St. Louis Holiday Playbook 2025

The week of Thanksgiving marks the unofficial start of the holiday season in St. Louis. Whether you’re hosting out-of-town guests or planning your own cozy celebrations, we’ve rounded up the city’s brightest traditions and most beloved local spots. From light displays to holiday shows, this is your go-to guide.

5 Places to See Holiday Lights

1. Garden Glow at Missouri Botanical Garden: A St. Louis classic—towering light tunnels, glowing orbs, and the architecture lit up in color. Magical every single year.
2. Wild Lights at the St. Louis Zoo: A beloved family tradition with illuminated animal scenes, warm drinks, and nostalgic charm.
3. Anheuser-Busch Brewery Lights: Fire pits, s’mores, and iconic brewery buildings decked out in lights—pure STL vibes.
4. Winter Wonderland at Tilles Park: Drive, walk, or take a carriage ride through millions of lights and classic holiday scenes.
5. Candy Cane Lane (South City): One of the most spirited neighborhood light displays in the Midwest—joyful, extra, and 100% local.

5 Places to See Santa

1. Saint Louis Galleria – Storytime with Santa: Classic mall Santa with great photo ops.
2. Missouri Botanical Garden – Gardenland Express: Santa appears alongside the miniature train exhibit—great for younger kids.
3. Anheuser-Busch Brewery Lights: Outdoor Santa surrounded by twinkle lights and holiday music.
4. Maplewood Christmas Tree Walk: A long-running neighborhood tradition with small-town warmth. (Dec. 5)
5. Kirkwood Train Station: Santa arrives by train—pure St. Louis nostalgia. (Nov. 22)

5 Holiday Concerts & Shows in St. Louis

1. Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra – Mercy Holiday Celebration: A St. Louis classic featuring holiday favorites, choir performances, and big festive energy at Powell Hall.
2. The Nutcracker – Saint Louis Ballet: A beautifully staged performance with full Tchaikovsky score — timeless, elegant, and perfect for all ages.
3. A Holiday Show at the Fox Theatre: From A Christmas Story-The Musical to the Nutcracker, to A Magical Cirque Christmas, a holiday show at the Fabulous Fox always captivates.
4. Hanukkah Hullabaloo at The Grandel: 15 years of music, light, fresh latkes, and community coming together for one fun + festive night! Joyful, uplifting music celebrating the season in a warm community setting.
5. St. Charles Christmas Traditions – Caroling & Street Performances: Historic Main Street turns into a living Dickensian village with roaming carolers, costumed characters, musical performances, and weekly “A Christmas Carol Stroll” events — one of the region’s most magical holiday traditions.

5 Festive Holiday Pop-Up Bars + Cocktails

1. Miracle STL (At Small Change): The national holiday pop-up, done big: kitschy décor and cocktail classics.
2. Sippin’ Santa (Planter’s House): A tiki-meets-Christmas mashup that’s always a hit.
3. Upstairs at Das Bevo: Cozy alpine lodge vibes and great hot drinks.
4. The Floating Sleigh: St. Louis’ first and only floating holiday pop-up bar, dockside at the Arch.
5. Frosted Tower Grove Park (Piper Palm House): 5th year of cocktail winter wonderland with live jazz and food benefits the park.

5 St. Louis Holiday Traditions

1. Ted Drewes Christmas Tree Lot Opening Week: Nothing says “St. Louis holidays” like stopping for a tree and a custard.
2. Skating at Steinberg on Thanksgiving Weekend: A city tradition—big rink, big memories. NOTE: Steinberg is going under a big renovation, but you can skate at Winterfest at Kiener Plaza this year.
3. Soulard Market Holiday Shopping: Grab produce, spices, and holiday treats the old-world way.
4. Cherokee Antique Row Holiday Cookie Spree Walk: Vintage shops, neighborhood charm, and twinkle-lit strolls.
5. Holiday House Tours: From Lafayette Square to Compton Heights, local home tours are gorgeous, festive, and inspiring.

5 At-Home Holiday Traditions

1. Bake a Signature Holiday Cookie: Choose one recipe every year (or rotate!) and make it your thing—bonus points if you share a few with neighbors.
2. Board Game or Puzzle Night: Pull out the classics or try a new strategy game. It’s low-key, screen-free, and guaranteed laughs.
3. Holiday Movie + PJs (matching entirely optional): A cozy annual ritual—pick a movie, pick the snacks, pick the PJs.
4. Volunteer as a Family: Assemble hygiene kits, bake for a shelter, adopt a family, or sign up for a local volunteer shift. Heart-expanding and grounding.
5. Indulge in “Lots of Naps” Weekend: No plans, no guilt—just cozy blankets, leftover pie, and permission to rest.

Wrap-Up

And don’t forget, we’ve got an updated Shop Local Guide and a Round-up of the Pop Up Markets too. St. Louis shines during the holidays—with traditions both flashy and cozy, big and small. Whether you’re shopping local, sipping something seasonal, or soaking in the lights, or sacking out on the couch, this season is packed with ways to make meaningful memories.