St. Louis offers an abundance of holiday magic, beginning with the Ameren Missouri Festival of Lights and ending with spectacular New Year’s Eve celebrations.
From jolly train rides to spirited pop-ups and live entertainment to light displays, here are the best events for holiday fun in St. Louis.
Holiday Events to Get You in the Spirit
Ameren Thanks-For-Giving Parade
November 22
Celebrating its 41st year, the 2025 Ameren Thanks-For-Giving Parade will feature festive parade units, including musical floats and displays, dance groups, drumlines and marching bands from the St. Louis region. As always, Santa Claus will attend the festivities to wish everyone a happy holiday season. The spectacle steps off at 2 p.m.
Festival of Lights
November 22
Ushering in the holiday season, the Festival of Lights also opens Winterfest in downtown St. Louis. The free, family-friendly event features festive holiday performances by local talent, photo opportunities with local mascots, real reindeer, vendor booths, the lighting of The Salvation Army Tree of Lights and an outstanding fireworks finale. Don your favorite hat, scarf and mittens and join us in Kiener Plaza for one of the best and brightest days in the Gateway City. The fun runs from 12 to 8:30 p.m.
Winterfest
November 22 to January 11
In downtown St. Louis, Kiener Plaza goes into overdrive for the holidays. Hosting Gateway Arch Park Foundation’s Winterfest, the space fills up with fan favorites such as ice skating, s’more stations and igloos positioned under 100,000 twinkling lights. The festivities kick off with the annual Winterfest 5K and Kids Fun Run, which are the only routes through Gateway Arch National Park that support the park. Winterfest continues with a holiday-themed market and café and appearances by princesses and superheroes, while a family-friendly New Year’s Eve fireworks display marks the end of the celebration. Let the fun begin!
Holiday Performances to Celebrate the Season
Santa Jam
December 5
“We can just stay here in this minute – lose all track of time.” Santa Jam returns to Stifel Theatre on Dec. 5 with captivating acoustic concerts by Brett Young, Alexandra Kay and Greylan James. Before the holiday chaos begins, “let the world spin on without [you] for a while.”
For King + Country: A Drummer Boy Christmas
December 9
Brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone invite you to celebrate the sounds of the season with an intimate evening of music and storytelling. For King + Country’s A Drummer Boy Christmas tour will only stop at eight theaters this holiday season, and The Fabulous Fox in St. Louis is one of them! Get tickets to hear the thrilling mix of original music and Christmas classics, including the anthemic “Little Drummer Boy.”
Brett Eldredge: GLOW Live
December 10
Brett Eldredge, Mr. Christmas himself, promises to sleigh this holiday season when he brings the timeless GLOW tour to The Fabulous Fox. With a reputation as an eloquent songwriter and a show-stopping performer, Eldredge will add boisterous orchestration, heartfelt balladry and robust vocals to your holiday soundtrack.
Rain: A Beatles Christmas Tribute
December 11
So this is Christmas… Embark on a nostalgic evening of love, joy and timeless tunes when Rain, a Beatles Christmas tribute, comes to The Fabulous Fox. Perfect for families, friends and Beatles fans of all ages, the festive celebration blends the magic of the holidays with the music of the soul.
Handel’s Messiah
December 12 to 14
With enthralling storytelling and uplifting messaging, Handel’s Messiah draws in audiences time and time again. The intimate arias juxtaposed with the exuberant choruses are irresistible, but the grandeur of the oratorio might impress the most. Discover which of these strikes a chord as Nicholas McGegan, one of the world’s foremost experts on Handel’s music, conducts the Grammy Award-winning St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and the St. Louis Symphony Chorus in this beloved holiday tradition.
A Christmas Story: The Musical
December 12 to 14
From the songwriting team behind Dear Evan Hansen and La La Land, A Christmas Story: The Musical brings the classic 1983 movie to the stage. Based on the perennial holiday favorite, the hilarious production follows young, bespectacled Ralphie Parker as he schemes his way toward the holiday gift of his dreams: an official Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-Shot Range Model Air Rifle. (“You’ll shoot your eye out, kid!”) An infamous leg lamp, outrageous bunny pajamas, maniacal department store Santa and triple-dog-dare to lick a freezing flagpole are just a few of the distractions that stand between Ralphie and his Christmas wish.
Jinglefest
December 13
This December, the holiday spirit hits a high note at Enterprise Center. Jinglefest, presented by 92.3 WIL and Busch Light, brings country stars Bailey Zimmerman, Nate Smith and Josh Ross to the stage for a night of unforgettable music. Sleigh bells won’t be the only things jingling this season – don’t miss it!
Punk Rock Christmas
December 13
Headbang into the holidays at The Pageant. Punk Rock Christmas presents festive tunes with anarchic remixes from members of Goldfinger, Ludo, Greek Fire, Cavo, Tidal Volume and more.
St. Louis Symphony Orchestra IN UNISON Christmas
December 18 and 19
Ring in the holidays with a powerful performance by the Clark Sisters, who will perform alongside the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and the IN UNISON Chorus. The festive concert will beautifully blend gospel, jazz and traditional holiday favorites, creating a soulful celebration and lasting memories.
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
December 19
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Grammy Award winner Chip Davis has been America’s favorite holiday tradition for 40 years, and this year, you can be part of it! In 2025, the show will feature classic Christmas hits from Mannheim Steamroller holiday albums along with multimedia effects. The intimate setting at The Fabulous Fox will include 15 musicians playing more than 20 instruments, capturing the spirit of the season in an immersive experience.
Gaslight Dreams
December 19 and 20
Saint Louis Dance Theatre’s holiday tradition is set against the backdrop of the historic Gaslight Square entertainment district. Infused with jazz rhythms by Jazz St. Louis, the vibrant production transforms Tchaikovsky’s classic into a nightclub fantasy. Celebrating the musical genius of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, the production combines contemporary dance and live jazz to create a love story that’s distinctly St. Louis.
Mercy Holiday Celebration
December 20, 21 and 23
St. Louis native and The Voice contestant Kennedy Holmes will join the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra to perform seasonal favorites with exciting twists. The Mercy Holiday Celebration is a cherished tradition that promises to fill you with joy.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve
December 23
Multi-platinum rock group Trans-Siberian Orchestra returns to Enterprise Center on Dec. 23. This year’s tour features a brand-new production of The Ghosts of Christmas Eve, alongside a special second set of hits, including a 25th anniversary salute to Beethoven’s Last Night. Both performances promise to captivate audiences with an unparalleled blend of rock and classical music, dazzling pyrotechnics, stunning lasers and incredible storytelling.
A Magical Cirque Christmas
December 23
Embrace the holiday spirit with A Magical Cirque Christmas, a variety show full of nostalgia, charm and awe-inspiring performances for all ages. When the show comes to The Fabulous Fox, it will dazzle and enchant audiences as world-class entertainers perform to cheerful holiday music.
Home Alone in Concert
December 27 and 28
When the McCallisters leave for vacation, they forget one thing: Kevin! A true holiday favorite, Home Alone will play on the big screen at Powell Hall while the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra performs John Williams’ delightful score live. Hilarious and heartwarming, this special screening means holiday fun for the whole family.
Holiday Fun for All
The Sleigh Shed
November 12 to December 30
The Train Shed at St. Louis Union Station transforms into a glittering holiday retreat this season. With wall-to-wall bling, The Sleigh Shed puts the excess of the holidays on full display. During their visit, guests can enjoy creative cocktails such as Freeze Navidad (tequila blanco, falernum, sweet vermouth, melon liqueur, pomegranate syrup and lime juice) and Not the Gumdrop Buttons (gingerbread-infused brandy, spiced chai, soft-serve vanilla ice cream and gingerbread whipped cream), alongside appetizers and desserts. Don’t wait – gather a group, secure a table and lose yourself in this wonderland of whimsy.
The Polar Express Train Ride
November 14 to December 30
The Polar Express Train Ride at St. Louis Union Station is an important holiday 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 Chalet
November 14 to January 3
Enjoy cozy luxury at The Chalet perched on the sky-high deck of Le Méridien St. Louis Clayton. With exclusive indoor-outdoor experiences, it serves as the ultimate winter escape. At the outdoor pop-up bar, try your hand at curling, gather around a fire pit and savor seasonal bites and sips, including warm mulled wine and smoky hot chocolate. Wooden pergolas, twinkling lights, heat lamps and blankets add to the allure.
St. Charles Christmas Traditions
November 28 to December 24
With a special blend of storytelling, history and whimsy, St. Charles Christmas Traditions welcomes guests into a world of holiday fun. Flying reindeer, dancing sugarplums and an array of international ambassadors invite you to explore holiday traditions from around the world. Savor warm chestnuts roasted over an open fire, witness the pageantry of global Santa figures dressed in the cultural attire of their home countries and listen to timeless melodies sung by Victorian carolers. Mixing yuletide nostalgia and contemporary fantasy, this free, family-friendly event shouldn’t be missed.
Weirdly Wonderful Holidays
November 28 to January 4
Experience the magic of the holidays at City Museum’s weirdly wonderful celebration. From Nov. 28 to Jan. 4, the uniquely wacky attraction will transform into a winter wonderland full of dazzling lights, heartwarming encounters and seasonal cocktails. While you can still enjoy classic thrills – from the enchanted caves to the rooftop rides – visits throughout the month will also include story time with Mrs. Claus, big-top entertainment with Circus Harmony and karaoke with friends among larger-than-life light displays.
Teddy Bear Tea
November 29 to December 23
Arguably the most popular event at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis, Teddy Bear Tea returns this season on select dates from Nov. 29 to Dec. 23. Arm in arm with their furry friends, kids can enjoy gourmet tea, hot chocolate and finger foods – plus, cookie decorating, storytelling, caroling and face painting – in the reimagined Lobby Lounge. For an additional cost, youngsters can take home a new teddy bear from Build-A-Bear Workshop – they’ll even have the opportunity to decorate a new T-shirt for him or her on-site.
Maplewood Christmas Tree Walk
December 5
From costumed carolers to horse-drawn carriages, the Maplewood Christmas Tree Walk radiates holiday spirit. After the grand lighting of the tree and the arrival of Santa, visitors can sip hot chocolate while wandering through the local small businesses that define the Maplewood neighborhood of St. Louis. Grab a good read at The Book House and indulge in gourmet chocolates at Kakao Chocolate. Shop for fair-trade gifts at Zee Bee Market, an assortment of products at Mystic Valley and exclusive oils and vinegars at vomFASS. Before the night ends, raise a glass with your loved ones at Schlafly Bottleworks or Side Project Brewing, which will both boast beer specials for the season. Storefronts will be decked out for the holidays, and many businesses will also offer live entertainment, complimentary refreshments and special discounts throughout the evening.
Holiday Pop-Up Shop
December 6 and 13
Laumeier Sculpture Park makes it fun and easy to shop local this holiday season. At its annual holiday pop-up shop, you can find unique gifts from area makers, including Ansgar Leather, Benton Park Prints, Curious Kat Ceramics, Knitwear Underground, Koala Pouches, Mud City Soaps, Pretty Okay Candles, Rainy Day Collective and Skin & Wicks.
PJs and Pancakes with Santa
December 6 to 21
You better watch out; you better not cry – because Santa is cruising into town! Start a new family tradition with this cozy adventure aboard the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch. Dressed in your best holiday pajamas, enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast and capture Instaworthy moments with Santa during a two-hour cruise.
Caroling with Santa
December 6 to 21
Santa Claus is trading his sleigh for the Tom Sawyer riverboat this holiday season, and he’s bringing all kinds of festive fun with him! Gather your family for an afternoon cruise where Santa will lead passengers in holiday caroling. In between songs, wet your whistle with complimentary hot chocolate or coffee and explore the different decks of the boat. This is one of the merriest ways to cruise through the season!
12 Bars of Charity
December 13
This year marks the 13th annual 12 Bars of Charity event, which features a friendly competition between nine 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. 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.
Lafayette Square Holiday Parlor Tour
December 14
The annual parlor tour in Lafayette Square is too special to miss. Participants of the Holiday Parlor Tour will be invited into 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!
