The Spanish Harlem Orchestra is one of the few Latin jazz bands out there whose members can play authentic New York–style salsa. They’ve won two Grammys and often collaborate with such artists as Chick Corea. December 8. The Sheldon Concert Hall, thesheldon.org.
The Saint Louis Art Museum ushers in the holidays with Winter Celebrations, a weekend of dance concerts, workshops, music, workshops, film screenings, and, of course, cocoa and a tree-lighting. December 9–11. Saint Louis Art Museum, slam.org.
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Watching A Charlie Brown Christmas on TV has been a holiday rite of passage for many. Now it’s been translated to the stage, complete with a new score and storylines. December 15. Peabody Opera House, peabodyoperahouse.com.
St. Louis-born neo-soul singer Solána Imani Rowe, better known as SZA, comes home for not one but two shows. December 17 & 19, The Ready Room, thereadyroom.com.
Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker, a tradition for 25 years, combines the traditional (life-size matryoshka dolls) with the contemporary (sets created by La La Land designer Carl Sprague). December 23, Fox Theatre, fabulousfox.com.
When the animals are (mostly) hibernating and the landscaping lies fallow, Wild Lights transforms the zoo grounds with sparkling LED–studded animal figures and holiday scenes. Though December 30. Saint Louis Zoo, stlzoo.org.
The Polar Express Ride, based on the children’s book, takes kids on a magical train ride past the North Riverfront, made up as a most convincing North Pole. Through December 30. Union Station, stlthepolarexpressride.com.
It’ll be a bittersweet New Year’s Celebration With the Saint Louis Symphony as we prepare to say goodbye to Maestro David Robertson, who started the tradition. December 31, Powell Hall, slso.org.
The Garden Glow features a million lights set amid the garden’s best-known features, including the Climatron. Snap a selfie, drink hot chocolate, and hear live music. Through January 1. Missouri Botanical Garden, missouribotanicalgarden.org.
The popular Winterfest at the Arch returns for a second year, boasting a skating rink in an overhauled, cooler Kiener Plaza. Through January 1. Downtown, archwinterfest.com.
