The Sleigh Shed – FREE

The Train Shed inside Union Station St. Louis – November 8th through December 31st

The Sleigh Shed, St. Louis’ newest pop-up cocktail experience is returning for the 2024 holiday season. This season the Train Shed restaurant is transformed into a glittering holiday destination with creative cocktails, delicious holiday appetizers mocktail’s and sweets.

Gather your friends and experience a wonderland of whimsy, decorated from top to bottom with the bling and baubles of the season. With traditional Christmas colors, dripping icicle lights and elaborate table and bar decor, the excess of the holidays is on full display at Sleigh Shed.

Peter Pan: The Hit Broadway Musical – Tickets vary on seat

The Fabulous Fox Theatre – November 14th through 24th

This high-flying musical has been thrilling audiences of all ages for close to 70 years and is now being brought back to life in a new adaptation by celebrated playwright Larissa FastHorse, directed by Emmy Award winner Lonny Price and choreography by Lorin Latarro. The adventure begins when PETER PAN and his mischievous sidekick, Tinker Bell, visit the bedroom of the Darling children late one night. With a sprinkle of fairy dust and a few happy thoughts, the children are taken on a magical journey they will never forget. This extraordinary musical full of excitement and adventure features iconic and timeless songs including “I’m Flying,” “I Gotta Crow,” “I Won’t Grow Up” and “Neverland.” PETER PAN embraces the child in us all so go on a journey from the second star to the right and straight on ‘til morning – your entire family will be Hooked!

Flyover Comedy Festival – Tickets and packages available online

Various Locations – November 14th through 16th

Flyover Comedy Festival, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, is an annual comedy invasion of Saint Louis, featuring various stand up comedy showcases, improv workshops and performances, sketch and storytelling shows, and more. All events are in an effort to showcase local and national comedic talent in the city of St. Louis.

The Polar Express Train Ride – $40-120

St. Louis Union Station – November 15th through December 30th

An important St. Louis holiday tradition is bringing joy to families this year.  THE POLAR EXPRESS™ train ride returns to St. Louis Union Station for the 2024 holiday season.

This year the beautifully decorated trains take you on a journey to the North Pole as you interact with the Polar Express characters, Santa Claus and his elves. THE POLAR EXPRESS™ is the magical story of a boy’s search for the real meaning of Christmas, based on the beloved children’s book.

Begin your journey at St. Louis Union Station Train Park, where you will meet the Conductor inviting you to board THE POLAR EXPRESS™ train ride.  Set to The Polar Express motion picture soundtrack, this unique holiday experience transports passengers into the magic of the beloved holiday classic.

Families are encouraged to wear their holiday pajamas for the experience. Once aboard the train, it leaves Union Station and you will enjoy a reading of the classic book, then receive some freshly brewed hot chocolate from our chefs and a tasty cookie.  Soon you will arrive at the North Pole where Santa Claus boards your train and visits every good little boy and girl to give them the magical gift of Christmas. 

The Chalet – $20-50

Le Meridien St. Louis Clayton – Fridays 5-8PM, Saturdays & Sundays 12-6PM

Nestled on the rooftop deck at
Le Méridien St. Louis Clayton hotel, this outdoor pop-bar features a curling rink ($50 per hour), heat lamps, firepits, cozy group seating, large format warm drinks, and more.

Garden Glow – $8-24

Missouri Botanical Garden – November 16th through January 4th

Featuring more than two million dazzling lights, Garden Glow transforms the iconic setting of the Missouri Botanical Garden into an enchanted wonderland rich with mesmerizing displays and unforgettable moments.

There are dining options available, fire pit rentals and additional concessions.

Garden Glow is a rain or snow event. In case of inclement weather cancellation by the Garden, simply present your tickets upon entry to any remaining Garden Glow date; no additional action is required.

Winterfest – FREE

Kiener Plaza – November 23rd through December 31st

Fridays 4-8PM & Saturdays and Sundays 12-8PM

Winterfest, presented by Bank of America and World Wide Technology is bringing back all the fan favorites, including ice skating, s’mores stations and igloos underneath 100,000 twinkling lights in the shadow of the Gateway Arch. This six-week winter celebration will also showcase exciting events like try hockey free, visits from princesses and superheroes, and a family friendly New Year’s Eve fireworks spectacular.

We are so excited to celebrate the winter season with you all again this year! Stay tuned for more details, including ticket sales for ice skate and heated igloo rentals.

Gateway Arch Park Foundation is the official philanthropic partner and conservancy for Gateway Arch National Park. We host Winterfest as part of our mission to serve the St. Louis community through programs that bring the park and its surrounding areas in Downtown St. Louis to life. By offering safe, affordable, innovative and family-friendly events, we invite St. Louisans and visitors alike to make new memories under the Arch and join us in invigorating the jewel of our City to ensure it remains a destination of choice for generations to come.

Wild Lights – $10-18

Saint Louis Zoo – Select Nights November 29th through December 29th

Sensory Friendly Night is December 9th – See website for details regarding select nights

  • Walk through a winter wonderland with twinkling light displays and themed areas.
  • Enjoy nightly roaming entertainment.
  • Kids can make a craft to take home, participate in activities and write a letter to Santa.

Maplewood Christmas Tree Walk – FREE

Historic Downtown Maplewood – December 6th @ 6-9PM

From costumed carolers to horse-drawn carriages, the Maplewood Christmas Tree Walk radiates holiday spirit.

After the grand lighting of the tree and the arrival of Santa, visitors can sip hot chocolate while visiting the local small businesses that define the Maplewood neighborhood of St. Louis.

Grab a good read at The Book House and indulge in gourmet chocolates at Kakao Chocolate. Shop for an assortment of products at Mystic Valley and stock up on exclusive oils and vinegars at vomFASS. Before the night ends, raise a glass with your loved ones at Schlafly Bottleworks, which boasts beer specials for the season.

Storefronts will be decked out for the holidays, and many businesses will also offer live entertainment, complimentary refreshments and special discounts throughout the evening.

Follow Explore St. Louis to Learn more about local events and WashU Happenings for campus events.