15 Things to Do in St. Louis This December

St. Louis has an abundance of festive light displays and jolly seasonal events for endless holiday fun, but if you’re looking for other things to do in December, check out this list.

With bucking bulls, wine tastings, dirt track racing, a cappella music and more, there’s no shortage of entertainment and excitement in the Gateway City this month.

The Polar Express Train Ride

Until December 30

The Polar Express Train Ride at St. Louis Union Station is an important winter tradition. Set to The Polar Express motion picture soundtrack, the magical experience takes guests on a journey to the North Pole aboard beautifully decorated trains. Families are encouraged to interact with the train conductor, The Polar Express characters, Santa Claus and his elves – and to wear their favorite seasonal pajamas for the occasion.

The Culture: Hip Hop and Contemporary Art in the 21st Century

Until January 1

The Culture: Hip Hop and Contemporary Art in the 21st Century presents a sweeping art history of hip-hop culture and its myriad expressions across the globe. The exhibition, co-organized by the Baltimore Museum of Art and the Saint Louis Art Museum, encompasses everything from the genesis of hip-hop as a way to amplify marginalized voices to its resounding impact on contemporary art and culture. In addition to spotlighting the importance of the written and spoken word, The Culture will explore hip-hop’s unique contributions to innovations in performing arts, visual arts, technology and fashion with significant examples, including looks from Virgil Abloh’s collections for Louis Vuitton and legendary streetwear brand Cross Colours. The multidisciplinary and multimedia exhibition will also identify pressing issues within the realm of hip-hop, such as the complex relationship between capitalism, commodification and racial identity.

Print Bazaar on Cherokee Street

December 2

Do you prefer prints? You’re going to love the Print Bazaar on Cherokee Street. One of the largest print sales in the Midwest, the annual event showcases more than 100 local and regional artists whose work embodies the ever-evolving creative energy of the neighborhood. Expect everything from lithographs to woodcuts and etchings to screen prints. Add a cup of hot coffee or a tasty taco and this might become a new tradition for you.

PBR: Unleash the Beast

December 2 and 3

Live at Enterprise Center, the world’s top bull riders will go head-to-head against the fiercest bucking bulls on the planet. Don’t miss out on the action – get your tickets today!

Cellar Series

December 7

Time to wine down at Winslow’s Table. On Dec. 7, beverage and retail director Kara Flaherty will host a wine class that spotlights regional pairings. The class includes wine tastings, small bites and tips for entertaining with the option to purchase featured wine from the cellar afterward. Flaherty will also share some great wines to keep in stock for the holiday season – plus, bottles that make great gifts for your loved ones.

MOTheR

December 8 to 10

MOTheR, a new work by choreographer Kirven Douthit-Boyd, centers on a family who uses the power of dance to elevate their existence. Mother and her four sisters – magical agents of change – will lead their family on a journey, which is both worldly and ethereal. This original production encompasses alchemy, robust sound, vibrant imagery inspired by the cultural aesthetic of Afrofuturism and movement vocabulary that blends cultural and contemporary dance to tell the story of these five women who will stop at nothing to protect the prosperity of their children.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey

December 9 and 10

The Greatest Show On Earth comes to Enterprise Center this month. The reimagined Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey invites people of all ages to a spectacle of superhuman feats, which push the limits of possibility and thrill multigenerational audiences. Get closer to the action with an immersive, 360-degree environment and new technology that creates real connections between you and performers from all over the world. Witness daring, never-before-seen acts on a high-wire, trapeze and bicycle, share the laughter and awe-inspiring spirit of the circus and ignite your family’s spark of fun right here in St. Louis.

Missouri Bridal & Wedding Expo

December 10

Signed, sealed, delivered! The Missouri Bridal & Wedding Expo returns to the America’s Center Convention Complex on Dec. 10. The convention features an amazing selection of wedding professionals who can help you find the perfect gown, reception venue, invitations, photographer, music, menu, honeymoon destination and so much more. Admission is free with online registration or $10 at the door.

Lafayette Square Holiday Parlor Tour

December 10

Admittedly, the annual parlor tour in Lafayette Square is holiday-themed, but it’s too special to exclude from our list of 15 things to do in St. Louis this December. Participants of the Holiday Parlor Tour will be invited into 11 festively decorated homes on the self-guided walking tour. Unique in its history and character, every home reflects the diversity of the neighborhood’s residents. Ticket holders can also enjoy carriage rides in the park and trolley stops around the area. See – special!

Disney’s Aladdin: The Hit Broadway Musical

December 12 to 17

Discover a whole new world at Aladdin, a thrilling new production filled with unforgettable beauty, magic, comedy and spectacle. In the extraordinary theatrical event at The Fabulous Fox, one lamp and three wishes make the possibilities infinite. Hailed by USA Today as “pure genie-us,” the hit Broadway musical features the best songs from the Disney film alongside new music by Tony Award winner Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tony Award winner Tim Rice and a book by Chad Beguelin.

Gateway Dirt Nationals

December 14 to 16

Ready, set, go! The Gateway Dirt Nationals, an indoor racing event, features Late Model and Open-Wheel Modified classes. Held at The Dome at America’s Center, the ⅕-mile, semi-banked dirt oval results in tight-quarters racing – and excitement that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

12 Bars of Charity

December 16

This year marks the 11th annual 12 Bars of Charity event, which features a friendly competition between eight local charities. The charities are divided into “teams” and assigned a team color; the largest charity team, with the most sign-ups, gets a $1,000 prize. All you have to do is sign up for the charity team that you want to join. Once at the event, you will have the freedom to go wherever you want, whenever you want, with whomever you want. Participating venues include Armory STL, Ballpark Village, Budweiser Brew House, El Burro Loco, The Garage STL, The Honky Tonk STL, Molly’s in Soulard, Salt + Smoke, Sports & Social St. Louis, Tin Roof, The Boom Boom Room and The Over/Under Bar & Grill. 12 Bars of Charity is a great opportunity to get family, friends and co-workers together around the holidays for a super fun event that gives back to some of the best local organizations.

Straight No Chaser

December 19

If the phrase “male a cappella group” conjures up an image of students in blue blazers, ties and khakis singing traditional college songs on ivied campuses, think again! Straight No Chaser are neither strait-laced nor straight-faced, and they’re far from vaudeville-style kitsch. The group has emerged as a phenomenon with a massive fanbase and a long list of accomplishments, including two RIAA gold-certified albums, more than 1.5 million concert tickets sold, more than 1 billion streams on Pandora and more than 2 million albums sold worldwide. Straight No Chaser is the real deal – the captivating sound of nine unadulterated human voices coming together to make extraordinary music, which moves people in a fundamental sense…and with a sense of humor.

Mrs. Doubtfire: A New Musical Comedy

December 26 to January 7

The new musical comedy Mrs. Doubtfire spotlights the things that we do to stay together. Based on the beloved film, Mrs. Doubtfire tells the hysterical and heartfelt story of an out-of-work actor who will do anything for his kids. It’s “the lovable, big-hearted musical comedy we need right now,” raves the Chicago Tribune – one that proves we’re better together. Everyone’s favorite Scottish nanny will saunter into St. Louis for performances at The Fabulous Fox from Dec. 26 to Jan. 7.

Back to the Future in Concert

December 28 and 29

Recharge your flux capacitor and get ready to experience Back to the Future like you’ve never seen or heard it before! The 1.21-gigawatt blockbuster movie will be shown on an enormous, high-definition screen at Stifel Theatre. The best part? The dazzling score will be performed live by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra as Marty McFly, Doc Brown and the DeLorean travel to the past, present and future, setting off a chain reaction that disrupts the space-time continuum.