Promised the Kids Garden Glow on Christmas Night? It's Closed. Here's What's Lit
Revised October 11, 2026
What are the best Christmas events in St. Louis?
The annual anchors are Garden Glow at the Missouri Botanical Garden (nearly two million lights), Wild Lights at the Saint Louis Zoo, WonderLight’s drive-through at World Wide Technology Raceway, Brewery Lights at Anheuser-Busch, the Polar Express at Union Station, Saint Louis Ballet’s Nutcracker at the Touhill and St. Charles Christmas Traditions on Main Street. Most run from mid-November into early January.
Keep reading ↓Nearly two million lights, and your kid has gone completely quiet. Your breath hangs in the air, wood smoke drifts over from the s’mores pits, and the path through the Missouri Botanical Garden glows end to end. Somebody behind you says “oh” out loud, then laughs at themselves. That’s Garden Glow on a December night, and it’s the first thing to book, because its peak nights sell out weeks ahead.
Now the part that wrecks Christmas plans every year: the Garden’s own visitor page lists Garden Glow as closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day this season, and Winterfest’s schedule skips Christmas Day too. The lights still burning that night are the drive-throughs. WonderLight’s at World Wide Technology Raceway posts “open nightly, including holidays,” and Santa’s Magical Kingdom in Eureka is open seven days a week. Kids in pajamas in the back seat, the defroster roaring, the lights pulsing in time to your car radio. Christmas night rule of thumb: if you have to walk it, it’s probably closed; if you can stay in the car, it’s probably open.
One more thing the old lists get wrong: Jingle! at CarShield Field is gone. For skating, head downtown to Winterfest in Kiener Plaza, in the shadow of the Arch, where getting in is free and kids skate free on Fridays.
Refreshed September 2026
Your December, in order
Book first: Garden Glow at the Missouri Botanical Garden, nearly two million lights on foot. The Garden says mid-December through New Year’s sells out first, so the easy nights are the earlier weeks; same-night adult tickets bought after 4:30 p.m. cost $2 more.
The Saturday before Thanksgiving: the Thanks-For-Giving Parade steps off on Market Street in the early afternoon and finishes at Kiener Plaza just as Winterfest opens for the season.
The day after Thanksgiving: Belleville’s Santa Parade rolls through downtown Belleville at 10 a.m., and St. Charles Christmas Traditions® opens on Main Street.
Weekends to Christmas Eve: Santa parades down Main Street in St. Charles at noon on Saturdays and Sundays. Free to watch.
Late November to the week before Christmas: Saint Louis Ballet’s The Nutcracker at the Touhill, with a shorter version for young kids on select dates.
Christmas night: WonderLight’s drive-through ($35 a carload, up to eight people) or Santa’s Magical Kingdom. Most of the rest wraps up in the first days of January.
Garden Glow, WonderLight’s and Brewery Lights
Two of these you walk, one you drive with the heater going, and one comes with a fire pit. Dress warmer than you think you need to.
Missouri Botanical Garden's Garden Glow
Nearly two million lights line a path about a mile long; give it 45 minutes to an hour. The free warming fire pits at the Central Axis and Linnean Plaza smell like wood smoke and toasted marshmallow (s’mores kits are sold on the grounds), and the rose garden glows in colors it never wears in June. Park free in the Garden’s two lots at Shaw and Vandeventer and ride the shuttle; skip the side streets, where private lots tow. Buy ahead, because tickets are dated and timed and the peak nights go first, and if your kid is sensitive to flashing lights, look for the season’s reduced-sensory night. Full details are on their website.
WonderLight's Christmas Drive-Through
WonderLight's Christmas fills World Wide Technology Raceway, just across the river in Illinois, with more than a million LED lights along about two miles of route. Thirty-five dollars gets the whole car in, up to eight people, every night from 5 to 10, holidays included. At the booth you kill your headlights and tune to 89.5 FM, then roll through at 2 to 5 miles an hour while about 45 minutes of Christmas music drives the lights and the kids press their noses to the glass. The parent move: hit the portable toilets by the entrance, because once you’re rolling there’s no stopping for the next 45 minutes. The dog can come if it stays in the car, and a two-hour time slot bought ahead skips the worst of the line.
Brewery Lights Spectacle
Cold air, old red brick, and more than a million bulbs strung across the Anheuser-Busch brewery’s historic buildings: Brewery Lights runs for a good chunk of the season, and you take it in on foot from several viewpoints, your breath fogging under the strands. Book the VIP fire pit package and the evening slows down, with Anheuser-Busch drinks, the fixings for campfire snacks, and a fire to hold your hands over while the brick glows behind you.
One planning note before you load up the car: Garden Glow and WonderLight’s both sell timed tickets, so buy the slot first. Garden Glow charges $2 more for same-night adult tickets after 4:30, and WonderLight’s advance slots keep the line short. And if the drive-through format is your family’s favorite, our complete drive-through Christmas lights guide covers every display in the metro.
With the kids: The Polar Express, a wagon through the lights, the zoo after dark
These are the nights kids still talk about in March. Book the ticketed ones early, because the good nights go first.
The Polar Express Train Ride at Union Station
The train boards at Union Station and heads for the North Pole, just like in the book and the movie. It’s an immersive experience, start to finish. The conductor works his way down the aisle, characters from the story keep the car laughing, and then comes the moment the kids have been waiting for: Santa himself.
Santa’s Magical Kingdom Wagon Ride
Santa's Magical Kingdom in Eureka has a slower way through its 35 acres: an old-fashioned wagon ride, bundled up under the lights, with reindeer soaring overhead and elves playing in the trees. Bring the letter to Santa, because there’s a mailbox on the way. It’s more intimate than a drive-through, and you hear the kids instead of the radio.
Wild Lights at the Saint Louis Zoo
The Saint Louis Zoo after dark is a different place. Wild Lights strings millions of twinkling lights through the grounds and around the animal habitats, and you walk it with a cold nose and your hood up, the paths glowing ahead of you.
City Museum's Holiday Extravaganza
City Museum is already a place of wonder, and during the holidays, it gets even more exciting. They deck the halls with lights and add special seasonal activities. You can still enjoy all the usual wild and wonderful attractions, but with an added festive twist. Keep an eye out for special events like story time with Mrs. Claus or holiday-themed karaoke. It’s a great spot for families who love a bit of adventure mixed with their holiday spirit - and one of the standouts in our guide to indoor things to do in St. Louis when the weather turns.
Many of these events book up quickly, so lock in dates before the week you want to go.
Here's a quick look at what you can expect:
The Polar Express: A train ride to the North Pole with characters and Santa.
Santa's Magical Kingdom: Wagon rides through acres of holiday magic.
Wild Lights: A nighttime light display at the zoo.
City Museum: Holiday twists on their unique attractions, plus special events.
These adventures are perfect for creating those core holiday memories. You can find more local events and attractions listed on St Louis Near Me Directory to round out your holiday plans.
Off the holiday script for a second, for anyone running a shop in the Riverbend: how Godfrey neighbors actually find you.
The Nutcracker, the Symphony and TSO
Get ready to be swept away by the magic of the season with St. Louis's incredible lineup of holiday performances and entertainment. From classic tales to dazzling musical acts, there's something to spark joy for everyone.
Saint Louis Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
Experience the timeless wonder of The Nutcracker, brought to life by the Saint Louis Ballet. Directed by Gen Horiuchi, this production is a feast for the eyes with over 70 stunning costumes and a breathtaking snowfall that blankets the stage. It's a holiday tradition that truly captivates.
When: Typically late November through the week before Christmas - check the Touhill calendar for this season’s dates
Venue: Touhill Performing Arts Center
Special Note: A shorter version for younger audiences is offered on select dates most seasons.
Million Dollar Quartet Christmas
Touring holiday productions roll through St. Louis every season - in recent years that’s included Million Dollar Quartet Christmas. This show brings together legendary musicians Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley for an unforgettable night of holiday tunes and rock and roll classics. It’s a rocking good time that you won't want to miss.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra's Holiday Show
Prepare for a spectacular fusion of rock music and holiday spirit with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Their annual winter tour is a dazzling display of lights, pyrotechnics, and powerful music that will leave you mesmerized. It plays like a spectacle, not a straight concert.
The Fox and other big rooms book rotating holiday productions each season - recent years have brought:
A Christmas Story: The Musical: Catch this beloved holiday story as a musical at the Fox Theatre.
A Magical Cirque Christmas: Enjoy awe-inspiring circus acts set to festive holiday music.
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet: Witness a production featuring an international cast and incredible sets.
Skating under the Arch, LIT at Molly’s and a rooftop chalet
Winterfest at Kiener Plaza
Downtown’s winter festival sets up in Kiener Plaza, in the shadow of the Arch, from the weekend before Thanksgiving into the first days of January. Getting in is free; you pay for what you do. There’s an ice rink with skate rentals (kids skate free on Fridays), heated igloos you can book for a group, s’mores kits at the fire pits, and curling lanes, all under the Ameren Missouri Festival of Lights. It opens the same day as the Thanks-For-Giving Parade, runs Thursday through Sunday for most of the season and daily over the holiday break, closes on Christmas Day, and ends the year with a family-friendly New Year’s Eve fireworks show. Reserve skating time ahead on busy weekends.
LIT at Molly's in Soulard
Looking for something a bit different? Molly's in Soulard often has a special holiday pop-up called LIT, and it’s quite the scene. Think over-the-top decorations and a festive atmosphere that’s perfect for grabbing a drink with friends. They usually have some creative holiday cocktails that are worth trying. It’s a fun place to go if you want to experience a unique, themed bar environment during the holiday season. Keep an eye on their schedule for specific dates and times.
Up on the Rooftop Holiday Pop-Up
Planning a daytime garden visit instead? Here’s what to know before visiting the Missouri Botanical Garden, free mornings included.
Want a whole town dressed for the season instead of one light show? Here is the most Christmassy town in Missouri and the runners-up.
St. Louis has some cool rooftop spots, and during the holidays, a few of them turn into festive pop-up bars. Imagine sipping on a warm drink or a festive cocktail while looking out over the city lights. These places often go all out with decorations, making it feel really special. It’s a nice way to enjoy the holiday season with a bit of a view and a cozy atmosphere, and if that grown-up angle is your speed, our roundup of unique and offbeat things to do in St. Louis for adults keeps it going after the decorations come down. Check out places like The Chalet at Le Méridien St. Louis Clayton for a chance to try curling and enjoy the holiday cheer.
Planning the rest of your holiday season? Browse restaurants, attractions, and local shops across the metro on St Louis Near Me Directory - photos, reviews, and hours in one place.
If you run a gift shop, a cozy bar or a restaurant near one of these light shows, list your business with us and turn the hungry families walking out of Garden Glow into customers.
St. Louis Christmas Parades
Parade season starts before the turkey is even thawed. Downtown’s Thanks-For-Giving Parade now steps off on Market Street on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, in the early afternoon, and finishes at Kiener Plaza just as Winterfest opens for the season. The day after Thanksgiving, Belleville’s Santa Parade, run by the local Optimist Club and billed by the city as the largest holiday parade in Southern Illinois, brings floats, dance teams and marching bands through downtown at 10 a.m. and ends with Santa arriving on the Public Square. Then, from Thanksgiving weekend to Christmas Eve, St. Charles Christmas Traditions sends a Santa parade down historic Main Street at noon on Saturdays and Sundays, the easiest one to catch if your weekend is already booked. All three are free to watch. Bring a thermos and claim your curb early.
Main Street chestnuts, Delmar makers and the Winter Market
Looking for that perfect gift or just want to soak in the festive atmosphere? St. Louis has some really neat spots where you can find unique treasures and enjoy the holiday spirit. Forget the big box stores for a bit and explore what our local artisans and communities have to offer.
St. Charles Christmas Traditions®
This is a big one, folks. Historic Main Street in St. Charles transforms into a scene straight out of a Dickens novel. You can wander through the streets, smell the hot-roasted chestnuts, and see Santas from all over the world. Seriously, they have over a dozen different Santas, each representing different global customs. It's a free event to attend, which is awesome, though some activities might have a small fee. On Wednesdays, they even do a special “A Christmas Carol” Stroll, taking you back to 1840s London. It's a really immersive experience that feels like stepping back in time.
Meet Santas from around the world: Experience diverse holiday traditions.
Victorian Carolers: Enjoy live festive music.
Hot-Roasted Chestnuts: A classic holiday treat.
“A Christmas Carol” Stroll: A unique theatrical experience on select Wednesdays.
Delmar Maker District Holiday Shopping
If you're into the artsy, crafty scene, the Delmar Maker District is your go-to. This area is buzzing with local creators and small businesses. You can find all sorts of cool stuff here, from handmade jewelry and unique home decor to quirky art pieces. It’s a great place to pick up gifts that are truly one-of-a-kind. Plus, you're supporting local artists and entrepreneurs, which is always a good feeling. Keep an eye out for special holiday pop-ups and events happening throughout the season. You might even find some delicious treats from local bakeries or chocolatiers to fuel your shopping spree.
Winter Market at Gateway Convention Center
This market is a bit more of a traditional, large-scale holiday shopping event. You can expect a wide variety of vendors offering everything from holiday decorations and crafts to food items and unique gifts. It's a good spot if you're looking to get a lot of your holiday shopping done under one roof. They often have a festive atmosphere with music and decorations, making it a pleasant outing. It's a place where you can find a bit of everything, so it's worth checking out if you're on the hunt for specific items or just want to browse.
Key Features:
Diverse Vendors: Products from a mix of local and regional sellers.
Festive Atmosphere: Enjoy holiday decorations and possibly live entertainment.
Convenient Location: Easily accessible at the Gateway Convention Center.
Gift Variety: Find everything from handmade crafts to specialty food items.
The Sleigh Shed, The Chalet and The Lodge
Warm drinks, twinkling lights, good company
As the temperatures drop and the holiday spirit fills the air, St. Louis offers some truly delightful spots to warm up with a festive drink and enjoy some cozy company. Forget the hustle and bustle for a bit and treat yourself to these special seasonal experiences.
The Sleigh Shed Holiday Cocktails
Get ready for some serious sparkle at The Sleigh Shed. This place goes all out with holiday decorations, making it feel like you've stepped right into a winter wonderland. They've got some seriously creative cocktails on the menu that are perfect for getting into the holiday spirit. The cocktail list changes every season, but expect playful holiday builds - recent menus have leaned on tequila-and-cider warmers and spiked coffee creations. It's the perfect spot to unwind after a day of holiday shopping or exploring the city's festive sights.
Curling and Cocktails at The Chalet
For a unique twist on holiday fun, head up to The Chalet, located on the deck of Le Méridien St. Louis Clayton. This pop-up bar offers a cozy, luxurious vibe along with the chance to try your hand at curling. It's a fantastic way to have some laughs with friends or even learn a new skill. Imagine sipping on a warm drink while strategizing your next move on the ice – pure holiday joy!
The Lodge at Winterfest
The Lodge is the cozy indoor corner of Winterfest in Kiener Plaza. In recent seasons it has opened to the 21-and-over crowd on select nights and booked out for private parties on others, so check the Winterfest page before you count on a seat. When it’s open, it’s the place to thaw out between skating sessions with a warm drink while the plaza’s lights do their thing outside.
Here's a quick look at what you might find:
Festive Drink Menus: Expect creative concoctions with holiday spices and flavors.
Cozy Ambiance: Think warm lighting, comfortable seating, and festive decor.
Unique Activities: From curling to simply enjoying the view, the draw goes beyond the drinks.
Great Company: Perfect for dates, friend gatherings, or family outings.
What to book first
Start with whatever sells out. Garden Glow fills its peak nights weeks ahead, so lock that in before the walk-up markets and pop-up bars you can catch on a whim. Confirm this season’s dates and hours on each venue’s own page, since holiday schedules shift year to year. And when the presents are wrapped and the lights come down, our guide to New Year’s Eve in St. Louis carries the celebration into the new year.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the Christmas events in St. Louis usually start?
Most open in mid-November. Garden Glow, WonderLight’s drive-through and the Polar Express all start around the middle of the month, Winterfest and the Thanks-For-Giving Parade arrive the Saturday before Thanksgiving, and St. Charles Christmas Traditions opens the day after. Several run into the first days of January, so you have about seven weeks to fit it all in.
Are there any Christmas concerts in St. Louis?
Yes. The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra plays its Holiday Celebration concerts at Powell Hall in the weeks before Christmas, Saint Louis Ballet’s Nutcracker fills the Touhill from late November, and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s winter tour has been closing out December at Enterprise Center. Touring holiday shows at the Fox round out the season.
What activities can I do on Christmas Day?
Plan around closures: Garden Glow and Winterfest both close on Christmas Day. WonderLight’s drive-through at World Wide Technology Raceway stays open nightly, holidays included, and Santa’s Magical Kingdom in Eureka is open seven days a week, so a drive-through light show is the safest Christmas-night plan. For the daytime, a walk through Forest Park costs nothing.
What is the most Christmassy town in Missouri?
Around St. Louis, the answer is St. Charles. From the day after Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve, Christmas Traditions turns historic Main Street into a Victorian Christmas, with carolers, hot-roasted chestnuts, Santas from cultures around the world, a Christmas Carol stroll on Wednesday nights and Santa parades on weekends. Branson, about four hours southwest, is the other big Missouri Christmas trip.
Where to go in Missouri for Christmas?
Start in St. Louis: Garden Glow at the Missouri Botanical Garden, Wild Lights at the Zoo, the Polar Express at Union Station and skating under the Arch at Winterfest fill a long weekend on their own. Add a day on Main Street in St. Charles for Christmas Traditions, about half an hour west, and you’ve covered the best of the Missouri side.
Written by a dedicated team of St. Louis locals who live, work, and play right here in the St. Louis metro. Founder Lane Forman and team are committed to building the region’s most trusted directory by verifying listings and connecting local businesses with loyal customers across Missouri and Illinois.