holiday events in St. Louis 2019

The Pet-acular Holiday Bazaar is a family-friendly event especially for dogs and kids! This St. Louis-favorite returns to the state-of-the-art Purina Event Center the weekend of Dec. 14-15 and offers fun for all ages, including a Kids Activity Area and photos with Santa. Admission and parking are free, and no reservations are necessary.

Celebrate the season at the Saint Louis Art Museum with free performances and art activities inspired by traditions from around the world. Winter Celebrations includes music and dance performances from community organizations representing diverse global cultures, art activities for your little ones and much more during this two-day festival.

More than a half million lights will illuminate some of the Garden's most iconic locations, walkways will be transformed into sensory light tunnels providing an explosion of visual magic, and traditional candlelight village displays will delight crowds of all ages.

Santa is coming to the Kirkwood Ice Arena to skate with guests during a public skate session.

The Grinch will arrive on south Grand at Apotheosis Comics to spread some holiday cheer and raise funds for Shriners Hospitals for Children. For a $7 donation to the hospital ($5 with a toy donation), participants can have their photo taken with the Grinch.

This version of It's A Wonderful Life has a clever twist: the story is staged as a play within a play. More specifically, a 1940s live radio broadcast within a play. Complete with microphones, live sound effects by a Foley artist, 1940s period costumes and a diverse company of characters, the adaptation charmingly tells the story of George Bailey and the town of Bedford Falls and brilliantly touches on all the fascinating character backstories. The play also illuminates the powerful, life-affirming message that one life can change the whole fabric of a community. The show, recommended for ages 8 and up, is 50 minutes long, followed by 10 minutes of Q&A between the cast and audience.

Bring your kids (and their wish lists) to visit Santa Claus at The Lodge Des Peres. And don't forget your camera! Free and open to all.