Here's your comprehensive guide to the holidays in Wildwood! Find all the top festive events and attractions. For lifelong locals and first-time visitors, our guide reveals the holiday magic of Wildwood.
This season, immerse yourself in the captivating display of lights at WonderLight's Christmas, where families can stroll through a dazzling landscape perfect for creating lasting memories. Featuring beautiful gardens aglow, the Garden Glow at Missouri Botanical Garden offers a serene experience that invites guests to enjoy nature transformed by vibrant holiday lights. And don't forget the Wild Lights at the Saint Louis Zoo, where you can admire intricate light displays while visiting your favorite animals. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Wildwood
- Garden Glow at Missouri Botanical Garden (St. Louis, MO)
- WonderLight's Christmas (Madison, IL)
- Wild Lights at the Saint Louis Zoo (St. Louis, MO)
- St. Charles Christmas Traditions® (St. Charles, MO)
- Celebration of Lights - Fort Zumwalt Park (O'Fallon, MO)
- Weirdly Wonderful Holidays - City Museum (St. Louis, MO)
- Holiday Night Lights - Wentzville (Wentzville, MO)
- Kimmswick Christmas Festival (Kimmswick, MO)
- WinterFest - Festus (Festus, MO)
- Le Reveillon - Felix Vallé House State Historic Site (Ste. Genevieve, MO)
See these and even more events listed below!
Wildwood Holiday Light Displays
WonderLight's Christmas
What to Expect:
Synchronized LED lights and music played through your car stereo.
Description:
Over 1 million LED lights synchronized to traditional and modern Christmas music create a spectacular drive-through light show at World Wide Technology Raceway. Pack your vehicle with friends and family to enjoy the festive display.
Where: Madison, IL | More Info: WonderLight's Christmas
Garden Glow at Missouri Botanical Garden
What to Expect:
Dazzling light display with interactive photo opportunities.
Description:
Garden Glow at the Missouri Botanical Garden features over two million dazzling lights transforming the iconic garden into a rich display of mesmerizing moments. The event includes interactive photo opportunities, traditional holiday music, and festive food and drinks.
Where: St. Louis, MO | More Info: Garden Glow at Missouri Botanical Garden
Wild Lights at the Saint Louis Zoo
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
Description:
Wild Lights at the Saint Louis Zoo features dazzling holiday light displays, themed areas, and fun activities for the whole family. Enjoy twinkling lights, holiday carolers, and special attractions like the Mary Anne Lee Conservation Carousel and The Polar Express at the 4D Theater.
Where: St. Louis, MO | More Info: Wild Lights at the Saint Louis Zoo
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. The event attracts over 13,000 vehicles and 10,000 individuals annually, offering drive-through, walking tours, and specialty rides like hayrides and trolley rides.
Where: O'Fallon, MO | More Info: Celebration of Lights - Fort Zumwalt Park
Holiday Night Lights - Wentzville
What to Expect:
Unique blend of light displays and festive activities.
Description:
The Holiday Night Lights in Wentzville features a one-mile light display with illuminated commercial scenes and twinkling tunnels, offering a festive holiday experience with Santa visits, sleigh hayrides, and walk-thru events.
Where: Wentzville, MO | More Info: Holiday Night Lights - Wentzville
Weirdly Wonderful Holidays - City Museum
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with dazzling light displays and festive activities.
Description:
City Museum transforms into a holiday paradise with dazzling light displays, visits with Santa, and specialty cocktails. Enjoy heartwarming encounters with Santa and his merry helpers, as well as captivating storytelling by Mrs. Claus. Sing your heart out at karaoke sessions in Beatnik Bob's, and explore larger-than-life light displays throughout the museum.
Where: St. Louis, MO | More Info: Weirdly Wonderful Holidays - City Museum
Bright Night Christmas Parade - Columbia
What to Expect:
Free drive-through holiday light display with traffic assistance.
Description:
Bright Lights Holiday Nights in Columbia, MO, is a free drive-through holiday light display featuring a mile-long route around Veterans United's office. The event runs from 7:00 to 10:30 PM each evening, with the Columbia Police Department assisting with traffic flow. Visitors are not allowed to stop or exit their vehicles during the tour.
Where: Columbia, MO | More Info: Bright Night Christmas Parade - Columbia
Sleigh Rides at Rotary Park
What to Expect:
Holiday hayride with hot chocolate and cookies.
Description:
Book a wintertime, tractor-pulled hayride through beautiful Rotary Park to tour the breathtaking Holiday Night Lights. Sip hot chocolate and munch on cookies while listening to holiday music around a bonfire. The hayride holds a maximum of 25 people, including lap children, and is scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Where: St. Louis, MO | More Info: Sleigh Rides at Rotary Park
Winter Wonderland - Ferguson
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with Santa, the Grinch, and festive lights.
Description:
Winter Wonderland in Ferguson features Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, carolers, hot chocolate, a vendor village, balloon twisting, and lots of lights.
Where: Ferguson, MO | More Info: Winter Wonderland - Ferguson
The 2024 Grove Of Lights: A Holiday Experience
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with kids' activities and vendor markets.
Description:
The 2024 Grove Of Lights at Lost Hill Lake offers a holiday experience with kids' activities, vendor markets, and festive drinks. Enjoy complimentary hot cocoa, s'mores, and face painting, along with visits from Santa.
Where: St. Louis, MO | More Info: The 2024 Grove Of Lights: A Holiday Experience
Wildwood Holiday Markets and Shopping
O’Fallon Holiday Craft and Vendor Event
What to Expect:
Local vendors offering handmade gifts and decorations.
Description:
Join us at the O’Fallon Holiday Craft and Vendor Event for a delightful day of shopping and crafting. Browse through a variety of local vendors offering handmade gifts, decorations, and seasonal treats. Enjoy the festive atmosphere and discover unique items perfect for your holiday celebrations.
Where: O'Fallon, MO | More Info: O’Fallon Holiday Craft and Vendor Event
St. Louis Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Local vendors selling handmade items and seasonal treats.
Description:
The St. Louis Christmas Market at Timothy Lutheran Church features over 100 local vendors, food, and gifts. It runs from 11 am to 6 pm on December 7, 2024, in the gated parking lot at 6704 Fyler Ave. The event aims to engage all ages in the neighborhood and surrounding areas, with Timothy's beer brewers offering savory suds to sample.
Where: St. Louis, MO | More Info: St. Louis Christmas Market
Wildwood Holiday Craft Fair
What to Expect:
Unique gifts from local artisans and vendors.
Description:
The Wildwood Holiday Craft Fair at Lafayette High School in Wildwood, MO, features unique one-of-a-kind gift ideas from local artisans and vendors, offering a variety of handmade crafts and seasonal items.
Where: Wildwood, MO | More Info: Wildwood Holiday Craft Fair
Wright City Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Local artisans and makers selling unique holiday gifts.
Description:
The Wright City Christmas Market offers a diverse array of local makers showcasing handcrafted items and seasonal treats, creating a vibrant holiday shopping experience.
Where: Wright City, MO | More Info: Wright City Christmas Market
Wildwood Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Kimmswick Christmas Festival
What to Expect:
Meet Santa Claus in a charming historic town setting.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season in Kimmswick with historic buildings adorned in Christmas decorations, joyous melodies from carolers, and the warm glow of luminaries. Meet Santa Claus and immerse yourself in the holiday spirit.
Where: Kimmswick, MO | More Info: Kimmswick Christmas Festival
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 the School of Saint Louis Ballet. The performance includes elaborate sets, costumes, and special effects, telling the story of Clara's adventure with her wooden nutcracker doll.
Where: St. Louis, MO | 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 Tom Gold and 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, MO | More Info: The Nutcracker - Center of Creative Arts
Nutcracker on Ice - Webster Groves Ice Arena
What to Expect:
Figure-skating favorites performing in a holiday tradition.
Description:
Nutcracker on Ice is a beloved holiday tradition featuring a full cast of figure-skating favorites performing at the Webster Groves Ice Arena. This 20th annual performance includes a canned food drive benefiting the St. Louis region through Operation Food Search.
Where: Webster Groves, MO | More Info: Nutcracker on Ice - Webster Groves Ice Arena
Santa Skate - Brentwood Ice Rink
What to Expect:
Meet Santa while ice skating.
Description:
The Santa Skate at Brentwood Ice Rink is a fun and family-friendly event where participants can enjoy ice skating while meeting Santa Claus. The event offers affordable skating sessions and rentals, making it an excellent activity for all ages.
Where: Brentwood, MO | More Info: Santa Skate - Brentwood Ice Rink
Wildwood Other Holiday Activities
St. Charles Christmas Traditions®
What to Expect:
Celebrating 50 years with international holiday customs and characters.
Description:
St. Charles Christmas Traditions is a 50-year-old festival celebrating the holiday spirit with storytelling, history, and fairy tale whimsy. Guests are welcomed into a world of yuletide nostalgia and fantasy where reindeer fly, sugarplums dance, and international ambassadors share unique holiday customs. The festival features a Santa Parade, a Christmas Carol Stroll, and various attractions like the Holiday Food Hall and Sensory-Friendly Experience.
Where: St. Charles, MO | More Info: St. Charles Christmas Traditions®
WinterFest - Festus
What to Expect:
Family-friendly activities including ice skating and a decorated cookie challenge.
Description:
WinterFest in Festus, MO, features a full day of fun with Breakfast with Santa, craft and food vendors, ice skating, inflatables, petting zoo, pony rides, and a decorated cookie challenge.
Where: Festus, MO | More Info: WinterFest - Festus
Le Reveillon - Felix Vallé House State Historic Site
What to Expect:
Traditional French-Canadian holiday traditions and cuisine in a historic setting.
Description:
Le Reveillon at Felix Vallé House State Historic Site is a special evening event where guests can experience traditional French-Canadian holiday traditions and cuisine in a historic setting.
Where: Ste. Genevieve, MO | More Info: Le Reveillon - Felix Vallé House State Historic Site
Breakfast with Santa - Eckert’s Belleville Farm
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday activities with Santa.
Description:
Join Eckert's Belleville Farm for a festive Breakfast with Santa, where children can share their Christmas wishes and receive a special gift. Each child will have the opportunity to get their face or hand painted, decorate a sugar cookie, and enjoy a holiday story.
Where: Belleville, IL | More Info: Breakfast with Santa - Eckert’s Belleville Farm
Pictures with Santa - Eureka
What to Expect:
Free event with a donation option for non-perishable food items.
Description:
Take part in a festive holiday event where you can capture memories with Santa Claus at a beautifully decorated tree in Eureka, MO. Bring your camera and enjoy the holiday season.
Where: Eureka, MO | More Info: Pictures with Santa - 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 the Chesterfield Community Center for a holiday cookie and storytime with Santa. Kids can wear their favorite holiday pajamas and slippers as they enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Where: Chesterfield, MO | More Info: Cookies with the Claus' - Chesterfield Community Center
Flannels & Flapjacks - The Lodge Des Peres
What to Expect:
Family-friendly pancake breakfast with Santa.
Description:
Join Flannels & Flapjacks at The Lodge Des Peres for a special morning with Santa, featuring an exciting pancake breakfast and photo opportunities.
Where: Des Peres, MO | More Info: Flannels & Flapjacks - The Lodge Des Peres
Santa's House - Festus
What to Expect:
Free visits with Santa and his pets, with donation opportunities.
Description:
Santa's House in Festus, MO, offers visits with Santa and his pets, with no charge for entry or photos. Donations of canned food and cash support the Ozark Food Pantry and JeffCo Shop with A Cop.
Where: Festus, MO | More Info: Santa's House - Festus
Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt - Bluebird Park
What to Expect:
Santa's elves hiding candy canes for kids to find.
Description:
Children 9 and under bring their flashlights and bags to help Santa find hidden candy canes at Bluebird Park. Hot cocoa and cookies will be available, and a visit from Santa is included. Dress warmly for this outdoor event.
Where: Ellisville, MO | More Info: Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt - Bluebird Park
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Ballwin (6 miles)
- Chesterfield (7 miles)
- Kirkwood (14 miles)
- Saint Peters (15 miles)
- Maryland Heights (15 miles)
- O'Fallon (16 miles)
- Webster Groves (17 miles)
- Saint Charles (17 miles)
- Affton (18 miles)
- Arnold (19 miles)
- Wentzville (19 miles)
- Mehlville (19 miles)
- University City (20 miles)
- Hazelwood (20 miles)
- Oakville (21 miles)
- Ferguson (22 miles)
- Florissant (23 miles)
- St. Louis (25 miles)
- East Saint Louis (28 miles)
- Granite City (29 miles)
- Alton (33 miles)
- Upper Alton (36 miles)
- Belleville (37 miles)
- Collinsville (37 miles)
- O'Fallon (41 miles)
- Edwardsville (41 miles)