Posted by Andrea Durway
Holiday Lights in St. Louis 2023
Nothing gets us more in the holiday spirit than sparkling lights. So pile into the car and make your way to or through these festive light displays throughout the St. Louis area.
Free or Almost Free
Holiday Light Hopping
This website helps you find the best lit houses across the metropolitan area. The site shows individual homes, but for a nominal fee of $2.99 you can get 23 pre-planned routes in Google Maps that link up anywhere from 2-10 homes.
Candy Cane Lane
Located in St. Louis Hills, this is one of the most popular neighborhood destinations for lights. The residents of Murdoch Street raise thousands of dollars for charity each year. Its proximity to Ted Drewes is a bonus!
Teddy Bear Christmas Land
Tucked behind Grant’s Farm in Crestwood and raises thousands for Toys for Tots with its annual display. You can drive by or park and walk through.
Way of Lights in Belleville, IL
This is the 53nd year of the traditional Christmas light show hosted by The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows. Donations are accepted and any donations of $17 or more receives a Build-A-Bear Plush Animal.
Ticketed Events or Reservations Strongly Recommended
GARDEN GLOW AT THE BOTANICAL GARDENS IN TOWER GROVE
An amazing walking through experience of nearly two million lights including fun new experiences for 2023 and traditional favorites. Enjoy s’mores, festive drinks, and great photo opportunities that will delight all ages! Cafe and wine bar open + enhance your night by renting a fire pit.
HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT GRANT’S FARM
Holiday Lights is back and this year, there are four ways to experience this wonderful seasonal event. In the car, on foot, over a meal, or around a fire — however you prefer to celebrate the season, there’s a Holiday Lights experience for you! The popular drive-through experience routes you around the Busch family home and through the Bauernhof courtyard, both of which will be decked out in holiday décor. You’ll get the chance to see some of your favorite animals, Santa and Mrs. Claus and the 50-foot, LED-lit Christmas tree, which will be synchronized to holiday music that you can hear on your car radio. If you would rather walk, you can take the tram to the German-inspired Bauernhof and then stroll around the grounds, enjoying the festive atmosphere and uplifting light displays at your leisure.
Winter Wonderland at Tilles Park
Winter Wonderland is presented by St. Louis County Parks and can be enjoyed by walk, carriage or vehicle on the designated nights. Slowly meander through over a million glimmering lights fashioned into over 100 displays of festive characters and winter scenes. Enjoy the canopy of lights glistening throughout seventy-five acres of park land in St. Louis County. Vehicle passes can be pre-purchased online or upon entry on designated nights.
Anheuser-Busch Brewery Lights in Soulard
Always impressive, the AB Brewery Lights offers a variety of experiences on the campus. Guests are invited to stroll down Pestalozzi Street to marvel as the brewery is turned into a remarkable holiday experience with something for everyone . Nightly parade, an ice maze, train ride, and a VIP area. Prices vary.
Wild Lights at the Zoo
This popular holiday event features brand-new light displays and themed areas. Warm up with winter-themed treats, and say hello to the animals at Penguin & Puffin Coast and the Insectarium. A 40-foot walk-through lighted tree offers a dynamic photo opportunity, and the Meet Me in St. Louis display is a showstopper, complete with a 15-foot arch and a 17-foot steamboat silhouette backdrop. Other displays include the Frosted Forest, Butterfly Grove, Toy Town, Holly Jolly Hangout, Arctic Alley, Twinkling Tunnel and newly added Peppermint Pathway and Gingerbread Lane. While you’re here, look for holiday carolers and other strolling performers, roast s’mores over one of the fire pits and see Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4D at the 4D Theater. Advanced tickets required and prices vary.
WONDERLIGHT AT WWT RACEWAY IN FAIRMONT CITY, IL
One of the areas largest drive through Christmas shows. Over 1 million LED lights synchronized to traditional and newer, rocking Christmas music played through your own car stereo. Pack your vehicle full of friends and family to enjoy the show and begin a new Christmas tradition with us this season! Tickets recommended. $30/car up to 7 passengers.
Santa’s Magical Kingdom at Jellystone Park in Pacific
Drive through 35 acres of holiday magic with more than 4 million shimmering lights and electrifying special effects. Or for a special treat, experience all the sights and sounds of the Kingdom aboard the Santa Express Train or on a festive Old Fashion Holiday Wagon ride! Admission fee is by the carload and cash only. Prices vary.
