St. Louis offers an abundance of holiday magic, beginning with the Ameren Thanks-For-Giving Parade 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 21
Celebrating its 42nd year, the 2026 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 21
Ushering in the holiday season, the Festival of Lights 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 the recently renovated Kiener Plaza for one of the best and brightest days in the Gateway City.
Winterfest
November 21 to January 3
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 curling, 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
Gen Horiuchi’s The Nutcracker
November 28 to December 23
Saint Louis Ballet’s magical annual production of The Nutcracker dazzles audiences with glorious dancing, resplendent costumes and Tchaikovsky’s beloved score! Under the direction and choreography of Gen Horiuchi, The Nutcracker comes to life with elegance, energy and wonder. Don’t miss the most heartwarming celebration of the season, which inspires awe and joy in all ages.
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas
December 2 to 23
Based on the Paramount Pictures film, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas is a must-have holiday experience for the whole family. The heartwarming musical makes the season merry and bright, as two army buddies-turned-entertainers team up with a singing sister act to save a snowless rural Vermont inn – discovering love along the way. Featuring a St. Louis-made production packed with showstopping numbers and iconic tunes, including the unforgettable title song, “White Christmas,” the show is a nostalgic, feel-good celebration that will wrap you in the holiday spirit.
Santa Jam
December 4
You had me at “Heads Carolina.” Santa Jam returns to Stifel Theatre on Dec. 4 with captivating acoustic concerts by Cole Swindell, Chase Matthew and Ashley Cooke. Before the holiday chaos begins, enjoy a few more wild and free moments.
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
December 4
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 2026, 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.
Lindsey Stirling: The Snow Waltz Tour
December 10
Violinist, songwriter, dancer, aerialist – Lindsey Stirling seemingly does it all. On Dec. 10, she’ll bring The Snow Waltz Tour to The Fabulous Fox, tuning her bow for the holidays.
St. Louis Symphony Orchestra IN UNISON Christmas
December 10 and 11
Ring in the holidays with a powerful performance by St. Louis-born actor and singer Jenifer Lewis, who will perform alongside the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and the IN UNISON Chorus. Lewis will bring her one-of-a-kind charisma and the exuberance of Broadway to this festive concert, creating a soulful celebration and lasting memories.
Brett Eldredge: GLOW Live
December 12
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 showstopping performer, Eldredge will add boisterous orchestration, heartfelt balladry and robust vocals to your holiday soundtrack.
For King + Country: A Drummer Boy Christmas
December 12
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 stop at limited venues this holiday season, and Enterprise Center 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.”
The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert
December 12 and 13
Join Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and more Muppets in this magically merry version of Charles Dickens’ classic tale. Michael Caine stars as Ebenezer Scrooge, a penny-pinching grump who – with the help of Kermit and a few ghostly visits – learns to open his heart to the true meaning of Christmas. Watch The Muppet Christmas Carol on the big screen as the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra performs the score live.
Love Actually in Concert
December 13
“General opinion’s starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I don’t see that. It seems to me that love is everywhere.” Fall for the holidays all over again at Love Actually in Concert when it comes to The Fabulous Fox. As the beloved film plays in its entirety, a live orchestra will perform the soundtrack, featuring Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”
Straight No Chaser
December 16
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. See them perform live at The Fabulous Fox this December.
Gaslight Dreams
December 18 and 19
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.
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
December 18 and 19
A fantastical cast of storybook characters comes to life in this dazzlingly brilliant, family-friendly holiday spectacular. Held at The Fabulous Fox, the annual tradition wraps a Broadway-style production around contemporary circus acts for an imaginative show that will have you rubbing your eyes in disbelief.
Mercy Holiday Celebration
December 18 to 20
Broadway star Norm Lewis 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.
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet
December 20 and 21
Give the gift of Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet to the whole family this year. At The Fabulous Fox, the Christmas tradition will feature an all-star cast that blends world-class ballet, whimsical puppets, stunning acrobatics and lavish costumes.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve
December 30
Multi-platinum rock group Trans-Siberian Orchestra returns to Enterprise Center on Dec. 30. This year’s tour features a brand-new production of The Ghosts of Christmas Eve, which promises to captivate audiences with an unparalleled blend of rock and classical music, dazzling pyrotechnics, stunning lasers and incredible storytelling.
Holiday Fun for All
The Chalet
November 6 to January 1
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.
The Sleigh Shed
November 7 to December 31
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 13 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.
Weirdly Wonderful Holidays
November 19 to January 3
Experience the magic of the holidays at City Museum’s weirdly wonderful celebration. For more than a month, 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.
St. Charles Christmas Traditions
November 27 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.
Caroling with Santa
December 2 to 20
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!
Maplewood Christmas Tree Walk
December 4
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.
PJs and Pancakes with Santa
December 5 to 20
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.
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!
12 Bars of Charity
December 19
This year marks the 14th annual 12 Bars of Charity event, which features a friendly competition between 10 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.
St. Louis is lit! Find even more dazzling holiday light displays here.
