St. Louis, Missouri, will mark the 2026 holiday season with Christmas light displays, outdoor ice skating, festive dining, seasonal performances and New Year’s Eve celebrations. Visitors can explore attractions across the city and surrounding region, from illuminated gardens and drive-through light shows to holiday markets and live music.
The city also offers several free cultural attractions, including the Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis Art Museum and Missouri History Museum. These options give families, couples and friends more ways to plan a festive winter break while managing their travel budgets. Disclosure: This page contains affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Christmas Lights Illuminate St. Louis
Holiday Light Displays Across the Region
St. Louis will host several large-scale Christmas light displays from November 2026 through early January 2027.
The Missouri Botanical Garden’s Garden Glow, running from 14 November 2026 to 2 January 2027, will feature more than two million lights across the gardens. Visitors can explore illuminated installations and colourful projections, alongside seasonal treats such as s’mores and festive drinks.
At the Saint Louis Zoo, Wild Lights will run from 27 November to 30 December 2026. The display will include a 40-foot walk-through Christmas tree, Frosted Forest and Gingerbread Lane.
Meanwhile, Winter Wonderland at Tilles Park will return from 25 November 2026 to 2 January 2027. Its display will cover 75 acres with more than one million lights. Visitors can experience the attraction on foot, by car or in a horse-drawn carriage.
Drive-Through Christmas Light Shows
Visitors who prefer to enjoy the displays from their vehicles will have several options.
WonderLight’s Christmas will run at World Wide Technology Raceway from 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. The drive-through experience will feature miles of LED lights synchronised to Christmas music, illuminated tunnels and dancing candy canes.
In Eureka, Santa’s Magical Kingdom will operate from 20 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. The attraction will feature more than four million lights across 35 acres, animated festive scenes and traditional wagon rides.
Holiday Lights at Grant’s Farm
Holiday Lights at Grant’s Farm will combine Christmas activities with wildlife encounters. Visitors can explore illuminated grounds, meet Santa and Mrs Claus, and see a 50-foot Christmas tree synchronised to music.
Seasonal food and drinks will also be available. Families can book breakfast with Santa in the historic Carriage House, where animal appearances are planned as part of the experience. Private lakeside fire pits will provide another option, with visitors able to gather around the fires and make s’mores.
Festive Dining, Shopping and Seasonal Drinks
St. Louis will offer a range of seasonal experiences, from Christmas-themed cocktail venues to independent shops and neighbourhood light displays.
At St. Louis Union Station, The Sleigh Shed will operate from 7 November to 31 December 2026, featuring elaborate Christmas decorations and themed cocktails. Visitors can also head to Up on The Rooftop at Three Sixty for festive drinks and seasonal décor overlooking the city.
For Christmas shopping, the Downtown Kirkwood Holiday Walk will take place on 21 November 2026. The event will feature shopping, festive entertainment and refreshments, alongside visits from Santa and Mrs Claus at the historic train station.
Christmas Performances and Seasonal Music
Theatre and music venues across St. Louis will present seasonal productions throughout November and December 2026.
Saint Louis Ballet will stage The Nutcracker at the Touhill Performing Arts Center on 28–29 November and 18–23 December 2026. The production features Tchaikovsky’s score and the story’s Land of Sweets.
At The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, White Christmas will run from 2 to 23 December 2026, bringing Irving Berlin’s musical to the stage.
The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra will also present three holiday programmes:
- IN UNISON Christmas (10–11 December 2026) will feature St. Louis-born Broadway star Jenifer Lewis alongside the IN UNISON Chorus.
- The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert (12–13 December 2026) will pair the film with a live orchestral score.
- Mercy Holiday Celebration (18–20 December 2026) will feature Broadway star Norm Lewis performing seasonal favourites.
These performances offer visitors several options for incorporating live theatre and music into a Christmas trip.
Welcome 2027 Beneath the Gateway Arch
St. Louis will offer outdoor activities and live entertainment as the year draws to a close.
Winterfest at Kiener Plaza will run from 21 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. Set beneath more than 100,000 twinkling lights, the event will feature outdoor ice skating, cosy igloos and s’mores stations, with views of the Gateway Arch.
On New Year’s Eve, 31 December, Winterfest will host Neon Nights, a free, family-friendly celebration running from 4pm to 8pm. The programme will include live music, DJs and fire dancers, followed by a fireworks display scheduled to begin at 8pm.
Other options will cater to visitors seeking music and nightlife. The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s New Year’s Eve Celebration at Powell Symphony Hall will welcome 2027 with a musical programme. Meanwhile, NYE Live! at Ballpark Village will offer music, entertainment and a midnight ball drop.
From seasonal light displays and cultural performances to ice skating and New Year’s Eve events, St. Louis will provide a variety of ways to celebrate the 2026 festive season and welcome 2027.
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