For many, December marks the beginning of the joyous Christmas season. Around the city of St. Louis, there are many ways to celebrate this exciting time. From viewing Christmas lights to picking out a Christmas tree, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Many locations around St. Louis offer festive Christmas light displays. Anheuser-Busch Brewery has Christmas lights on display throughout the month of December. You can purchase a ticket to walk through the brewery lights or simply drive through with your family for free. 

Grant’s Farm also features a holiday lights display which you can drive or walk through until December 23.

The Missouri Botanical Gardens hosts “The Garden Glow” November 19 through January 7. 

Similarly, the St. Louis Zoo hosts its own walk-through lights display nicknamed “Wild Lights” on select evenings November 25 to December 30. 

Six Flags in Eureka, Missouri presents a “Cosmic Sleigh Ride.” Viewers of this creative display will drive through the parking lot and turn to the park’s unique radio station to enjoy a light show synchronized to the music. 

Another holiday staple, Tilles Park in Ladue displays a magical “Winter Wonderland.” Viewers can walk, drive, or take a carriage ride through this magical lights display.

Every year, sophomore Kate Hulsen and her family view several different Christmas lights throughout the city. 

“My family always makes it a tradition to go see as many Christmas lights as possible. We always make sure to drive through the Tilles Park lights because they are so close by,” Kate said. 

Just a short drive away from downtown St. Louis, Eckert’s farm in Belleville, Illinois, provides several Christmas experiences. If you are looking to purchase a Christmas tree, you can take a wagon ride through their evergreen forest, past Santa’s workshop, and to the Christmas tree lot where you can handpick the tree that will be displayed in your home. Eckert’s farm also hosts a series of Breakfast with Santa events starting on November 19. 

Located on North Grand Boulevard in St. Louis, the Fabulous Fox theater hosts a series of holiday-themed shows throughout the Christmas season. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical will be presented on December 11. On December 18, the Fox will host Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet. Elf the Musical will appear in theaters December 20 through December 24.

One of the most popular Christmas events for families with young children is the Polar Express at St. Louis Union Station. This magical experience is available November 18 to December 30 and features a train ride from Union Station to the “North Pole” where the children get to meet Santa Claus. 

Sophomore Jacqueline Jun remembers her experience visiting Union Station as a child. 

“I remember riding the train when I was little with my sister and we were so excited to see Santa at the North Pole,” Jacqueline said. 

Whether you are looking for a day-long Christmas adventure at Eckert’s farm or a short drive through Christmas lights at Tilles Park, there is something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season.