holiday events in St. Louis

Delight in brilliant, colorful light displays with spectacular photo opportunities throughout the Zoo during Wild Lights. Walk through two tunnels with dazzling lights, and enjoy themed displays featuring snowflakes, candy canes, gumdrops, penguins, polar bears, tigers, giraffes and much more at this St. Louis family-favorite holiday tradition.

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Winterfest

The magical sights of the Gateway Arch Park Foundation's Winterfest return to downtown St. Louis this holiday season. Winterfest includes family fun, beautiful holiday lights, s'mores stations, ice skating and festive activities and fireworks, plus special character visits and a New Year's Eve celebration.

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Winter Getaway at the Missouri History Museum

Bring your kids to the Missouri History Museum for the Winter Getaway for free activities, family films and live music just for kids.

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Garden Glow Family Nights at the Missouri Botanical Garden

Visit one of the most dazzling holiday light displays in the Midwest on these special Family Nights when children's tickets are just $5.

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Supper With Santa at The Butterfly House

Santa is making a stop at The Butterfly House before he makes his trip around the world, and he wants to enjoy a meal with your family! Enjoy a delicious dinner, visit Santa's Workshop and Mrs. Claus's Cookie Kitchen, have your picture taken with the guest of honor - Santa!

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Festival of Lights at Kiener Plaza

Welcome the holiday season at Kiener Plaza with the lighting of the Salvation Army Tree of Lights, live entertainment, and ice skating at the Winterfest Ice Rink.

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Cold-Nosed Candids with Santa at Purina Farms

Gather your pack – your kids and your cold-nosed companions – for a pet-friendly visit with Santa this year at Purina Farms. Cold-Nosed Candids are for families and their cats and dogs to have their photos taken while they frolic through the snow provided by the Bubble Bus! Reservations are required.

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Things to Do

Tiny Trekkers at The Nature Institute

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Tiny Trekkers is a weekly nature-based program for preschoolers (ages 3-5) at the Nature Institute. Preschoolers explore the nearly 500 acres of preserves through hands-on experiences out in nature. Kids stomp through creeks, use nets to catch and observe insects, taste edible plants, and learn about the natural world.

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Paws for Reading from the St. Louis County Library

Wednesday, March 5, 2025

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Read to a friendly therapy dog from DUO Dogs, Inc. After the story, the dog's handler will answer any questions kids have about therapy dogs, pet care and more. For ages 3-11. Registration is required for this free program.

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First Art: Free In-Person Art Program for Ages 18-36 Months

Join in on First Art, a free art program for toddlers where the focus is on the process of making art rather than the finished product. Dress to get messy!

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Open Gym at Miss Kelly's Gym in Cottleville

Wednesday, March 5, 2025

Open Gym at Miss Kelly's Gym is an opportunity for any child to have supervised free play in the gym. They can work on existing skills, try something new, or simply play around. It is completely up to them! Open Gym is open to both members and non-members ages 12 and under.

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Planetarium Shows at the James S. McDonnell Planetarium in Forest Park

Visit the James S. McDonnell Planetarium in Forest Park and see a star show to experience the largest artificial sky in the Western Hemisphere. Star shows are lead LIVE by one of the Planetarium's educators, creating a new and tailored experience for every audience.

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Get ready for a summer filled with flips, fun, and unforgettable memories at Olympia Gymnastics Summer Camps! Our high-energy gymnastics and popular ninja camps keep kids active, engaged, and excited with gymnastics, ninja courses, obstacle challenges, games, and more—all in our cool, air-conditioned facilities with highly trained, expert staff. Each week brings a new theme, from Superheroes to Under the Big Top to Aloha Summer Beach, ensuring non-stop fun for every camper, ages 5-12. Plus, our popular Ninja-only camp weeks always fill up fast—so don’t wait to grab a spot! LEARN MORE AND SIGN UP. Plus, for a limited time, enter to win a FREE WEEK of gymnastics or ninja camp at any Olympia Gymnastics location! ENTER HERE

Play, learn, and create on Community School's beautiful 18-acre campus this summer. Camps are available for children age 3 through eighth grade and include full- and half-day options. Choose from dozens of activities led by our experienced faculty and partners including Mad Science of St. Louis, STAGES, The Fencing Academy, The Recreation Academy, and more. Programming also includes Community's signature FUNdamentals Camp, designed to help children fight the summer slump in August. Camps have limited enrollment, so register today at communityschoool.com/camp

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