December is Santa's Busiest Month, but He's Making Lots of Stops to See Kids in the 'Lou

December is Santa's busiest month, but he's making plenty of stops all across the St. Louis area to see kids in the 'Lou. Here's where you can hang out with the jolly old fellow and grab a souvenir photo or two.

Cookies with Claus 

December 1. Bring your kids (and their wish lists) to visit Santa Claus at The Lodge Des Peres. And don't forget your camera! All children will receive a special holiday cookie (while they last). This event is free and reservations are not required. 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 1 at The Lodge in Des Peres. More information: desperesmo.org

Breakfast with Santa at the Saint Louis Zoo

Dec. 1, 2, 9, 10, 15, 16. Your family can enjoy a gourmet, festive breakfast buffet complete with a visit from the man of the hour: Santa. When Santa arrives, your family will have the opportunity to take a picture with him, and holiday costumed characters will visit everyone's table. Children will also receive something special from the jolly guy's bag of goodies. As a special treat for parents, you'll receive free parking. Breakfast with Santa at the Zoo is from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Reservations are required. Cost is $18 per person for ages 2-12, and $25 per person for adults for Zoo members. $20 per child nad $27 for adults for non-members. Free for children under 2. More information and reservations: stlzoo.org

Breakfast with Santa at Longview Farm Park 

Dec. 1. Enjoy a yummy breakfast with the man of the month – Santa! Santa will visit Longview Farm House in Longview Farm Park. You'll also enjoy hot and cold breakfast choices, pictures with Santa, holiday crafts and games.  Reservations are required. 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1. More information and reservations: town-and-country.org or call 314-587-2814.

Breakfast with Santa at Eckerts

Dec. 1, 2, 8. 9, 15. 16, 22. 23. Join Santa for a meal on the farm! At Breakast with Santa at Eckerts, your child can tell Santa their Christmas wishes, and Santa will have a special gift for each child. Reservations for this special morning feast are suggested. Breakfast will be provided from  8 a.m. to noon on Dec. 1-2, Dec. 8-9, Dec. 15-16 and Dec. 22-23. You can have your child's photo taken with Santa, and thre will be face painting and cookie decorating too. Cost is $16.99 per person.  For reservations and more information: eckerts.com

Skate with Santa at the Steinberg Skating Rink  

Dec. 1. Take to the ice with jolly ole' St. Nick himself during Skate with Santa at the Steinberg Skating Rink in Forest Park. Steinberg Skating Rink is the largest outdoor skating rink in the Midwest, offering public skating all day, every day, including holidays. There is also Snowflake Cafe on site offering appetizers, sandwiches, snacks, hot chocolate and more. Admission for all ages is $7 for all day. Skate rental is $7. 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1. More information: steinbergskatingrink.com

PJs and Pancakes with Santa 

Dec. 1 & 15. Cruise the Mighty Mississippi on a replica paddlewheel riverboat with the big man himself this holiday season – Santa Claus. Come dressed in your favorite PJs and leave the cooking to the crew. Your family will enjoy a breakfast buffet, holiday activities, views of downtown and the Gateway Arch, and a photo with Santa. Saturdays, Dec. 1 and 15 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Boarding begins at 9 a.m.) at the Gateway Arch. Cost is $38 per person. Children under 2 are free. More information and tickets: gatewayarch.com

Claus and Paws

December 1. Bring your favorite family pet for a picture with Santa and dog treats from Three Dog Bakery at The Lodge! The event is free and no registration is required. Bring your own camera. Your pet must be on a leash. Saturday, Dec. 1 from 1-3 p.m. at The Lodge Des Peres. More information: desperesmo.org

Christmas with Santa and Mrs. Claus in Old Town Florissant

Dec. 1. Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit the Florissant City Hall again this year and bring along lots of fun for families. Visitors to this free event are invited to take photos with Santa, decorate cookies, enjoy face painting, crafts and a balloon artist, and meet Eddie the Florissant Police Dog. Taking your own photo with Santa is free; there is a charge for a professional photo. 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1 at the Florissant City Hall. At 5 p.m., the mayor will light the city's Christmas lights. Sponsored by Florissant Old Town Partners. More information.

Santa Visits, Sometimes with Live Reindeer, at the Museum of Transportation

Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22. Santa is stopping by the Museum of Transporation in Kirkwood to entertain kids who are eager for holiday fun, and sometimes he will bring his reindeer! This is a great photo opportunity for your family, so be ready to take some fun pics. Photos are free but regular museum admission applies. Santa visits with live reindeer take place Dec. 8 from noon to 4 p.m. and Dec. 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Santa will visit without his reindeer on Dec. 1 and Dec. 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Included with regular admission of $10 for ages 13 and up and $5 for children ages 3-12. More information at museumstlouis.org

Santa at Westport Plaza

December 1. Stop in to see Santa and enjoy some fun holiday activities at Westport Plaza. Each child will receive a complimentary photo with Saint Nick himself, and there will be balloon twisting, face painting, holiday crafts and a goodie bag for each child. There will also be entertainment fron Dayspring School of the Arts. Visitors are asked to donate a new, unwrapped toy in exchange for a visit with Santa. Toys will be donated to the children at Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital. 10 a.m. to noon on the second floor of the Westport Plaza indoor mall. More information: westportstl.com

Santa at City Park in Edwardsville

The city of Edwardsville welcomes Santa back to his Santa House in City Park for the 12th year. (101 South Buchanan Ave.) in front of the Edwardsville Public Library. Families can stop in on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m. through Dec. 22. Bring your cameras to take pictures with Santa for free. More information: cityofedwardsville.com

Dine with the Clauses

Dec. 1. Join Mr. and Mrs. Claus for a pancake breakfast with all the trimmings. Kids can have their photo taken with Santa, make a craft and enjoy a magic show from Abra-Kid-Abra. Saturday, Dec. 1 from 9 to 11 a.m. at The Heights in Richmond Heights. Register by Nov. 28. Cost is $7 per person for residents/members and $9 per person for non-residents. Register here.

Breakfast with Santa at The Magic House  

Dec. 2 & 9. This is one breakfast your family is sure to flip over! You and your little short stack are invited to the annual Breakfast with Santa at The Magic House. Make your morning (or evening) sizzle with a yummy pancake breakfast, a photo with Santa, playtime in the museum and a fun holiday craft to take home.  8:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m., 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 2; 8:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m., 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 9. Cost is $15 per person for members and $20 per person for non-members. More information and reservations (required): magichouse.org

Christmas at Willoughby Farm

Dec. 2. Get into the holiday spirit at Willoughby Farm while it's beautifully decorated for the season. Visitors can sip hot cidar and hot chocolate and nibble on sweet treats while visiting with Santa in the barn. Remember to bring your camera to snap photos of your children with Saint Nick! There will also be a holiday sing-a-long. Cost is $3 per person, maximum $10 per family. Kids under 3 are free. 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 2 at Willoughby Farm in Collinsville. More information: willoughbyfarm.org

Santa Cares: A Holiday Sensory-Friendly Visit with Santa

Dec. 2. Kids with sensory needs are invited to visit with Santa at area malls during Santa Cares. Visits will be held in a calming environment before the malls are open to the public. Photo packages will be available for purchase. These sensory-friendly Santa visits are free and will be held on Sunday, Dec. 2 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the following malls: South County Center, Mid-Rivers Mall, West County Center and St. Clair Square. Registration is required at eventbrite.

Photos with Santa at the Kirkwood Train Station  

Dec. 6, 13 & 14. Bring your kids and your camera to take free photos with Santa at the historic and festive Kirkwood Train Station in downtown Kirkwood. December 6 and 13 from 5-7 p.m. Please arrive by 6:30 to take pictures with Santa. The average wait time is 30 minutes,  On December 14, you can visit with Santa from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and there will be a special visit from live reindeer too! Free. More information: downtownkirkwood.com

Breakfast with Santa at Dinnertime  

Dec. 7, 14 & 15. Visit Eckert Farms for a twist on the traditional Breakfast with Santa this holiday season. For those of you who just aren't morning people, Eckerts is offering Breakfast with Santa at Dinnertime. It's exactly like Breakfast with Santa, but at dinnertime. Children can tell Santa their Christmas wishes, and Santa will have a special gift for each child. There will also be photos with Santa, face painting, and cookie decorating. Reservations are suggested. The meal includes scrambled eggs, bacon, biscuits and homemade sausage gravy. Cost is $16.99 per person. 5 to 7 p.m. at Eckerts in Belleville on Dec. 7, 14 and 15. More information: eckerts.com Save 50% off Breakfast with Santa at Dinnertime with Discount Code SANTA2018

Santa Parade in St. Charles

Dec. 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23. Main Street St. Charles is the setting for this family favorite holiday event. The Santa Parade features all of the Christmas Tradition characters, carolers, and a cavalcade of international Santas, each carrying the flag of their native land. The grand finale of the parade is the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus in a horse-drawn carriage. The parade begins at 1000 South Main Street and continues to the Jaycee Stage in Frontier Park, where a short, family friendly program will take place. The parade begins at 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays in December through Dec. 23. More information: historicstcharles.com

Santa Visits the Library

Dec. 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19. Kids can enjoy stories and songs during a visit with Santa! Parents should bring their cameras for photos with jolly ole' Saint Nick. Santa at the Library is free and will take place at the following branches of the St. Charles County Library: Tuesday, Dec. 4 at 6:30 p.m. at the Spencer Road Branch; Wednesday, Dec. 5 at 6:30 p.m.at the K. Linnemann Branch; Monday, Dec. 10 at 6:30 p.m. at the McClay Branch; Tuesday, Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. at the Corporate Parkway Branch; Wednesday, Dec. 12 at 6 p.m. at the Kisker Road Branch; Thursday, Dec. 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the Library Express in Winghaven; Monday, Dec. 17 at 6:30 p.m. at the Middendorf-Kredell Branch; Tuesday, Dec. 18 at 6 p.m. at the Boone's Trail Branch; Wednesday, Dec. 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the Deer Run Branch. More information: youranswerplace.org

Supper with Santa at Riverchase  

Dec. 7. Join Santa for a pajama party and festive dinner where kids can enjoy pizza, refreshments and have their photo taken with the man of the hour. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Cost is $6 per child. Ages 1 and younger are free but must register.  6 to 7:30 p.m. at Riverchase in Fenton. Register by Dec. 4 by caling 636-343-0067. More information can be found at the Riverchase Facebook page

Winter Carnival with Santa at the St. Charles County YMCA

Dec. 7. Enjoy an evening with Santa at the St. Charles County YMCA. Families will enjoy photos with Santa, cookie decorating, Christmas crafts & games, letters to Santa and a bounce house. 6:30 to 8 p.m. Free and open to all. 

Cookies with Santa at the O'Fallon Family YMCA

Dec. 7. Kids are welcome to wear their Christmas pajamas to have cookies and take photos with Santa at this fun holiday celebration. Families can also enjoy cookie decorating, Christmas crafts and games, a cookie and cocoa bar and letters to Santa. 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 7 at the O'Fallon, Missouri, Family YMCA. Open to all and perfect for all ages. Cost is $5 per family for non-members and free for members. To register, call 636-379-0092.

Saturday with Santa at the Missouri Botanical Garden 

Dec. 8. Your kids can whisper their Christmas wishes to Santa Claus, listen to festive holiday carols and enjoy the magic of Christmas at the Missouri Botanical Garden at this special event with a very special guests: Santa and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. 1-4 p.m. on Dec. 8. Included with Garden admission. More information: mobot.org

Party at the North Pole - A Family Musical  

Dec. 8. Enjoy a Party at the North Pole featuring cookie decorating, hot cocoa, crafts, games, a festive family musical and a visit from Santa! The Party at the North Pole Family Musical is free and designed for families with children ages 2-10. The family musical is performed by Edie's Fairytale Theatre Company, and this live performance will be followed by a visit and photo opportunities with Santa! Party at the North Pole is set for Saturday, Dec. 8 from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Andrews Academy in Creve Coeur.  This event is free but space is limited and tickets are required. Register to attend at this link or call 314-878-1883.

Breakfast with Santa at Bluebird Park  

Dec. 8. Spend some quality time with Santa and enjoy a yummy breakfast in Bluebird Park in Ellisville. Cost is $5 per person, and children under age 1 are free. Saturday, Dec. 8 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the Bluebird Park Administration Building. Registration is required. Call 636-227-7508 or register online at ellisville.mo.us

Breakfast with Santa at the Rec Plex 

Dec. 8. Santa is coming to St. Peters to share some holiday good cheer and have a little breakfast with good little boys and girls at the Rec Plex. Children ages 2-8 can have their photo taken with Santa, enjoy breakfast and sing favorite Christmas songs. Cost is $14 per child and $7 per adult. Advance registration is required.  8:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8. More information: stpetersmo.net

Skate with Santa at the Brentwood Ice Rink

Dec. 9. Santa is taking a break and relaxing with a cool skating session, and your kids are invited to skate alongside him. Selfies with Santa are welcome! Open to all. 4:15 to 7:15 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 9. Admission is $3 for residents and $4 for non-residents. Skate rental is $2. 

Supper with Santa at The Butterfly House  

Dec. 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23. Have a fun supper with Santa at The Butterfly House. Your ticket includes a pasta dinner, cookies and hot cocoa, a picture with Santa, a night stroll through the tropical conservatory, and Santa's Workshop stations, where kids can make fun crafts and act silly in the photo booth. After dinner, you'll visit Mrs. Claus's Cookie Kitchen for cookies and hot cocoa. Space is limited and reservations are required. Admission is $20 per person; $15 for members of the Missouri Botanical Garden. Infants ages 12 months and younger are free. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at The Butterfly House in Faust Park. More information and to register: butterflyhouse.org

Breakfast and Craft Workshop with Santa, and Pet-acular Holiday Bazaar at Purina Farms  

Dec. 15 & 16. Enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast with Santa plus crafts and more at the Purina Farms Events Center during the Breakfast & Craft Workshop with Santa. The Breakfast & Craft Workshop takes place before the start of the popular Pet-tacular Holiday Bazaar on Dec. 15 and 16. Bring your cameras for photos with Santa, and enjoy holiday craft stations, face painting, balloon artists, magic tricks, and a canine trick demo performed by the Purina Incredible Dog Team. Kids who participate in the Breakfast & Craft Workshop with Santa will enjoy special access to the Kids Activity Area at the Pet-acular Holiday Bazaar before it's open to the public, a $5 value. 

The Breakfast and Craft Workshop takes place from 8:30 to 10 a.m. on December 15 and 16 at Purina Farms. Tickets are required and are $12 for adults and $20 for children ages 2-10. Kids younger than 2 are free with a paid adult.  Advance tickets are required and can be purchased through the event's Facebook post. Tickets will not be available at the door. Learn more at purinafarms.com 

NOTE: Dogs are not allowed at the Breakfast & Craft Workshop with Santa, but they are welcome at the Pet-acular Holiday Bazaar starting at 10 a.m. each day. Kids, dogs and kids-at-heart can have their photo taken with Santa at the Pet-aculat Holiday Bazaar (10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 15 and 16) for $5 per sitting. There will also be a Kids Activity Area with a trackless train, balloon animals, bounce houses and more, incredible dog shows, one-of-a-kind gifts, live entertainment and adoptable pets. 

Breakfast with Santa at the Chesterfield Family YMCA

Dec. 15. The Chesterfield Family YMCA of St. Louis is holding Breakfast with Santa and your whole family is invited. Enjoy a fun breakfast with jolly old Saint Nick and Mrs. Claus, photos with Santa (parents, bring your cameras!), and fun holiday crafts. Cost is $8 per person for ages 13 and up, $5 per person for ages 2-12. Kids under 2 are free. Space is limited and reservations are required. 9 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 15. For more information and to register: gwrymca.org

Breakfast with Santa in St. Charles  

Dec. 15. Enjoy a hot delicious breakfast with Santa and have your child's picture taken with the man of the hour. Then kids will participate in holiday crafts. 9 a.m. on Dec. 15. Cost is $12 per person when registered by Nov. 30; $15 per person Dec. 1 or after. Ages 2 and under are free. At Memorial Auditorium in Blanchette Park. Registration is required.  More information and registration: stcharlesparks.com

Skate with Santa at the Kirkwood Ice Arena  

Dec. 15. Santa is coming to the Kirkwood Ice Arena to skate during a public skate session.  Regular admission rates apply. Saturday, Dec. 15 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Kirkwood Ice Arena. More information: kirkwoodmo.org

Supper with Santa at The Pointe  

Dec. 15. Santa will visit The Pointe for Supper! Families can enjoy a pasta meal, cookie decorating and photos with Santa with their own cameras or phones. Registration is required. 5:30 p.m. on December 15 at The Pointe in Ballwin. Registration ends Dec. 3. More information and registration: ballwin.mo.us

Dinner with Santa at the Saint Louis Zoo

Dec. 17, 18, 19, 20. Enjoy a festive dinner buffet with Santa Claus, Rudolf, and Frosty the Snowman at the Saint Louis Zoo. You'll be treated to an Italian buffet at your own private table, and Santa will be on hand with presents for all the kids. You'll also receive free admission to the Wild Lights at the Zoo event and free parking. Dinner with Santa at the Zoo takes place at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on December 17, 18, 19 and 20. Pre-paid reservations are required, and early registration is encouraged, as spots sell out quickly. Cost is $20 per child (ages 2-12) and $27 for adults for Zoo members; $22 per child and $97 for adults for non-members. Free for children under age 2. More information and reservations: stlzoo.org

The fun doesn't stop there!

Find even more holiday fun in our Things To Do calendar! Get events sent directly to your in-box by subscribing to our Things To Do email newsletter.