Celebrate the season at the Saint Louis Art Museum with free performances and art activities inspired by traditions from around the world. Winter Celebrations includes music and dance performances from community organizations representing diverse global cultures, art activities for your little ones and much more during this free, two-day festival.
New Year's Eve at Winterfest is designed for the whole family, and includes ice skating, fire performers, appearances from some of your kids' favorite princesses and superheroes, fireworks and more.
Visit Winterfest on Fridays when kids ages 3-15 can skate for free at the Kiener Plaza Ice Rink from 4-8 p.m.
Families interested in learning about St. Louis Artworks and the art and apprenticeship programs they offer for kids in St. Louis are invited to attend a free Open House.
Step into a winter wonderland of joy and delight as City Museum transforms into a festive paradise from November 28 through January 4. From twinkling lights that illuminate the night to heartwarming encounters with Santa, Mrs. Claus and their merry helpers, there’s something for everyone!
You can always watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on television, but if you want the real-life parade experience, bundle up the kids and head downtown bright and early on Thanksgiving morning to see the 41st annual Ameren Thanks for Giving Parade.
Home Alone in Concert from the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra is back by popular demand! The 1990s classic Home Alone is hilarious and heart-warming, and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra performs the John Williams score live.
Drop off your kids at Yucandu Art Studio in Webster Grove for one-of-a-kind Crafts-Giving Workshops! Kids will make and wrap four gifts to take home.
Kids in kindergarten through 5th grade can make a reusable and adorable Advent calendar that you don't have to fill at this art workshop.
Your family can enjoy a gourmet, festive breakfast buffet complete with a visit from the man of the hour: Santa.
The St. Louis Children’s Choirs present “Illuminate” — a radiant celebration of the season. From festive carol fanfares and beloved holiday favorites to imaginative winter-themed songs, the six ensembles of The St. Louis Children’s Choirs offer a heartwarming concert in the brilliant acoustics of the newly renovated Powell Hall. “Illuminate” is the perfect way to start your holidays — a concert that shines with warmth, wonder, and the light of children’s song.
Santa is coming to St. Louis and is parking his sleigh at The Magic House! Children can visit with Santa, deliver their wish list to him, and have their picture or their whole family's picture taken with Santa.
Children can help families with food insecurity in our local communities and get into The Magic House or MADE for Kids for free during the Kids Can Help food drive. Children 12 and under who bring in three canned food items each will be admitted to The Magic House for MADE for Kids free of charge on November 2 and 3.
See a cast of daring dachshunds as they attempt to put on a circus variety show with amazing acrobatic feats at the St. Louis County Library! The show is taken to hilarious heights as it is constantly interrupted by Li'l Dumpling, the littlest Dachshund in the world, who desperately wants to get in on the act.
Santa and his trusty elf will visit the St. Louis Aquarium on select days this holiday season for a special Dive Chat with visitors. Scuba Santa will be dressed in his North Pole best as he and his elf talk to visitors while Scuba diving in Shark Canyon.
Parents can take the evening to grab dinner or do some holiday shopping and drop the kids at the J for an evening of fun! Kids can run around in the gym playing a variety of sports or games led by the staff at the J. Or they can dive into pool time with games and free swim for all swimmers.
As part of its holiday happenings, Santa will visit the Museum of Transportation, arriving in style by helicopter.
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.
Cruise the Mighty Mississippi on a replica paddlewheel riverboat with the jolly man himself this holiday season – Santa Claus. Come dressed in your favorite PJs and leave the cooking to the crew. Then grab a photo with Santa!
A St. Louis family favorite – the Children's Garden at the Missouri Botanical Garden – will close for the season on November 1-2, and children are invited to have an adventure exploring all the Garden has to offer before the gates close.
Enjoy live music, performance art, local food. a climbing wall, and hands-on activities for the whole family, as well as artists, aerial performers, educational exhibitors, diverse cuisine featuring local, organic, vegetarian and vegan options and more. Please bring your own bag to collect vendor information.
Take your family to watch birds of prey fly right over your head, meet the wonderful bird ambassadors of the World Bird Sanctuary up close and much more.
Don't be late for this very important date! The Fancy Tea Party at the St. Louis Carousel and The Butterfly House will have you feeling fancy and acting silly while enjoying tasty treats, delightful drinks, and fun crafts with Wonderland's most curious guest. Visitors can go in search of the while rabbit as adventure takes you through the gardens of The Butterfly House.
Science Tots is designed for children ages 18 to 36 months. The class provides opportunities to support brain development and learning. Toddlers and their grown-ups will explore STEM topics through songs, stories, hands-on exploration and play.
Explore the Saint Louis Zoo in the evenings at the Chinese lantern festival Animals Aglow! Animals Aglow returns to illuminate the Saint Louis Zoo for the second year with dozens of new, towering lanterns and light displays.