The Top 10 Holiday Events for St. Louis Families

By Alyssa Chirco on Wed, 11/18/2015 - 5:27pm

It’s time to make plans for holiday fun! Whether you’re looking to celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or just the beauty of the winter season, we’ve rounded up all the best holiday events for St. Louis families. Our top picks for 2015 include:

1. Wild Lights at the Saint Louis Zoo (and Breakfast or Dinner with Santa Claus Too)

See over half a million bulbs transform the Saint Louis Zoo into an arctic wonderland during this annual holiday event. U.S. Bank Wild Lights runs from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on select dates between Nov. 27- Jan. 3, and features elaborate light displays like Gingerbread Village, Neon North Pole and Starry Safari, free children’s activities, special menus (yes, there will be hot chocolate) and more. Tickets range from $7-10 and can be purchased online or at the door.

If it’s Santa Claus you’re looking for, you can find him at the Zoo too. Have Breakfast or Dinner with Santa at the Zoo, and you’ll enjoy a hearty meal, photos with the big guy himself and a chance to meet other costumed characters like Rudolf, Frosty and Jolly Old Saint Nick. Make reservations early by calling (314) 646-4897 because – even with several dates available – these popular events sell out quickly.

2. Winter Jewels and Supper with Santa at the Butterfly House

Escape the cold and surround yourself with the magic of the season at Winter Jewels: A Holiday Celebration at the Butterfly House. Discover fairies in the Tropical Conservatory, go on a treasure hunt in the Animal Exhibit Hall and make new friends in Gnome Forest. Winter Jewels runs Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., from Nov. 27-Jan. 3. All activities are included with general admission to the Butterfly House.

Santa is also stopping by the Butterfly House on select dates in December. At Supper with Santa, guests are treated to a pasta dinner, complete with cookies and hot chocolate. They will get to make keepsake ornaments, see how the butterflies get into the holiday spirit and have a souvenir photo taken with the guest of honor. Online reservations are required, and this one sells out quickly too.

3. Holiday Light Displays

With so many amazing holiday light displays throughout the St. Louis area (not to mention how hugely popular they are with kids), it’s impossible to choose just one.

See unique light installations and magical light tunnels amid some of MOBOT’s most iconic locations at the wildly popular Garden Glow; visit on select Wednesday evening Family Nights to take advantage of children’s tickets for only $3. Take in the twinkling lights at Winter Wonderland in Tilles Park by car, on foot or even in a horse-drawn carriage. See the Anheuser Busch Brewery all decked out for the holidays on a free evening walking tour during Brewery Lights. Or enjoy a train or wagon ride through millions of shimmering lights and dazzling special effects at Santa’s Magical Kingdom in Eureka.

4. Breakfast with Santa at the Magic House

The Magic House offers yet another opportunity to dine with Santa, but this is no ordinary meal. At Breakfast with Santa at the Magic House on Sunday, Dec. 6 and Dec. 13, kids can catch their pancakes as they are tossed through the air! They can also get a special photo taken with Santa, enjoy playtime in the Museum and make a holiday craft to take home. Several seatings are available; learn more and make reservations at www.magichouse.org.

5. Pet-acular Holiday Bazaar Bazaar at Purina Farms

At Purina Farms, even your pets can get in the holiday spirit. The annual Holiday Pet-acular Bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 12 and Sunday, Dec. 13 features photos with “Santa Paws,” adoptable pets, shopping for unique holiday gifts and fun activities for both kids and dogs. Admission and parking are free; call (314) 982-3232 for more information.

6. Ice Skating with Santa and Frosty

Ice skating is a winter tradition for many families, but have you ever gone skating with Santa or Frosty? On Saturday, Dec. 5 from 1-3 p.m. you can Skate with Santa at Steinberg Ice Rink in Forest Park. At the Snowman Skate at the Shaw Park Ice Rink on Friday, Dec. 4 from 6 to 10 p.m., the $3 admission includes free skate rental and hot chocolate and a full evening of skating with Frosty. And at Winterfest at The Meadows at Lake St. Louis, you can ice skate AND get your holiday shopping finished too. Skate for free every time you spend $100 at the mall, and while you’re there, take advantage of the free carriage rides and photos with Santa.

Not too steady on your skates? Sit back and watch the action instead at the annual Winter Wonderland on Ice Show at the St. Peters Rec-Plex on Friday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 12 at 5 p.m. Solo skaters, synchronized skating teams and beloved holiday characters are all part of an enchanting holiday performance that the whole family can enjoy. Call (636) 939-2386 for more information.

7. Holiday Fun at Eckert’s

You can always count on Eckert’s for family-friendly entertainment, and the holiday season is no exception. From hearing the story of the gingerbread man at a Holiday Storytime to creating your very own gingerbread house at a Gingerbread House Workshop, weekends at Eckert’s are filled with good, old-fashioned family fun. You can even eat Breakfast with Santa in the Belleville Country Restaurant or head out into the forest to chop down your very own Christmas tree. And Olaf – everyone’s favorite snowman – will be visiting too.

For dates, times and more information on any of these holiday events, view the Eckert’s Events Calendar or call (618)233-0513.

8. Macy’s Holiday Celebration with the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra

See Powell Hall transformed into a magical place during one of St. Louis’ favorite holiday traditions. At the Macy’s Holiday Celebration, kids and adults will enjoy listening – and even singing along – as the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra plays timeless classics like “White Christmas,” “Winter Wonderland” and selections from The Polar Express. There’s also going to be a visit from jolly ol’ St. Nick himself!

Performances of the Macy’s Holiday Celebration take place on Dec. 18, 19 and 20. Tickets and more information are available online.

9. Christmas Traditions in Historic St. Charles

This month-long celebration in Historic St. Charles runs every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from the day after Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve. Meet reindeer, indulge in s’mores and roasted chestnuts and listen to Victorian carolers sing sounds of the holiday season, all while shopping and dining in the area’s one-of-a-kind restaurants and boutiques.

Kids will especially enjoy the weekly Santa Parades on Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. and the Saint Nicholas Day Celebration on Sunday, Dec. 6. See more scheduled activities at www.historicstcharles.com.

10. Seasonal Celebrations at the Missouri Botanical Garden

While many local holiday events are all about Santa, the Missouri Botanical Garden offers several opportunities to celebrate other aspects of the holiday season as well. At Chanukah: Festival of Lights on Sunday, Dec. 6 from 12-4 p.m., visitors can enjoy a traditional Jewish holiday celebration that includes a menorah-lighting ceremony and festive Israeli music and dance. At Kwanzaa: Festival of the First Fruits on Tuesday, Dec. 29 from 12 to 3 p.m., a traditional Kwanzaa celebration will feature storytelling, craft and jewelry displays and authentic African drumming and musical performances.

And don’t forget about the Gardenland Express Holiday and Train Show, which runs daily from Nov. 21-Jan. 3. Guests of all ages will delight in seeing G-scale trains traveling through a miniature holiday landscape decorated with fresh flowers and poinsettias, making this a holiday event everyone can enjoy.

_{Main photo courtesy of the Missouri Botanical Garden}

The Top 10 Holiday Events for St. Louis Families

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