The holiday season is here and there are so many ways to get into the spirit in St. Louis. Sure, you may want to pick out the perfect tree, but below are other events just begging to become an annual holiday tradition. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Chanukah or Kwanzaa, there's something for everyone this holiday season. If you're looking for ways to celebrate without spending money, check out Free Holiday Events and Celebrations in the St. Louis Area.
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
The Rockettes bring their famous holiday spectacular to the Peabody Opera House. The high energy show features favorite Christmas music and plenty of high kicks. Tickets are $26 to $92.
November 8-17, 2012
Downtown St. Louis
Christmas Light Displays
Photo courtesy Alton Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau
St. Louis has some wonderful Christmas light displays, from Winter Wonderland in Tilles Park to the Way of Lights in Belleville and many more. For hours of operation, admission prices and other information, see St. Louis' Best Holiday Light Displays.
November 2012 - January 2013
Various Locations
Gardenland Express
Photo courtesy Missouri Botanical Garden
It's all aboard for some holiday fun at the Missouri Botanical Garden. The Garden is kicking off its holiday season with its "Gardenland Express" annual flower and train show. The show features model trains that wind their way though a miniature landscape filled with winter scenes and surrounded by poinsettias and other flowering plants. The display is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $5 a person. Garden members get in free.
November 21, 2012 - January 1, 2013
Missouri Botanical Garden
Deck the Halls Wreath Exhibit
Local floral designers are showing off their best work at the annual holiday wreath exhibit at the Missouri Botanical Garden. The wreaths are on display each day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The exhibit is included with the cost of Garden admission. You also have the chance to own one of the featured wreaths by making a bid during the silent auction. Proceeds from the auction benefit Garden programs.
November 22, 2012 - January 2, 2013
Missouri Botanical Garden
Holiday Magic
The Edward Jones Dome will turn into a Christmas wonderland for Holiday Magic 2012. There will be shopping, decorations, food and fun at this three day event. The highlight of the show is an indoor Main Street where vendors will be selling local goods, Christmas decorations and more. When you're tired of shopping, you can take a spin on a carnival ride or enjoy some holiday entertainment. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children.
November 23-25, 2012
Downtown St. Louis
Holiday Art Show & Sale
Muddy River Arts will hold its annual Holiday Art Show and Sale at The Ethical Society of St. Louis at 9001 Clayton Road. Find one-of-a-kind gifts from two dozen local artists who will be showing their works. Art on display includes pottery, fused glass, jewelry and photography.November 30 & December 1, 2012
Richmond Heights
Home for the Holidays
The small town of Elsah, Illinois, is known as the "village where time stood still." Elsah's historic charm is certainly on display during the holidays. Visitors can tour homes decorated for Christmas from 2 p.m. to 5:45 p.m., do a little shopping and attend the lighting of the village Christmas tree at 6:30 p.m. Home tour tickets are $15.
December 1, 2012
Elsah, Illinois
CWE Holiday on the Plaza
The Central West End neighborhood is celebrating the holidays with a street festival called Holiday on the Plaza. The fun begins at 1 p.m., with music, shopping and other holiday activities.
December 1, 2012
Central West End
Three Chances to Have Breakfast with Santa
Photo by SW Productions, courtesy Getty Images
St. Louis area children are invited to dine with Santa this holiday season. The St. Louis Zoo, Magic House and Eckert's Orchards are all hosting Breakfast with Santa. Prices vary for each event, but they all include a meal, treats for the kids and pictures with Santa himself.
St. Louis Zoo: December 1 & 2, 8 & 9, 15 & 16, 2012
Magic House: December 2, 2012
Eckerts Orchards: November 24 & 25, December 1 & 2, 8 & 9, 14 & 15, 22 & 23 2012
Candlelight Christmas
Photo courtesy Lindenwood University, Daniel Boone Campus
Take a trip back to the 1800's this Christmas at the Daniel Boone Home in Defiance, Missouri. The Boone Home and Boonesfield Village welcomes visitors for candlelight tours. Stroll through the historic property as thousands of candles light your way. There are nearly a dozen buildings decorated for a 19th century Christmas. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children.
December 7, 8, 14 & 15, 2012
Daniel Boone Home, Defiance
