Winterfest at Kiener Plaza in Downtown St. Louis.

Holiday Traditions

Don’t Stay Home for the Holidays

Experience the most wonderful time of the year in St. Louis. Whether you want to sled down Art Hill in Forest Park, ice skate in the glow of the Gateway Arch, ride in a horse-drawn sleigh through Tilles Park or sip holiday cocktails in an ugly sweater, we have magical and memorable activities for all – just follow the twinkling lights for a good time. Among those joyful activities, local makers, small businesses and shopping centers offer everything from books, candles and jewelry to gourmet chocolates, handcrafted caramels and gooey butter cakes to check off your holiday gift list and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Holiday Fun

St. Louis offers an abundance of holiday magic, beginning with the Ameren Missouri Festival of Lights and ending with spectacular New Year’s Eve celebrations. From merry train rides to holiday pop-ups and live entertainment to light displays, here are the best events for holiday fun in St. Louis.

A family roasts marshmallows in downtown St. Louis during Winterfest.

Holiday Lights

If you’re like us, twinkling lights have a way of putting you in the holiday spirit. So, gather your loved ones, bundle up and meander through these festive light displays in St. Louis.

Grant's Farm has one of the best holiday light displays in St. Louis.

Holiday Pop-Up Bars

Wildly extravagant, outrageously cheerful, marvelously kitschy – and oh-so fun! With floor-to-ceiling decorations, limited-edition craft cocktails and festive surprises at every turn, these St. Louis pop-up bars will put you in a holiday state of mind.

A group of girlfriends cheers at Up on The Rooftop, the holiday pop-up bar at Three Sixty in St. Louis.

Holiday Gifts

St. Louis is a creative hub, and our local makers and small businesses make holiday shopping more meaningful, memorable and fun! Check out our St. Louis gift guide to find the perfect present for everyone on your list. Most of these one-of-a-kind items are available in stores and online.

Hearth & Soul offers warm and friendly hospitality.

Holiday Cocktails

Feeling festive? Toast the season with these over-the-top, limited-edition holiday cocktails, available at top-notch hotels, restaurants and bars in St. Louis.

The Sleigh Shed at St. Louis Union Station serves festive holiday cocktails.

Holiday Sweets

Whether you want to shorten your to-do list or surprise your holiday hosts, let St. Louis bakers and makers take care of dessert with handcrafted ice cream, gooey butter cake, small-batch truffles, salted caramels and seasonal cupcakes. Even if you’re not in the area, you can still indulge in local delights by ordering online.

Simone Faure makes exquisite, French-style desserts at La Pâtisserie Chouquette.

Holiday Traditions Photo Gallery