Christmas in St. Louis, MO, is a magical time filled with diverse events and enchanting experiences for both locals and visitors. The Missouri Botanical Garden's Garden Glow transforms the landscape into a luminous wonderland, perfect for evening strolls through dazzling light displays. For those who prefer a drive-through experience, Winter Wonderland in Tilles Park offers a spectacular array of festive scenes from the comfort of your car. Model train enthusiasts will delight in SLAM Merry Model Trains, where intricate holiday-themed layouts bring tiny worlds to life.
These events are just the beginning of St. Louis's holiday celebrations, which blend tradition, innovation, and community spirit. Whether you're exploring illuminated gardens, driving through twinkling parks, or marveling at miniature train displays, St. Louis is the perfect place to create lasting holiday memories. Each event offers a unique perspective on the season, ensuring a memorable experience for everyone.
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The Top Christmas Events in St. Louis
- Garden Glow
- Winter Wonderland
- SLAM Merry Model Trains
- Holiday Magic
- The Polar Express Train Ride
- Anheuser-Busch Brewery Lights
- Holiday Lights at Grant's Farm
- Festival of Lights
- Lafayette Square Holiday Parlor Tour
St. Louis Holiday Light Displays
Garden Glow
What to Expect:
Botanical garden transformed with over 1 million lights
Description:
The Missouri Botanical Garden transforms into a luminous spectacle during Garden Glow. Over one million lights adorn the historic landscape, creating a breathtaking fusion of nature and artistry. Visitors can stroll through glowing pathways, marveling at intricate light sculptures that pay homage to the garden's diverse plant collections. The event draws inspiration from the garden's 160-year history, incorporating elements that reflect its scientific and cultural significance. You'll have the opportunity to capture stunning photos at designated selfie stations throughout the illuminated grounds. Garden Glow offers a unique perspective on the beloved St. Louis landmark, reimagining familiar spaces in a dazzling new light.
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Winter Wonderland
What to Expect:
Drive-through light display in a county park
Description:
Tilles Park metamorphoses into a twinkling paradise during Winter Wonderland. This drive-through extravaganza allows visitors to experience the brilliance of over a million lights from the comfort of their vehicles. The park's winding roads become a canvas for elaborate light displays, featuring whimsical characters and holiday scenes. Tune your car radio to a special frequency to enjoy synchronized music as you cruise through the illuminated landscape. Winter Wonderland has been a St. Louis tradition since 1986, evolving from a modest display to a grand spectacle. The event showcases the creativity of local artists who design new installations each year, ensuring a fresh experience for returning guests.
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Anheuser-Busch Brewery Lights
What to Expect:
Holiday lights display at a historic brewery
Description:
Anheuser-Busch Brewery Lights illuminates the iconic St. Louis landmark with a dazzling display. The historic brewery campus becomes a canvas for thousands of twinkling lights, transforming the 19th-century architecture into a holiday spectacle. Visitors can tour the Clydesdales' stables, adorned with festive decorations, and learn about the horses' role in the company's history. The event features a towering Christmas tree crafted from Budweiser bottles, a nod to the brewery's heritage. You'll have the chance to sample seasonal brews in the Biergarten, connecting the holiday celebration to the site's brewing tradition. Anheuser-Busch Brewery Lights offers a unique blend of holiday cheer and industrial history, set against the backdrop of a St. Louis institution.
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Holiday Lights at Grant's Farm
What to Expect:
Drive-through light display at a historic farm with animal encounters
Description:
Holiday Lights at Grant's Farm combines a dazzling light show with the charm of a historic estate. This drive-through experience winds through the grounds once owned by Ulysses S. Grant, now transformed into a twinkling wonderland. Visitors can spot the farm's resident animals, including the famous Budweiser Clydesdales, amid the glow of holiday lights. The event features a towering Christmas tree adorned with thousands of lights, visible from throughout the property. Grant's Farm, established in 1954, weaves its agricultural heritage into the holiday celebration. You'll traverse the same paths once walked by a U.S. president, now illuminated in a festive display that bridges past and present.
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Holiday Lights at Grant's Farm
Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Community-driven light display in a public park
Description:
The Festival of Lights in Kiener Plaza brings downtown St. Louis to life with a community-centered holiday celebration. Local businesses and organizations contribute unique light displays, creating a diverse and eclectic exhibition that reflects the city's vibrant culture. Visitors can ice skate beneath the glow of the illuminated Gateway Arch, connecting two St. Louis winter traditions. The festival incorporates elements of the city's multicultural heritage, featuring displays that represent various holiday customs. You'll discover how the event has evolved since its inception, growing from a small gathering to a major civic celebration. The Festival of Lights stands out for its collaborative spirit, showcasing the creativity and unity of the St. Louis community.
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St. Louis Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Polar Express Train Ride
What to Expect:
Immersive train ride experience based on the popular book
Description:
The Polar Express Train Ride brings the beloved children's book to life on the rails of St. Louis. Passengers board a real train, embarking on a journey to the "North Pole" complete with dancing chefs, hot chocolate, and a reading of the classic story. The sound of the train whistle punctuates the excitement as the adventure unfolds. Children receive a special gift from Santa himself, mirroring the book's iconic silver bell. This event takes place on a historic rail line, connecting modern families to the region's transportation heritage. The Polar Express Train Ride offers a multi-sensory experience that goes beyond traditional holiday outings, creating lasting memories for passengers of all ages.
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St. Louis Other Holiday Activities
SLAM Merry Model Trains
What to Expect:
Elaborate model train display with holiday themes
Description:
S'Lammerry Model Trains brings miniature worlds to life with intricate holiday-themed layouts. This captivating exhibit features meticulously crafted landscapes, tiny buildings, and detailed figurines, all traversed by a variety of model trains. The gentle hum of locomotives fills the air as they wind through snowy villages and past miniature landmarks. Visitors can engage in a scavenger hunt, searching for hidden elements within the displays. The exhibit pays homage to St. Louis' rich railroad history, incorporating scaled-down versions of local architectural icons. S'Lammerry Model Trains combines the nostalgia of classic toy trains with the precision of modern model railroading, creating a unique holiday experience for all ages.
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Holiday Magic
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday experience at a children's museum
Description:
Holiday Magic at The Magic House transforms the beloved children's museum into a winter playground. This immersive experience encourages hands-on exploration of holiday traditions from around the world. Children can craft their own ornaments, experiment with "snow" in the science lab, and learn about different cultural celebrations. The museum's Victorian-era mansion provides a charming backdrop for holiday-themed exhibits. You'll discover how the museum's founders incorporated educational elements into seasonal displays when it opened in 1979. Holiday Magic stands out for its focus on learning through play, offering a blend of fun and education that sets it apart from typical holiday events.
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Lafayette Square Holiday Parlor Tour
What to Expect:
Tour of historic homes decorated for the holidays
Description:
The Lafayette Square Holiday Parlor Tour offers a glimpse into the opulent past of one of St. Louis' most picturesque neighborhoods. This event opens the doors to several Victorian-era mansions, each festooned with period-appropriate holiday decorations. Visitors can explore the intricately adorned parlors, learning about 19th-century holiday traditions and the architectural significance of these preserved homes. The tour includes live music performances, echoing the parlor concerts of yesteryear. You'll discover how Lafayette Square, established in 1866, has maintained its historic character through years of preservation efforts. The Holiday Parlor Tour provides a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the elegance of a Victorian Christmas in authentic surroundings.
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Lafayette Square Holiday Parlor Tour
Nearby Events
St. Charles Christmas Traditions (St. Charles)
What to Expect:
Historical reenactments of Christmas traditions from around the world
Description:
St. Charles Christmas Traditions transports visitors to a Victorian-era holiday celebration on the banks of the Missouri River. This immersive event features costumed interpreters who bring to life international Christmas legends and customs. Stroll down Main Street, lined with gas lamps and period decorations, as you encounter figures like Father Christmas and La Befana. The aroma of roasted chestnuts wafts through the air, adding to the authentic atmosphere. Visitors can participate in a scavenger hunt for special collector's cards featuring holiday characters. St. Charles Christmas Traditions showcases the town's rich history, which dates back to 1769, interweaving local lore with global holiday customs for a truly unique experience.
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St. Charles Christmas Traditions
Way of Lights (Belleville)
What to Expect:
Religious-themed light display at a shrine
Description:
Way of Lights at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows illuminates the true meaning of Christmas through a spectacular light display. This faith-based event features over a million lights depicting scenes from the Nativity story, creating a reverent atmosphere across the shrine's expansive grounds. Visitors can embark on a reflective journey through the biblical narrative, culminating in a life-sized outdoor crib. The shrine, dedicated in 1962, incorporates its mission of spiritual growth into the holiday celebration. You'll have the opportunity to view a unique collection of international Nativity sets, showcasing diverse cultural interpretations of the Christmas story. Way of Lights offers a contemplative alternative to more commercial holiday displays, focusing on the religious aspects of the season.
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Winter Wonderland on Main Street (St. Charles)
What to Expect:
Small-town holiday celebration with a focus on local businesses
Description:
Winter Wonderland on Main Street transforms the heart of St. Charles into a charming holiday destination. This event spotlights local shops and eateries, each contributing to the festive atmosphere with unique window displays and special offerings. Visitors can embark on a holiday-themed scavenger hunt, discovering hidden treasures in participating businesses. The celebration draws inspiration from the town's river heritage, incorporating nautical elements into the decorations. You'll have the chance to meet local artisans demonstrating traditional crafts that harken back to the area's early days. Winter Wonderland on Main Street captures the essence of small-town holiday spirit, offering an intimate alternative to larger commercial events.
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Winter Wonderland on Main Street
O'Fallon Celebration of Lights (O'Fallon)
What to Expect:
Community-built light displays in a public park
Description:
The O'Fallon Celebration of Lights showcases the creativity and spirit of this St. Louis suburb. Fort Zumwalt Park becomes a canvas for dozens of illuminated displays, many designed and constructed by local community groups and businesses. Visitors can drive through the twinkling landscape or opt for a leisurely stroll on designated pedestrian nights. The event features a unique "Tunnel of Lights," creating an immersive experience as you pass through. You'll discover how this celebration has grown since its inception in 1991, becoming a cherished local tradition. The O'Fallon Celebration of Lights stands out for its grassroots approach, reflecting the community's collective vision of holiday cheer.
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O'Fallon Celebration of Lights
Victorian Christmas (Eureka)
What to Expect:
Immersive 19th-century holiday experience at a historic village
Description:
Victorian Christmas at Faust Historic Village transports visitors to a 19th-century holiday celebration. This living history event brings the customs and traditions of the 1800s to life through costumed interpreters and period-accurate activities. Visitors can try their hand at traditional crafts like candle dipping or watch demonstrations of forgotten holiday recipes. The village's historic buildings, some dating back to the 1830s, provide an authentic backdrop for the festivities. You'll learn about the evolution of Christmas traditions in America, from the introduction of the Christmas tree to the popularization of Santa Claus. Victorian Christmas offers a unique opportunity to experience the holidays as they were celebrated over a century ago, providing both entertainment and historical insight.
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Eckert's Christmas Trees (Belleville)
What to Expect:
Family-owned farm offering cut-your-own Christmas trees and holiday activities
Description:
Eckert's Christmas Trees combines the tradition of selecting a fresh-cut tree with a host of seasonal activities. This family-owned farm, operating since 1910, invites visitors to venture into their pine-scented fields and choose their perfect holiday centerpiece. Guests can hop on a tractor-drawn wagon ride to the tree fields, saw in hand, ready to participate in this time-honored ritual. The farm offers a variety of tree species, each with its own characteristics and history in American Christmas traditions. You'll have the opportunity to warm up with hot apple cider after your tree-cutting adventure. Eckert's Christmas Trees provides a hands-on holiday experience that connects families to the agricultural roots of the Christmas tree tradition.