Crown Center Christmas - Santa's Arrival

 Today was a first for us. We watched Santa arrive at Crown Center! We got there early, not knowing what the crowd and parking would be like on the Friday after Thanksgiving, which was perfect. We were able to walk around and see all the new developments around Crown Center. So much has happened in the week since I was there. Let's take a peek!

The EBT Santa's Countdown to Christmas is up and running, and as of today, there are 28 days until Christmas! This laughing Santa is a long time holiday tradition. The history behind this display is so cool! He originally graced the window of Emery, Bird, Thayer (EBT) department store in downtown Kansas City in the early 1900s. After their doors closed in the 1960s, Santa sat in a lumberyard, with antique dealers, and finally with the late Jerry Smith. Smith was a well known KC toy collector and philanthropist who sold the piece to Crown Center in 1979. Fun Fact: Santa laughs 267,840 times per holiday season, which adds up to roughly eight times a minute! Whenever you come down, check out how many days are left until Christmas!

We headed outside to checkout the Mayor's Christmas tree and the large wooden toys underneath. They are finally in their place and McKinley took advantage of the early morning play time! He immediately ran to the firetruck, his all time favorite, and within minutes he was putting out fires all over the city. From there it was one toy after the other! We took the Crown Center Holiday Express to Florida, someplace definitely warmer than this chilly morning, and then the orange Jeep to our "hotel". This will definitely be our first of many make believe trips throughout the holiday season!

We made our way back across the street to take our place along the sidewalk to wait for Santa. We were joined by over 100 others, with some taking in the view from inside The Link to stay warm, all anticipating his arrival! And like clockwork, as 10:00 approached, Santa arrived on a horse-drawn carriage and invited everyone to follow him to Santa's Gingerbread Station where he will reside from now until December 24th at 5:00 pm. See the schedule below to add your visit to your holiday must-dos! Want to see Santa's arrival? Head over to my Instagram page to watch the video!

If you don't have any plans for this evening, head on down for the lighting of the tree! And if you can't that's okay, I've got you covered! Find it all on Instagram!

XO,

Andrea

*This is a sponsored post by Crown Center. All opinions and photos are my own.

This Kansas City Mama's Christmas at Crown Center

The holiday's are upon us and I for one am so excited to get this season started! And what better way than at Crown Center! For this magical time of year, Crown Center and This Kansas City Mama have partnered to bring you all the details of what is making this season so merry and bright at one of our favorite places in the city! 

My mom and I were just there earlier in the week and things are coming to life! The Mayor's Christmas Tree is up, the lights are strung in all the surrounding trees, and the ice terrace is as smooth as silk! Nutcrackers were finding their posts by entryways, the interior decor is larger than life, and walking through Halls left me ready to decorate my tree to the fullest! You have to take a moment to look at them all. I now want a tree in every room of my house, especially the one with Rose' bottles, popcorn buckets, and gumball machines. Oh, and the shopping bags with legs, sporting the chicest red heels, are darling!

We wandered outside and seeing the Mayor's Christmas Tree, standing tall at 100 feet, gave me all the feels. The annual tree lighting takes place Friday November 26th, festivities beginning at 5:30, and the tree will be on display until January 3rd. The oversized toys weren't on display, but don't worry they will be, just in time for the lighting. Lined up along the sidewalk, taking on the appearance of toy soldiers, they were awaiting their time under the tree. I can't wait to see, and hear, all the kids playing and squealing on weekends leading up to Christmas. It's such a sight to see. 

The ice terrace is officially open, and with warmer temps this weekend, it makes it the perfect time to take a spin around the ice. But don't get me wrong, getting all bundled up for the cold makes for amazing memories too. We do both! Then grabbing a hot cocoa, sitting at one of the small tables that line the sidewalks, and taking in all the joy, is what the season is all about.

Have you heard? Santa Claus is coming to town and will be arriving at Crown Center on Friday the 26th at 10:00! We can't wait to be in the crowd for his arrival, by a horse-drawn carriage, bringing with him the magic and wonder of Christmas! Want to pay him a visit? He will be at his Gingerbread Station residence until December 24th, where he'll then head back to the North Pole to get ready for his big night. 

And this is just the beginning! I can't wait to share with you all of our adventures, give you the inside scoop of all things Christmas at Crown Center, and highlight all the amazing events this special part of the city has in store! Are you ready to kick off the holiday season? If so, Crown Center and This Kansas City Mama have you covered!

The Holiday Season is here!

XO,

Andrea 

*This post is sponsored by Crown Center. All thoughts expressed and photos are my own.