where to see Santa in St. Louis 2021

Free Family Night with Black Santa STL at The Magic House

The Magic House MADE for Kids will host a special Free Family Night featuring Black Santa STL! Visitors are invited to celebrate the holiday season and have their photos taken with Santa (using their own devices), then have lots of hands-on fun in the MADE for Kids makerspace.

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Santa at the Caboose

Santa is on his way to visit the Frisco Park Caboose in Valley Park and sit for pictures with kids!

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Holiday Extravaganza at St. Louis Artworks

St. Louis Artworks hosts its Holiday Extravaganza featuring art exhibits, live art creation, music, food trucks, a pre-Kwanzaa presentation, live music and more.

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Go for the Glow: Eight Must-See Holiday Light Displays in St. Louis

Santa’s helpers throughout St. Louis have been working their magic for months – testing bulbs, hanging lights and building displays – to spark joy for families this holiday season. As soon as November rolls around, the entire region flips the switch to light up dazzling displays that will wow even the grinchiest of visitors. Add in some holiday tunes, kids’ activities and tasty treats, and these light displays become enchanting experiences you and your little ones will never forget.

Meet the Snow Sisters and Snowman at West County Center

Your kids can meet some of their favorite winter characters, like the Snow Sisters (think Frozen), the Ice Queen, and the Snowman at West County Center.

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Edwardsville Children's Museum Arctic Express Event

Join Edwardsville Children's Museum on December 5th to celebrate the holidays! Families will have lots of fun and lots to do at its Arctic Express event!

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A Sweet Time with Santa at Play Street Museum

Enjoy a special visit with Santa at Play Street Museum! Kids are welcome to wear their favorite holiday attire to enjoy cookies and milk while Santa reads The Night Before Christmas.

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Things to Do

Wagon Days at Longmeadow Rescue Ranch

Saturday, November 14, 2026

The Humane Society of Missouri's Longmeadow Rescue Ranch is hosting Wagon Days filled with fun, free activities for all ages.

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Owl Prowl at the World Bird Sanctuary

Saturday, November 14, 2026

Friday, November 20, 2026

Come over to the dark side and meet the amazing birds that exist by moonlight. Owl Prowls are an opportunity for families to learn about owls from the naturalists at the World Bird Sanctuary.

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Garden Glow at the Missouri Botanical Garden

Saturday, November 14, 2026

Sunday, November 15, 2026

Friday, November 20, 2026

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

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Open Gym at Miss Kelly's Gym in Creve Coeur

Saturday, November 14, 2026

Friday, November 20, 2026

Kids can work on existing gym skills, learn new skills or just play around during Open Gym at Miss Kelly's Gym in Creve Coeur.

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Kindergarten Prep

Saturday, November 14, 2026

Tuesday, December 1, 2026

Saturday, December 5, 2026

Your child is old enough to start kindergarten, are they ready? Are you? At this special presentation, both you and your child will get a brief overview of what is expected before your child even enters the classroom. You'll also receive a free backpack and school supplies. Registration is required.

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Dinoroarus Comes Roaring Back at the Saint Louis Zoo

The Dinoroarus exhibit brings prehistoric fun back to the Saint Louis Zoo this summer with 20 lifelike dinosaur animatronics and sculptures on the Zoo's Historic Hill.

Get Ready to Climb and Explore at These Free Big Truck Days

If your kids love to explore big trucks and vehicles, these upcoming Big Truck Days are a perfect weekend or weeknight outing. They'll get to climb on and explore fire trucks, police vehicles, bulldozers, bucket trucks, ambulances and lots more.

Travel Back in Time Every Friday at the Missouri History Museum’s Free Summer Family Fun Series

There comes a point every summer when all that “free time” isn’t so fun anymore. Your kids are bouncing off the walls, it’s too hot to hit the playground, and every activity seems to come with a big price tag. That’s when the screens come out, and parents find themselves counting down the minutes to bedtime. Thankfully, when Friday rolls around each week, your family can experience a mini summer getaway through history – no travel required.

City Museum's Stuff the Bus Campaign Provides School Supplies for 160 St. Louis Schools

Visit City Museum August 3-31, bring school supplies to donate, and get discounted admission! That's the idea behind City Museum's Stuff the Bus campaign.

Your Guide to Free Outdoor Family Movies this Summer

Seeing a movie at the theater is a magical experience, but when summer rolls around, it’s time to get outside and enjoy free movies under the stars! Free family movie nights abound across the St. Louis area, so grab your kids, a blanket or lawn chairs, and get ready for some cinematic fun. Here's where to find them:

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The Missouri History Museum celebrates education and family learning with History Exploration Days! One Friday per month from September to May, homeschool families with kids of all ages can explore a different historical topic—together! All activities are FREE. Explore St. Louis history in new and exciting ways through interactive guided gallery tours, hands-on workshops, and community performances that align with each month’s theme, encouraging investigation, exploration, and creative fun. Activities are offered at various times throughout the day and are customized for specific grade-level groups.

Storytelling takes place in the morning, and all ages are welcome. Visit the craft room for fun learning experiences, with museum educators available to help learners participate in meaningful ways. Topics this school year include colonial St. Louis, baseball, Black history, and wildlife. Detailed schedules for each day will be posted to the Museum’s website. The program is offered on October 9, November 13, December 11, January 15, February 19, March 19, April 9, and May 14. LEARN MORE

What if school were a place where curiosity leads the way, learning comes to life, and children discover just how much they're capable of? At The College School, students from Preschool through Eighth Grade learn by doing. They explore creeks and forests, tackle meaningful challenges, ask big questions, and build the confidence to think independently. With strong academics, hands-on experiences, and a close-knit community, learning extends far beyond the classroom.

We invite you to experience it for yourself at our All-School Open House on Saturday, November 14, from 9:00–10:30 a.m. Meet our teachers, explore our classrooms and learning spaces, and discover what makes The College School such a special place to grow.

Come see how an extraordinary education begins with the freedom to explore.

Register for Open House

Gather your pack – your kids and your cold-nosed companions – for a photo shoot with Santa this December 12 & 13, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Purina Farms. Cold-Nosed Candids are for families and their cats and dogs to have their photos taken while they frolic through the snow for an indoor snow fight! You'll enjoy photos with Santa, frolicking in the flurries, and burning off that puppy energy at lure coursing! There are special times for famlies with dogs, families with cats, and families with both. Registration is required. Admission is free; parking is $5 per vehicle. Your parking fee includes one printed and one digital copy of your photo. Spots are limited! REGISTER AT THIS LINK

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