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!
Explore the Saint Louis Zoo in the evenings at the Chinese lantern festival Animals Aglow! Animals Aglow returns to illuminate the Saint Louis Zoo for the second year with dozens of new, towering lanterns and light displays.
Visit The Magic House for Toddler Time, a special early-morning program for toddlers. Children age 1-4 can take part in exhibits and exclusive interactive activities designed just for little ones. There are new themes every week!
Open Gym at Miss Kelly's Gym is an opportunity for any child to have supervised free play in the gym. They can work on existing skills, try something new, or simply play around. It is completely up to them! Open Gym is open to both members and non-members ages 12 and under.
Bring your little ones to enjoy a nature adventure, where they'll learn to appreciate the natural world through a story, songs, movement and play.
Science Tots is designed for children ages 18 to 36 months. The class provides opportunities to support brain development and learning. Toddlers and their grown-ups will explore STEM topics through songs, stories, hands-on exploration and play.