Ho-Ho-Ho, light the menorah, devour a Kwanzaa feast, and ring in the new year with a month full of holiday events in St. Louis. We've compiled some must-do events around the city, one for each day. Check back every week for a new list of things to do. Have a happy holiday season!
Wed., Dec. 15: Santa's Magical Kingdom at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park
Guests can experience the spectacular holiday display featuring more than two million shimmering lights and state of the art custom lighting animation. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park, 5300 Fox Creek Road, Pacific, MO, 636-938-5925, eurekachamber.us.
Thurs., Dec. 16: St. Louis Symphony: A Gospel Christmas
Conductor Charles Floyd, vocalist Wintley Phipps, the IN UNISON Chorus, and the symphony collaborate for a night of soul-stirring gospel. $20–$65. Time: 7:30 p.m. Powell Symphony Hall, 718 N. Grand, 314-534-1700, stlsymphony.org.
Fri., Dec. 17: St. Louis Symphony: Holiday Celebration
Edwin Outwater leads the symphony through a lineup of popular songs and orchestral pieces that capture the spirit of the holidays. After the show, patrons may enjoy eggnog, hot chocolate, and a visit from Santa to complete the festive ambiance. $20–$65. Times: 2 & 7:30 p.m. Powell Symphony Hall, 718 N. Grand, 314-534-1700, stlsymphony.org.
Sat., Dec. 18: Funky Butt Brass Holiday Show
Voted best funk/soul/R&B band in the 2010 RFT Music Awards, the band will roll out a red-hot, foot-tapping lineup of holiday tunes at this Christmas show. Call for price, $2 minor surcharge on all-ages shows. Time: 8 p.m. Off Broadway, 3511 Lemp, 314-773-3363, offbroadwaystl.com.
Sun., Dec. 19: Saint Louis Chamber Chorus: Christmas From Ancient to Modern
A spirited combination of medieval and modern arrangements of early Latin, German, and English carols. Tchaikovsky and William Walton supplement world premieres from Yakov Gubanov and Clare Maclean, along with several pieces specifically crafted for the Chamber Chorus. $33–$35, $10 students. Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2650 Miami, chamberchorus.org.
Mon., Dec. 20: Dinner with Santa at the Saint Louis Zoo
Enjoy an Italian buffet dinner at Painted Giraffe Cafe overlooking the zoo’s colorful Wild Lights exhibit. Evening includes dinner, admission to Wild Lights, visits from costumed characters Rudolf and Frosty, photo with Santa and free parking. Pre-paid reservations are required, seating is limited. Member price: $23/adult, $21/child (2-12); Non-member: $24/adult, $22/child (2-12). Children under 2 are free. Times: 5 and 7 p.m. as available. St. Louis Zoo, One Government Drive, 314-646-4857, stlzoo.org/events/calendarofevents.
Tues., Dec. 21: Imaginary Theatre Company: The Nutcracker
A beloved holiday favorite that will connect children with the story of Marie, who discovers a wooden soldier in a gift from her godfather and is immediately swept up in a tale of distant lands, menacing mice, and dancing fairies. $6. Times: 11:45 a.m. & 2:45 p.m. The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Loretto-Hilton Center, 130 Edgar, 314-968-7340, repstl.org.
