Need to plead your case for appearing on the Nice List? There are plenty of options around St. Louis to visit Santa Claus. Browse our list of favorite places to catch up with the Jolly Old Elf.
Belleville Santa House Visit Santa’s house in downtown Belleville and get the perfect Christmas photo with Saint Nick. The house is open 6–8:30 p.m. Wednesday–Friday; noon–5 p.m. and 6–8:30 p.m. Saturdays; noon–3 p.m.; and 3:30–6 p.m. Sundays. Extended hours are available the week of Christmas–check out the website for details. 24 Public, Belleville, Ill
Brunch with Santa and Fredbird Parents will love the Bloody Mary Bar at Cardinals Nation Restaurant & Bar; kids will love the face-painting, balloons, writing a letter to Santa, and taking a photo with the jolly old man himself and his pal Fredbird. The brunch takes place December 7 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. $65 per adult, $25 per child ages 3 and older. 601 Clark.
Eckert’s Belleville Visit Eckert’s farm to have breakfast with Santa every Saturday and Sunday morning from November 22 until December 21 and every Friday evening from December 5–19. Kids will be able to tell Santa what they want for Christmas and have the opportunity to have their picture taken, as well as enjoy face-painting, cookie decorating, and holiday story-telling. Guests must make reservations, which are $27 per person. 951 S. Green Mount, Belleville, Ill.
Discover fun things to do with the family
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Flannels & Flapjacks The Lodge in Des Peres is holding a Flannels & Flapjacks with Mr. Claus on December 6 from 9–10:30 a.m. Kids can bring their wish lists and take a photo with Santa. Guests are advised to bring their own camera. Registration is required by November 26, $15 for members & residents, $18 for non-members. 1050 Des Peres.
Holiday Magic at the Magic House The Magic House will be hosting a number of magical opportunities for kids to meet Mr. Claus this holiday season. Enjoy breakfast with Santa, visits with Santa, and a specially designed event for those aged 1-4 and their parents, toddler time with Santa and Mrs. Claus. For the full list of events, pricing, and registration visit magichouse.org. 516 S. Kirkwood.
St. Louis Family December Playdate On December 12, Dave Sinclair Lincoln is clearing out its entire showroom for a full-on family holiday takeover. Kids can meet Santa and the Grinch, get creative with festive crafts from KidzPlay, sip from a cozy hot cocoa bar, and take a shot at the Blues’ inflatable slapshot setup. It’s a packed, high-energy holiday party—and one you won’t want to miss!
Winterfest During Winterfest’s kickoff event, strike a pose with Santa in front of the Gateway Arch. This year, Winterfest brings in Santas from around the nation—each representing different cultures—so families can capture a unique holiday portrait. Drop by anytime between noon and 8 p.m. on November 22 to snap a festive family photo with a Winterfest Santa, all set against downtown’s most iconic backdrop.
The Polar Express Calling all train lovers! Dress in your favorite festive PJs and climb aboard the Polar Express for some Insta-worthy photos. You’ll listen to a read-aloud of the classic book and enjoy hot cocoa and a tasty treat while on a journey to the North Pole, where Santa will give each child a magical gift. The event will run from November 14–December 30, 4:30–7:15 p.m. Monday–Thursday, and 4:30–8:30 p.m. Friday–Sunday. Sensory friendly rides will be available November 24 and December 1–when booking this ride pick the “Northern Lights” or “Grand Rapids” train cars. Tickets run from $19.99–$120. 201 S. 18th.
Santa’s Wonderland Until December 24, Santa will visit Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s in St. Louis from the North Pole to have fun with families and friends. Visitors will be able to sit with Santa, get a free photo, and deliver their letters to his personal mailbox. Reservations are recommended. Multiple locations, see website for details.
Supper with Santa If your kiddos aren’t early birds, then supper with Santa might be just the ticket. Enjoy an evening stroll through the Butterfly House, as well as craft stations, cookies with Mrs. Claus and a photo with Santa. The event runs from December 12–14 and 19-21, 5:30–7:30 p.m. Tickets are $36 for adults, $28 for children ages 3–12, and free for children 2 years and younger. Butterfly House, 15050 Faust Park.
Union Station: Pancakes with Santa Enjoy delicious pancakes—decorated with strawberries and whipped cream to resemble Santa—in the Grand Hall at Union Station, and see a 3D light show on the ceiling. Remember to bring your own camera. The event runs from November 15–December 24 at 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are $29. 201 S. 18th.
Weirdly Wonderful Holidays Step into a world of weird and whimsy at the City Museum for Weirdly Wonderful Holidays. Santa will be hard at work in his workshop located on the fourth floor of the museum for visitors to talk and listen to all your dreams and wishes from November 28–January 4. Tickets are $20 and include general admission into the museum. 750 N. 16th.
Breakfast with Santa at SqWires SqWires Restaurant & Market in Lafayette Square is hosting Breakfast with Santa twice this year. Enjoy a breakfast buffet, hot chocolate bar, cookie decorating, a holiday craft, and of course, a photo with Santa Claus himself. Guests should bring their own camera. Come dressed in your best family pajamas because there will be a prize for the best dressed! December 7 and 13, 10 a.m. Tickets are $32 per person and $18 kids 12 and under. Reservations are required. 1415 S. 18th.
Ice Cream with Santa There is nothing sweeter than enjoying Clementine’s ice cream along with Santa this holiday season. Santa will make his way around five of Clementine’s parlors through the month of December, including Edwardsville, the Central West End, Lake St. Louis, Southampton, and Town and Country. Tickets are $15, required for children wanting to meet Santa, and include one scoop of ice cream in a cup or cake cone. Various dates and locations, see website for full schedule.
Holiday Happiness at the Museum of Transportation Kids have the chance to watch Santa arrive in town via helicopter at 10 a.m. on November 29 (weather permitting). After his arrival, guests can visit with the jolly fella from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Other holiday happenings at the museum include live reindeer visits and model train displays. For the full schedule of events and times, visit tnmot.org. 2933 Barrett Station.
City Foundry City Foundry is welcoming Santa Claus for three festive Sundays in December, offering free holiday photos at Esther & Mila and The Injection Bar in exchange for canned goods or nonperishable donations benefiting Operation Food Search. Families can stop by between 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. on December 7, 14, and 21—no registration required. Visitors will also receive complimentary goody bags from Fresh Thyme Market.
Where to catch Santa at the mall
Plaza Frontenac Photo ops will be available daily from November 7 through December 24. Reservations are highly recommended. Photo packages range from $39.99–$49.99.1701 S. Lindbergh.
South County Center Santa’s coming to the South County Center, and kids will have the opportunity to see him and fill out their very own Dear Santa Letter. Photo packages start at $34.99. Santa arrives November 20. 18 S. County Center.
Saint Louis Galleria Santa will also be making an appearance at the Galleria. Pets can join in the family photo on select Mondays and Tuesdays. Walk-ups are welcome, but reservations are encouraged. Photo packages range from $39.99–$49.99. 1155 Galleria.
West County Center At the West County Center, go visit Santa at his workshop through Christmas Eve. Reservations are encouraged. Photo packages start at $39.99. 80 W. County Center.
