St. Louis Holiday Magic: Your Guide to Festive Fun
The jolly old elf is absolutely everywhere here, all the time! This year, he’ll be enjoying pancakes and taking lots of pictures. Meanwhile, St. Louis will be aglow with millions of lights, warm mugs of hot cocoa, and charming holiday markets around every corner. Get ready to dive into the festive spirit with this guide to some of the top holiday events in the St. Louis area.
Dazzling Light Displays
Nothing says holidays like twinkling lights! St. Louis transforms into a luminous wonderland with numerous spectacular light displays perfect for a family outing or a romantic evening.
WonderLights Christmas
Drive through a two-mile spectacle featuring over 1 million lights synchronized to holiday music broadcast on your car’s stereo. Experience the unique thrill of driving on (or near!) a NASCAR racetrack. It runs from 5-10 p.m. through January 4 at World Wide Technology Raceway, 700 Raceway Blvd., Madison. Cost is $30 per car. More info: wonderlightschristmas.com/st-louis
Garden Glow
The Missouri Botanical Garden shines brightly with more than 2 million lights festooning its expanse, complemented by seasonal music. Don’t miss the Holiday Flower and Train Show, featuring intricate model train layouts winding through a vibrant display of poinsettias and other festive blooms. Open 5 or 6 p.m. to 9 or 10 p.m. through January 6 at 4344 Shaw Blvd. Admission ranges from $17-$24 for members and $20-$27 for non-members (adults), with child tickets also available. More info: missouribotanicalgarden.org/events-classes/calendar
Santa’s Magical Kingdom
Drive through millions of lights, animated scenes, and special effects. You can also drop off letters to Santa, take train or wagon rides, and shop at Kringle’s General Store. Located at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park, Fox Creek Road, Eureka, it runs 5:30-10 p.m. daily through December 31, and 5:30-9 p.m. daily through January 4. Entry is $30 per car, $40 for larger vehicles (cash only). More info: santamagicalkingdom.com
Brewery Lights
Enjoy over 1 million lights, two 50-foot digital twinkling holiday trees, a nightly parade, a winter wonderland for kids, free parking, and, of course, a free beer. Held on select nights from November 22-December 30 at Budweiser Brewery, 1200 Lynch St. Tickets are $5-$12. More info: budweisertours.com/brewerylights
Winter Wonderland (Tilles Park)
Tilles Park glows with holiday cheer and over 1 million lights designed to dazzle and delight. This is primarily a drive-through experience, but on November 29, the park offers two 90-minute sessions for walking through and taking pictures ($30 per car). Located at 9551 Litzsinger Rd., Ladue (enter from southbound McKnight Road), it runs 6-9 p.m. Nov. 28-Jan. 3 (except Dec. 1, 8, 25 and 31). Entry is $20 per car, with higher rates for larger vehicles. More info: stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/parks/special-events/winter-wonderland
Wild Lights (St. Louis Zoo)
The St. Louis Zoo gets all sparkly with over 1 million animal-themed lights and themed areas. Enjoy roaming entertainment, crafts for kids, a holiday market, and paid photo opportunities with Santa. Takes place 5-8:30 p.m. on select evenings from November 29-December 30 at 1 Government Dr., Forest Park. Admission is $15-$18 for members, and $18-$21 for non-members. More info: stlzoo.org/events/wild-lights
Candy Cane Lane
For many St. Louisans, Candy Cane Lane is a beloved Christmas tradition. Every house for a couple of blocks on the 6500 block of Murdoch Lane is absolutely bedazzled with a blaze of lights. Cars drive through slowly to take in all the magic and wonder. Free to enjoy nightly from November 30 until after Christmas, with donations accepted for charity. More info: instagram.com/candycane_lanestl
Merry Markets & Unique Experiences
Beyond the lights, St. Louis offers charming markets, historical journeys, and one-of-a-kind holiday adventures.
The Polar Express Train Ride
Don your holiday PJs and board a real train for a journey to the North Pole, where Santa himself will visit with every child. The trip includes a reading of “The Polar Express,” hot chocolate, and allergy-free cookies. Experience this magic at Union Station, 1820 Market St., with various times daily through December 30. Tickets range from $40-$85. More info: stlpolarexpressride.com/the-polar-express-train-ride
Lebanon’s Victorian Holiday
Step back in time for Lebanon’s 32nd annual Victorian holiday. Enjoy a lamplighter, madrigals, live reindeer, carriage rides, music, dance performances, and plenty of fun with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Consider wearing Victorian attire! This free event runs Noon-8 p.m. November 29, and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. November 30 at 221 W. St. Louis St., Lebanon. More info: facebook.com/LebanonVictorianHoliday
Winterfest at Kiener Plaza
Celebrate the 10th year of this community favorite in downtown St. Louis. An ice rink is open daily, with s’mores and other food available. Look for “carol-oke” on Fridays, a different DJ every Saturday, and movies and visits by kids’ favorite characters on Sundays. Free entry from Noon-8 p.m. November 22-January 11 at Kiener Plaza, 500 Chestnut St. More info: archpark.org/events/winterfest
Belleville Christkindlmarkt
Belleville hosts a traditional German market in the public square, complete with a horse-drawn trolley and European and handcrafted items for sale, alongside festive food and drink. This free market runs 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on other days (with some exceptions) from November 28-December 25, at Belleville Public Square, Illinois Route 159 and Main Street, Belleville. More info: bellevillechristkindlmarkt.com
Weirdly Wonderful Holidays at City Museum
The City Museum does weird right, and the holidays are no exception. Beyond its usual enchantments, enjoy Santa’s Workshop, Storytime with Mrs. Claus, specialty cocktails, holiday karaoke, and a Holiday Harmony Circus. Free with regular admission of $20 in advance ($22 at the door) from November 29-January 4 at 750 N. 16th St. More info: citymuseum.org/event/ww-holidays
Christmas Traditions (St. Charles)
Immerse yourself in a full Victorian Christmas experience with carolers, chestnuts roasting on open fires, Santa figures from around the world, classic Christmas characters like Ebeneezer Scrooge, and educational displays. This free event runs Fridays through Sundays, November 29-December 21, on Historic Main Street, St. Charles. More info: discoverstcharles.com/events/christmas-traditions
St. Louis Holiday Light Display Comparison
| Event Name | Location | Cost (Per Car) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| WonderLights Christmas | World Wide Technology Raceway | $30 | 2 miles, 1M+ lights, NASCAR track |
| Garden Glow | Missouri Botanical Garden | $20-$27 (non-member) | 2M+ lights, flower & train show (walk-through) |
| Santa’s Magical Kingdom | Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park | $30 | Millions of lights, animated scenes, Santa visits |
| Brewery Lights | Budweiser Brewery | $5-$12 | 1M+ lights, parade, kids’ wonderland, free beer |
| Winter Wonderland (Tilles Park) | Tilles Park | $20 | 1M+ lights, drive-through (some walk dates) |
| Wild Lights (St. Louis Zoo) | St. Louis Zoo | $18-$21 (non-member) | 1M+ animal-themed lights, crafts, market (walk-through) |
Holiday Runs & Active Fun
For those who love to stay active, there are several festive runs and challenges to participate in before indulging in holiday treats!
Jingle Hike Challenge
The Heartland Conservancy will tie jingle bells to 12 trees in parks across Southern Illinois. Find them, take a picture with yourself, and send it to the conservancy to be eligible for prizes. This free challenge runs November 29-January 1. Pick up info packet at the Rec Complex of Fairview Heights, 9950 Bunkum Road, Fairview Heights on November 22 from noon to 3 p.m. Cost to vie for prizes is $2. More info: heartlandsconservancy.org/jingle-hike-challenge
Great River Road Run
Join the 44th running of these historic races. Choose to run either 10 miles or 5K (3.1 miles). Winners in each age group will receive a medal. Registration begins at 6 a.m. for the 8 a.m. start on November 30 at 355-301 W. Broadway, Alton. Cost is $30 for the 10-mile race, $25 for the 5K race, and $20 for 5K participants 12 and under. More info: sites.google.com/view/virtualgreatriverroadrunrace/home
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where can I find free holiday events in the St. Louis area?
Many events offer free admission, including Lebanon’s Victorian Holiday, Kimmswick Christmas Parade, Holiday Walk in Kirkwood, Wood River Holiday Night Market, Christmas Traditions in St. Charles, Columbia, Illinois Tree Lighting Ceremony, Winter Wonderland in Edwardsville, Christmas Village in Bethalto, Bright Nights Celebration in Jerseyville, Holiday Cheers Market in Alton, and the Jingle Hike Challenge. - What are the best places to see Santa with kids?
Santa makes many appearances! You can find him at The Polar Express Train Ride, Santa’s Magical Kingdom, Lebanon’s Victorian Holiday, Kimmswick Christmas Parade, Holiday Walk in Kirkwood, Breakfast with Santa at Grant’s Farm, Breakfast with Santa at the St. Louis Zoo, Santa’s Workshop at City Museum, and Story Time with Mrs. Claus and Santa at The Magic House. - Are there any unique historical holiday tours?
Yes, several! Explore the Benjamin Stephenson House during Christmas Candlelight Tours, step back in time with Christmas Traditions in St. Charles and its “A Christmas Carol” Stroll, or visit three of St. Louis’s historic 19th-century homes during the Historic Holiday House Tour. - Where can I find holiday markets for gift shopping?
Discover unique gifts at the Belleville Christkindlmarkt, Festival of Trees at the Moolah Shrine Center, Holiday Cheers Market at Old Bakery Beer Company, Holly Jolly Market at Missouri Botanical Garden, and Christmas Traditions in St. Charles.
With so many exciting events across the St. Louis area, there’s no shortage of holiday cheer to experience. Be sure to check event websites for any last-minute changes to dates, times, or ticket availability!
St Louis Holidays Dazzling Lights Events Guide
