Kansas City has quite a few traditions, especially when it comes to the holidays. However, this is the story of a holiday tradition that started as a marketing strategy and evolved to one of the city’s most beloved holiday attraction. Today, the Fairy Princess is our favorite holiday icon that many enjoy annually, and one that you should visit at least once in a lifetime, even if you can’t make it every year.

Once upon a time, Kline's Department Store needed something special to attract holiday customers.
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The Kline family was Jewish, so Santa just wasn't their man.
They wanted something neutral, so that everyone could feel like it was part of their holiday, too.
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Thus, the Fairy Princess was born, and the toy department was decorated with a special scene. Since 1936, they've been making dreams come true and it's one of the most beloved Kansas City traditions.

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They held local auditions and picked out a few lovely ladies who would rotate and take on the role of the Fairy Princess for a few days.
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A beautiful lady, a long white gown, snowy white gloves, and a princess crown!
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In 1970, Kline's went out of business and the Fairy Princess disappeared for almost 20 years... that is, until the Kansas City Museum took on the role as host in 1986.
Originally, the children would tell the Fairy Princess what they wanted, and then "magically" the gift would appear from a chute, much to the child's delight.
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Today, the gifts appear in a treasure chest instead of a chute, but the Fairy Princesses still have to train for the event to uphold the standards set by previous princesses.

Have you ever been to see the Fairy Princess? After you reminisce on our favorite holiday tradition, check out the rest of this Kansas City holiday checklist.

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