As Thanksgiving approaches, the holiday season starts in earnest among St. Louis’ cultural institutions, theater companies, and venues. Mark your calendars for some free holiday celebrations or splurge on tickets for the perfect seasonal surprise gift. Whether you’re looking for an afternoon of festive fun or the perfect celebratory night out, there’s something in the weeks ahead that fits the bill.
Festivals and Special Events
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Dates: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, November 22–December 21; open daily December 26–31, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, January 2–11
A six-week winter celebration located in view of the Gateway Arch, Winterfest’s offerings include ice skating, hockey, s’mores stations, igloo rentals, and meet-and-greets with princesses and superheroes for little ones. The weeks-long party concludes with a New Year’s Eve “Neon Lights” celebration and fireworks spectacular. Kiener Plaza, 500 Chestnut.
Dates: November 22–December 25
Cost: Free admission, certain activities require an additional charge
Book a family staycation and celebrate the holidays at the Historic Chase Park Plaza. Explore gingerbread villages, hear cheerful carolers, and enjoy the holiday menu at the various on site restaurants. Visit the plaza website for the full schedule of events. The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. Louis, 212 Kingshighway.
Dates: November 28–December 19
Cost: Free
Celebrate the holiday season with the Saint Louis Art Museum at Festive Fridays, where you can find free concerts, tours, gallery activations, and more. Featuring live music from local performing arts groups, art-making activities, and a cash bar stocked with seasonal drinks and snacks, the event adds a festive touch to an afternoon or evening spent wandering through SLAM’s vast galleries. Saint Louis Art Museum, 1 Fine Arts.
Dates: December 5 & 6
Cost: Free
The Foundry Arts Centre Merry Makers Market is a two-day event bringing in creatives and small businesses from across the region. Also available is the Mini Market, an event for those 12 and under allowing them to holiday shop independently. All items available in the Mini Market are donated from Merry Makers Market vendors and The Foundry’s Clay Club, with nothing priced over $20. Foundry Arts Centre, 520 N. Main, St. Charles.
Dates: December 6
Cost: Free
Shop booths from more than 150 artists at bars, venues, and storefronts throughout Cherokee Street at the annual Print Bazaar. With an impressive selection of posters, prints, and cards crafted with woodcutting, etching, letterpress, screen printing, and lithography techniques, visitors are sure to find a unique gift or something to spruce up their own space. Various locations.
Dates: December 6–23
Cost: $11
Experience the holiday season through film with Hi-Pointe Theatre. The local cinema will be showing Christmas classics, indie treasures, and films that beg the question, “Does this count as a Christmas movie?” See the full schedule of films and times at hipointetheatre.org. Hi-Pointe Theatre, 1005 McCausland.
Date: December 9, 7 p.m.
Cost: $100–$500
For their third-annual Holiday Benefit, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is hosting an evening with Emmy Award–winning actress Britt Lower. The star of Apple TV+’s Severance and former Circus Flora artist will share stories and celebrate live theater during this night of performances, auctions, sips and bites, and more. Loretto-Hilton Center, 130 Edgar.
Date: December 13 & 14
Cost: Free
Each December, the Saint Louis Art Museum welcomes guests for a free weekend featuring holiday traditions from around the world. This year’s schedule of events includes crafts inspired by the Frozen theme, story time with fantastical characters, photo opportunities, family activities, and performances from Metro Theater Company, Dances of India, Ignite Theatre Company, and many more.
Dates: December 26, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: Free
Immerse yourself in culture, performances, and tradition at the Saint Louis Art Museum’s Kwanzaa Celebration in partnership with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. The all-day, all-ages event will include live performances, workshops, art-making, a scavenger hunt through the gallery, and more. Saint Louis Art Museum, 1 Fine Arts.
New Year’s Eve at Lemp Mansion
Dates: December 31, various times available
Cost: Dinner theater is $80.95 per person
The Lemp Mansion is offering two ways for you to enjoy New Years Eve night. Enjoy a nice dinner in the mansion’s historic dining areas or embark on a mysterious dinner theater adventure. A Dickens of a Killing is the perfect mix of comedy and thriller to keep you on the edge of your seat. Lemp Mansion, 3322 Demenil.
Concerts
Kenny G-Miracles Holiday and Hits
Dates: December 3, 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $63.70–$132
Celebrate the holiday season with the smooth sounds of Kenny G when the bestselling artist heads to Chesterfield for a night of seasonal sax. The evening will feature songs from his 1994 holiday album, Miracles, as well as other hits. The Factory, 17105 N. Outer 40.
Dates: December 5, 7 p.m.
Cost: $34–$164
Santa Jam returns to the Stifel Theatre for a night of acoustics performed by Brett Young, Alexandra Kay, Greylan James, and Russo & Co. This event kicks off the annual Boatload of Toys drive to benefit Youth In Need. Stifel Theatre, 1400 Market.
Dates: December 6, 2 p.m.
Cost: $36.01–$77.73
Sing your heart out at A Volpe Family Christmas at Off Broadway. This acoustic sing-along will feature all of your holiday favorites to put you in the spirit of the season. Band leader Mike Landlot is not telling you he is the king of Christmas, he is declaring it. Off Broadway, 3509 Lemp.
Dates: December 6-8, 12
Cost: Free
The U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America will travel around the region this holiday season offering free, family-friendly concerts at several locations. Catch the lineup of holiday favorites and jolly special guests locally at Touhill Performing Arts Center, or across the river at Mascoutah High School and McKendree University. Various locations.
Dates: December 8, 7 p.m.
Cost: $59–$135
Witness Christmas music legends Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, and CeCe Winans as they take the Fabulous Fox stage together. Hear chart-topping holiday songs such as “Grown-Up Christmas List,” “Christmas Day,” “Joy to the World”, and more. Fox Theater, 527 N. Grand
Dates: December 9, 7 p.m.
Cost: $43.99–$103.99
In their only appearances of 2025, For King + Country are making stops at eight theaters around the country to bring their Christmas concert to life. This intimate night of song and storytelling will immerse guests into the sounds of the season. Fox Theater, 527 N. Grand.
Dates: December 10, 8 p.m.
Cost: $29.75–$169.50
Brett Eldredge is hitching up his sleigh and returning to St. Louis for another holiday concert at the Fox Theater. The country hitmaker’s Glow LIVE Tour has become an annual tradition for many, earning Eldredge the moniker “Mr. Christmas.” Fox Theater, 527 N. Grand.
90s Hits and Xmas Riffs with Ezra Ray Hart
Dates: December 10, 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $64.70–$127.50
Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray, Kevin Griffin of Better Than Ezra, and Emerson Hart of Tonic are hitting the road this holiday season as Ezra Ray Hart. The ’90s supergroup will deliver hits from their respective catalogs alongside fresh spins on holiday classics. The Factory, 17105 N. Outer 40.
Missouri History Museum Holiday Concert and Winter Market
Dates: December 11, 2 p.m.
Cost: Free
Enjoy the Missouri History Museum’s annual free holiday concert. This year’s performance will feature Red and Black Brass Band, Sean Canan’s Voodoo Players, Laren Loveless, Kingsbury Place Singers, and an interactive sing-along with Celia’s Yuletide Express. Before the show make sure to check out the Sold on St. Louis holiday market full of local vendors. Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell.
Rain: A Beatles Christmas Tribute
Dates: December 11, 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $39.50–$110
Hear the Beatles like you have never heard them before during this performance that blends holiday hits with the chart-topping favorites that Beatles fans love. This one-night-only performance is family-friendly. Fox Theater, 527 N. Grand.
Dates: December 16, 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $32.50–$97.50
Straight No Chaser has been singing the songs of the holiday season acapella for more than two decades. Their nine-person act is returning to the Fox to bring the joy of Christmas with a performance that will have you singing and dancing all night long. Fox Theater, 527 N. Grand.
Dates: December 18 & 19, 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $53–$144
Kevin McBeth will conduct this night of holiday standards performed by the St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON Chorus alongside gospel legends The Clark Sisters and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. The concert brings together gospel, jazz, and holiday favorites to create a performance that everyone will enjoy. Jack C. Taylor Music Center, 718 N. Grand
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
Dates: December 19
Cost: $25.50–$102.50
For more than 40 years, Chip Davis’ Mannheim Steamroller has been rocking the holiday season. This show, presented on stage at the Fabulous Fox, will combine multimedia effects with the sounds of 15 musicians playing more than 20 instruments to create Mannheim Steamroller’s iconic sound. Fox Theater, 527 N. Grand.
Dates: December 20, 21, and 23
Cost: $53–$144
Mark the season with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s annual Mercy Holiday Celebration, featuring St. Louis’ own Kennedy Holmes. Together with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and chorus, Holmes will bring new flavor to familiar holiday classics. Jack C. Taylor Music Center, 718 N. Grand.
Rocky Mountain High Experience®: A John Denver Christmas
Dates: December 21, 3 p.m.
Cost: $88.10–$115.05
This family-friendly afternoon concert offers classic hits from beloved singer-songwriter John Denver’s repertoire as well as selections from his holiday specials, including “Aspenglow,” “Silent Night,” “Joy to the World,” and “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire.” The Factory, 17105 N. Outer 40.
Dates: December 23, 8:00 p.m.
Cost: $26 – $157
Witness full fledged holiday spirit at The Bach Society of St. Louis’ Christmas candlelight concert. The group is celebrating their 85th season this year with their return to the iconic Powell Hall following renovations. Enjoy the echoes of the holiday carols and watch the candlelight processional. 718 N. Grand
New Year’s Eve with Victor Goines & Friends
Dates: December 31, 8:30 p.m. & 11 p.m.
Cost: $85–$90
Ring in the new year with fine dining, a celebratory atmosphere, and great jazz. This evening will be led by Jazz St. Louis president and CEO Victor Goines, a world renowned saxophonist and clarinetist. Goines will be accompanied by an all-star ensemble for a program of festive classics and original compositions. Jazz St. Louis, 3536 Washington.
Dates: December 31, 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $57–$144
Spend the last evening of 2025 with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra during their annual New Year’s Eve Celebration. This concert and party is conducted by Stéphane Denève and will take listeners through the lively compositions of Gershwin, Bernstein, Bizet, and more. Jack C. Taylor Music Center, 718 N. Grand.
Performances
Dates: November 29–December 23
Cost: $39–$110
The magical holiday story of The Nutcracker comes alive this season courtesy of the Saint Louis Ballet. This year, the group will be unveiling a new addition to their stage: a 23-foot-tall Nutcracker tree designed by renowned theatrical designer James Wolk. Touhill Performing Arts Center, 1 Touhill.
Dates: December 6
Cost: $75–$100
Mid-century pop culture humorist Charles Phoenix is headed to St. Louis for a one-night-only performance presented by ModernSTL. Phoenix’s live comedy slideshow is a roast of and toast to the holidays featuring bygone fashions, recipes, and more. IBEW Local 1, 5850 Elizabeth.
Sugar Plums, Nuts & Fairies…Oh My!
Dates: December 6, 12, 13, 19, and 21
Cost: $25
Join Leverage Dance Theater and Prismatic Events as they bring you a drag and burlesque holiday variety show straight out of your sweetest dreams. Come and embrace your Sugar Plum Fairy fantasies. This is an 18+ event. 2700 Cherokee.
Dates: December 12–14
Cost: $30–$100
Watch beloved 1983 Christmas movie A Christmas Story brought to life on stage at the Fox Theater. A Christmas Story: The Musical follows the mischievous Ralphie as he navigates the holiday season complete with leg lamps, pink bunny pajamas, and department store Santas. We triple-dog-dare you not to have a good time watching this musical. Fox Theater, 527 N. Grand.
Dates: December 13, 2 p.m. & 4 p.m., December 14, 2 p.m., December 20, 2 p.m. & 4 p.m., December 21, 2 p.m.
Cost: $10–$30
Enjoy the classic story of The Nutcracker reimagined by the Leverage Dance Theater. Follow the characters you know and love—Clara, the Nutcracker, the Snow Queen—as you step into this immersive holiday experience. In this intimate performance, guests can find themselves only feet away from performers as they tell their story. 2700 Cherokee.
Dates: December 13, 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $10–$50
For 15 years, the Brothers Lazaroff Hanukkah Hullabaloo has been an evening all about celebration, music, and light. Guests can enjoy live music from local musicians including the Brothers Lazaroff, Anita Jackson, Blvck Spvde, and many more. Fresh latkes will be served up courtesy of the Latke Ladies. All proceeds from the event will go to Action St. Louis, supporting those impacted by the tornado earlier this year. The Grandel, 3610 Grandel.
Dates: December 19, 7:00 p.m., December 20, 2:30 p.m. & 7:00 p.m., December 21, 2:30 p.m.
Cost: $35
Click-clack into the holidays with moSTLy Tap, St. Louis’ professional tap dancing ensemble, accompanied by live music performed by moSTLy Jazz. Arrive at the event early for the free hot chocolate reception with special guests. Dale Williams Fine Arts Building at Missouri Baptist University, 1 College Park
Dates: December 19, 7:30 p.m. & December 20, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $25–$125
The St. Louis Dance Theatre and Jazz St. Louis are bringing back their hit collaboration that takes The Nutcracker Suite and infuses it with jazz, rhythm, and fantasy. The performance title honors St. Louis’ Gaslight Square entertainment district, which plays host to this fantastical tale. Skip Viragh Center for the Arts, 425 S. Lindbergh.
Dates: December 23
Cost: $49.50–$125Take in exciting circus acts with a seasonal spin at A Magical Cirque Christmas, presented by Fox Concerts and Circus Flora. This variety show invites all ages to be charmed and awed by world-class entertainers as they celebrate the magic of the season. Fox Theater, 527 N. Grand.
