Join the festive fun in University City! Explore all the community events with our holiday guide. Whether you're rediscovering University City or experiencing it for the first time, this guide is your holiday lifeline.
In this magical season, delight in the Polar Express at St. Louis Union Station, where families can embark on a whimsical train journey inspired by the beloved story. The Gateway Arch Park Foundation hosts Winterfest, featuring ice skating and festive activities against the stunning backdrop of the Arch. And you definitely don't want to miss the Garden Glow at Missouri Botanical Garden, which illuminates the landscape with thousands of twinkling lights. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around University City
- Polar Express at St. Louis Union Station (St. Louis)
- Winterfest - Gateway Arch Park Foundation (St. Louis)
- Garden Glow at Missouri Botanical Garden (St. Louis)
- The Nutcracker at Touhill Performing Arts Center (St. Louis)
- Celebration of Lights - Fort Zumwalt Park (O'Fallon)
- Holiday Night Lights - Wentzville (Wentzville)
- WonderLight's Christmas - World Wide Technology Raceway (Madison)
- Holiday Tree Lighting - Eureka (Eureka)
- Cookies with the Claus' - Chesterfield Community Center (Chesterfield)
- Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt - Bluebird Park (Ellisville)
See these and even more events listed below!
University City Holiday Light Displays
Garden Glow at Missouri Botanical Garden
What to Expect:
Dazzling light displays in a historic botanical garden setting.
Description:
Garden Glow at the Missouri Botanical Garden features over two million dazzling lights, transforming the iconic garden into a spectacular display of mesmerizing installations and unforgettable moments.
Where: St. Louis | More Info: Garden Glow at Missouri Botanical Garden
Celebration of Lights - Fort Zumwalt Park
What to Expect:
Unique 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 over 13,000 vehicles and 10,000 individuals annually.
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 Santa visits.
Description:
The Holiday Night Lights in Wentzville features a one-mile drive-thru light display with large illuminated commercial scenes and twinkling tunnels. Guests can also visit Santa on Saturdays and enjoy other holiday activities.
Where: Wentzville | More Info: Holiday Night Lights - Wentzville
WonderLight's Christmas - World Wide Technology Raceway
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and sound show with new music playlists and lighted elements.
Description:
WonderLight's Christmas at World Wide Technology Raceway features a two-mile car ride through over one million LED lights, synchronized to traditional and modern Christmas music. The display includes larger-than-life Christmas trees, glowing snowflakes, dancing candy canes, and enchanting tunnels of lights.
Where: Madison | More Info: WonderLight's Christmas - World Wide Technology Raceway
Holiday Parade of Lights - Downtown Washington
What to Expect:
Spectacular light display with historic floats and live performances.
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 at the tree lighting ceremony at the corner of Main and Elm Streets.
Where: Washington | More Info: Holiday Parade of Lights - Downtown Washington
University City 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. This event celebrates the 20th anniversary of the beloved children's book, offering various seating options and sensory-friendly experiences.
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 a world-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes, showcasing the journey of Clara as she battles giant rodents and meets her Prince Charming in the form of a wooden nutcracker doll.
Where: St. Louis | More Info: The Nutcracker at Touhill Performing Arts Center
University City Other Holiday Activities
Winterfest - Gateway Arch Park Foundation
What to Expect:
Heated igloos and twinkling lights under the Gateway Arch.
Description:
Winterfest at the Gateway Arch is a six-week winter celebration featuring ice skating, s'mores stations, heated igloos, and family-friendly events like St. Louis Blues try hockey and visits from princesses and superheroes.
Where: St. Louis | More Info: Winterfest - Gateway Arch Park Foundation
Holiday Tree Lighting - Eureka
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday event with Santa's reindeer and craft stations.
Description:
Join the Eureka Parks and Recreation Department for a festive holiday celebration featuring Santa, hot cocoa, and fun crafts. Enjoy entertainment on the stage and take a photo with two of Santa's reindeer. Parking is available at Geggie Elementary.
Where: Eureka | More Info: Holiday Tree Lighting - Eureka
Cookies with the Claus' - Chesterfield Community Center
What to Expect:
Holiday cookie and storytime with Santa.
Description:
Gather around Mrs. Claus' cookie table at Chesterfield Community Center for a holiday cookie and storytime with Santa. Enjoy the festive atmosphere and make memories with your family.
Where: Chesterfield | More Info: Cookies with the Claus' - Chesterfield Community Center
Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt - Bluebird Park
What to Expect:
Interactive outdoor hunt with Santa and festive treats.
Description:
Join Santa's elves in Bluebird Park for a flashlight candy cane hunt. Children 9 and under can help Santa find hidden candy canes with their flashlights and bags. Enjoy hot cocoa, cookies, and a visit from Santa while dressing warmly for this outdoor event.
Where: Ellisville | More Info: Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt - Bluebird Park
Christmas Open House & Parade - Kimmswick
What to Expect:
Tree lighting ceremony and horse-drawn trolley rides.
Description:
The Kimmswick Christmas Parade and Open House is a festive event where the town comes alive with a Christmas parade starting at 11 am, shops open late from 10 am to 8 pm, 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
Pictures with Santa - Eureka
What to Expect:
Free event with a donation opportunity and a beautifully decorated tree backdrop.
Description:
Take part in a festive holiday event where you can capture memories with Santa Claus and admire the beautifully decorated tree at Central Avenue Spur in Eureka, MO. This free event encourages donations of non-perishable food items and offers parking at the Central Avenue Spur.
Where: Eureka | More Info: Pictures with Santa - Eureka
Santa Claus is Coming to Town - Valley Park
What to Expect:
Santa Claus visit with reindeer at a historic train caboose.
Description:
Santa Claus and his Reindeer will be visiting Valley Park at the Frisco Caboose on Marshall Road and Beckett Memorial. Bring your camera to capture plenty of photos.
Where: Valley Park | More Info: Santa Claus is Coming to Town - Valley Park
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Webster Groves (5 miles)
- Ferguson (6 miles)
- St. Louis (6 miles)
- Kirkwood (7 miles)
- Affton (7 miles)
- Maryland Heights (8 miles)
- Hazelwood (9 miles)
- East Saint Louis (9 miles)
- Granite City (9 miles)
- Florissant (9 miles)
- Mehlville (10 miles)
- Saint Charles (13 miles)
- Oakville (13 miles)
- Ballwin (13 miles)
- Chesterfield (14 miles)
- Arnold (16 miles)
- Collinsville (18 miles)
- Alton (18 miles)
- Upper Alton (20 miles)
- Wildwood (20 miles)
- Saint Peters (20 miles)
- Belleville (20 miles)
- O'Fallon (22 miles)
- Edwardsville (22 miles)
- O'Fallon (24 miles)
- Wentzville (31 miles)