Winter

“The St. Louis government and business community really make the most of every type of weather here. One of the things I love about this city is that the list of things to do changes by the week, month and season, giving residents something new or nostalgic to look forward to, even as the temperatures start to drop. There are plenty of indoor activities open year round, like the Art Museum, the indoor portion of the City Museum, the St. Louis Aquarium and others, but the outdoor winter activities like ice skating and holiday lights really make the turn of the seasons feel like something to be savored and appreciated.”

Kristin P., M1

[caption id="attachment_12561" align="alignleft" width="350"] Allie L. and Cole P. at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery Lights event.[/caption]

The most popular option for seeing holiday lights is to take a brewery lights tour at Anheuser-Busch brewery in Soulard. The brewery really goes out of its way to make the experience special.

A bit larger than Steinberg, and close to the Clayton MetroLink stop.

[caption id="attachment_12566" align="alignleft" width="350"] Kaamya V. walks through the light tunnel at Garden Glow at the Missouri Botanical Gardens.[/caption]

This beautiful lights display in the Missouri Botanical Garden will give you plenty of holiday lights photo ops for the ‘gram.

[caption id="attachment_12563" align="alignleft" width="350"] Gator Gumbo at St. Louis Mardi Gras.[/caption]

Second only to the New Orleans’ Mardi Gras in size, the St. Louis Mardi Gras is a huge event held on the cobblestone streets of Soulard every year. Between bar stops, hurricanes and beers are available for purchase from street vendors. Expect a sea of people, chilly temperatures, debauchery, and lots and lots of beads. The weeks-long festivities begin on the Twelfth Night and end with the parade on Fat Tuesday. (Free to attend, concessions for purchase!)

Unexpectedly fun and funny lights display. Located in Eureka, Missouri, in the woods near Six Flags. If you miss your childhood, you can even get your picture taken with Santa.

[caption id="attachment_12567" align="alignleft" width="350"] Sledding down Art Hill on a big snow day is a St. Louis tradition.[/caption]

Buy a sled or inner tube ahead of time so you’re prepared when St. Louis gets a big snow (we only get a few of these each winter, so don’t miss out!). You’re not truly a St. Louisan until you’ve experienced sledding down Art Hill. Expect a crowd of sledders blanketing the expansive hill, fire pits, and lots of makeshift sleds.

[caption id="attachment_12562" align="alignleft" width="350"] Saint Louis Zoo Lights[/caption]

Light displays, fire pits, animal exhibits, and live music on the St. Louis Zoo grounds.

Just after you’ve recovered from Mardi Gras, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and festival rolls around. Bring your green hat and start the morning off right with the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Run downtown, a five-miler which often gives participants their first taste of spring weather. If you’re in the front of the heat, you’ll be surrounded by other serious runners angling for a PR. The run/walkers in the back can expect to see plenty of green-themed costumes and some early morning holiday antics (e.g., a group of bros running the race while pulling their buddy and his keg along in a little red wagon). After the run, watch the Downtown parade or head to Dogtown to pub hop during their annual Irish Festival and Parade. (Yes, there are not one, but two parades happening in town on St. Patrick’s Day!)

[caption id="attachment_12565" align="alignleft" width="350"] Haley S. and Bruin P. skating at Steinberg Skating Rink.[/caption]

Outdoor skating rink on the edge of campus, just inside Forest Park. There’s even a large fire pit for marshmallow roasting and warming up. Definitely worth checking out.

This drive-through lights display off McKnight Road is just south of Highway 40. Lights are dated but the Tilles lights display is a time-honored St. Louis tradition. Want to skip the lines? Reserve a horse drawn carriage — it’s a classic experience, and a cozy date night idea.

Downtown by the Gateway Arch, ice skate at the large outdoor rink, browse the Winter Market, or chill in Igloo Village.