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!
Dec. 1: Holiday Trimmings at the Kemper Center
Seeking natural inspiration for your own festive décor? Marvel at the Kemper Center’s 12-foot-tall balsam fir tree naturally decorated with hand-crafted “gourdaments” and gourd birdhouses made by Garden staff and volunteers. All decorated gourds will be sold on Mon, Jan. 3 to benefit the Kemper Center for Home Gardening. Wed, Dec. 1 from 9 a.m.—5 p.m., through Jan. 3. Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63110, 314-577-5100, mobot.org/events/holidayevents
Dec. 2: Piwacket Theatre For Children: Snowman’s Revenge
Piwacket creators have compiled 18 shows for children highlighting character education and teaching kids “big words.” These interactive fairy tales for kids ages 2–10 are teeming with fun characters, magical props, and song-and-dance numbers. $12. Times: 10:30 a.m. Thu, 11 a.m. Sat. Piwacket Theatre For Children, 2810 Sutton, 314-781-8300, blackcattheatre.org
Dec. 3: All That Glitters: Clayton’s Holiday Celebration
Clayton’s citywide celebration includes horse-drawn carriage rides, live caroling, and even chestnuts roasting on an open fire, plus fireworks in Shaw Park at 8 p.m. Free. Time: 6—8 p.m. City of Clayton/Clayton Chamber of Commerce, 314-802-7763, ci.clayton.mo.us
Dec. 4: Holiday on the Plaza
Free family festival celebrates holiday traditions from around the world. Even includes an appearance by Santa Claus, a petting zoo, Bob Kramer’s marionettes, a holiday village with arts and crafts activities, dance and vocal and musical performances from a variety of cultural groups from in and around St. Louis. Free. Time: noon—5 p.m. Maryland Plaza, Central West End, marylandplaza.com
Dec. 5: Soulard Parlor Tour
This tour has been charming the city for 35 years. The 2010 event features seven brick Victorian homes and Federal-style town houses lavishly decorated for the holidays. $22 in advance, $25 day of event. 10 a.m.—4 p.m. Sat & Sun. Advanced tickets are encouraged for preferred time slots. Gene Slay’s Boys’ Club of St. Louis, 2524 S. 11th, 324-621-6226, soulard.org
Dec. 6: Gardenland Express
Annual exhibit includes G-scale model trains choo-chooing through tiny tableaus made from live plants and fresh flowers, surrounded by poinsettias, dwarf conifers, and flocked Christmas trees. Scenes include local landmarks, including an old streetcar pulling up to a replica of Union Station. Garden admission plus $5, free for members. Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw, 314-577-5100, mobot.org/events/holidayevents
Dec. 7: Gingerbread House Making
To celebrate a season of scrumptious treats, kids ages 5 and under will have a chance to make their own gingerbread house for the holidays. Graham crackers and icing will be provided, and children are encouraged to bring candy to decorate delicious gingerbread houses. Free. St. Louis Mills Mall, 5555 St. Louis Mills Boulevard, Hazelwood, MO 63042, (314) 227-5900, stlouismills.com
