There’s just something about seeing St. Louis dressed up in its twinkly best. Each year, we make a list of the prettiest holiday light displays, check it twice, pile into the car, and ooh and ahh at the megawatt marvels. Read on for our list of the best light displays in St. Louis.
Ameren Missouri Festival of Lights
Dates: November 22
Times: Noon–8:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Head to Kiener Plaza to watch the lighting of the giant Salvation Army tree of lights as part of the Winterfest kickoff. Included in the celebration are holiday-themed performances, vendors, and photo ops with Fredbird and reindeer. A fireworks finale will cap the evening, so make sure to bundle up for a night of fun. 500 Chestnut.
Dates: Check out anheuser-busch.com in November for select dates.
Times: Entry is typically at at 5, 6, and 7 p.m.
Cost: Check out anheuser-busch.com in November for updated pricing.
Take in the lights, smell the hops, and snap a photo with the Budweiser Clydesdales. Guests who are 21 and over receive a complimentary beer. 1200 Lynch.
Dates: November 28–December 30, closed on December 25
Times: 6–9 p.m.
Cost: Starts at $16
For more than 30 years, this lights display at Fort Zumwalt Park in O’Fallon, Missouri, has attracted tens of thousands of visitors each year. Beyond driving through the light display, guests can stroll, reserve a hayride, or ride the city train. 1000 Jessup Lane, O’Fallon, Missouri.
Dates: November 27–January 1
Times: Evening/after dark
Cost: Free, donations accepted for charity Thursday–Sunday
A walk around this block at the holidays has been a St. Louis tradition for more than 20 years, and it all started with one man’s winning house in a holiday contest. Today, it’s a block-wide event that attracts metro area residents all over. To fully participate in the tradition, grab a treat from nearby Ted Drewes before taking a stroll or drive down the festive street. 6500 Murdoch.
Dates: December 5, 6, 13, 20, 21
Times: 5–9 p.m.
Cost: $13.70 for adults, $7.86 for kids
This year, Lost Hill Lake’s reimagined Grove of Lights promises a cozy evening “dripping with lights” and filled with fun for the whole family. Visitors can snap photos next to holiday displays, check out the Kids Zone activity and play area, visit Santa, enjoy complimentary s’mores and hot cocoa, and more. 2300 Mill Hill, St Clair.
Holiday Night Lights Drive-Thru
Dates: November 28–December 30
Times: 5:30–9:30 p.m.
Cost: $15
This mile-long lights display includes illuminated tunnels and iconic Christmas scenes. Catch Santa at the Kolb Building on Saturdays. 2577 W. Meyer, Wentzville.
Holiday Lights Walk-Through at Grant’s Farm
Dates: Select dates November 22–December 30; visit grantsfarm.com for schedule.
Times: 5–10 p.m., entry closes at 9 p.m.
Cost: $12 per person, children ages 3 and under are free. Parking is $16 per vehicle.
See the iconic Bauernhof Courtyard dressed in lights, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, and stroll the Tiergarten to visit the animals of Grant’s Farm. 10501 Gravois.
Discover fun things to do with the family
Subscribe to the St. Louis Family newsletter for family-friendly things to do and news for local parents, sent every Monday.
Missouri Botanical Garden’s Garden Glow
Dates: November 15–January 3; closed November 17 & 27, and December 24 & 25
Times: Varies, see website for nightly open and close times
Cost: Pricing varies, see website for details
See the Climatron dressed in red and green, as well as a range of colorful, creative light displays throughout the garden. Enjoy select Family Nights for discounted children’s admission. New to this year’s Garden Glow is a sensory night and Jingle and Mingle, an adults-only experience. 4344 Shaw.
Dates: November 14–January 4
Times: 5:30–11 p.m. on Friday–Saturday, 5:30–10:30 p.m. on Sunday–Thursday, 5:30–10 p.m. December 26–January 4.
Cost: $35 per family car
See millions of lights, animated scenes, and special effects. Along the way, stop at Kringle’s General Store for gifts. 5300 Fox Creek, Pacific.
Tilles Park’s Winter Wonderland
Dates: November 26–January 3; closed December 1, 8, 24, 31
Times: 5–9 p.m.
Cost: Starts at $20
More than a million lights and 100-plus displays of winter scenes fill the county park’s more than 75 acres. New this year is An Evening Under the Lights, stroll around the park and absorb all the holiday magic you can on select nights. Tickets can be purchased online in advance and redeemed any open night, or pay cash at the park. 9551 Litzsinger.
Commerce Bank Wild Lights at the Saint Louis Zoo
Dates: Select nights November 28–December 28
Times: 5–8:30 p.m.
Experience the zoo in a different light—decked in millions of lights and featuring animal-themed displays, and see a seasonally themed movie at the 4-D theater. This year’s Wild Lights includes a special guest, Santa Claus! 1 Government.
Dates: November 21–December 31; closed on November 27, December 24 & 25.
Times: 5–9 p.m.
Cost: Free to drive through, extra cost for additional attractions
The Our Lady of the Snows Way of Lights display has been a tradition since 1970. Go on a Tuesday for family-night discounts on food, camel and pony rides, and more. 442 S. DeMazenod, Belleville, Illinois.
Dates: November 14–January 4
Times: 5–10 p.m.
Cost: Starts at $30 per car
Take a spin through World Wide Technology Raceway and an expansive drive-through light display. Tune your radio to 89.5 FM, and watch the show sync up with favorite Christmas songs. World Wide Technology Raceway, 1905 Collinsville, Fairmount, Illinois.
The Dutchtown Bells Holiday Light Show brings festive charm to the 3200 block of Meramec, where a shimmering lights display projected on the front of St. Anthony makes for a cozy seasonal outing. Visit on Saturdays, November 29–January 3, to experience the Holiday Night Market, which features local treats, activities, and holiday shopping in one of St. Louis’ most vibrant historic districts.
Dates: November 29–January 10
Times: Shows are at the top of the hour from 5-8 p.m. nightly
Cost: Free
Citygarden’s beloved holiday lights return to Downtown St. Louis, transforming the two-block sculpture garden into a glowing winter wonderland. Thousands of warm white lights illuminate internationally acclaimed sculptures, while the Spray Plaza’s upgraded LEDs dance nightly to a festive music playlist. New this year, Friday Night Pop-Ups bring STL Bartenders To Go, Teleo Coffee, and additional vendors to the park, offering cozy drinks and seasonal treats as you stroll among the artwork.
Dates: Now through February 16
Vendor Nights: Fridays, November 28–January 2
Times: Lights nightly; vendors 5–8 p.m. on Fridays
Cost: Free
Looking for a more casual light-viewing experience? Check out the most festive houses near you via holidaylighthopping.com
