by Michael Byron Smith Guest columnist Michael Byron Smith is a retired U.S. Air Force colonel and engineer, husband of 40 years, the father of three children and grandfather of four. He is a national speaker and founder of the blog Helping Fathers Be Dads. His new book is The Power of Dadhood: How to Become the Father Your Child Needs. He lives in Ballwin.
More than a million lights will illuminate some of the Missouri Botanical Garden's most iconic locations, walkways will be transformed into sensory light tunnels providing an explosion of visual magic, and traditional candlelight village displays, festive drinks, s'mores and great photo opportunities will delight crowds of all ages.
Enjoy the iconic lights that adorn the Anheuser-Busch Brewery close up during walking tours. Brewery Lights features more than one million twinkling lights and lots of family friendly activities. New this year is an enhanced parade with Clydesdales and street performers, giant branded nutcrackers and interactive stage performances.
At Breakfast with Santa at Eckerts, your child can tell Santa their Christmas wishes, have their photo taken with him and decorate some holiday cookies while your whole family enjoys a farm-fresh breakfast.
Families are invited to the Saint Louis Art Museum on Sunday afternoon to participate in free hands-on art activities with fun themes and to explore the galleries. Each Family Sunday focuses on a different family-friendly theme.
Young visitors and their families are invited to the Energy Stage to enjoy interactive read-alouds of science-themed picture books. Story times are followed by a short demonstration or discussion connected to the book's main concepts.
