1. December 4–6 | Cirque Dreams Holidaze
Cirque Dreams Holidaze boasts 300 costumes, 30 performers, and 20 acts, as well as sets featuring 30-foot-high trees. December 4–6, Fox Theatre, 527 N. Grand, 314-534-1111, fabulousfox.com.
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2. December 5 & 6 | 40th Annual Soulard Holiday Parlour Tour
The 40th Annual Soulard Holiday Parlour Tour offers more than just beautiful old Victorian houses. You’ll also find a bazaar, food, live music, and heated shuttles. December 5 & 6, Soulard, 314-621-6226.
3. December 17 | A Gospel Christmas
It’s a tradition for many of us: A Gospel Christmas with the St. Louis Symphony. This year, tenor Thomas Young joins the orchestra and IN UNISON chorus as guest artist. December 17, Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand, 314-534-1700, stlsymphony.org.
4. December 12 & 13 | Christmas at the Cathedral
The Sonos Handbell Ensemble and opera star Frederica von Stade perform in Christmas at the Cathedral, staged in the dazzling Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis. December 12 & 13, 4431 Lindell, 314-533-7662, cathedralconcerts.org.
5. December 17–23 | The Nutcracker
We all know the plot by now, but the effect of The Nutcracker, when flawlessly performed, is still magical. Saint Louis Ballet brings us the holiday classic. December 17–23, Touhill Arts Center, 1 University, 314-516-4949, touhill.org.
6. December 3–February 6 | Frank Lloyd Wright’s Samara: A Mid-century Dream Home
Using furniture, photos, blueprints, and film footage, “Frank Lloyd Wright’s Samara: A Mid-century Dream Home” tells the story of the Indiana couple who hired Wright to create a Usonian home—then preserved the house and all of the Wright-designed furniture and accessories with the utmost care. December 3–February 6, The Sheldon Art Galleries, 3648 Washington, 314-533-9900, thesheldon.org.
7. December 26 | Downtown Kirkwood Winter Fireworks Festival
Catch some pyrotechnics a little early at the Downtown Kirkwood Winter Fireworks Festival. Check out live music at 5 p.m. at Station Plaza before the fireworks start to crackle at 6:30 p.m. December 26, Kirkwood City Hall, 314-822-0084, downtownkirkwood.com.
8. December 27 | Trans-Siberian Orchestra
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra, whose latest album is titled Letters From the Labyrinth, often plays holiday-themed concerts. This year, the group is debuting a new show, “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve,” in two lively performances. December 27, Scottrade Center, 1401 Clark, 314-622-5400, scottradecenter.com.
9. December 26 & 27 | Elf: The Musical
Based on the 2003 film, Elf: The Musical tells the story of maladroit Buddy, who’s tragically unfit for employment as one of Santa’s helpers but eventually finds redemption. December 26 & 27, Peabody Opera House, 1400 Market, 314-499-7600, peabodyoperahouse.com.
10. December 2–27 | Peter and the Starcatcher
Peter and the Starcatcher, based on a novel co-written by St. Louisan Ridley Pearson and famed humorist Dave Barry, is a prequel to Peter Pan. An orphan and an apprentice starcatcher navigate the high seas of Neverland, protecting their cache of stardust and evading a bloodthirsty pirate. December 2–27, Loretto-Hilton Center, 130 Edgar, 314-968-4925, repstl.org.
