Kansas City Unveils Enchanting Crown-Shaped Chandeliers at Union Station for Holiday Celebration

Kansas City Sparkles with Holiday Magic: Stunning Chandeliers Light Up Union Station

This holiday season, Kansas City is turning heads as visitors flock to see the dazzling new additions at Union Station. Suspended high above the bustling indoor holiday experience are two remarkable chandeliers, shaped like crowns, that are taking the holiday decor game to a whole new level. With a stunning total of 40,000 crystals, these blingy beauties are not only regal but also seem to spark a wave of nostalgia among locals.

A Nod to History

For many older Kansas Citians, these breathtaking chandeliers might rekindle fond memories of the giant crowns that once adorned downtown intersections during the festive season back in the 1960s and ‘70s. “Are they going to stay up after Christmas?” has become a popular question among brides hoping to incorporate this glamorous backdrop into their wedding photos. The original crowns, unfortunately, are long gone, lost to time and perhaps a bit of neglect. But now Union Station aims to revive that magic with its crown-shaped chandeliers — a centerpiece of the now-famous “Holiday Reflections” event.

Holiday Reflections: A Walk Down Memory Lane

“Holiday Reflections” is Kansas City’s largest indoor holiday celebration, drawing thousands to the historic train station on Pershing Road each December. This year, the event features a stroll-through replica of the much-loved Petticoat Lane, a delightful homage to how Kansas City used to celebrate the holidays. It’s a perfect mix of nostalgia and modern delight.

Preserving the Memories

George Guastello, the president and CEO of Union Station, has emphasized the importance of history within the community. He remarked, “History in our community and the preservation of the history for future generations has been paramount to us.” This year not only marks the enchanting chandeliers’ debut, but it also coincides with the 25th anniversary of Union Station’s grand reopening. This vibrant hub had once faced the threat of demolition, but thanks to revitalization efforts, it now stands as a cherished icon of Kansas City’s heritage.

A Blast from the Past

Delving into Kansas City’s Christmas past, Guastello was inspired by a book published in 2001 titled “Christmastime Kansas City, The Story of the Season.” It unveiled heartwarming images that sparked memories of childhood visits to downtown during Christmas. As people around him reminisced about the crowns of yesteryear, Guastello couldn’t help but wonder, “What ever happened to those crowns?”

The Rise and Fall of the Original Crowns

During the 1960s, local merchants attempted to revive holiday shopping downtown, partly inspired by decorative crowns they had seen in London. Those original crowns, made of aluminum and wrapped in golden foil, adorned the streets from 1962 until 1976, bringing a festive touch to the city. Sadly, due to a decline in retail and funding, the crowns slowly disappeared from view, their whereabouts now somewhat of a mystery.

The Vision Behind the Chandeliers

Fast forward to today, Guastello sought to capture that same spirit with modern chandeliers for Union Station. After a transformative trip to the Swarovski crystal headquarters in Austria, he was determined to recreate a similar majestic feel, although at a more budget-friendly rate. Each chandelier, towering at 10 feet tall with 20,000 crystals each, cost around $10,000 and required intricate assembly on site.

Community Support Needed

As the holiday season progresses, the question remains—will these stunning chandeliers be part of Kansas City’s landscape beyond the holidays? Guastello promises to keep everyone posted. He understands that the turnout during the holiday events will play a big role in what happens to this sparkling addition to Union Station. Will they stay? Will there be more? Time will tell, but for now, visitors can soak in the holiday spirit and enjoy “Holiday Reflections,” which runs through January 1st.

So, if you’re looking for joy and a bit of nostalgia this holiday season, be sure to pay a visit to Union Station, where the past meets the present in a magical holiday wonderland!