Walkin’ In A [St. Louis] Winter Wonderland
December has officially arrived and the holiday season is upon us, so get ready for a month of peppermint-flavored everything, hot chocolate, cozy fires, carolers, and giving back. But most importantly, the holidays remind us to treasure our loved ones, so carve out some free time, grab your family and check out one of the many holiday events St. Louis has to offer!
Photo Credit: Debbie Fenelon
Historic Holiday Traditions at the Old Courthouse
Old Courthouse, Downtown St. Louis, Mo.
Wednesdays, December 2 through December 23; Noon
Free
The sights and sounds of the holiday season take over the Old Courthouse! Wednesdays in December, take in a FREE noontime concert in the Old Courthouse Rotunda, featuring a different performer each week. Bring your lunch and enjoy live music on your lunch break! (For more information, call 877-982-1410.)
The Purser Center at Logan University, Chesterfield, Mo.
December 13; 4 p.m.
Prices range from $0 to $21.50
The joy and whimsy of this hour-long ballet is a narrated performance the entire family can enjoy! Kickoff the holiday season with this performance of the classic holiday story by the Alexandra Ballet.
6500 Block of Murdoch Avenue, St. Louis, Mo. (South City)
Daily through January 1; Dusk until about 10 p.m.
Free (donations accepted)
Each year, residents of Murdoch Avenue transform their street into a winter wonderland, complete with Christmas trees, countless strings of lights, inflatable snowmen, sand sculptures, fire pits, and, if you’re lucky, an appearance by Santa himself! While driving (or walking!) through Candy Cane Lane, be sure to leave a donation to benefit various local charities.
40th Annual Soulard Holiday Parlour Tour
Soulard, St. Louis, Mo.
December 5; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and December 6; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
$22/person in advance; $25/person at the door
One of St. Louis’ most time-honored traditions, the 40th Annual Soulard Holiday Parlour Tour invites guests to take a historic walk through featured homes decked in their holiday best! This much-anticipated event features heated shuttle tours of several red brick Victorian homes and Federal-style townhouses, a holiday bazaar, food, music, and much more. Visitors are encouraged to make advance reservations for a preferred tour time slot.
Photo Credit: Debbie Fenelon
The National Shrine at Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville, Ill.
Daily through January 1; 5 to 9 p.m. (Monday through Thursday); 5 to 10 p.m. (Friday through Sunday)
Free (donations accepted)
Wintertime sparkles at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows as the popular, annual Way of Lights Christmas display illuminates the grounds. Visitors can drive through the 200-acre site to view the lights, ride camels, donkeys or ponies at the petting zoo, and take part in other activities.
Downtown Kirkwood Winter Fireworks Festival
Station Plaza/Kirkwood City Hall, Downtown Kirkwood, Mo.
December 26; 5 p.m.
Free
Ring in the New Year a few days early with a fireworks display at Kirkwood City Hall. Enjoy live music at Station Plaza from a local music group at 5 p.m. before the fireworks light up the night sky at 6:30 p.m.
Peabody Opera House, St. Louis, Mo.
December 26 and 27; 3:30 and 7 p.m. performances
Prices range from $30 to $82
The modern, hilarious Christmas story we’ve all come to know and love is now in musical form! Join Buddy the “Elf” as he journeys from the North Pole to New York City to discover his true identity and remember the true meaning of Christmas.
Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, Mo.
Wednesday through Sunday evenings until December 17; Nightly, December 18 through January 2
Prices range from $3 to $18
This year’s Garden Glow features a million lights (yes, you read that correctly a million!) surrounding visitors with a spectacle of unique installations amid some of the Garden’s most iconic locations. Enjoy interactive photo opportunities, traditional holiday music and festivities, delicious food and drinks and more as the Garden is transformed into a winter wonderland.