Feel the excitement of the festive season in Saint Charles! Discover all the top events and activities with our guide. For Saint Charles connoisseurs and first-timers, our guide is your key to unlocking holiday treasures.
Popular events include the Maryland Holiday Light Spectacular, where dazzling light displays turn the park into a winter wonderland. Additionally, the National Harbor Tree Light Show enchants visitors with its vibrant lights and music, showcasing holiday spirit against a stunning waterfront backdrop. And don’t forget the Polar Express at St. Louis Union Station, a magical experience that takes families on an enchanting train ride inspired by the beloved holiday tale. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Saint Charles
- National Harbor Tree Light Show (National Harbor)
- Maryland Holiday Light Spectacular (Timonium)
- Polar Express at St. Louis Union Station (St. Louis)
- 50th Annual Baltimore Holiday Parade (Baltimore)
- German Christmas Village (Baltimore)
- The Nutcracker at Touhill Performing Arts Center (St. Louis)
- Holiday Parade of Lights (Washington)
- 32nd Annual Bel Air Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting (Bel Air)
- Silver Spring Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Fair (Silver Spring)
- Kris Kringle (La Plata)
See these and even more events listed below!
Saint Charles Holiday Light Displays
Holiday Parade of Lights
What to Expect:
Spectacular parade with 60+ lit floats and live music.
Description:
The Holiday Parade of Lights in downtown Washington features over 60 beautifully lit parade floats, antique cars, bands, and walking groups traveling through quaint downtown streets. The event culminates with Santa Claus lighting the Christmas tree at the corner of Main and Elm Streets.
Where: Washington | More Info: Holiday Parade of Lights
Bright Night Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Santa visits and festive holiday lighting display.
Description:
The Bright Night Christmas Parade in Columbia, IL, features a festive holiday lighting display along Main Street, culminating in a Christmas social at Turner Hall with Santa visits, balloon art, face painting, and performances by local singers.
Where: Columbia | More Info: Bright Night Christmas Parade
Winter Wonderland
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday celebration with festive activities.
Description:
Winter Wonderland in Ferguson, MO, features Santa and Mrs. Claus, Grinch Carolers, hot chocolate, a vendor village, balloon twisters, and lots of lights. It is a family-friendly event held at the Ferguson Community Center.
Where: Ferguson | More Info: Winter Wonderland
Celebration of Lights
What to Expect:
Large-scale holiday light display designed by local organizations.
Description:
Celebration of Lights is a holiday light display held at Fort Zumwalt Park in O'Fallon, Missouri. Each scene is designed and funded by local organizations, churches, and businesses. The event attracts more than 13,000 vehicles each year and over 10,000 individuals during the Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll.
Where: Fort Zumwalt Park | More Info: Celebration of Lights
Maryland Holiday Light Spectacular
What to Expect:
Interactive light displays with magical wand elements.
Description:
The Maryland Holiday Light Spectacular features over a million lights, larger-than-life holiday scenes, wonderful music, and oversized snow globes. The event includes magical interactive wand elements, a holiday village with boutiques and shops, rotating food trucks, children's activities, a moon bounce, and live Santa every night.
Where: Timonium | More Info: Maryland Holiday Light Spectacular
National Harbor Tree Light Show
What to Expect:
Spectacular RGB tree light show with a holiday medley.
Description:
The National Harbor Tree Light Show features a 60-foot RGB tree that comes to life nightly with a breathtaking light show dancing alongside a holiday medley recorded by the United States Air Force Band.
Where: National Harbor | More Info: National Harbor Tree Light Show
Saint Charles Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas Open House & Parade
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday event with parades, tree lighting, and extended shopping hours.
Description:
Join Kimmswick for a festive Christmas Open House and Parade on November 23rd, 2024. The parade starts at 11am, and shops and restaurants will be open late, offering extended hours for holiday shopping and dining.
Where: Kimmswick | More Info: Christmas Open House & Parade
Kris Kringle
What to Expect:
Family-friendly event with over 180 local artisans and crafters.
Description:
The Kris Kringle Christmas Market at Charles County Fair features holiday light displays, food, handmade crafts, and children's activities. It includes Santa's arrival, holiday fireworks, Christmas tree lighting, and strolling carolers. The event also offers shopping, music from local school choruses and bands, and sales by local non-profit groups. Fresh holiday decorations are available for purchase using locally collected greens.
Where: La Plata | More Info: Kris Kringle
German Christmas Village
What to Expect:
Authentic German Christmas Market with a Glühwein pyramid and European food selection.
Description:
German Christmas Village in Baltimore features over 60 local and international vendors offering high-quality gifts and European cuisine. Enjoy a wide selection of German mulled wine and explore the festive atmosphere at the Inner Harbor.
Where: Baltimore | More Info: German Christmas Village
Silver Spring Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Fair
What to Expect:
Seasonal artisans and local treats.
Description:
The Silver Spring Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Fair at Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring, MD, features a merry marketplace filled with handcrafted treasures from local artisans, delicious food and desserts from various vendors, and festive Christmas music.
Where: Silver Spring | More Info: Silver Spring Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Fair
Saint Charles Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Polar Express at St. Louis Union Station
What to Expect:
Commemorative mugs and sensory-friendly excursions.
Description:
The Polar Express train ride at St. Louis Union Station takes you on a journey to the North Pole, where you'll interact with Polar Express characters, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, and receive a silver bell from Santa.
Where: St. Louis | More Info: Polar Express at St. Louis Union Station
The Nutcracker at Touhill Performing Arts Center
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
The Nutcracker at Touhill Performing Arts Center features Saint Louis Ballet's annual production of the classic ballet, with a cast of dancers from the company and students from the School of Saint Louis Ballet. The performance includes elaborate sets, costumes, and special effects, telling the story of Clara's adventure with the wooden nutcracker doll.
Where: St. Louis | More Info: The Nutcracker at Touhill Performing Arts Center
The Nutcracker - Center of Creative Arts
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with local landmarks inspiration.
Description:
COCA's Ballet Eclectica students perform an exciting adaptation of The Nutcracker, choreographed by internationally recognized dancer and choreographer Tom Gold, set to the original score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. This version follows the lead characters on an enchanting journey through historical landmarks inspired by famous St. Louis staples.
Where: St. Louis | More Info: The Nutcracker - Center of Creative Arts
Nutcracker on Ice
What to Expect:
Figure-skating performance of the classic holiday tale.
Description:
Nutcracker on Ice is a holiday performance featuring a full cast of figure-skating favorites, celebrating its 20th anniversary with a beloved holiday tradition. The show brings to life the classic tale of a young girl and her magical Christmas night, with skaters of all ages and skill levels performing on the ice.
Where: Webster Groves | More Info: Nutcracker on Ice
50th Annual Baltimore Holiday Parade
What to Expect:
Community-driven parade with eclectic floats and local personalities.
Description:
The 50th Annual Baltimore Holiday Parade is a vibrant celebration featuring colorful floats, local personalities, and lively bands culminating with Santa Claus. It showcases the community's warmth and diversity through a 2.5-mile route through Hampden and Medfield.
Where: Baltimore | More Info: 50th Annual Baltimore Holiday Parade
Saint Charles Other Holiday Activities
Photos with Victorian Santa Claus
What to Expect:
Unique Victorian Santa experience with professional photo opportunities.
Description:
Visit the Historic KATY Train Depot in Frontier Park to meet Victorian Santa Claus and explore his special workshop outpost. Enjoy high-quality professional photos and various photo packages available.
Where: St. Louis | More Info: Photos with Victorian Santa Claus
Holiday Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday activities with Santa's reindeer and craft stations.
Description:
Join the Eureka Parks and Recreation Department for a festive holiday celebration featuring Santa, hot cocoa, cookie decorating, and craft stations. Take photos with Santa's reindeer and write letters to Santa.
Where: Eureka | More Info: Holiday Tree Lighting
Santa Arrives via Helicopter
What to Expect:
Santa's helicopter arrival for a festive holiday event.
Description:
Santa Claus arrives at the National Museum of Transportation via helicopter, offering children one-on-one visits and holiday fun.
Where: St. Louis | More Info: Santa Arrives via Helicopter
WinterFest
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday event with diverse activities.
Description:
WinterFest in Festus, MO, is a full-day event featuring Breakfast with Santa, craft and food vendors, ice skating, inflatables, a petting zoo, pony rides, and a decorated cookie challenge. Activities take place at the 1st United Methodist Church and the Festus Public Library parking lot.
Where: Festus | More Info: WinterFest
Breakfast with Santa
What to Expect:
Continental breakfast with Santa and festive activities.
Description:
Join Santa at the Rec-Plex North Food Court for a continental breakfast, crafts, and Christmas carols. Enjoy pastries, yogurt, fruit, granola, juice, coffee, and hot chocolate provided by Raising Canes. Kids can also decorate a donut.
Where: St. Peters | More Info: Breakfast with Santa
32nd Annual Bel Air Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Traditional holiday celebration with festive floats and tree lighting.
Description:
The 32nd Annual Bel Air Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting is a cherished community event featuring festive floats, holiday music, and the lighting of the town's iconic Christmas tree.
Where: Bel Air | More Info: 32nd Annual Bel Air Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
Le Reveillon
What to Expect:
Traditional holiday celebration with historic site decorations.
Description:
Le Reveillon is a festive holiday event at Felix Vallé House State Historic Site, featuring traditional holiday activities and decorations.
Where: Ste. Genevieve | More Info: Le Reveillon
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- St. Charles (1 miles)
- Waldorf (1 miles)
- Fort Washington (9 miles)
- Clinton (11 miles)
- Woodlawn (13 miles)
- Oxon Hill-Glassmanor (13 miles)
- Alexandria (15 miles)
- Rose Hill (16 miles)
- Suitland-Silver Hill (17 miles)
- Suitland (17 miles)
- Lincolnia (19 miles)
- Springfield (19 miles)
- West Springfield (19 miles)
- Baileys Crossroads (20 miles)
- Dale City (20 miles)
- Lake Ridge (20 miles)
- Washington (21 miles)
- Annandale (21 miles)
- Arlington (21 miles)
- Burke (22 miles)
- West Falls Church (23 miles)
- Landover (23 miles)
- Chillum (25 miles)
- Fairfax (26 miles)
- Bowie (26 miles)
- College Park (26 miles)
- McLean (26 miles)
- Silver Spring (27 miles)
- Oakton (27 miles)
- Bethesda (27 miles)
- Greenbelt (28 miles)
- Crofton (31 miles)
- Manassas (31 miles)
- Wheaton (31 miles)
- Centreville (31 miles)
- North Bethesda (32 miles)
- Potomac (32 miles)
- South Laurel (33 miles)
- Fairland (33 miles)
- Reston (33 miles)
- Chantilly (33 miles)
- Oak Hill (33 miles)
- Aspen Hill (34 miles)
- Laurel (35 miles)
- Herndon (35 miles)
- Fredericksburg (35 miles)
- Rockville (35 miles)
- Annapolis (35 miles)
- Odenton (36 miles)
- Linton Hall (36 miles)
- Scaggsville (38 miles)
- North Potomac (38 miles)
- South Riding (38 miles)
- Arnold (38 miles)
- Sterling (38 miles)
- Severna Park (39 miles)
- Olney (39 miles)
- Severn (39 miles)
- Gaithersburg (40 miles)
- South Gate (40 miles)
- Pasadena (41 miles)
- Montgomery Village (42 miles)
- Glen Burnie (42 miles)
- Hanover (42 miles)
- Ashburn (42 miles)
- West Elkridge (43 miles)
- Columbia (44 miles)