1. The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Musical takes audiences to the North Pole, where they experience the magical lives of Santa’s scouts as they learn to spot naughty and nice behavior and become a part of families’ Christmas traditions. December 16. Stifel Theatre.
2. Featuring songs from Judy Garland, Patsy Cline, Billie Holiday, Edith Piaf, and Maria Callas, Songs for Nobodies tells the stories of regular women and their life-changing encounters with musical icons. December 2–12. The Grandel in Grand Center.
3. After being postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, The Gateway Dirt Nationals are back, and “the only indoor stock car race featuring Open Wheel Modifieds and Super Late Models” is on. December 2–4. The Dome at America’s Center.
4. Enterprise Center is hosting legendary singer/songwriter James Taylor & His All-Star Band with special guest Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Jackson Browne and his band for one night only. The “Fire and Rain” singer has been in the industry for more than 40 years and has sold more than 100 million albums. December 4. Enterprise Center.
5. Attendees can enjoy festivities including a complimentary horse-drawn trolley, Santa Claus, and the Rivertown Sound Quartet as they meander through the Old Fashioned Christmas Festival & Kimmswick Cookie Walk guided by luminaries. Tickets include a Holiday Cookbook featuring sweet recipes from Kimmswick shop owners. December 3–5. Kimmswick Visitor Center.
CHVRCHES
6. Scottish synth-pop trio CHVRCHES is touring on their fourth and newest album, Screen Violence, which dropped August 27. Get ready to dance to the band’s latest singles, “He Said She Said” and “How Not to Drown.” December 6. The Pageant.
7. Since releasing her début album, Lush, in 2018, Lindsey Jordan of Snail Mail has earned recognition as a powerful songwriter and musician. Be sure to check out Snail Mail’s just-released second studio album, Valentine, ahead of time. The Pageant. UPDATE: This show has been rescheduled for September 3, 2022.
8. The Rep is starting a new tradition with its first-annual production of A Christmas Carol. The performance, directed by Hana Sharif and adapted by Michael Wilson, tells the classic story of Scrooge's transformative Christmas Eve visits. December 2–23. The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis.
9. Print Bazaar on Cherokee, one of the largest print sales in the Midwest, is back this year. The event features work from more than 100 artists. December 4. Cherokee Street.
10. Fans of Damon Wayans Jr. (New Girl, Happy Endings) can catch the actor's hit stand-up show for four nights this month. December 16–19. Helium Comedy Club.
