Christmas in St. Louis with kids.
Christmas in St. Louis kicks off downtown on Saturday, November 21. The Thanks-For-Giving Parade comes first, then the Festival of Lights tree lighting and fireworks. Winterfest at Kiener Plaza opens the same day, and it's free to attend.
For lights, walk Garden Glow at the Missouri Botanical Garden or Wild Lights at the Saint Louis Zoo. The Polar Express leaves from Union Station. Grant's Farm has holiday lights and breakfast with Santa.
Before you go
- At Winterfest, kids 3-15 skate free every Friday.
- Garden Glow's Sensory Night is Monday, November 30. Skip Friday, November 20, which is adults-only.
- Wild Lights has a sensory-friendly night on Monday, December 7. Parking in the zoo's North and South lots is free.
- Bring ear covers for little ones during the Festival of Lights fireworks.
- On the Polar Express, leave the stroller in the stroller area at the entrance. Parking is $5, card only.
Family Christmas events in St. Louis
25 events
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- Christmas lights Good for toddlers
Garden Glow at the Missouri Botanical Garden
- Dates
- Nov 14 - Jan 2 · Select nights, 5-9:30pm. Closed Nov 16-19, Nov 26, Dec 24 and Dec 25.
- Where
- Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd., Shaw / Tower Grove
- Price
- Varies by date. Same-day tickets cost $2 more after 4:30pm. Kids 3-12 are $6 on Family Nights (Nov 23-24, Nov 30, Dec 1-3).
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Timed tickets, book ahead. Mid-December through Jan 1 sells out early.
More than two million lights along a path about a mile long. Plan on 45 minutes to an hour. A model train and poinsettia show is included.
Parent tip: Santa visits Mondays and Tuesdays Nov 23-Dec 8. Mon Nov 30 is Sensory Night. Skip Fri Nov 20, which is an adults-only night. Park free at Shaw and Vandeventer and ride the shuttle.
- Zoo lightsSanta visits Good for toddlers
Wild Lights at the Saint Louis Zoo
- Dates
- Nov 27 - Dec 30 · Select nights, 5-8:30pm. Last entry 8pm.
- Where
- Saint Louis Zoo, Forest Park
- Price
- General $19, members $16. Kids under 2 free.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · No timed entry, but popular nights sell out. Tickets are only good for the date on them.
The zoo's holiday light walk. Santa visits every night through Dec 23.
Parent tip: Mon Dec 7 is a sensory-friendly night. Parking in the North and South lots is free. Bring your own stroller, since rentals cost extra.
- Holiday trainsSanta visits Good for toddlers
The Polar Express Train Ride at Union Station
- Dates
- Nov 13 - Dec 30 · Departures at 4:30, 6, 7:15 and 8:30pm. Each ride is about 45 minutes.
- Where
- St. Louis Union Station, 201 S. 18th St., Downtown West
- Price
- See the official site. Kids 2 and under ride free on a lap.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Book ahead, since it sells out. Train doors close 10 minutes before departure.
A train ride to a pretend North Pole based on the picture book. Santa, his elves and story characters visit the cars.
Parent tip: Pajamas are welcome but not required. Leave the stroller in the stroller area at the entrance. Parking is $5, card only.
- Ice skatingHoliday festivalsFree Good for toddlers
Winterfest at Kiener Plaza
- Dates
- Nov 21 - Jan 3 · Thu-Fri 4-8pm, Sat-Sun noon-8pm. Daily noon-8pm Dec 26-Jan 3. Closed Dec 25. Closed to the public Mon-Wed, Nov 23-Dec 23.
- Where
- Kiener Plaza, 500 Chestnut St., Downtown, by the Gateway Arch
- Price
- Free to attend. Skating is free with your own skates. Rentals $15 adults, $10 ages 3-15.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Skating reservations are strongly encouraged.
A downtown outdoor ice rink with s'mores stations and lights, open for seven weeks.
Parent tip: Kids 3-15 skate free every Friday. Heated igloos can be booked, but they don't allow outside food or drinks.
- Parades and tree lightings Good for toddlers
Ameren Thanks-For-Giving Parade
- Dates
- Nov 21 · Sat Nov 21, starts at 2pm
- Where
- Downtown St. Louis (see the route map on the official site)
- Price
- See the official site.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · No tickets listed.
St. Louis's big holiday parade, now in its 42nd year, with floats, bands and Santa. It's held the Saturday before Thanksgiving, not on Thanksgiving Day.
Parent tip: Stay downtown afterward for the Festival of Lights tree lighting and fireworks at Kiener Plaza.
- Parades and tree lightingsHoliday festivalsFree Good for toddlers
Ameren Missouri Festival of Lights
- Dates
- Nov 21 · Sat Nov 21. Ceremony 5:30pm, tree lighting 5:45pm, drone show 6:30pm, fireworks 7pm.
- Where
- Kiener Plaza, 500 Chestnut St., Downtown, by the Gateway Arch
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
Winterfest's opening night, with a tree lighting, a drone show and fireworks over the downtown rink.
Parent tip: Everything is done by about 7:15pm. Bring ear covers for little ones during the fireworks.
- Christmas lightsSanta visits Good for toddlers
Holiday Lights Walk-Through at Grant's Farm
- Dates
- Nov 21 - Dec 30 · Select dates, 5-10pm. Last entry 9pm.
- Where
- Grant's Farm, Grantwood Village (South County)
- Price
- $15 per person. Kids 3 and under free.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy tickets online ahead.
A walking path of holiday lights with animal visits, carousel rides and a 50-foot tree that blinks to music.
Parent tip: Santa and Mrs. Claus are in the Tiergarten. Carousel rides depend on the weather.
- Christmas lights Good for toddlers
WonderLight's Christmas
- Dates
- Nov 13 - Jan 3 · Nightly 5-10pm, including holidays
- Where
- World Wide Technology Raceway, 1905 Collinsville Rd., Fairmont City, IL (across the river)
- Price
- $35 per car (up to 8 people)
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Tickets sold in 2-hour time slots. Buy ahead to cut the wait.
A drive-through light show on a racetrack, set to Christmas music on your car radio. You stay in the car the whole time.
Parent tip: Tune to 89.5 FM before the ticket booth. Pets can come if they stay in the car.
- Shows and Nutcracker Good for toddlers
Saint Louis Ballet's The Nutcracker
- Dates
- Nov 28 - Dec 23 · Nov 28-29 and Dec 18-23, plus 11am short shows on Dec 1 and Dec 18. Check the schedule for times.
- Where
- Touhill Performing Arts Center (UMSL), North County (UMSL campus)
- Price
- See the official site.
- Ages and booking
- All ages. The 11am short shows are for the youngest kids. · Buy ahead online
The city's hometown Nutcracker. A 70-minute short version runs on two weekday mornings for little ones.
Parent tip: Pick the short 11am show for toddlers. The show uses stage fog, fake snow and confetti.
- Christmas lights Good for toddlers
Holiday Lights Drive-Through at Grant's Farm
- Dates
- Dec 9-16 · Dec 9, 10, 15 and 16 only. 5:30-8pm, last time slot starts 7:30pm.
- Where
- Grant's Farm, Grantwood Village (South County)
- Price
- $30 per vehicle
- Ages and booking
- All ages · One ticket per vehicle, bought ahead.
Four nights when you can see the farm's lights, animals and a 50-foot musical tree from your car.
Parent tip: Wave to Santa and Mrs. Claus on the way through. It's a warm choice on a cold night.
- Santa visits Good for toddlers
Breakfast with Santa at Grant's Farm
- Dates
- Nov 27 - Dec 23 · Select mornings. Seatings at 8:30am, 10:30am and 12:30pm.
- Where
- Carriage Haus at Grant's Farm, Grantwood Village (South County)
- Price
- Ages 13+ $41, ages 3-12 $31. The farm lists ages 3 and under as free.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Reservation only. Tickets bought online.
A breakfast buffet with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the farm's old carriage house. A photo with Santa is included.
Parent tip: Enter at the guard station across from the guest parking lot.
- Holiday festivalsSanta visitsFree Good for toddlers
Saint Charles Christmas Traditions
- Dates
- Nov 27 - Dec 24 · Opening day noon-8:30pm. Fri 6-8:30pm, Sat noon-8:30pm, Sun noon-5pm. Wed 6-8:30pm. Dec 24, 11am-2pm.
- Where
- Historic Main Street, St. Charles (about 30 minutes west)
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
Costumed characters, carolers and Santas from around the world stroll the old brick Main Street.
Parent tip: Santa photos are at the KATY Train Depot in Frontier Park on opening day, weekends and Christmas Eve. There's a free sensory-friendly time too.
- Holiday festivalsSanta visits Good for toddlers
Weirdly Wonderful Holidays at City Museum
- Dates
- Nov 19 - Jan 3 · During museum hours. Santa's Workshop 11am-5pm and Mrs. Claus storytime 11am-4pm on listed dates.
- Where
- City Museum, Downtown (Washington Ave. area)
- Price
- Included with City Museum admission. Rooftop may cost extra.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · General admission ticket
The giant climb-everywhere museum adds holiday lights, Santa's Workshop, Mrs. Claus storytime and Jack Frost roaming the floors.
Parent tip: Santa and Mrs. Claus are there through Dec 24. Check the hours page before a Christmas week visit.
- Parades and tree lightingsSanta visits Good for toddlers
Maplewood Christmas Tree Walk
- Dates
- Dec 4 · Fri Dec 4, 6-9pm. Tree lighting and Santa's arrival at 6pm.
- Where
- CNB Bank Park, 7300 Manchester Rd., Maplewood
- Price
- See the official site. Carriage ride tickets are sold on site.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Carriage ride tickets go on sale at 5:30pm, first come, first served.
A small-town style evening with caroling, a tree lighting, Santa and horse-drawn carriage rides.
Parent tip: Santa sees kids in the CNB Bank lobby from 6:15 to 8pm, so you can warm up while you wait.
- Holiday festivals Good for toddlers
Christmas Candlelight Walks at the Historic Daniel Boone Home
- Dates
- Dec 4-12 · Fri Dec 4 and 11, 6-10pm. Sat Dec 5 and 12, 4:30-8:30pm.
- Where
- Historic Daniel Boone Home, 1868 Highway F, Defiance (about 45 minutes west)
- Price
- $10 per person for the village. $15 with the Boone Home tour.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Tickets on sale now. Not refundable. Boone Home tour times are set when you book.
A pioneer village lit by thousands of candles, with holiday stories, carols and warm apple cider. Stations repeat every 8-10 minutes.
Parent tip: Paths are dark gravel and grass, so a baby carrier beats a stroller. Warming stations are on site.
- Shows and Nutcracker
The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert (St. Louis Symphony)
- Dates
- Dec 12-13 · Sat Dec 12 at 7pm; Sun Dec 13 at 2pm and 7pm
- Where
- Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., Grand Center (Midtown)
- Price
- See the official site.
- Ages and booking
- Kids who can sit through a 2-hour movie · Buy ahead online
The Muppet movie plays on a big screen while the symphony plays the music live. It runs about 2 hours with a break.
Parent tip: The Sunday 2pm show is the easiest fit for kids.
- Shows and Nutcracker
A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage
- Dates
- Dec 27 · Sun Dec 27 at 3pm and 7pm
- Where
- Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., Grand Center (Midtown)
- Price
- See the official site.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy ahead online
A family stage show based on the classic TV special. It runs 90 minutes with a break.
Parent tip: It's after Christmas, so it's a nice outing for the slow days of winter break.
- Shows and Nutcracker
Mercy Holiday Celebration (St. Louis Symphony)
- Dates
- Dec 18-20 · Fri Dec 18 at 10:30am and 7:30pm; Sat Dec 19 at 2pm and 7:30pm; Sun Dec 20 at 2pm
- Where
- Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., Grand Center (Midtown)
- Price
- See the official site.
- Ages and booking
- Families. No age guidance given. · Buy ahead online
The symphony and chorus play carols and holiday songs with Broadway singer Norm Lewis. Santa may stop by.
Parent tip: The Friday 10:30am show is a good daytime choice for kids who are home from school.
- Shows and Nutcracker
Irving Berlin's White Christmas at The Rep
- Dates
- Dec 2-23 · Dec 2-23. Check the schedule for show times.
- Where
- Loretto-Hilton Center, 130 Edgar Rd., Webster Groves
- Price
- See the official site.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy ahead online
A stage musical based on the classic movie, about two entertainers who put on a show to save a Vermont inn.
Parent tip: The theater notes some war references, battle sounds and mild grown-up jokes.
- Shows and Nutcracker
Cirque Dreams Holidaze at the Fabulous Fox
- Dates
- Dec 18-19 · Fri Dec 18 at 7pm; Sat Dec 19 at 11am, 3pm and 7pm
- Where
- The Fabulous Fox Theatre, Grand Center (Midtown)
- Price
- About $41.50-101.50 with fees. Everyone needs a ticket, whatever their age.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy ahead online or at the box office.
A holiday circus show with acrobats, jugglers, aerial acts and singers. It runs 90 minutes with a break.
Parent tip: Fri Dec 18 is Kids' Night: a free ticket for one child 17 or under with each adult ticket, plus lobby activities from 5:30pm.
- Shows and Nutcracker
NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet at the Fabulous Fox
- Dates
- Dec 20-21 · Sun Dec 20 at 2pm and 6:30pm; Mon Dec 21 at 2pm
- Where
- The Fabulous Fox Theatre, Grand Center (Midtown)
- Price
- About $43.75-222.50 with fees. Everyone needs a ticket, whatever their age.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy ahead online or at the box office.
A touring Nutcracker with an international cast, puppets and big sets, danced to Tchaikovsky's music.
Parent tip: Box office tickets have a smaller service fee than online ones.
- Shows and Nutcracker
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas at the Fabulous Fox
- Dates
- Dec 4 · Fri Dec 4 at 7:30pm
- Where
- The Fabulous Fox Theatre, Grand Center (Midtown)
- Price
- About $30.50-123 with fees. Everyone needs a ticket, whatever their age.
- Ages and booking
- Older kids (evening show, about 2 hours 20 minutes) · Buy ahead online or at the box office.
The long-running holiday concert of Mannheim Steamroller's Christmas hits, with 15 musicians and video effects.
Parent tip: It ends near 10pm, so save it for school-age kids who can stay up.
- Shows and Nutcracker
IN UNISON Christmas (St. Louis Symphony)
- Dates
- Dec 10-11 · Thu Dec 10 and Fri Dec 11, both at 7:30pm
- Where
- Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., Grand Center (Midtown)
- Price
- See the official site.
- Ages and booking
- Older kids (evening show, no age guidance given) · Buy ahead online
St. Louis native Jenifer Lewis sings holiday music with the symphony and the IN UNISON Chorus.
Parent tip: Both shows start at 7:30pm on school nights, so this one suits older kids best.
- Holiday festivals Good for toddlers
Winterfest New Year's Eve (Neon Nights)
- Dates
- Dec 31 · Thu Dec 31, 4-8pm. Character visits 4-6pm, fireworks at 8pm.
- Where
- Kiener Plaza, 500 Chestnut St., Downtown, by the Gateway Arch
- Price
- See the official site. RSVP needed.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · RSVP online. Space is limited.
An early, family-friendly New Year's Eve party at the downtown rink, with characters, a DJ and fireworks at 8pm.
Parent tip: Fireworks at 8pm mean kids can see them and still get to bed at a normal time.
- Holiday festivals Good for toddlers
New Year's Eve Party at City Museum
- Dates
- Dec 31 · Thu Dec 31, 5-9pm. Countdown and balloon drop at 8pm.
- Where
- City Museum, Downtown (Washington Ave. area)
- Price
- Included with City Museum admission
- Ages and booking
- All ages · General admission ticket
A family New Year's party with face painting, balloon twisters, a dance party and a sparkling juice toast.
Parent tip: The 8pm balloon drop is an early midnight for kids who can't stay up.
Dates and prices were checked on each event's official site. They can change, so check the official site before you go.
On a budget? See every free Christmas event in St. Louis, including parades and tree lightings.
Planning a Santa visit? See where to find Santa in St. Louis, plus free Santa photos, breakfasts with Santa and tips for skipping the line.
Going to the ballet? Compare every Nutcracker in St. Louis, with run times, age tips and sensory-friendly shows.
Questions parents ask
What is there to do in St. Louis for Christmas with kids?
Walk Garden Glow and Wild Lights, and skate at Winterfest. Ride the Polar Express from Union Station, and see the lights at Grant's Farm.
For a show, see Saint Louis Ballet's Nutcracker or the St. Louis Symphony's holiday concerts.
When is the St. Louis Christmas parade in 2026?
The Ameren Thanks-For-Giving Parade is on Saturday, November 21, 2026, downtown. Afterward, stay for the Festival of Lights tree lighting and fireworks.
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