KC Southern Holiday Express, Star Wars, Da Vinci – The Exhibition, Science City and more, together a huge hit with Kansas Citians for another record-breaking year at Union Station’s “Holidays Come Alive”
KANSAS CITY, MO — Kansas City turned out in record numbers to set a new attendance high of over 46,000 at Union Station this past weekend; another in a long line of records set in 2015. Dec. 16-20, the Station saw an impressive upswing in Holiday traffic with The Kansas City Southern Holiday Express Train accounting for over 28,000 visitors alone – an increase of 27 percent over 2014.
Over the five-day period, families filled the historic Station with holiday anticipation, celebration and pure delight. The Regnier Extreme Screen Theatre (featuring Star Wars – The Force Awakens) hosted over 4,000 viewers. And Union Station’s Downtown Dazzle weekend brought in thousands of visitors for free trolley rides and family photos in a life-size snow globe. Additionally, balloon artists, face painters and Chiefs Hall of Famer Art Still supplied even more surprise and delight. And for the music lovers, Kansas City’s own, The Snow Globes performed to an enthusiastic audience of over 800 Saturday afternoon in Sprint Festival Plaza as part of the free Holiday celebration.
Union Station’s permanent attractions and traveling exhibition also showed impressive results with nearly 4,500 visitors to Kansas City’s Science Center – Science City, the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium and Da Vinci – The Exhibition. There were things to see and do in every corner of the Station and Kansas City took full advantage of the classic holiday warmth and charm only historic Union Station can deliver.Gottlieb Planetarium and Da Vinci – The Exhibition. There were things to see and do in every corner of the Station and Kansas City took full advantage of the classic holiday warmth and charm only historic Union Station can deliver.
Coming up – and to round out the holiday season – Science City will host their popular Noon Year’s Eve (presented by Time Warner Cable with additional support from PNC Foundation and 99.7 The Point) from Noon – 7:00 pm on Dec. 31st, featuring a family-friendly day of science fun ending with a celebratory 3,000-count balloon drop at 6:00 pm.31st, featuring a family-friendly day of science fun ending with a celebratory 3,000-count balloon drop at 6:00 pm.
That evening — for the adults — Union Station will become the hottest New Year’s Eve party in town (sponsored by Harvest Productions) with the Dave Stephens Band, A La Mode Jazz Band, Free Swing Dance Lessons, Giant Dance Floor, Food, Drinks and all the glitz of a Gatsby-era extravaganza. Last year, over 2,000 guests attended Noon Year’s Eve and over 1,000 danced the night away at “Swingin’ New Year’s Eve”. Both events are expected to sell out this year, so guests are encouraged to order tickets now. (Union Station Members enjoy Noon Year’s Eve for free, but ticket reservations are still encouraged.)
“2015 has been tremendous for Union Station,” said president and CEO of Union Station, George Guastello. “The enthusiasm and support for our historic monument and internationally-awarded science center has never been stronger. Kansas City has endorsed us in a profound way and we are honored by that significant vote of confidence. If you haven’t yet been here for the holidays, make plans now. Our attractions – except the Regnier Extreme Screen Theatre featuring Star Wars – The Force Awakens – are closed Christmas Day, then open again with plenty of time to soak in the magic of your magnificent Union Station! ”
For more information about all that is happening at Union Station and a complete schedule of holiday events, visit www.unionstation.org.
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About Union Station Kansas City, Inc.
Union Station Kansas City — a 501(c)3 non-profit organization — is a 100-year-old historical landmark and celebrated civic asset renovated and reopened to the public in 1999. The organization — dedicated to science education, celebration of community and preservation of history — is home to Kansas City’s internationally-awarded Science Center; the popular Model Railroad Experience; the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium; the Regnier Extreme Screen Theatre, H&R Block City Stage featuring live theater, and a selection of unique shops and restaurants. Union Station is also home to prominent area civic organizations and businesses, and regularly hosts world-class traveling exhibitions. Awarded “Top Banquet Facilities in KC” by KC Business Journal, the facility regularly hosts community events and private celebrations of all sizes. Visit www.unionstation.org for details. Also, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | December 23, 2015
CONTACT: Michael Tritt, Union Station / 816-460-2278 / [email protected]