Get thrilled, St. Charles! Our holiday guide is here to help you discover all the best festive fun. Whether you're intimately familiar with St. Charles or just getting acquainted, this guide maximizes your seasonal joy.
This year, the Santa Parade lights up the streets with twinkling lights and cheerful floats, captivating both young and old. With the arrival of the Tree Lighting Ceremony, the community gathers to witness the magical moment when the town’s Christmas tree is illuminated, filling the air with holiday spirit. And the opportunity for Photos with Victorian Santa Claus is something you definitely don't want to miss, as families can capture precious memories with the jolly fellow himself. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around St. Charles
- Tree Lighting Ceremony
- Santa Parade
- Garden Glow at Missouri Botanical Garden (St. Louis)
- Polar Express at St. Louis Union Station (St. Louis)
- Photos with Victorian Santa Claus
- WonderLight's Christmas - World Wide Technology Raceway (Madison)
- Time Capsule Activity
- Santa Send-Off
- The Nutcracker - Touhill Performing Arts Center (St. Louis)
- The 2024 Grove Of Lights: A Holiday Experience (St. Louis)
See these and even more events listed below!
St. Charles Holiday Light Displays
Tree Lighting Ceremony
What to Expect:
Community-driven lighting ceremony with Santa's visit.
Description:
The Tree Lighting Ceremony is a festive event where the community comes together to kick off the holiday season with a spectacular display of lights and a special appearance by Santa Claus.
Where: St. Charles | More Info: Tree Lighting Ceremony
Holiday Parade of Lights - Downtown Washington
What to Expect:
Spectacular light display with historic 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 the tree lighting at the corner of Main and Elm Streets.
Where: Washington | More Info: Holiday Parade of Lights - Downtown Washington
Celebration of Lights - Fort Zumwalt Park
What to Expect:
Unique holiday light display with local organization involvement.
Description:
The Celebration of Lights at Fort Zumwalt Park in O'Fallon, Missouri, is a holiday light display featuring scenes designed and funded by local organizations, churches, and businesses. Each year, it attracts over 13,000 vehicles and 10,000 individuals during the Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll.
Where: O'Fallon | More Info: Celebration of Lights - Fort Zumwalt Park
Holiday Night Lights - Wentzville
What to Expect:
One-mile drive-thru light display with commercial scenes and Santa visits.
Description:
The Holiday Night Lights in Wentzville features a one-mile drive-thru light display, a 5K run, a fun run, and a walk-thru event with carolers and Santa visits.
Where: Wentzville | More Info: Holiday Night Lights - Wentzville
Garden Glow at Missouri Botanical Garden
What to Expect:
Dazzling light display with interactive photo opportunities and holiday activities.
Description:
Garden Glow at the Missouri Botanical Garden features over two million dazzling lights, transforming the iconic garden into a richly lit and mesmerizing display with unique installations and unforgettable moments.
Where: St. Louis | More Info: Garden Glow at Missouri Botanical Garden
WonderLight's Christmas - World Wide Technology Raceway
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and music display along a two-mile route.
Description:
WonderLight's Christmas at World Wide Technology Raceway features over one million LED lights synchronized to traditional and modern Christmas music, creating a two-mile car ride through larger-than-life Christmas trees, glowing snowflakes, and dancing candy canes.
Where: Madison | More Info: WonderLight's Christmas - World Wide Technology Raceway
Ameren Missouri Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Lighting of the Salvation Army tree and opening of Winterfest.
Description:
The Ameren Missouri Festival of Lights is a free family-friendly event in Kiener Plaza, featuring holiday performances, vendor booths, exhibits, and a magical fireworks finale.
Where: St. Louis | More Info: Ameren Missouri Festival of Lights
The 2024 Grove Of Lights: A Holiday Experience
What to Expect:
Dazzling lights in pavilions with festive activities.
Description:
The 2024 Grove Of Lights at Lost Hill Lake features dazzling lights in the pavilions, complimentary treats, face painting, and visits with Santa. Enjoy Kids Zone activities, shopping at vendor markets, and holiday drinks while supporting a charity toy drive.
Where: St. Louis | More Info: The 2024 Grove Of Lights: A Holiday Experience
St. Charles Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas Open House & Parade - Kimmswick
What to Expect:
Tree lighting ceremony and horse-drawn trolley rides.
Description:
Join Kimmswick for a festive Christmas Open House and Parade on November 23rd, 2024. The parade starts at 11 a.m., and shops and restaurants will be open late, offering extended hours for holiday shopping and dining.
Where: Kimmswick | More Info: Christmas Open House & Parade - Kimmswick
St. Charles Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Polar Express at St. Louis Union Station
What to Expect:
Commemorative mugs for First Class and Premium Riders.
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 magical gift from Santa Claus. This event celebrates the 20th anniversary of the beloved children's book with beautifully decorated trains and commemorative mugs for First Class and Premium Riders.
Where: St. Louis | More Info: Polar Express at St. Louis Union Station
The Nutcracker - Touhill Performing Arts Center
What to Expect:
World-class ballet with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
The Saint Louis Ballet's production of The Nutcracker at the Touhill Performing Arts Center features a classic tale of Clara's adventures, with over 320 dancing feet, 120 pairs of pointe shoes, and 170 costumes. This beloved holiday tradition brings together professional dancers and students from the School of Saint Louis Ballet in an unforgettable performance.
Where: St. Louis | More Info: The Nutcracker - Touhill Performing Arts Center
The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays
What to Expect:
Jaw-dropping illusions and sophisticated magic by world-class illusionists.
Description:
The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays is a mind-blowing showcase featuring jaw-dropping talents of the most incredible illusionists on earth. This non-stop show is packed with thrilling and sophisticated magic of unprecedented proportions, dazzling audiences of all ages with a powerful mix of the most outrageous and astonishing acts ever seen on stage.
Where: St. Louis | More Info: The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays
A Traditional Christmas Carol - Florissant Performing Arts Center
What to Expect:
Classic tale presented in a way true to Dickens' words.
Description:
A traditional retelling of Charles Dickens' classic tale, featuring heartwarming redemption and a family-friendly show that celebrates the holiday season.
Where: Florissant | More Info: A Traditional Christmas Carol - Florissant Performing Arts Center
Nutcracker on Ice - Webster Groves Ice Arena
What to Expect:
Figure-skating performance of The Nutcracker with elaborate costumes and sets.
Description:
The Nutcracker on Ice at Webster Groves Ice Arena features a full cast of figure-skating favorites performing the timeless holiday classic. Over 150 skaters from the St. Louis area come together to create a spectacular show with beautiful costumes and magnificent sets.
Where: Webster Groves | More Info: Nutcracker on Ice - Webster Groves Ice Arena
Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet features an international all-star cast blending world-class ballet with whimsical puppets, lavish costumes, and stunning acrobatics, celebrating America's favorite Christmas tradition with Tchaikovsky's timeless score.
Where: St. Louis | More Info: Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet
The Nutcracker - Dance Center of Kirkwood
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
The Nutcracker Ballet by the Dance Center of Kirkwood features colorful costumes, breathtaking music, and over 50 local, classically trained dancers in a true holiday tradition. The production lasts approximately two hours with one 15-minute intermission, welcoming all ages.
Where: Kirkwood | More Info: The Nutcracker - Dance Center of Kirkwood
The Nutcracker - Center of Creative Arts
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with local landmarks and characters.
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 in St. Louis, inspired by famous local staples.
Where: St. Louis | More Info: The Nutcracker - Center of Creative Arts
The Nutcracker - New Town Dance Academy
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
The Nutcracker by New Town Dance Academy is a classic ballet performance featuring intricate choreography and elaborate costumes, set to Tchaikovsky's iconic score.
Where: St. Charles | More Info: The Nutcracker - New Town Dance Academy
St. Charles Other Holiday Activities
Santa Parade
What to Expect:
Iconic Santa Parade with international delegation and horse-drawn carriage.
Description:
The Santa Parade is a festive procession featuring beloved holiday characters, including Victorian Santa and Mrs. Claus, marching down historic Main Street before turning into Frontier Park. The parade is accompanied by carolers singing classic Victorian carols and holiday standards from the 1940s and 1950s.
Where: St. Charles | More Info: Santa Parade
Photos with Victorian Santa Claus
What to Expect:
Victorian Santa in a historic train depot setting.
Description:
Visit the Historic KATY Train Depot in Frontier Park to meet Victorian Santa Claus. Explore his workshop, learn about lesser-known reindeer, and capture high-quality professional photos as a holiday memory.
Where: St. Charles | More Info: Photos with Victorian Santa Claus
Santa Send-Off
What to Expect:
Unique holiday traditions from around the world in a festive setting.
Description:
Santa Send-Off is an event where Santa's parlor has been reimagined as Krampus' lair, featuring eerie lighting and macabre Christmas carols, with Krampus' comical antics and photo opportunities.
Where: St. Charles | More Info: Santa Send-Off
Time Capsule Activity
What to Expect:
Write a message for a future time capsule.
Description:
Write a message that may be placed in a time capsule to be opened for Saint Charles Christmas Traditions' 100th anniversary in 2074.
Where: St. Charles | More Info: Time Capsule Activity
Holiday Tree Lighting - Eureka
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday activities with Santa and his reindeer.
Description:
Join the Eureka Parks and Recreation Department for a festive holiday celebration featuring Santa's arrival, hot cocoa, cookie decorating, and craft stations. Enjoy entertainment on the stage and take photos with Santa's reindeer.
Where: Eureka | More Info: Holiday Tree Lighting - Eureka
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.
Where: Festus | More Info: WinterFest - Festus
Bright Night Christmas Parade - Columbia
What to Expect:
Santa Claus appearance with festive holiday lighting and activities.
Description:
The Bright Night Christmas Parade in Columbia features festive holiday lighting on floats, running from Temple Street to Cherry Street. After the parade, attendees can enjoy a social event at Turner Hall with Santa Claus, balloon artists, face painting, and live music.
Where: Columbia | More Info: Bright Night Christmas Parade - Columbia
Breakfast with Santa - St. Peters
What to Expect:
Continental breakfast with Santa and holiday activities.
Description:
Join Santa for a continental breakfast at the Rec-Plex North Food Court, featuring pastries, yogurt, fruit, and more. Enjoy crafts, Christmas carols, and photo opportunities with Santa and his elves.
Where: St. Peters | More Info: Breakfast with Santa - St. Peters
Santa's House - Festus
What to Expect:
Free Santa visits with pet-friendly atmosphere.
Description:
Santa's House in Festus, MO, is a free event where Santa visits children of all ages and their well-behaved, leashed pets. There is no charge to visit or take your own pictures. The event also encourages donations to the Ozark Food Pantry and JeffCo Shop with A Cop.
Where: Festus | More Info: Santa's House - Festus
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Saint Charles (1 miles)
- Waldorf (1 miles)
- Fort Washington (9 miles)
- Clinton (11 miles)
- Oxon Hill-Glassmanor (13 miles)
- Woodlawn (14 miles)
- Alexandria (15 miles)
- Rose Hill (16 miles)
- Suitland-Silver Hill (17 miles)
- Suitland (17 miles)
- Lincolnia (19 miles)
- Springfield (19 miles)
- West Springfield (20 miles)
- Baileys Crossroads (20 miles)
- Washington (21 miles)
- Lake Ridge (21 miles)
- Dale City (21 miles)
- Arlington (21 miles)
- Annandale (21 miles)
- Landover (23 miles)
- Burke (23 miles)
- West Falls Church (23 miles)
- Chillum (25 miles)
- Bowie (25 miles)
- College Park (26 miles)
- Fairfax (26 miles)
- McLean (26 miles)
- Silver Spring (27 miles)
- Bethesda (27 miles)
- Greenbelt (28 miles)
- Oakton (28 miles)
- Crofton (30 miles)
- Wheaton (31 miles)
- Manassas (31 miles)
- Centreville (32 miles)
- North Bethesda (32 miles)
- South Laurel (32 miles)
- Potomac (32 miles)
- Fairland (32 miles)
- Reston (34 miles)
- Aspen Hill (34 miles)
- Chantilly (34 miles)
- Oak Hill (34 miles)
- Laurel (34 miles)
- Annapolis (35 miles)
- Odenton (35 miles)
- Rockville (35 miles)
- Herndon (35 miles)
- Fredericksburg (36 miles)
- Linton Hall (37 miles)
- Arnold (37 miles)
- Scaggsville (37 miles)
- North Potomac (38 miles)
- Severna Park (38 miles)
- South Riding (38 miles)
- Olney (38 miles)
- Severn (39 miles)
- Sterling (39 miles)
- South Gate (39 miles)
- Gaithersburg (40 miles)
- Pasadena (40 miles)
- Glen Burnie (42 miles)
- Hanover (42 miles)
- Montgomery Village (42 miles)
- Ashburn (43 miles)
- West Elkridge (43 miles)
- Columbia (44 miles)