With the help of ten truckloads of sand, The Magic House's backyard has been transformed once again into a beachfront park for the popular Sandcastle Beach exhibit.
Visitors can take a stroll along the boardwalk, search for some seashells at the shell dig, relax under a colorful beach umbrella and build their own sandcastles too. See world champion sculptor Dan Belcher's gigantic 75-ton sandcastle!
A native St. Louisan, Belcher received his Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Kansas State University. He has traveled the world creating gigantic sand sculptures and has won numerous awards for his creations. This year’s sculpture will make the fifteenth magnificent sandcastle that Belcher has created for The Magic House.
Sandcastle Beach is open during regular Magic House hours beginning May 23, 2025, and is included with regular admission.
More information: magichouse.org
Experience the holiday lights at Winter Wonderland in Tilles Park, where you'll find two million beautiful holiday lights and animated displays.
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.
Enjoy the iconic lights that adorn the Anheuser-Busch Brewery close up during walking tours. Brewery Lights features more than one million twinkling lights, a Kids Winter Wonderland, a nightly parade featuring the World-Famous Clydesdales, and lots of family-friendly activities.
Celebrate the magic of the holidays the entire month of December at the Holiday Magic experience at The Magic House! Holiday Magic features festive decorations throughout the museum, Winter Wonderscape, a Snowball Showdown, Story Time with Mrs. Claus & Santa, a special Toddler Time experience and more.
The magical sights of the Gateway Arch Park Foundation's Winterfest return to downtown St. Louis this holiday season. Winterfest includes family fun, beautiful holiday lights, s'mores stations, ice skating and festive activities and fireworks, plus special character visits and a New Year's Eve celebration.