craziest pieces. One year I found a skeleton in the mouth of a bear and an alien sipping some coffee with a cowboy.  It is impressive to see the details perfected by the crew that sets this display into action.

Along with the Holiday Model Railroad Display, Union Station features an impressive collection of trees and wreaths all decorated and auctioned to benefit various charitable organizations.  Included in this collection is the largest indoor tree in town, measuring in at just over 30 feet tall. Additionally, kids have the opportunity to write to Santa in the North Pole in the post office or ride a mini train. 

Other holiday festivities that I can’t miss are just across the street at Crown Center (at the junction of Main Street and West Pershing Road).  There are several family-friendly holiday activities every day of the week, so it is hard for me to pick my favorite. 

Inside, while doing a little shopping, you can’t help but notice all the decorations warming up all the cozy specialty shops.  You will see kids lined up to meet with Santa or playing in the Santa’s Crayola Christmas Land while their parents keep a watchful eye. 

Santa’s Gingerbread Village, crafted by the pastry chefs from the adjacent Westin Crown Center (AAA Four Diamond Rated), is on display and looks like a North Pole replica, including a reindeer stable and Santa’s sleigh.  To add to the Christmas cheer on weekdays, Crown Center invites more than 130 area school, church and community group choirs to perform. 

On those crisp winter days, there is nothing better than taking a spin around the rink on skates at the Ice Terrace at Crown Center.   It costs only $6 for everyone 4 to 60 years old, and everyone older and younger is free. 

Skate rentals are $3 if necessary.  While you are skating around, you can also take in the Mayor’s Christmas tree, measuring in at over 100 feet tall.

Kansas City also has some impressive lighting displays.  My favorite is the Plaza Lights, featuring more than 80 miles of lights strung around the upscale outdoor shopping area.  Christmas in the Park at Longview Lake is a drive-through tour with more than 300,000 lights and at least 175 animated figures.  

The Marriott Kansas City Downtown (AAA Three Diamond Rated) becomes an 18-story scrolling light show you can watch for an hour and not see the same pattern or scene twice. 

Christmas in Kansas City really is a special time of year. I invite you to leave comments about your own can’t-miss holiday activities. Happy Holidays!