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 fifteen 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.
Home for the Holidays
Photo courtesy Alton Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau
The small village of Elsah, Illinois, is celebrating an "Americana Christmas." Elsah is known as the town where time stood still and that's never more true than during the holdidays. On Saturday, December 6, from 3 p.m. to 5:45 p.m., you can tour historic homes decked out in their finest Christmas decorations. Afterwards, at 6 p.m., join locals along the riverfront for candlelight caroling and the annual lighting of the village Christmas tree. Tickets for the house tour are $15.
December 6, 2008
Elsah, Illinois
December 6, 2008
Elsah, Illinois
Godfrey's Snowflake Festival
The cold weather is just the right setting for the Snowflake Festival in Godfrey, Illinois. The free, old-fashioned festival features carriage rides, caroling, hot cocoa and pictures with Santa. The Snowflake Festival runs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., in Glazebrook Park at 1401 Stamper Lane.December 5, 2008
Godfrey, Illinois
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 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 2008
Magic House: December 7, 2008
Eckerts Orchards: November 29-30, December 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 2008
St. Louis Zoo: December 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 2008
Magic House: December 7, 2008
Eckerts Orchards: November 29-30, December 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 2008
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 5-6 & 12-13, 2008
Daniel Boone Home, Defiance
December 5-6 & 12-13, 2008
Daniel Boone Home, Defiance
Salvation Army Tree of Lights
The holidays are a time of giving and that's the purpose of the Salvation Army Tree of Lights at the Chesterfield Mall. Everyone is invited to buy a gift for a needy child in the St. Louis area. Just pick a tag with a child's wish off the tree, buy the gift and return it to the Present Box in Level 1 near Dillards.November 20 - December 13, 2008
Chesterfield Mall
Christmas Carols in the Garden
Photo courtesy Missouri Botanical Garden
The Missouri Botanical Garden is a beautiful sight any time of the year, but during the holidays you can also enjoy the sounds of the season during Christmas Carols in the Garden. Five choirs, a harpist and other musicians will perform throughout the Garden while visitors sip mulled cider and hot chocolate. There's also a special display of gingerbread houses and a visit from Santa. Admission is free with the purchase of a regular Garden ticket.
December 13-14, 2008
Missouri Botanical Garden
December 13-14, 2008
Missouri Botanical Garden
Yuletide Reflections
Photo courtesy The Sheldon Corale
For those who love the music of the holidays, the Sheldon Corale will perform favorite Christmas carols from around the world at its "Yuletide Celebration" concert. The concert begins at 8 p.m., and tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors.
December 15, 2008
Sheldon Concert Hall
December 15, 2008
Sheldon Concert Hall
Chanukah at the Botanical Garden
Photo by Josh Monken, courtesy Missouri Botanical Garden
Experience the traditions of Chanukah at the Missouri Botanical Garden. The Garden will host "Chanukah: Festival of Lights" from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 21. The celebration begins with the symbolic lighting of the menorah, followed by Jewish music and dancing. There is also a traditional marketplace where shoppers can buy Chanukah items. The festival will be held in the Ridgway Visitor Center. Admission is included with a regular Garden ticket.
December 21, 2008
Missouri Botanical Garden
December 21, 2008
Missouri Botanical Garden
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
The world famous Radio City Rockettes are high kicking their way to St. Louis this December. There is no better place to see the Rockettes' Christmas Spectacular than the beautifully decorated Fox Theatre in the heart of midtown St. Louis. The show features the legendary "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" and other popular dances. Tickets for the Christmas Spectacular are $29.50 to $69.50.December 11-28, 2008
Fox Theatre
Santa vs. the Snowman
Photo courtesy St. Louis Science Center
Alien vs. Predator. Freddy vs. Jason. Now there's Santa vs. the Snowman, and you can catch it on the ultimate big screen, the OMNIMAX theater at the St. Louis Science Center. Luckily this holiday tale is lighthearted and suitable for kids. It tells the story of a curious snowman who challenges Santa and his workshop for control of the Christmas gift delivery business. Tickets are $8 for adults and $7 for children and seniors. Special group discounts are also available.
Opens November 28, 2008
St. Louis Science Center
Opens November 28, 2008
St. Louis Science Center
