Looking for fun things to do with the family this Christmas season? From magical train rides and spectacular Christmas light displays to ice skating, holiday shows and visits with Santa, the St. Louis area is full of ways to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year!
Whether you’re planning a special family outing, looking for a new holiday tradition or just want to pile everyone into the car and look at Christmas lights, there’s something for everyone around St. Louis and St. Charles County.
I’ve rounded up some of the best Christmas and holiday activities in the area to help you plan your holiday adventures!
Bookmark this page! I’ll continue updating the guide as more events, dates and ticket information are announced for the 2026 holiday season.
Christmas Train Rides & Holiday Attractions
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at St. Louis Union Station
November 13 – December 30, 2026
All aboard for the North Pole! Families can experience the magic of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at St. Louis Union Station. Enjoy hot chocolate, sweet treats, Christmas carols and a reading of the classic holiday story before meeting Santa and receiving the First Gift of Christmas.
Pajamas are encouraged, making this a memorable holiday adventure for kids and grown-ups alike.
Tickets and information: St. Louis Union Station
Elfie Express at St. Louis Union Station
November 14 – December 30, 2026
Looking for a fun holiday photo opportunity? Elfie Express transforms Union Station’s selfie experience into an elf-filled holiday wonderland. It’s a fun addition to a family visit downtown, especially when paired with other Union Station attractions.
Information: St. Louis Union Station
Holiday Flower and Train Show
Missouri Botanical Garden
Miniature trains wind through a festive indoor landscape filled with holiday flowers and seasonal decorations. It’s a great option for train enthusiasts and families who want to enjoy some holiday scenery without spending the whole evening outdoors.
Information: Missouri Botanical Garden
Santa Experiences
Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
Select Bass Pro Shops Locations | November 7 – December 24, 2026
Santa is making his way to Bass Pro Shops for another year of Santa’s Wonderland! This popular holiday tradition gives families a chance to meet Santa, enjoy some festive activities and take home a free holiday photo.
Beginning November 8, families can visit Santa’s Wonderland for a FREE 4×6 studio-quality photo with Santa, along with a shareable digital video. Kids can also enjoy holiday crafts, interactive activities and drop off their Christmas wish lists in Santa’s mailbox. Include an email address with your letter, and Santa will even send a response!
There are also special holiday activities throughout the season, including Christmas Tales storytime with Santa and Mrs. Claus on Tuesday evenings at 5 PM, as well as a special Merry Morning Breakfast with Santa on December 5.
Special Events:
- November 7 at 5 PM: Santa’s Grand Arrival and Christmas Celebration
- Tuesdays, November 10 – December 22 at 5 PM: Christmas Tales with Santa and Mrs. Claus
- December 5 at 9 AM: Merry Morning Breakfast with Santa
Admission: FREE! Includes a 4×6 photo with Santa and a shareable video. Additional photo packages are available for purchase. Reservations are free and can be made up to seven days in advance. Walk-ins are also welcome on a first-come, first-served basis.
Reservations & Information: Bass Pro Shops – Santa’s Wonderland
Ice Cream with Santa & Mrs. Claus at Clementine’s
Select Clementine’s Locations | December 8–16, 2026
Who says you can’t enjoy a little ice cream during the holidays? Clementine’s is inviting families to enjoy a special holiday visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at select locations throughout the St. Louis area.
Kids will get a holiday scoop of ice cream and an opportunity to take a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus. These are smaller, more intimate gatherings, giving children plenty of one-on-one time with the holiday guests.
Event Dates & Locations:
- December 8: Edwardsville | 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
- December 9: Central West End | 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
- December 10: Lake St. Louis | 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
- December 15: Southampton | 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
- December 16: Town & Country | 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Admission: $15 per child, including a holiday scoop of ice cream and a photo opportunity.
Reservations will be available soon, and space is limited at each location.
Reservations & Information: Clementine’s Ice Cream
Santa Visits at 4 Hands + Peacemaker
Kirkwood | December 12 & 19, 2026
Santa is making a couple of special stops in Kirkwood this holiday season! Families are invited to visit with Santa at 4 Hands + Peacemaker on two Saturdays in December.
Bring the kids, snap a holiday photo and enjoy a little Christmas cheer. Admission is free, and no tickets or reservations are required. Donations are suggested for photo opportunities, with 100% of donations benefiting Pedal the Cause, which supports cancer research right here in St. Louis.
Feeling hungry? You don’t have to dine at the restaurant to participate, but there’s also a kid-friendly menu available featuring favorites like chicken strips, corn dogs and grilled cheese.
Dates & Times:
- Saturday, December 12 | 11 AM – 4 PM
- Saturday, December 19 | 11 AM – 4 PM
Admission: Free! Donations suggested for photos.
Weirdly Wonderful Holidays: Storytime with Mrs. Claus & Visits at Santa’s Workshop
City Museum | November 19 – December 24, 2026
Looking for a holiday experience that’s a little different? Head to City Museum for its Weirdly Wonderful Holidays celebration!
Kids can enjoy storytime with Mrs. Claus and visit Santa’s Workshop during the holiday season. This isn’t your typical Santa experience, either! City Museum’s working Santa takes a slightly different approach, skipping the traditional red suit and hat for a more unique, behind-the-scenes workshop look.
Storytime and Santa’s Workshop visits are included with regular City Museum admission, making this a fun addition to a family day exploring one of St. Louis’s most unusual attractions.
When: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during the holiday event, November 19 – December 24. Various times.
Admission: Included with regular City Museum admission.
Information: City Museum – Weirdly Wonderful Holidays
Christmas Light Displays
Garden Glow
Missouri Botanical Garden | November 14, 2026 – January 2, 2027, select nights
Garden Glow returns with illuminated garden paths, colorful light installations and interactive displays. Bundle up, take your time exploring the grounds and enjoy one of the area’s signature holiday traditions.
Tickets and information: Missouri Botanical Garden
Wild Lights
Saint Louis Zoo | November 27 – December 30, 2026, select nights
The Saint Louis Zoo gets into the holiday spirit with dazzling lights, selected animal exhibits, s’mores and opportunities to see Santa. It’s a festive way to experience the Zoo after dark.
Tickets and information: Saint Louis Zoo
Winter Wonderland at Tilles Park
St. Louis County | November 25, 2026 – January 2, 2027, subject to scheduled closures
Load up the family, tune the radio to some Christmas music and drive through Winter Wonderland at Tilles Park. The annual display features glowing holiday scenes and plenty of festive sights from the comfort of your vehicle.
Check the official schedule before heading out, as some dates are closed and special walking events have separate arrangements.
Information: MetroTix
Winterfest at Kiener Plaza
Downtown St. Louis | November 21, 2026 – January 3, 2027
Celebrate the season downtown with ice skating, holiday lights, s’mores and heated igloos near the Gateway Arch. Winterfest is a great way to combine outdoor winter fun with a visit to downtown St. Louis.
Information: Explore St. Louis
Way of Lights
National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows | Belleville, Illinois | November 20 – December 31, 2026
This longtime holiday tradition features a drive-through display depicting the Nativity story through millions of colorful lights. It’s a great option for families looking to add another holiday light display to their seasonal plans.
Information: National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows
Never Enough Lights
O’Fallon, Missouri
This impressive residential display synchronizes Christmas lights with music, creating a festive show that families can enjoy from their vehicles. It’s a great local option for those in St. Charles County.
Information: Never Enough Lights
Candy Cane Lane
St. Louis Hills
Sometimes the best holiday traditions don’t require an admission ticket. Candy Cane Lane is a beloved neighborhood Christmas light display that gives visitors a chance to enjoy festive decorations while supporting a community tradition.
Please be respectful of residents, watch for pedestrians and plan for traffic during busy evenings.
Information: Candy Cane Lane
Holiday Ice Skating & Winter Fun
Winterfest Ice Skating
Kiener Plaza, Downtown St. Louis
Enjoy a spin around the outdoor ice rink surrounded by holiday lights and views of the Gateway Arch. Winterfest is a good choice for families looking to get outside, try something active and enjoy the downtown holiday atmosphere.
Check Winterfest’s official website for skating hours, admission and rental details.
Information: Explore St. Louis
Holiday Shows & Performances
The holidays are also a great time to catch a seasonal performance. Keep an eye out for productions of White Christmas, The Nutcracker and special holiday concerts by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.
These can be a great choice for an evening out with older kids or a special family tradition.
More Holiday Activities Around St. Louis
More local events will be added as organizers announce their 2026 schedules. Look for Santa visits, holiday markets, community tree-lighting ceremonies, Christmas parades, craft activities and family-friendly celebrations in St. Louis, St. Charles, O’Fallon, Wentzville and the surrounding communities.
Information: Fun4STLKids Holiday Lights and Displays
Inside Holiday Fun
Mischief Night 3: The Christmas Beard Blunder
A Little Holiday Mischief from St. Louis Dad!
Looking for a little Christmas reading with a mischievous twist? Meet Tim and Lucy, the troublemaking stars of the Mischief Night series!
In Mischief Night 3: The Christmas Beard Blunder, Tim and Lucy decide to pull off the ultimate holiday prank by shaving off Santa’s beard! What could possibly go wrong? Well, let’s just say Santa might have a little trouble getting into the Christmas spirit after this one!
Created by St. Louis Dad Richie Williams and his son Alex, the Mischief Night books are filled with silly jokes, Halloween hijinks and plenty of good-natured troublemaking.
If your family enjoys funny stories, unexpected pranks and a little holiday silliness, The Christmas Beard Blunder might be just the thing to add to your Christmas reading list.
Learn More: Visit the Mischief Night collection at St. Louis Dad
Plan Your St. Louis Christmas Adventures!
There are so many ways to celebrate the holiday season around St. Louis, whether you want to experience a spectacular light show, take a magical train ride or find a new tradition close to home.
Check back for updates as the season approaches, and be sure to verify dates, ticket prices, reservations and operating hours with each attraction before heading out.
Have a favorite St. Louis-area Christmas tradition that should be on this list? Let me know!
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