holiday light displays in St. Louis

Celebrate the science behind some of your favorite holiday decorations - lights! This new holiday celebration at the Saint Louis Science Center will present a light display that uses leading-edge technology and science demonstrations to show the science of light.

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Winter Wonderland in Tilles Park

Experience the holiday lights in Tilles Park, where you'll find thousands of beautiful holiday lights and animated displays designed by St. Louis County Parks employees. You can drive through Winter Wonderland evenings from 5:30-9:30 p.m. except Mondays (for Winter Wonderland Walk only) and Saturdays (for carriage rides only).

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Top 10 Holiday Must-Do’s for St. Louis Families

During the holidays, St. Louis transforms into a winter wonderland that rivals the North Pole itself (minus the snow). With incredible light displays that spark excitement in every child, train rides that put them face to face with Santa himself, and bazaars that feature handmade gifts even the elves would envy, there’s something magical for every member of the family. Our picks for this year include:

Wild Lights

There’s something about seeing the father of your children perched precariously atop an unstable ladder, steel blade rake in his outstretched arm as he swats at the air, still several feet away from a dangling strand of Christmas lights that you guilted him into hanging onto a 30-foot pine tree, that makes you truly appreciate the raw power you harness within your female body parts.

It’s almost scary.

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Things to Do

Santa Visits the Library

Monday, December 10, 2018

Kids can enjoy stories and songs during a visit with Santa! Parents should bring their cameras for photos with jolly ole' Saint Nick.

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O'Fallon Celebration of Lights

The annual Celebration of Lights in Fort Zumwalt Park in O'Fallon, Mo., has been a holiday tradition since 1991. Open to vehicle traffic nightly except Mondays.

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Sensory Night at U.S. Bank Wild Light at the Saint Louis Zoo

Monday, December 10, 2018

People of all abilities can enjoy the popular U.S Bank Wild Lights at the Saint Louis Zoo during Sensory Night, which offers quiet areas and trained Zoo staff to assist families.

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U.S. Bank Wild Lights at the Saint Louis Zoo

U.S. Bank Wild Lights at the Saint Louis Zoo is back for another beautifully lit season. Your family can stroll through the Zoo grounds surrounded by a million lights! Visitors will see animated light displays, enjoy fireside stories, campfire s'mores, fun photo opportunities, the Conservation Carousel, 4-D Polar Express Experience and lots more in this enchanting holiday wonderland. Parking is free.

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Preschool Science at the Saint Louis Science Center

Engage your young scientist in science-related learning at the Saint Louis Science Center's Preschool Science Series. Through interactive stories and hands-on exploration, children learn about science, as well as language, problem-solving and social skills.

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See All Things to Do

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Escape the rush with the Holiday Classics series at Marcus Theatres! Whether your kids are seeing them for the first time or the 100th, the whole family will agree that movies like Elf and The Polar Express are even more fun on the big screen. Best of all, admission is just $5 per person. Visit MarcusTheatres.com for tickets, showtimes and a complete list of all eight participating locations in greater St. Louis. Shows Nov. 30-Dec. 6 include Elf, Home Alone and It's a Wonderful Life. Shows Dec. 7-13 include National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, The Polar Express and Miracle on 34th Street.

U. S. Bank Wild Lights at the Saint Louis Zoo: Now brighter than ever, with 1 million lights! While enjoying the animal-themed light displays, stay cozy with cocoa and delicious s'mores. You'll also have a holly jolly time taking a spin on the Conservation Carousel and watching "Polar Express" at the 4D Theater. Tiny tots can enjoy festive crafts, and don't forget to give a holiday hello to the animals at the Insectarium and Penguin & Puffin Coast. For more information, visit stlzoo.org

Celebrate the holiday season at the Saint Louis Art Museum with art, music, and dance from around the world! December 8th and 9th, bring your family and friends to Winter Celebrations, a weekend of free festivities inspired by cultures near and far. Enjoy performances by the Hispanic Festival of St. Louis, St. Louis Osuwa Taiko Japanese Drumming, St. Louis Christmas Carolers Association, Dances of India, Afriky Lolo West African Dance, Normandy High School Jazz Band, and more. Create a new holiday tradition at the Saint Louis Art Museum! Winter Celebrations are Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 8-9, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is FREE. Sponsored by Ameren. LEARN MORE

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