From sparkling light displays and outdoor ice skating to festive dining, Christmas shopping and spectacular New Year celebrations, St. Louis, Missouri, comes alive during the holiday season. Home to an impressive array of free attractions, including the Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis Art Museum and Missouri History Museum, the city offers an affordable festive escape for families, couples and friends alike. Whether visitors are looking for magical winter experiences, seasonal entertainment or a festive city break, St. Louis offers plenty of ways to celebrate Christmas and welcome 2027.
The Gateway City Gets Its Christmas Glow
A Dazzling Display of Holiday Lights
St. Louis shines brightly during the festive season, with spectacular light displays across the region. At the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Garden Glow (14 November 2026 – 2 January 2027), more than two million twinkling lights illuminate the gardens, with immersive installations, colourful projections, gooey s’mores and festive drinks. Families can also explore the Saint Louis Zoo’s Wild Lights (27 November – 30 December 2026), featuring a 40-foot walk-through Christmas tree, Frosted Forest and Gingerbread Lane. Meanwhile, Winter Wonderland at Tilles Park (25 November 2026 – 2 January 2027) features more than a million lights across 75 acres, which visitors can experience on foot, by car or by horse-drawn carriage.
Cruise Through a St. Louis Christmas Wonderland
For a festive experience without leaving the warmth of the car, WonderLight’s Christmas (13 November 2026 – 3 January 2027) transforms World Wide Technology Raceway into one of the region’s largest drive-through light shows, with miles of LED lights synchronised to Christmas music, illuminated tunnels and dancing candy canes. Meanwhile, Santa’s Magical Kingdom (20 November 2026 – 3 January 2027) in Eureka features more than four million lights across 35 acres, animated festive scenes and old-fashioned wagon rides.
A Wildly Festive Christmas at Grant’s Farm
The much-loved Holiday Lights at Grant’s Farm combines wildlife encounters with Christmas festivities. Visitors can explore illuminated grounds, meet Santa and Mrs Claus, admire a 50-foot Christmas tree synchronised to music and enjoy seasonal food and drinks. Families can also book breakfast with Santa in the historic Carriage House, complete with surprise animal appearances, or gather around private lakeside fire pits with s’mores.
Festive Flavours & Celebrations, St. Louis-Style
Sip, Shop & Savour the Season
From festive cocktail popups to independent boutiques and seasonal treats, St. Louis offers plenty of ways to embrace the Christmas spirit. Visit The Sleigh Shed at St. Louis Union Station (7 November – 31 December 2026) for extravagant decorations and creative Christmas cocktails, or head to Up on The Rooftop at Three Sixty for festive drinks and dazzling décor overlooking the city. For a traditional American Christmas experience, Downtown Kirkwood’s Holiday Walk (21 November 2026) brings Christmas shopping to life with festive entertainment, refreshments and visits from Santa and Mrs Claus at the historic train station. Alternatively, pick up a famous frozen custard ‘concrete’ from Ted Drewes before strolling down Candy Cane Lane in the St. Louis Hills neighbourhood, where residents transform their homes into a dazzling display of colourful Christmas lights and decorations.
Christmas Classics Take Centre Stage
St. Louis’ theatres come alive with festive performances throughout November and December. Saint Louis Ballet’s The Nutcracker (28–29 November and 18–23 December 2026) brings Tchaikovsky’s beloved score and the magical Land of Sweets to the Touhill Performing Arts Center, while White Christmas (2–23 December 2026) at The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis brings Irving Berlin’s classic musical to life. Music lovers can enjoy a trio of festive performances from the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Performances include IN UNISON Christmas (10–11 December 2026), featuring St. Louis-born Broadway star Jenifer Lewis alongside the IN UNISON Chorus; The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert (12–13 December), with the beloved film accompanied by a live orchestral score; and the Mercy Holiday Celebration (18–20 December), featuring Broadway star Norm Lewis performing seasonal favourites.
Ring in 2027 Beneath the Gateway Arch
Set beneath more than 100,000 twinkling lights, Winterfest at Kiener Plaza (21 November 2026 – 3 January 2027) offers outdoor ice skating, cosy igloos and s’mores stations against the iconic Gateway Arch. On New Year’s Eve, its free, family-friendly Neon Nights celebration (31 December, 4–8pm) features live music, DJs, fire dancers and a spectacular fireworks display starting from 8pm. Elsewhere, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s New Year’s Eve Celebration at Powell Symphony Hall offers a musical welcome to 2027, while Ballpark Village’s NYE Live! promises a lively night of music, entertainment and a midnight ball drop.
