By Kelly Maue
We’re well into December, but it’s not too late for holiday-themed fun! From on-your-own activities to happenings around town, you’re sure to find something on our list that will make you merry – even if you have a case of the bah-humbugs!
Celebrate the season at Missouri Botanical Garden. Through January 6, Garden Glow is a perfect destination to enjoy with family, friends, a date – or go solo! With over 2 million lights, this spectacular display adorns an already breathtaking Botanical Garden. Extras include booking your firepit, a delicious meal, s’mores, and much more! For a festive indoor experience, don’t forget their annual holiday flower and train show inside the Emerson Conservatory. You can find dates, times, and tickets here.
Did you know that The National Museum of Transportation in Kirkwood is home to the biggest and most productive steam engine ever built? “Big Boy,” along with nearly 200 other major exhibits, makes this museum the most extensive collection of transportation vehicles in the world! And if you visit during select times this month, there’s a holiday bonus of unique model train displays and a special visitor and his reindeer! Check their calendar of events.
One of the region’s biggest Kwanzaa celebrations is coming to the St. Louis Art Museum on Saturday, December 30. Themed “Ubuntu: I Am Connected,” this free ticketed event offers interactive art activities, a self-guided tour, culture, and musical performances.
Enjoy a new spin on a timeless holiday classic. The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents “It’s A Wonderful Life – A Live Radio Play” now through December 23. The message is the same but reimagined creatively and cleverly; this time, George Bailey and his angel, Clarence, come to life during the Golden Age of radio. Read HEC Media’s theater review here.
Gateway Arch Park Foundation’s Winterfest in Kiener Plaza continues through December 31. Skating, s’mores, superheroes, and sparkly lights are just some things you can expect to see in downtown St. Louis. The eighth year of this favorite family event is the best one yet. Get details on how to book your own private igloo or skate rentals here. Make a day of it! Various food trucks will provide all the fuel you need – plus, the littles can skate for free at designated times.
Also in downtown St. Louis, The National Blues Museum is the holiday home to a hip-hop remix of Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas tale. In this version, called QBrothers Christmas Carol, Scrooge is visited by the Ghosts of Hip-Hop Past, Present, and Future. Although the underlying message remains the same, this rap-fueled show is recommended for guests 12 and older and runs through December 23.
Another holiday classic, The Nutcracker, returns to the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center on the UMSL campus. Performed by students from the Saint Louis Ballet, this timeless tale is a favorite of fans of all ages. When Clara’s life-size nutcracker comes to life on Christmas Eve, they share magical adventures. This beloved storyline, talented dancers, gorgeous costumes, and dreamy sets make for a true masterpiece. Find more information here before the last performance on December 23.
The next stop for holiday fun is The Polar Express Train Ride at St. Louis Union Station. Set to the motion picture soundtrack of the same name, this annual event is a family favorite. Pajama-clad guests take a magical trip to the North Pole on beautifully decorated trains. Polar Express characters and Santa and his elves go along for the ride. The last train leaves on December 30.
St. Charles Christmas Traditions is a one-of-a-kind festival nearly half a century old, where Christmas past comes to life. Victorian carolers, hot-roasted chestnuts, and global Santa figures dressed in cultural attire are only some sights, sounds, and smells you’ll find in the historic district. On Wednesday evenings, Main Street transforms into the foggy streets of 1800’s London. And on December weekends leading up to Christmas, you might run into Ebenezer Scrooge or Santa himself.
If a classic movie at an iconic theatre sounds good, you can’t go wrong at the Hi-Pointe. Taking its name from the fact that it sits at the highest point in the City of St. Louis, this 100-year-old gem is a great choice to take in a holiday flick. Bad Santa, White Christmas, It’s a Wonderful Life, and Die Hard (yes, it’s a Christmas movie) are all on the December schedule you’ll find here.
And if you’re still checking off names on that shopping list, visit one of the area’s many fun, festive communities. Well-loved areas like downtown Kirkwood, the Central West End, and St. Charles are a few favorites. More charming options across the river include The Square in Belleville, Illinois, and downtown Waterloo. Any of these spots take “shop local” to a whole new level.
Holiday lights are in a category all their own! Whether you prefer the professional displays or neighborhoods around town – here are some favorites:
Over a million twinkling lights will adorn the Anheuser Busch Brewery until December 30. If you plan on staying a while, you can reserve a private fire pit beforehand. Or, take a stroll, visit the Clydesdales, explore the ice maze, and enjoy a free beer (if you’re over 21!)
There are several ways to enjoy the Holiday Lights at Grant’s Farm until December 30. Drive through, stroll the grounds on foot, or ride in a carriage! To create your custom experience, check out the many details and options here, such as reserving your spot on Mirror Lake or having breakfast with Santa.
If you want a traditional, religious holiday light experience, visit The Way of Lights at The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville. This drive-through display focuses on the birth of Christ and includes life-size biblical statues. Your last chance to see this spectacular event is December 31.
Another favorite display on the East Side is WonderLight’s Christmas in Madison County, IL. Drive on the World Wide Technology Raceway track where miles of pulsating LED Christmas lights synchronize with rocking holiday music.
One more classic holiday light show is Winter Wonderland at Tilles Park in Ladue. Pay by vehicle (car, van, limo, or bus!); your group will experience a mile-long route with over a million lights and one hundred displays. Check their schedule for fees and dates through December.
If you prefer something more intimate, like neighborhood displays, here’s a great resource: holiday light hopping. com. Complete with photos and descriptions, you can plan your route, visiting the best-decorated homes in your neighborhood and beyond – or spend a few bucks for one of their maps.
The possibilities for holiday-themed fun are endless. In addition to these ideas, be sure to check out other offerings from big and small venues such as the SLSO, the Fabulous Fox, Enterprise Center, and community theaters. And if you’re looking for some low-key ways to spread cheer, try something as simple as baking cookies, checking on a neighbor, donating to a toy drive, or being someone’s Secret Santa.
Finally, another simple pleasure is to enjoy the memorable holiday concert presented by HEC Media. Tune in to the following local stations and times:
- Sunday, December 24 at 9:30 am on KPLR Channel 11
- Sunday, December 24, from Noon to 3 pm on KSDK Channel 5
- Monday, December 25, from 4 am to 7 am on KSDK Channel 5
Whatever your preference, spend time this holiday season doing things that bring you joy. Wishing you peace and happiness in the coming new year – from HEC Media.
