Celebrate with the Belleville community! Our guide features all the holiday events and activities. For those born and raised in Belleville and those just arrived, our guide is your ticket to seasonal wonder.
One of the highlights of the holiday season is the Santa Parade, where festive floats and cheerful groups come together to spread holiday spirit through the streets. With twinkling lights and Santa himself making an appearance, it’s an event that captures the essence of the season. In addition, enjoy the charm of the Free Horse-drawn Trolley Rides, offering a leisurely way to take in the festive decorations around town. And don't forget the Santa on the Square event, where families gather to share their wishes with Santa in a cozy setting. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Belleville
- Santa Parade
- Santa on the Square
- Free Horse-drawn Trolley Rides
- Gingerbread 5K Run/Walk & Kids' Dash
- Downtown Cookie Stroll
- Old Belleville Historical Luminary Walk
- Polar Express at St. Louis Union Station (St. Louis)
- Photos with Victorian Santa Claus (St. Louis)
- Holiday Tree Lighting - Eureka (Eureka)
- Christmas Open House & Parade - Kimmswick (Kimmswick)
See these and even more events listed below!
Belleville Holiday Light Displays
Tree of Lights - Dardenne Prairie
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday event with musical entertainment and toy donation opportunity.
Description:
The Tree of Lights Celebration in Dardenne Prairie features musical entertainment, refreshments, and activities at City Hall Park. Santa will be available for photos, and attendees are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys for the Salvation Army Toy Town.
Where: Dardenne Prairie | More Info: Tree of Lights - Dardenne Prairie
Belleville Holiday Markets and Shopping
Santa on the Square
What to Expect:
Iconic Santa house in a lively holiday parade setting.
Description:
Santa on the Square is a beloved holiday event where Santa Claus resides in Belleville's Public Square, welcoming visitors with festive floats, marching bands, and dance groups.
Where: Belleville | More Info: Santa on the Square
Free Horse-drawn Trolley Rides
What to Expect:
Historic trolley ride through decorated Public Square.
Description:
Take a leisurely ride through Belleville's historic and beautifully decorated Public Square, unique downtown shopping and dining district, and the Christkindlmarkt on a 26-passenger, horse-drawn trolley.
Where: Belleville | More Info: Free Horse-drawn Trolley Rides
Christmas Open House & Parade - Kimmswick
What to Expect:
Extended shopping hours and festive atmosphere.
Description:
The Kimmswick Christmas Parade and Open House is a festive event where the town comes alive with a parade starting at 11am, shops open late from 10am to 8pm, and restaurants offering extended hours for dining pleasure. The event is a fun-filled family activity perfect for wrapping up holiday shopping early.
Where: Kimmswick | More Info: Christmas Open House & Parade - Kimmswick
Belleville Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Polar Express at St. Louis Union Station
What to Expect:
Commemorative 20th Anniversary mugs for First Class and Premium Riders.
Description:
The Polar Express at St. Louis Union Station is a holiday tradition where beautifully decorated trains take you on a journey to the North Pole. Interact with Polar Express characters, Santa Claus, and his elves. Enjoy a reading of the classic book, hot chocolate, and cookies. Celebrate the story's 20th Anniversary with commemorative mugs.
Where: St. Louis | More Info: Polar Express at St. Louis Union Station
Belleville Other Holiday Activities
Santa Parade
What to Expect:
Large-scale parade with festive activities and entertainment.
Description:
The Santa Parade in Downtown Belleville is a family-friendly event featuring floats, marching bands, and dance groups. It includes the annual parade from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and the official Lighting of the Fountain and Holiday Sing-Along beginning at 6 p.m.
Where: Belleville | More Info: Santa Parade
Gingerbread 5K Run/Walk & Kids' Dash
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday event with a kids' dash and festive atmosphere.
Description:
The Belleville Gingerbread 5K Run/Walk & Kids' Dash is a festive holiday event featuring a 5K run/walk and a kids' dash through downtown Belleville. Participants will enjoy a fun and family-friendly atmosphere with goodie bags and long sleeve t-shirts for the kids.
Where: Belleville | More Info: Gingerbread 5K Run/Walk & Kids' Dash
Downtown Cookie Stroll
What to Expect:
Collecting over two dozen tasty Christmas cookies while exploring Downtown Belleville.
Description:
Stroll through Downtown Belleville to visit quaint shops and local restaurants while collecting over two dozen tasty Christmas cookies. Enjoy German Christkindlmarkt, gingerbread displays, a horse-drawn trolley, and Santa house.
Where: Belleville | More Info: Downtown Cookie Stroll
Old Belleville Historical Luminary Walk
What to Expect:
Candle-lit walk through historic neighborhood.
Description:
A candle-lit walk through the historic Abend and Garfield Streets neighborhood, showcasing the neighborhood's charm and historical significance.
Where: Belleville | More Info: Old Belleville Historical Luminary Walk
Holiday Tree Lighting - Eureka
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday event with Santa, reindeer, and craft stations.
Description:
Join the Eureka Parks and Recreation Department for a festive holiday celebration featuring Santa, hot cocoa, fun crafts, and entertainment. Take photos with Santa's reindeer and write letters to Santa.
Where: Eureka | More Info: Holiday Tree Lighting - Eureka
Photos with Victorian Santa Claus
What to Expect:
Victorian Santa Claus in a historic train depot setting.
Description:
Meet Victorian Santa Claus at the Historic KATY Train Depot in Frontier Park. Explore Santa's workshop, witness the Reindeer Hall of Fame, and capture high-quality professional photos as a holiday memory.
Where: St. Louis | More Info: Photos with Victorian Santa Claus
WinterFest - Festus
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday activities for all ages.
Description:
WinterFest in Festus is a family-friendly event featuring Breakfast with Santa, craft and food vendors, ice skating, inflatables, a petting zoo, pony rides, and a decorated cookie challenge with age-specific divisions.
Where: Festus | More Info: WinterFest - Festus
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- O'Fallon (6 miles)
- Collinsville (10 miles)
- East Saint Louis (12 miles)
- St. Louis (14 miles)
- Granite City (15 miles)
- Oakville (18 miles)
- Mehlville (18 miles)
- Affton (19 miles)
- University City (20 miles)
- Edwardsville (20 miles)
- Webster Groves (21 miles)
- Arnold (22 miles)
- Ferguson (23 miles)
- Kirkwood (23 miles)
- Florissant (26 miles)
- Hazelwood (27 miles)
- Maryland Heights (28 miles)
- Alton (28 miles)
- Upper Alton (28 miles)
- Ballwin (31 miles)
- Saint Charles (32 miles)
- Chesterfield (34 miles)
- Wildwood (37 miles)
- Saint Peters (40 miles)
- O'Fallon (44 miles)