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!
Bring your babies and toddlers to this free story time at the Missouri History Museum.
See the Zoo's California sea lions perform acrobatic and athletic feats, including Olympic-style dives on a high-diving platform, flipper walks, frisbee tosses and plenty of surprises. While on stage with the sea lions, the Zoo's trainers explain sea lion behavior and positive-reinforcement training, in addition to the need for conserving the sea lion's ocean habitat.
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 Shapes, Black Music Month, STEAM, Juneteenth, The River, and more.
Storytelling in the Museum is free.
Join in on First Art, a free art program for toddlers where the focus is on the process of making art rather than the finished product. Dress to get messy!
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!