There is no shortage of holiday spirit in and around St. Louis this time of year. Choose from festive, dazzling light displays to brighten and bring good cheer, live concerts that delight with the sounds of the season, and a beloved Dickens Christmas tale brought to life on stage.
*Due to the ongoing concerns about COVID-19, be sure to check each event’s web page to learn more about specific health and safety protocols and requirements.
WHAT: A CHRISTMAS CAROL
WHERE: Loretto-Hilton Center
WHEN: Various times, Dec. 4 to 23
Beginning this season, the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is making its production of “A Christmas Carol” an annual event. Re-live the magic as Ebenezer Scrooge’s past, present and future catch up with him, sending him on a transformative journey and ultimate redemption.
Based on Michael Wilson’s adaptation of the beloved Christmas tale by Charles Dickens, the production, hailed by The New York Times as “rousing” and “crowd-pleasing,” has attracted more than 1 million audience members across the country. $25 to $85; repstl.org
WHAT: RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL
WHERE: Fox Theatre
WHEN: Various times, Dec. 17 to 18
Catch the “most famous reindeer of all” when he flies into the Fabulous Fox Theatre! Based on the longest running and highest-rated holiday television special, the critically acclaimed live show features Rudolph, who, along with Hermey, the Elf, Yukon Cornelius and the Abominable Snow Monster, help Santa save Christmas.
The beloved, stop-motion animated TV classic, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” made its network debut in 1964. The musical faithfully brings to the stage characters, including a 12-foot-plus-tall Abominable Snow Monster, as well as projections and costumes, against nostalgic set designs. From $20; fabulousfox.com
WHAT: MERCY HOLIDAY CELEBRATION
WHERE: Powell Hall
WHEN: Various times, Dec. 17 to 19
Festive Powell Hall is the place to be for the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s annual holiday tradition. Conducted by Bob Bernhardt, the concert is brimming with the sounds of the holiday season performed by the orchestra and jazz singer Denzal Sinclaire.
Three matinee and two evening show performances will be held at Powell Hall. Plus, the orchestra is taking its holiday classic on the road to St. Charles, where two performances will be held Dec. 15 and 16 at the J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts. $30 to $78; slso.org
WHAT: TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA
WHERE: Enterprise Center
WHEN: 3 and 8 p.m., Dec. 30
Looking for something that rocks? The Trans-Siberian Orchestra returns to St. Louis with its much-anticipated Winter Tour. The popular multi-platinum progressive rock group is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its landmark album, “Christmas Eve and Other Stories,” and with it, its high-energy rock holiday concert tradition that’s played to more than 17 million fans nationwide. $49.50 to $89.50; enterprisecenter.com
WHAT: U.S. BANK WILD LIGHTS
WHERE: Saint Louis Zoo
WHEN: 5 p.m., various dates through Dec. 30
New this year are several themed displays, including the Meet Me in St. Louie zone, where you’ll find a 15-foot arch and fireworks-style lights in front of a St. Louis cityscape. There’s also Toy Town, Glowing Garden, Woodland Workshop, Frozen Forest and Twinkling Tunnel. Of course, the popular Polar Pointe Pathway, Gingerbread Valley and other favorites are back, as well.
Carolers and other strolling live performances are featured on select evenings. Carousel rides and shows at the Polar Express 4D Theater are free with Wild Lights admission. From $11 ($10 for members), free for children 2 and younger; stlzoo.org/wildlights
WHAT: GARDEN GLOW
WHERE: Missouri Botanical Garden
WHEN: 5 p.m. nightly through Jan. 8 (closed for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
See more than a million lights at Garden Glow, where thousands of St. Louisans flock each year to jumpstart their holiday season. Highlights include a new Springtime display with 3-foot-tall lilies, as well as lanterns in the Victorian District and a live Christmas tree forest.
Enjoy music, dazzling photo opps and holiday-themed food and drink stations throughout the Garden. And even Santa himself will pop in on select nights. $18 to 20 (from $14 for members), $3 to $10 children; mobot.org/glow
