10 Things to Do in the Lou December 2024

Garden Glow at Missouri Botanical Garden

Now – Jan 4th | MOBOT

Garden Glow at the Missouri Botanical Garden features over two million dazzling lights, transforming the iconic garden into a richly lit setting with mesmerizing displays and unforgettable moments. Enjoy interactive photo opportunities, traditional holiday music, and festive food and beverages.

Tilles Park's Winter Wonderland

Now – Dec. 30th | Tilles Park

Tilles Park's Winter Wonderland features over a million lights in 100 displays, showcasing festive characters and winter scenes across seventy-five acres of park land.

Santa’s Magical Kingdom

Now – Jan 5th | Eureka, MO

Drive through a spectacular holiday light display filled with animated scenes and dazzling special effects at Jellystone Park Campground next to Six Flags in Eureka, MO. Explore Elfland, Toyland, Candyland, and the Tunnel of Dancing Lights. Enjoy Mrs. Claus’s secret recipe chocolate chip cookies and cocoa at Kringle’s General Store, and visit Santa’s Workshop for a visit with the Big Guy himself. Try the Train and Wagon rides with open-air tours that leave every half hour.

World Wide Technology Raceway's Holiday Light Display

Now - Jan 5th | Worldwide Technology Raceway

World Wide Technology Raceway's Holiday Light Display features over one million LED lights synchronized to traditional and modern Christmas music, creating a dazzling two-mile car ride through larger-than-life Christmas trees, glowing snowflakes, and dancing candy canes.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Lost Christmas Eve

Dec. 18th | Enterprise Center

Trans-Siberian Orchestra brings an all-new version of The Lost Christmas Eve, the final chapter of their Christmas trilogy, to the stage with a blend of rock and classical music, featuring iconic songs and a compelling narrative.

The Nutcracker by Saint Louis Ballet

Now – Dec. 23th | Touhill Performing Arts Center

The Nutcracker by Saint Louis Ballet is a classic ballet performance featuring Tchaikovsky's iconic score, elaborate costumes, and intricate choreography. The show tells the story of Clara and her adventures on Christmas Eve, including a battle between mice and tin soldiers and a visit to the enchanted Land of Sweets.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Dec 27 – 29th | The Fabulous Fox Theater

Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas The Musical is a record-setting Broadway holiday sensation featuring hit songs like "You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch" and "Welcome Christmas." Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is two sizes too small, decides to steal Christmas away from the holiday-loving Whos. Magnificent sets and costumes inspired by Dr. Seuss' original illustrations help transport audiences to the whimsical world of Whoville, reminding us of the true meaning of the holiday season.

Santa's Polar Express

Now – Dec 30th | Saint Louis Union Station

The St. Louis Polar Express Train Ride is a holiday event where families board beautifully decorated trains to journey to the North Pole. The experience includes a reading of "The Polar Express," hot chocolate and cookies, and interactions with Polar Express characters and Santa Claus.

Christmas Traditions Festival in Historic St. Charles

Now - Dec. 24th | St. Charles Historic Main Street

Fridays: 6 pm to 8:30 pm

Saturdays: Noon to 8:30 pm

Sundays: Noon to 5 pm

Christmas Eve: 11 am to 2 pm

The St. Charles Christmas Traditions festival is a month-long celebration featuring a unique blend of storytelling, history, and fairy tale whimsy. Guests are welcomed into a world of yuletide nostalgia and fantasy where reindeer fly, sugarplums dance, and international ambassadors share unique holiday customs. The festival includes a holiday feast for all senses, with genuine hot-roasted chestnuts, pageantry, and timeless Christmas melodies sung by Victorian carolers. Historic Main Street is transformed into a festive district with well-worn character and centuries-old bricks underfoot.

Winterfest at Kiener Plaza

Now - December 31th | Kiener Plaza

Fridays: 4 to 8 pm

Saturdays & Sundays: Noon to 8 pm

Winterfest at Kiener Plaza is a six-week winter celebration featuring ice skating, s'mores stations, heated igloos, and family-friendly events like try hockey free and visits from princesses and superheroes.