Christmas in St. Louis is filled with lights, lots of snow, and Christmas cheer. If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, then St. Louis, Missouri, is the place to be. It averages around 18 inches (45.72 centimeters) of snow every winter season, leading to days filled with skiing, sledding, and other snow-filled activities. In addition, the entire city and most of its attractions are bedecked with twinkling lights. Not even STL zoo or Missouri Botanical Garden are spared from the flurry of Christmas decorations. Apart from these, there are several festive activities and tours around heritage sites that you can take. To ensure you don’t miss out on any holiday festivities, check out our list of the best things to do at Christmas in St. Louis, Missouri.
1. See the dazzling U.S. Bank Wild Lights at STL Zoo
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
All is merry and bright! U.S. Bank Wild Lights kicks off at 5 o’clock tonight! Walk through a sea of twinkling lights...
Posted by Saint Louis Zoo on Friday, November 26, 2021
Take the whole family to STL Zoo to witness U.S. Bank Wild Lights. See the spectacular holiday light displays that transform the zoo into a Christmas wonderland. There will be winter-themed areas and holiday treats to keep you warm while you’re roaming the zoo. You may also visit the Insectarium and Penguin & Puffin Coast and say hello to your favorite animal friends. The dazzling lights can be seen on select nights from November 25 to December 30.
U.S. Bank Wild Lights at STL Zoo
Address: 1 Government Dr., St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
Website: U.S. Bank Wild Lights at STL Zoo
Opening hours: Nov. 25 - 27, 30; December 1 - 4, 7 - 11, 14 - 23, 26 - 30: 5pm - 8:30pm
Price: From $11
2. Take the Magic Chef Mansion Christmas Tour
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Magic Chef Mansion on Monday, August 15, 2022
Welcome to one of St. Louis’s esteemed old-world estates, Magic Chef Mansion. Construction on the 12,000-square foot (1,114.8365-square meter) property began in 1907. It was built for the owner of what was once the largest stove manufacturer, which was then renamed Magic Chef. After the original owners died, the mansion and its original furnishings were sold to the present owner, who turned it into a museum.
Although tours are given throughout the year, nothing beats the property’s Christmas Tour. The house is decorated with holiday-themed decorations to allow guests to feel the Christmas spirit. Do note that visitors are required to wear flat shoes as the home has delicate oak floors.
Magic Chef Mansion Christmas Tour
Address: 3400 Russell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA
Website: Magic Chef Mansion Christmas Tour
Opening hours: Dec. 3 and 10: 5pm - 8pm
Price: from $10
3. Watch A Christmas Carol at The Rep
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The Repertory Theater of St. Louis is performing a musical rendition of the well-loved Christmas classic “A Christmas Carol.” This will be its second annual presentation and will be filled with tons of music, singing, and dancing.
Apart from thrilling performances, the company is throwing in various events on select dates. These will happen in the lobby before or after the show. December 1 is Club Rep Night, while December 10 and 17 will be Santa Saturdays. From December 28 to 30, the company is celebrating Scouts Nights at The Rep, so Scouts BSA and Girl Scout members can avail of tickets for only $10. Be sure to check out the website to see the other cool offerings and discounts to take advantage of
"A Christmas Carol" at The Rep
Address: 130 Edgar Rd, St. Louis, MO 63119, USA
Website: “A Christmas Carol” at The Rep
Opening hours: Nov. 19 - Dec. 30 (times vary)
Price: from $23
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4. Participate in A Spirited Holiday Past
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Chatillon-DeMenil Mansion on Sunday, December 13, 2015
For just one day, several of St. Louis’s notable museums and historic landmarks will provide visitors with unique Christmas-themed events. Many of these important structures have retained their original structure and furnishings so that guests can experience what life was like in past eras. To add to the holiday feel, they’ve been decorated with yuletide trimmings.
One site offers gingerbread cookies to attendees of a live baking demonstration in the historic stone kitchen. Another location offers hot chocolate, cookies, and live music throughout a tour of the property. Do note that some attractions have an entrance fee or require a donation, while others offer free admission.
Some of the participating sites include Campbell House Museum, Chatillon-DeMenil Mansion, Historic Daniel Boone Home, and Overland Log House.
A Spirited Holiday Past
Address: Addresses vary
Website: A Spirited Holiday Past
Opening hours: Dec. 3: 10am - 4pm
Price: Varies depending on the location
St. Louis Tour Guide
Melissa Smith
I began my guiding career as a teenager in St. Louis, where I was born and raised. I first volunteered as a guide for the Chatillon-Demenil Mansion in South St. Louis. There is where I fell in love with history and its effect on present day. From my teenage years as a volunteer, I progressed to a job at the Missouri Botanical Garden where I trained and supervised the School Program Volunteer Docents and Instructors. My love for the outdoors comes from this experience of guiding school groups and chaperones through the spectacular 79 acres of the world’s 3rd most renowned botanical garden. Right here in my home town! From there I’ve gone on to work for the National Park Service as a Seasonal Park Ranger. This has been a most rewarding and delightful experience! I have guided travelers at such wonders as Arches National Park in Moab, Utah, and lesser known parks like Voyageurs National Park in International Falls, Minnesota. I have served two seasons at the Gateway National Park in St. Louis and have been to the top of the Gateway Arch over 200 times! Each time was a unique experience. I witnessed 3 marriage proposals, 1 military reenlistment ceremony, and 1 choir singing their award-winning songs. Most recently I have been guiding tours of Forest Park, the Central West End, and downtown St. Louis. I hope you’ll join me on one of my walking tours. I can’t wait to share with you St. Louis, and our rich cultural history!
Tours by Melissa
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5. Ice skate at Kennedy Recreation Complex
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Kennedy Recreation Complex on Wednesday, September 28, 2022
Ice skating is a fun activity you can do with your family during the Christmas season. Kennedy Recreation Complex in St. Louis is a great place to skate and play ice hockey in the winter. It also offers lessons to kids, so don’t be afraid to let your young ones get on the ice for the first time.
The skating rink opens in early October and operates until March 1, 2023. You can rent some skates right at the complex, but you’ll have to bring your own stick and puck if you want to play ice hockey.
Ice skating at Kennedy Recreation Complex
Address: 6050 Wells Rd, St. Louis, MO 63128, USA
Website: Ice skating at Kennedy Recreation Complex
Opening hours: Oct. 11 – Mar. 1: Mon - Thu: 10am - 12pm; Tue: 10am - 12pm & 3:30pm - 5:30pm; Fri: 10am - 12pm & 7pm - 9pm; Sat: 2:15pm - 4:15pm & 7pm - 9pm; Sun: 12:15pm - 2:15pm & 3:30pm - 5:30pm (closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas)
Price: From $5
6. Join the Holiday Bike Drive
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The Holiday Bike Drive is organized by Santa’s Helpers, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping sick and underprivileged children and their families. Every Christmas, the organization buys and delivers Christmas and Hanukkah gifts to thousands of kids.
If you join the Holiday Bike Drive by paying the entry fee or donating a bicycle or toys, you’ll allow Santa’s Helpers to generate funds for their Christmas-giving project. In return, you’ll enjoy plenty of treats, drinks, raffles, casino games, and more fun and festive activities.
Holiday Bike Drive
Address: Forest Park Golf Course, 6141 Lagoon Drive, St. Louis, MO 63112, USA
Website: Holiday Bike Drive
Opening hours: Dec. 15: 6pm -10pm
Price: $100, 1 bicycle, or $100 worth of toys
7. Catch a show at The Fabulous Fox
The Fabulous Fox opened in 1929 and has been entertaining audiences with live music since. Over 50 years, numerous rock concerts, Broadway shows, comedy acts, and Vegas performers have graced its stages. This year, they’re offering various Christmas-themed plays and shows on selected dates in November and December.
The list of shows includes Disney’s “Frozen” (November 2 to 13), The Illusionists: Magic of the Holidays (November 26), Christmas with Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith (December 9), and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer The Musical (December 11).
Christmas Shows at Fabulous Fox Theatre
Address: 527 North Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63103, USA
Website: Christmast Shows at Fabulous Fox Theatre
Opening hours: Varies per show
Price: Varies per show
8. Sled down Art Hill
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
This winter, feel like a child again as you sled down Art Hill, found between Emerson Grand Basin and Saint Louis Art Museum! During the holidays, it becomes a go-to place for snow sledding. Enjoy the spectacular views from the top of the hill as you slide down the slopes to the rim of the basin.
Do note that it gets crowded when the holiday season is here and the kids are out of school. If you prefer sledding in a quieter area, you can head to other parts of Forest Park, such as The Hills South of The Muny, Government Hill, and Shakespeare Glen Hill.
Sledding on Art Hill
Address: 5595 Grand Drive, Forest Park, St. Louis, MO 63112, USA
Website: Sled on Art Hill
Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)
9. Hop on The Polar Express Train Ride
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Santa wants to wish everyone a Happy and safe Halloween weekend! He’s very excited for November to start because that...
Posted by Polar Express at St. Louis Union Station on Friday, October 28, 2022
St. Louis Union Station is bringing back its yearly tradition of giving rides on The Polar Express Train Ride. It takes off from Union Station and journeys to the magical North Pole.
Travelers are encouraged to come in their special holiday pajamas for this magical trip. During the ride, you’ll feast on a cookie and hot chocolate while listening to the well-loved Christmas story, “The Polar Express.” Once you arrive at the North Pole, Santa Claus will come aboard to greet all the children. You can also pay extra if you want to have a pancake breakfast with Santa.
Polar Express Train Ride
Address: 201 S. 18th Street, St. Louis, MO 63103, USA
Website: Polar Express Train Ride
Opening hours: Nov. 18 – Dec. 30 (Departure times vary, so please check the website closer to your preferred date.)
Price: Prices vary
10. See Garden Glow at Missouri Botanical Garden
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Garden Glow now extended through January 9! Experience the Garden transformed into a winter wonderland amid one...
Posted by Missouri Botanical Garden on Friday, November 20, 2015
Every year, Missouri Botanical Garden decks its gardens and buildings with dancing Christmas lights, and 2022 marks the 10th year that thousands of twinkling lights will be switched on for the Garden Glow event. Participants will enjoy watching a festive light show, sipping Christmas drinks, and eating s'mores.
There are several areas decorated with giant holiday frames, inflatable snow globes, and more, which will make for stunning Instagram pictures. You’ll also have the chance to meet Santa Claus on select dates in November and December.
Garden Glow at Missouri Botanical Garden
Address: 4344 Shaw Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
Website: Garden Glow at Missouri Botanical Garden
Opening hours: Nov. 19 – Jan. 7 (closed on December 24 & 25)
Price: From $3
Have a wonderful winter in St. Louis!
St. Louis transforms into a winter wonderland when the Christmas season comes. All its festive lights will put you in holiday mode, and you’re guaranteed to enjoy all the decked-out attractions and holiday shows. Keep this list handy to ensure you make the most of your trip to St. Louis this winter.
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