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.
Winter in St. Louis:
St. Louis is usually snowy in winter with an average temperature of 46°F (7.7°C). The maximum low is around 25°F (3.8°C) in late January. Pack warm clothes and snow boots to make the most of your stay!
Locals and visitors can enjoy several winter activities in St. Louis. Try snowboarding or go on exciting Owl Prowls at World Bird Sanctuary. You can also attend events like Winterfest at the Arch, a six-week celebration marked by winter sports and igloo experiences!
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Christmas in St. Louis
Christmas in St. Louis is a magical time. You can enjoy twinkling lights, family-friendly events, and holiday cheer. Locals celebrate festive traditions like the Ameren Missouri Festival of Lights at Kiener Plaza, marking the start of Winterfest in downtown St. Louis. Here, you can enjoy performances, photo ops with mascots, and the lighting of The Salvation Army Tree of Lights. It all ends with a fireworks finale.
Tips for spending Christmas in St. Louis:
- Join the St. Louis Christmas Carols Association for a night of caroling to benefit children.
- Grab individual gooey butter cakes from Gooey Louie for your Christmas breakfast! These classic St. Louis treats are sure to be a hit.
Other fun tours and activities:
Things to do in St. Louis this Christmas
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. I’m sure kids will love this activity! 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
Takes place: November through December
Great for: Families with kids, couples
Tips for visiting: Tickets usually sell out fast, so book early. If available, tickets can also be booked on the night of the event.
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.
Magic Chef Mansion Christmas Tour
Address: 3400 Russell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA
Website: Magic Chef Mansion Christmas Tour
Takes place: December
Great for: Families with kids, couples, solo travelers
Tips for visiting: Note that visitors are required to wear flat shoes as the mansion has delicate oak floors.
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 Do... Read more
Tours by Melissa
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. I’d recommend this to art and culture lovers.
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. You can check out the dates and timings on their official website. Be sure to also check 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
Takes place: Novermber through December
Great for: Families, couples, solo travelers, culture enthusiasts
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 as there are many participating sites
Website: A Spirited Holiday Past
Takes place: December
Great for: Families, couples, history buffs, culture enthusiasts, solo travelers
Tips for visiting: Each site focuses on a different era, so make sure to read about the sites on the official website before planning your trip.
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 I’d suggest letting 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
Takes place: December
Great for: Families with kids, couples
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
Takes place: December
Great for: Families, couples, solo travelers
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 Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer The Musical, Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet, and Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! - so, I’m sure this will appeal to the little ones.
Christmas Shows at Fabulous Fox Theatre
Address: 527 North Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63103, USA
Website: Christmast Shows at Fabulous Fox Theatre
Takes place: December
Great for: Families with kids
Tips for visiting: Make sure to get your tickets from Metrotix as it’s the only authorized ticket seller for this venue.
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, 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
Takes place: December
Great for: Families, couples, solo travelers
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 celebrates a 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. I’d suggest paying extra for a pancake breakfast with Santa.
Polar Express Train Ride
Address: 201 S. 18th Street, St. Louis, MO 63103, USA
Website: Polar Express Train Ride
Takes place: November through December
Great for: Families with kids, couples
Tips for visiting: Remember to reach on time as the train doors close 10 minutes before departure and no latecomer is allowed onboard after that.
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. I think this is one of the most romantic things to do in the city. Participants 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
Takes place: November to January
Great for: Families, couples, solo travelers, Instagrammers
Tips for visiting: There are add-ons available to make your experience even more special. Try the Dine and Glow for a scrumptious dinner as Sassafras or rent a private fire pit for a cozy time with loved ones.
Have a wonderful winter in St. Louis!
St. Louis is a delight to visit any time of the year, whether you’re traveling alone or with loved ones. However, it transforms into a winter wonderland when the Christmas season comes, and that’s something unmissable. 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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