Where to Find Santa in St. Louis This Holiday Season

St. Louis has to be one of Santa's favorite cities because he's spending a lot of time here this holiday season. And for an older dude, you've got to hand it to him for branching out and trying new things. This year, Santa is doing more than hoisting kids onto his lap and smiling for the camera. He's cruising the mighty Mississippi, touching down via a helicopter, posing with your kids and your pups, flipping pancakes, having brunch with Fredbird, skating at local ice rinks, strolling through the Missouri Botanical Garden, and more. 

Here's a handy list of where to take your family to spend some time, share a meal and take some pictures with Santa this year:

(NOTE: Some events require pre-registration.) 

Santa at the Garden Glow

A St. Louis holiday tradition, the Garden Glow features more than a million lights that illuminate some of the Missouri Botanical Garden's most iconic locations, walkways transformed into sensory light tunnels providing an explosion of visual magic, traditional candlelight village displays, festive drinks, s'mores and great photo opportunities will delight crowds of all ages. To get your family's iconic Garden Glow photo with Santa, visit on Mondays and Tuesdays through December 10, when Santa is the special guest. And don't forget Garden Glow Family Nights on Wednesdays, when kids' admission is just $5.

More information: missouribotanicalgarden.org

Breakfast and Dinner with Santa at the Saint Louis Zoo

Your family can enjoy a gourmet, festive breakfast buffet at the Zoo complete with a visit from the man of the hour: Santa. Your family will have a private table, and Santa and costumed characters will be available for plenty of pictures with your own cameras. Children 12 and under will also receive a special gift. And as a special treat for parents, you'll receive free parking. Breakfast with Santa at the Saint Louis Zoo takes place at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on November 30, December 1, 7, 8, 14 & 15. Pre-paid reservations are required, and early registration is encouraged, as reservations sell out quickly.

At Dinner with Santa, Santa will be the guest of honor with treats for the kids and a delicious meal for everyone. Plus, there will be photos with Santa! Children 12 and under will also receive a special gift chosen by Santa's helpers. Holiday costumed characters will visit each table! Dinner with Santa at the Saint Louis Zoo will be held December 16, 17, 18 and 21 with seatings at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. New location this year: McDonnell Center at River Camp. Pre-paid reservations are $24 per child and $42 per adult for members; $26 per child and $44 per adult for non-members. Children age 0-23 months are free, but still must register. Tickets include admission to Wild Lights!

More information and reservations are available at stlzoo.org

Cold-Nosed Candids 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! Cold-Nosed Candids will be held December 7 and 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day.

Cold-Nosed Candids features:

• Photos with Santa - you and your fur friends can capture the magic of the day with a photo with Santa! A printed and digital copy will be available and is included in your parking registration.

• Gift Shop - there's something for everyone in the Purina Farms Gift Shop! T-shirts, treats, pet toys, and more!

• Frolic through the Flurries – regardless of the weather, we will have snow! Pets and kids of all ages can frolic through the snowflakes provided by the Bubble Bus.

• Toys for Tots® and Presents for Pets* -  receive a coupon to use at the Purina Farms Gift Shop when you donate a pet supply* or new, unwrapped toy for kids ages 12 and under. Spend $15 or more in the Gift Shop and use your coupon to receive 10% off!

Pre-registration online is required. Admission is free; there is a $5 fee per vehicle for parking. Spots are limited and no walk-ups will be allowed for this event. CAT OWNERS: 10-11 a.m. will be reserved for cats only each day of the event. Cats will only be allowed to participate during this time frame.

For reservations, visit purinafarms.com

Brunch with Santa & Fredbird

The biggest brunch of the season features Santa and Fredbird of the St. Louis Cardinals! The menu covers all the bases, and families get to take home photos of their kids with Santa and Fredbird. Additional activities for kids include face painting, balloon art and letters to Santa. Brunch with Santa and Fredbird is set for Sunday, December 8, and includes breakfast and lunch favorites, with a bottomless Bloody Mary bar and mimosas for grown-ups ($15), and admission to the Cardinals Museum for the whole family! 

Brunch is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cardinals Nation Restaurant & Bar at Ballpark Village. Activities for kids open 45 minutes prior to reservation, beginning at 9:15 a.m. Allow extra time for parking at Ballpark Village. Cost is $65 for adults, $25 for children ages 3-11, and free for children under 3.

Make reservations at cardinalsnation.com

Cocoa and Cookies with Santa at MADE for Kids

Celebrate the holidays at MADE for Kids and enjoy Cocoa and Cookies with Santa! You can take photos with Cocoa Santa and Mrs. Clause, create personalized gifts for family and friends and enjoy hot cocoa and cookies. Cocoa and Cookies with Santa is free to attend. Cocoa and Cookies with Santa will be held Friday, Dec. 14 and Saturday, Dec. 15 from 5-6:30 p.m. and again from 6:30-8 p.m. at MADE for Kids, 5127 Delmar Blvd. Free, but reservations are required.

Make reservations at magichouse.org

Photos with Santa at the Kirkwood Train Station

Bring your kids to take free photos with Santa at the historic and festive Kirkwood Train Station in downtown Kirkwood. Santa arrives at 8:40 a.m. on Saturday, November 23 and will pose for pictures from 9 a.m. to noon. Mrs. Claus will tell holiday stories, and you can also catch strolling carolers.

More information: downtownkirkwood.com

Pictures with Cocoa Santa at Urban Fort Play in City Foundry

Kick off the holiday season with St. Louis-favorite Cocoa Santa! Visit Urban Fort Play in City Foundry on Saturday, November 23 for a 5-minute photo session with professional photographer Amber Sargent of Sargent Photography. Each session includes a digital photo perfect for holiday cards. You'll also receive a winter wonderland coloring sheet and a festive treat. 

Book a session at urbanfortplay.com

Santa arrives by helicopter at the Museum of Transportation

As part of its holiday happenings, Santa will visit the Museum of Transporation, arriving in style by helicopter on Saturday, November 30. Santa's arrival by helicopter is weather permitting. Santa arrives at 10 a.m. and will greet families and kids from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

More information: tnmot.org

Weirdly Wonderful Holidays at City Museum

Step into a winter wonderland of joy and delight as City Museum transforms into a festive paradise from November 29 through New Year's Day. From twinkling lights that illuminate the night to heartwarming encounters with Santa, Mrs. Claus and their merry helpers, there’s something for everyone! At Weirdly Wonderful Holidays you'll find dazzling holiday light displays adorning the museum's historic facade, visits with Santa, stories with Mrs. Claus and more. Stop by Santa's Workshop on the 4th floor and see Santa hard at work!  All Weirdly Wonderful holiday events are free with admission.

Learn more at citymuseum.org

Science with Santa

Have some science fun with Santa! At Science with Santa, kids will travel around to different stations of experiments, build something amazing with LEGOs, have a snack, and take a picture with Santa! Science with Santa is open to all ages and is sponsored by Parkway-Rockwood Community Ed. Kids from all school districts are welcome. Science with Santa will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Parkway Southwest Middle School. Cost is $19 per child. Registration is required.

Register at prcommunityed.com

Cookies with the Claus'

This very special storytime features Santa and Mrs. Claus, cookies and lots of holiday cheer! Kids can wear their favorite holiday pajamas and slippers and gather around as Santa reads a story at Mrs. Claus' cookie table. For ages 2-12. Friday, December 6 at 6:30 p.m. at the Chesterfield City Hall.  Cost is $10 per child.

For more information, go to chesterfield.mo.us

Santa at Westport Plaza

Stop in to see Santa and enjoy some fun holiday activities at Westport Plaza on December 14. Each child will receive a complimentary photo with Santa, and there will be balloon twisting, face painting and other fun activities. 10 a.m. to noon at the Westport Plaza indoor mall. Everyone who wants a photo with Santa must be in line by 11:45 a.m.

More information: westportstl.com

Holiday Lights at Grant's Farm Walk-Through

In the Walk-Through Experience, which is offered on select nights through December 30, you'll ride the tram to the Bauernhof and then stroll the grounds, enjoying holiday lights at your leisure. Highlights include Santa and Mrs. Claus, a holiday light show, seasonal food and drinks, Clydesdale photos, animals in the Tier Garten, and a walk down to the exterior of the historic Busch family home. Advance tickets are recommended.

More information: grantsfarm.com

Storytime with Mrs. Claus and Santa at The Magic House

Get ready for a jolly good time with Mrs. Claus, who will travel all the way from the North Pole to visit The Magic House! You'll enjoy festive fun as Mrs. Claus reads her favorite winter stories in the cozy Story Time Theater all decked out for the season. Along with Santa's elves, Mrs. Claus will lead kids in festive songs and dances, including a jolly sing-along of Jingle Bells and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Santa himself will make a surprise appearance to join in the fun! Storytime with Mrs. Claus (with a surprise visit from Santa) is free with admission to The Magic House. Storytime with Mrs. Claus will be held Tuesdays through Sundays, December 3-23, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Magic House will be open on Monday, December 23. 

For more information, go to: magichouse.org

PJs and Pancakes with Santa Claus on a paddlewheel riverboat

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. Your family will enjoy a breakfast buffet, craft activities, views of downtown and the Gateway Arch, and a photo with Santa. Tickets are $45 per person for age 3 and up. Children under 2 are free. 

For cruise dates and times, and tickets visit: gatewayarch.com

Skate with Santa at the Centene Community Center

Santa needs to be ready for all those cookies, so he's taking to the ice for a little cardio at the Centene Community Ice Center, and he wants all his little elves to join him! Skate with Santa, pass along your wish list and take photos with him at this special event open to all. There will even be holiday music and festive decorations. Skate with Santa at the Centene Community Ice Center will be held Saturday, December 14 from noon to 2 p.m. Cost is $5 per person for Maryland Heights residents, $12 for non-residents. Sponsored by the city of Maryland Heights Parks and Recreation.

More information: marylandheights.com

Skate with Santa at the Kennedy Recreation Center

Skate with Santa himself at this holiday-themed ice skating session complete with games and crafts. Saturday, December 14 from 2:15 - 4:15 at the Kennedy Recreation Complex in South County. Sponsored by St. Louis County Parks and Recreation. Free. There may be a fee for skate rental. Registration for Skate with Santa is not required.

More information: stlouiscounty.civicrec.com

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, and have your picture taken with the guest of honor - Santa! Space is limited and advance reservations are required. Supper with Santa will be held Dec. 13-15 and  Dec. 20-22, 2024, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Admission is $36 per person for ages 13 and up and $28 for ages 3-12 for the general public; $30 for ages 13 and up for members of the Missouri Botanical Garden and $24 for Garden members' children ages 3-12. Ages 2 and younger are free. At The Butterfly House in Faust Park. 

Register at: missouribotanicalgarden.org

Photos with Santa at Eckerts

Visit Eckert Farms in Belleville and have pictures taken with Santa. Cost is $22 per family, which includes one photo with Santa. Additional photos can be purchased onsite for $10.

• 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. on December 5, 6, 12, 13 and 19.
• 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on November 30, December 1, 7, 8, 14 and 15. 

Reservations are not necessary. Cost is $20 per family, which includes one photo. Additional photos are $10.

More information: eckerts.com

Flannels and Flapjacks with Santa

Enjoy a pancake breakfast with Santa at The Lodge in Des Peres. You'll have a yummy breakfast and get to take photos with Santa! Santa will also accept wish lists, so be sure to bring yours. You'll be taking pictures with your own camera. There is a registration fee of $12 per person for members/residents of Des Peres and $14 for non-residents. Saturday, December 7 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Space is limited.

Register online by November 27 at desperesmo.org

Find even more holiday fun happening across the St. Louis area by subscribing to our Daily Events email newsletter, and checking our Things To Do calendar.