Cruise the Mighty Mississippi on a replica paddlewheel riverboat with the jolly man himself this holiday season – Santa Claus. Come dressed in your favorite PJs and leave the cooking to the crew. Your family will enjoy a breakfast buffet, craft activities, views of downtown and the Gateway Arch, and a photo with Santa.
2025 Cruise dates and times:
Saturday, Dec. 6 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Sunday, Dec. 7 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, Dec. 13 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Sunday, Dec. 14 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, Dec. 20 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Sunday, Dec. 21 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Cruises board 30 minutes prior to cruise time. Please arrive by 9 a.m.
Tickets are $45 per person for age 3 and up. Children under 2 are free.
More information and tickets: gatewayarch.com
If you prefer an afternoon cruise, Caroling with Santa cruises are taking place on the same days from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
See our Things To Do calendar for more fun holiday events for your family!
Stop in and have some fun in the indoor pool at the Lodge of Des Peres with your little one at this drop-in swim time for kids up to age 6. No pre-registration is needed; Water Waddlers is open to residents and non-residents of Des Peres.
Bring your babies and toddlers to this free story time at the Missouri History Museum.
Storytelling in the Museum is an in-person storytelling event happening at 10:30 a.m. at the Missouri History Museum. This event, perfect for the preschool set, features engaging stories with themes like Grandparents Day, Disability History, Baking, Homes Around the World and more.
Storytelling in the Museum is free.
LEGO Club at the St. Louis County Library is a free opportunity for kids to gather and have fun building with LEGO bricks. LEGOs are provided.
Families and kids of all ages can enjoy festive decorations, entertainers, many of your favorite Zoo exhibits and lots more at the Saint Louis Zoo's nighttime, non-scary Halloween experience Boo at the Zoo!
Boo at the Zoo is a long-time St. Louis family favorite, with fun, spellbinding decorations and great photo opportunities, spooktacular entertainment as actors bring the decorated areas to life, interaction with the animals, fun at the 4-D Theater, Conservation Carousel, and more.