ONGOING EVENTS

Tilles Park Winter Wonderland

For over 30 years, Winter Wonderland at Tilles Park (Nov. 22-Dec. 30, closed Dec. 24) has been one of the most popular Christmas drive-through exhibits in the area featuring tunnels of lights and holiday displays.

Garden Glow Remains Top Attraction for Holidays

The Missouri Botanical Garden’s Garden Glow is now open until Jan. 1 (closed Dec. 24-25) from 5-10 p.m. daily, with last entry at 9 p.m. The Glow surrounds visitors with a spectacle of unique light installations.

Celebrate the season with over one million dazzling lights, fun new experiences, and traditional favorites! Enjoy S’mores, festive drinks, and great photo opportunities that will delight crowds of all ages! Garden Glow tickets now include admission to the Gardenland Express Holiday Flower and Train Show as well. In addition to regular admission nights there are also Merry & Bright Bargain Nights and Wednesday night Family Nights. Visit www.glow.missouribotanicalgarden.org for a complete list of tickets and pricing.

 

Union Station Provides Holiday Magic for All

In addition to the Polar Express train ride, St. Louis Union Station, 1820 Market St., will be running a holiday fire and light show set to Christmas music on the train shed lake.

The Station will host a series of magical holiday dinners in the beautiful Grand Hall of the historic train station during the Polar Express season.

Featuring 3-D light shows projected on the ceiling and visits with Santa’s elves and holiday characters, the dinner sessions are available at certain times on selected days.

Dinners are served buffet style with separate adult and children’s selections priced at $25 for adults and $20 for children age 12 and younger. Children age 2 and younger are complimentary. An elaborate holiday dessert buffet accompanies the dinners. Reservations may be purchased online at www.stlpolarexpressride.com. Call 314-231-1234 for more information.

Holiday in the Park Back for 2^nd Year

Celebrate the most wonderful time of year at Six Flags St. Louis during the second-ever Holiday in the Park event until Jan.1.

The park will transform into a magical winter wonderland filled with glittering lights and festive entertainment. Visit Santa’s dreamy workshop, sing along to carols and live holiday shows, taste exclusive seasonal treats, and ride many favorite family rides and coasters.

Holiday in the Park will be included with all 2017 Season Passes and Memberships.

Six Flags St. Louis becomes a magical holiday oasis featuring thousands of colorful lights to go along with the thrilling rides at Holiday in the Park (select days Nov. 18 – Jan. 1)

Christmas Wonderland Lights Up Alton Annually

Hear the sleigh bells jingle and see 4 million lights twinkle against the beautiful backdrop at Rock Spring Park’s Christmas Wonderland, 2100 College Avenue, in Alton.

Back for another year to warm the hearts and holiday spirits of families and friends, the park will be lighting the way to another illuminating holiday season beginning Nov. 24 through Dec. 26 from 6-9 p.m.. A special walk-through night (no cars allowed) is held the first Monday after Thanksgiving (Nov. 27).

Year after year, visitors are captivated by cascading waterfalls, lighted trees and hundreds of light displays. Children can visit Santa in the Enchanted Forest and he will be at Christmas Wonderland through Christmas Eve. Visitors can turn off their headlights and let the holiday displays carry them through the magical scene.

General admission for Christmas Wonderland is a suggested donation of $7 for cars and small vans, or $1 per person for vehicles holding more than 10 people.

For more information, call (800) 258-6645 or (618) 465-6676.

 

Ameren’s Festival of Lights at Kiener Plaza

Christmas in St. Louis announced that the 2017 Ameren Missouri Festival of Lights returned to Kiener Plaza from 3-8 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 18.

The Festival of Lights was emceed by KMOV’s Steve Templeton and included a host of live entertainment, the lighting of the Salvation Army Tree of Lights, and a festive fireworks finale.

Winterfest, Ice Rink Return at the Arch

Winterfest returned to the Gateway Arch this season. It opened Nov. 18 with the one year old real ice rink in the new Kiener Plaza.

There will also be several other events there including “One Nation” night with the Blues and the Cardinals Nov. 30 and a Blues watch party on Dec. 2.

Public skating is open every Thursday through Sunday, plus Christmas day and New Year’s day. The rink closes after the New Year’s day skate.

 

Wild Lights at Zoo is 1 of 3 Best in Country

Voted a top three light display by USA Today, Wild Lights at the St. Louis Zoo will plug in select nights Nov. 24-Dec. 30 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Stroll through the Saint Louis Zoo’s enchanting holiday wonderland and enjoy over half a million twinkling lights and festive fun for everyone.

There are plenty of family activities including roasting your own toasty S’mores over one of the fire pits (S’mores available for purchase); singing carolers, costumed characters and other live performances on select weekend nights; and Fireside Storytellers like Tundra Tom who spin wintry tales about penguins, reindeer and other wildlife. There is also a Woodland Workshop where festive children’s crafts, activities and fun photo opportunities can be found.

In addidtion to the many light displays, some animal exhibits will be open at night such as the Penguin & Puffin Coast, Monsanto Insectarium, and Sea Lion Sound.

The Zoo closes at 4 p.m. each day of Wild Lights (Nov. 24-26, 29, Dec. 1-3, 6-10, 13-23, 26-30). Tickets are available for advance purchase online, or at the door on nights of the event starting at 5:30 p.m. Ticket sales end at 8 p.m.

 

DATE SENSITIVE EVENTS

WEEKEND OF DEC. 1-3

Annual Christmas in Old Town Dec. 2 from 2-5 p.m.

The annual “Christmas in Old Town Florissant” party, hosted by the City of Florissant and Old Town Partners, will be held Saturday, Dec. 2 from 2-4:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall. Seasonal music kicks off the event and is the prelude to Santa’s and Mrs. Claus’s arrival at 2:15 p.m. Have a photo taken with Jolly ol’ St. Nick for a small fee.

There will be many more festivities to partake in as well. Cookie the Clown will be making balloon sculptures, the Valley of Flowers Queen and her court will offer face painting, cookies can be decorated (courtesy of Helfer’s), and the St. Louis County Library will sponsor craft activities. And of course, there will be hot cocoa, more cookies, and every child will receive a free gift!

Local shops will be decorated for the Christmas holiday and will open along rue St. Francois for regular business hours. Local shops include Village of the Blue Rose, EdgyChic Boutique, Stems Florist, Goekes Produce, Korte’s Custom Framing & Antiques, Dooley’s Florist, Phancy Fingers and Feet & Boutique, and Florissant Old Town Marketplace.

Old Town Eateries open include the City Diner, Amore Pizza, Helfer’s Bakery & Deli, Old Town Donuts, and Hendel’s Market Café.

At 5 p.m. the annual tree lighting ceremony will take place on the front lawn of City Hall. From the City Hall balcony, Mayor Tom Schneider officially start the holiday season when he lights up the Florissant Christmas tree.

For more info, contact Old Town Partners at 314-837-0033 or visit www.florissantoldtown.com

   Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit with Florissant children during “Christmas in Old Town” on Saturday, Dec. 2.

   Florissant City Hall and its grounds will be decorated for Christmas as Mayor Tom Schneider switches on the Florissant tree at the annual lighting on Dec. 2. at 5 p.m.

 

Grafton 13th Annual Taste of Chocolate

The Grafton Chamber of Commerce announced the return of its sweetest event, Taste of Chocolate, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2 at the Grafton Winery & Brewhaus, 300 W. Main St., Grafton.

Dozens of local volunteers and confectionery connoisseurs have created the perfect chocolate fix for a limited number of guests. Whether you love your chocolate hot or cold, crunchy or smooth, there’s just the right recipe to cover cravings of all varieties.

Advance tickets can be purchased on line at www.Graftonilchamber.com or at the Alton Visitor Center, 200 Piasa St., Alton, the Grafton Winery Gift Shop, 300 W. Main St., Grafton, Jeni J’s Gift Shop, 120 W. Main St., Grafton, and the Jersey State Bank in Grafton.

Historically tickets sell out prior to the event. Tickets are $9 in advance or $10 at the door and include an assorted plate of chocolates, coffee, and hot cocoa.

For more information contact Karen Jackson at 618-222-9000.

 

Dickens Christmas Mystery Dinner Theater at Pere Marquette

Friday, December 01, 2017 and December 15 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center13653 Lodge Blvd. Grafton, IL 62037(618) 786-2331Welcome to a Dickens of a Killing! This hilarious holiday show is full of all of your favorite Charles Dickens characters and features a little singing, a little dancing and a little murder! What could be more fun? Join us for our Murder Mystery Dinner Theater, where you can be the star of the show! Dinner includes fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, the vegetable of the day, hot buttered rolls, dessert, coffee, tea and water. Additional beverages can be purchased at the Restaurant Service Window. Tickets for the show can be purchased on this page (available soon). They are $45 per person and include dinner, the show, taxes and gratuity. Please let us know if your group is purchasing tickets separately so we can make sure you are seated together. Gee, hope no one kills off Scrooge at this fun holiday event!

 

Snowflake Festival

Friday, December 1, 2017 6pm to 8pm Robert E. Glazebrook Community Park,1401 Stamper Lane, Godfrey, IL 62035. For information call (618) 466-1483. Visit beautiful Glazebrook Park lit up with twinkling lights to celebrate the holiday season. Join the Godfrey Parks and Recreation Department for the annual Snowflake Festival at Glazebrook Park in Godfrey. Everyone is invited to attend this free old-fashioned festival complete with carolers, hot cocoa and pictures with Santa! Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive and will be available for pictures with a donation of a non-perishable food item for the Crisis Food Center. For more information, call the Godfrey Parks and Recreation Department at (618) 466-1483.

 

WEEKEND of DEC. 8-10

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority to Host Breakfast with Santa

Free breakfast, bicycles, and gifts to children under the age of 12 years old, while supplies lastWHAT:The St. Louis Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., will host its 10th Annual Breakfast with Santa Charity Gift Giveaway Event on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., at the Innovative Concept Academy, 1927 Cass Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63107.In recognition of the 10th anniversary of the Breakfast with Santa event, members of the St. Louis Alumnae Chapter will give away 110 bicycles and gifts to all children under the age of 12, while supplies last.WHO:This free event is for children under the age of 12 years old. Media is welcome.WHERE:Innovative Concept Academy, 1927 Cass Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63107WHEN:9 a.m. – 12 p.m., on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017MEDIA CONTACT: Kimberly McKenzie, publicity chairperson, 314.839.2760# # #

 

The Shrine Christmas Celebration Dec. 9 & 10

St. Ferdinand Shrine will host its annual weekend Christmas celebration Dec. 9-10. Festivities begin at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9 in the Schoolhouse. There will be food, raffles, and Christmas items for sale.

Horse-drawn carriages will be available starting at 6 p.m. and will pass by Old Town’s live nativity, a caroling choir, and old-fashioned Christmas décor. The cost is $10 per person.

Saturday night will offer night-time guided tours of the Shrine, which is about to celebrate its 200^th birthday soon. Many historical facts will be learned on the tours and donations are greatly appreciated.

A free Christmas concert on Sunday, Dec. 10 at 3 p.m. will end the two-day celebration. An eclectic choir made up from area churches will sing religious Christmas songs and the concert will end with the Hallelujah Chorus. A reception in the Schoolhouse will follow the concert.

St. Ferdinand Shrine will again offer Christmas carriage rides through Old Town on Saturday, Dec. 9 beginning at 6 p.m. This year two carriages will be available to lessen wait times.

 

Lafayette Square Holiday Parlor Tour Dec. 10

The Annual Lafayette Square Holiday Parlor Tour will be on Sunday, December 10, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eleven beautiful homes will be decorated in their finest for the holiday season.

The tour begins at the Park House, located at the corner of Mississippi and Lafayette Avenues. You will pick up your tickets and tour book there.

Amenities include complimentary carriage rides and visits with Santa. There’s also a Holiday Market on the Plaza from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and kids’ crafts from 1-3 p.m.

You may purchase tickets in advance for $20, or the day of the tour for $25. Children 12 and under are free. Visit lafayettesquare.org for info.

 

WEEKEND of Dec. 14-17

 

DICKENS AT THE FABULOUS FOX

Charles Dicken’s classic tale, A Christmas Carol, brings the sights and sounds of an old-fashioned Christmas to the Fabulous Fox Theatre (Dec. 14-17). This heartwarming story for the whole family features a full array of timeless carols such as “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” and “Away In a Manger.” And, the holidays would not be complete without taking in a performance of the Saint Louis Symphony’s Mercy Holiday Celebration concert at Powell Hall (Dec. 15-17).

 

Dickens Christmas Mystery Dinner Theater at Pere Marquette

Friday, December 01, 2017 and December 15 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center13653 Lodge Blvd. Grafton, IL 62037(618) 786-2331Welcome to a Dickens of a Killing! This hilarious holiday show is full of all of your favorite Charles Dickens characters and features a little singing, a little dancing and a little murder! What could be more fun? Join us for our Murder Mystery Dinner Theater, where you can be the star of the show! Dinner includes fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, the vegetable of the day, hot buttered rolls, dessert, coffee, tea and water. Additional beverages can be purchased at the Restaurant Service Window. Tickets for the show can be purchased on this page (available soon). They are $45 per person and include dinner, the show, taxes and gratuity. Please let us know if your group is purchasing tickets separately so we can make sure you are seated together. Gee, hope no one kills off Scrooge at this fun holiday event!