Highlights include a festive light showcase in the heart of downtown St. Louis, backstage access to one of the city’s most storied landmarks, an evening stroll with the glow of a million lights, and the nostalgia of seeing the original Famous-Barr holiday model train display in action!
WHAT: A DICKENS OF A TOUR
WHEN: Various dates and times, through Dec. 27
WHERE: The Fabulous Fox
Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” is the inspiration behind this year’s holiday tours at the Fabulous Fox. A chance encounter with the ghosts of Christmas past and present may be in the offing—or perhaps you’ll be rattled by Jacob Marley. The hour-long tour also features Victorian dancers, backstage and stage access, and is presented alongside the history of the legendary venue, which is all decked out for the holidays. Participants are required to wear a mask and practice social distancing; tours will be limited to 16 people with timed entries every 10 minutes. Advance tickets required, $40 (adults), $25 (children 12 and younger); fabulousfox.com
WHAT: NATIONAL MUSEUM OF TRANSPORTATION HOLIDAY SEASON
WHEN: Through Dec. 30
WHERE: 2933 Barrett Station Road in Kirkwood
An Elf Express miniature train, weekend trolley rides, live reindeer visits and, of course, a Santa sighting are just some of the attractions abound throughout the National Museum of Transportation’s 42-acre campus. The museum is also home to dozens of one-of-a-kind locomotive and automotive artifacts, plus the original corner-window model train display from the downtown Famous-Barr—the largest indoor holiday train display in Missouri! The museum is observing COVID-19 protocol, including the wearing of masks inside public spaces and during train rides, as well as providing hand-sanitizing stations and making accommodations for proper social distancing. Most activities are free. but advanced registration is required for holiday events; tnmot.org
WHAT: GARDEN GLOW
WHEN: Through Jan. 2
WHERE: Missouri Botanical Garden
Surround yourself with the more than one million lights that set the Missouri Botanical Garden aglow this time of year! The eighth annual Garden Glow has quickly grown to become a holiday tradition for visitors near and far, who explore the dazzling array of bright, colorful light displays during an evening stroll in one of the city’s most beautiful settings. Additional protocols are in place to observe COVID-19 guidelines, including masks for those 9 and older, one-way paths and separate entrance and exit points, and reduced capacity. Advanced tickets required, from $3 to $20; mobot.org/glow
WHAT: WINTERFEST
WHEN: 5 to 9 p.m., daily, through Jan. 3
WHERE: Kiener Plaza in downtown St. Louis
Set amid the iconic St. Louis Gateway Arch and the Old Courthouse, the fifth annual Winterfest showcases a festive display of more than 70,000 lights for visitors to enjoy from the comfort of their car. Available to experience every night of the week, the light display illuminates beautiful Kiener Plaza in the heart of downtown to spread holiday cheer. In addition to the lights, virtual activities are also planned this year, including online story times, holiday recipes and more. Free; archpark.org/winterfest
