Here's What's Happening at the All-New Holidays At Union Station

When it comes to the holidays, your weekends can fill up faster than a Christmas stocking, especially if you have little ones at home. Instead of traveling all around town to hit up the ice rink, the light displays and Santa’s lap, why not enjoy all the seasonal fun in one magical location in the heart of St. Louis?

Starting November 18, historic Union Station will be transformed into the North Pole for six unforgettable weeks. During Holidays at Union Station, your kids will be able to ride the rails for a train adventure to remember and spend quality time with the big guy himself. (Enter to win a prize package worth more than $250 at Holidays at Union Station now on our Facebook page.)

Expanding on a holiday tradition

The highlight of Holidays is the beloved Santa Express Train Ride, a 45-minute, roundtrip journey that lets kids interact with both Santa and his elves while enjoying a special rendition of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.

Ticket prices range from $39 to $89, and the train departs the 1894 National Historic Landmark terminal Wednesdays through Sundays at 4:45 p.m, 6:15 p.m. and 7:30 pm. with special 8:30 p.m. rides November 18, 19, 25, and 26, December 2, 3, 9 and 10, and then daily from December 15-24.

But this year, the excitement’s going to be bigger than ever. Riders get access to 14 new attractions that will make Union Station the go-to on everyone’s holiday list, not only for local Christmas lovers, but for revelers across the Midwest. With more than 60 Christmas trees, 100,000 lights and endless fun to be had, Holidays is a sight like St. Louis has never seen before.

Gear up for Glacier Park

Before and after the Santa Express, your family can enjoy Glacier Park, featuring your favorite outdoor activities and new surprises:

• The $4 million Holiday Water and Fire Show creates a breathtaking display as train guests pull into the station.  With LED lights, water displays and fire synchronized to your favorite holiday tunes, it’s an immersive experience for the eyes and ears. Shows run at 3:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 6 p.m., 7 p.m., and 8:15 p.m. on the days Glacier Park is open.
• Skate away on a 4,700-square-foot modular ice rink located under the Union Station train shed. Bring your own skates or rent a pair for $5. Two-hour sessions are just $10 for adults and $5 for kids.
• Glide down the slopes on the 9-foot-high, 95-foot long Ice Slide. Tickets, valid for up to 12 runs, are $7 for adults, $5 for kids.

The North Pole Village Experience

Escape the chill of the St. Louis winter by stepping inside Union Station for a new spin on the North Pole. Just a few of the exciting new attractions this year include:

• Your kids can learn the secrets to becoming Santa’s helpers at Elf Academy and even build a mini train car to show off their new toy-making skills. Reservations are required, and the cost is $19 for adults; $15 for children age 12 and younger.
• Kids can mail their wish list to Santa at the North Pole Post Office or see Saint Nick himself at his desk as he perfects his naughty and nice lists.
• Satisfy your holiday cravings with treats at Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen at Gingerbread Junction, The Fudgery or Babbo Natale’s Pizza Parlor.
• Put on your detective hat to find Rudolph and the crew at Santa’s Reindeer Round-Up. Locate them all and win a special prize!
• A tunnel of magnificent trees leads the way through Santa Land, where travelers will get their chance to meet Santa and pose for pictures. Reservations and photo package purchase required.
• Show off your mini-golf skills at the Peppermint Putt-Putt, check out the Northern Lights in Santa’s Maze, and explore elaborate model train scenes that will thrill fans of all ages.
• Join the Elf’s Clubhouse and enjoy a VIP experience that includes playing games against Santa’s elves, a set of elf ears, a hot chocolate and gingerbread snack, priority line access for all attractions, and more.

St. Louis Union Station Hotel, Curio by Hilton will also offer a holiday surprise for music fans. The Fab Four – A Beatles Tribute is a free 3-D laser mapping and light show set to The Beatles’ biggest hits. Criss-crossing the majestic Grand Hall ceiling, The Fab Four runs nightly at 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. starting November 18.

Remarked Tom Lyons, president of Rail Hospitality and Entertainment, “Adding these new attractions and activities will give more families the opportunity to experience together the greatest gift of Christmas – creating memories with families and friends.”

Entrance into Glacier Park and the North Pole are included with Santa Express train tickets. Prices for guests not holding train tickets are $5 per person, children two and under free. The North Pole Village activities will be open from 3 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays and from noon until 9:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Extended hours run from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. December 18-24 and December 26-January 2.

A variety of hotel packages and dining opportunities are available. For a full list of pricing, events and special offers, visit www.HolidaysatUnionStation.com or call 844-446-3625.

Enter to win our Holidays at Union Station prize package including 4 tickets on the Santa Express Train to the North Pole, 4 tickets for ice skating and 4 tickets for ice tubing at Glacier Park!