Look around – holiday magic is all around us! From ice-skating under the wintery glow of the Gateway Arch to a Dickens Christmas classic on stage to festive storefronts decked in glitter and gold, St. Louis is wrapped up in the most wonderful time of the year!
WHAT: A CHRISTMAS CAROL
WHERE: The Rep, Loretto-Hilton Center for Performing Arts
WHEN: Through Dec. 30
Now in its second year, the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis’ production of “A Christmas Carol” ushers in the holidays in grand style with Charles Dickens’ classic tale of redemption. The story centers on Scrooge, London’s most infamous miser, who is forced to face his demons by the ghosts of his past, present and future.
Michael Wilson’s first-rate adaptation is directed by Rep artistic director Hana Sharif. Along with an outstanding crew, the stellar cast is led by Guisseppe Jones and Michael James Reed, who are reprising their roles as Ebeneezer Scrooge and Jacob Marley, respectively. The production also features a youth company from COCA’s Theatre Artist Pre-Professional Division, members of the Webster University Conservatory and The Big Muddy Dance Company.
$23 to 92; repstl.org/holiday
WHAT: WEIRDLY WONDERFUL HOLIDAYS
WHERE: City Museum
WHEN: Through Dec. 31
Trust the City Museum to bring the kitsch and crazy to the holidays! A full month of holiday fun including larger-than-life light displays on the outdoor playground MonstroCity, plus appearances by Steampunk Santa, Tacky Christmas celebrations at Beatnik Bob’s, an 8-foot-tall Bumble abominable snowman and more. There’s also a Misfit Holiday Bar offering seasonal cocktails for purchase.
On the weekends, enjoy shows inside Santa’s steampunk workshop, as well as a Merry Magic Show with Mrs. Claus. For New Year’s Eve, a family friendly party features games, holiday karaoke, stilt walkers, a dance party and a balloon drop.
Free with general admission ($20, free for children younger than 3); citymuseum.org
WHAT: WINTERFEST
WHERE: Kiener Plaza
WHEN: Through Jan. 1
The seventh annual Winterfest has all the fixings for an only-in-St. Louis holiday experience: ice skating, holiday music and lights festive food and beverages, heated igloos, s’mores stations, fireworks under the Gateway Arch and more.
Skate for free if you bring your own skates; skate rentals are $12 for adults and $7 for children ages 3 to 15 (skate rentals are free for children on Fridays).
Igloo rentals ($250 for 1 ½ hours) are available on the weekends. The fee includes a $50 food and drink credit and up to four skate rentals, one locker rental and free parking.
Winterfest S’mores Stations have s’mores kits available for purchase ($15 per kit of four servings).
WHAT: CWE 13TH ANNUAL WINDOW WALK
WHERE: Central West End
WHEN: 1 to 6 p.m., Dec. 10 and Dec. 17
For the next two Saturdays, experience the most magical time of the year in the Central West End during the annual window walk.
Stroll along Maryland, Euclid and McPherson avenues to view dazzling decorations from local businesses, who have partnered with local artists and designers to create one-of-a-kind holiday window displays. Plus, enjoy roaming carolers and street performers, live entertainment, ice carvings, free carriage rides, pictures with Santa and more. There are also opportunities to participate in contests, giveaways and scavenger hunts presented by shops and boutiques throughout the neighborhood.
WHAT: SCUBA CLAUS DIVES WITH THE FISHES
WHERE: St. Louis Aquarium
WHEN: Dec. 10, 11, 17, 18, 23 and 24
You might want to bring your waterproof list for Santa at the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station. That’s because you’ll find him starring in his own dive show in Shark Canyon.
Youngsters can ask questions for Santa and his elf, who will reply through special dive masks that lets them talk under water. Children can also pose next to the tank for a photo with the most unusual of Santas.
Free with Aquarium admission ($25 for adults, $18 for children ages 3 to 12); stlouisaquarium.com
WHAT: ELF THE MUSICAL
WHERE: Fabulous Fox Theatre
WHEN: Dec. 20 to 24
The New York Times touts the national tour of “ELF the Musical” as a “splashy, peppy, sugar-sprinkled holiday entertainment.”
Relive the magic with the story of young orphan Buddy, who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole and then back to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Along the way, he helps New Yorkers remember the true meaning of Christmas.
Based on the beloved 2003 box-office hit, “ELF” features songs by Tony Award nominees Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin, with a book by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin.
The cast is led by Cody Garcia as Buddy, Mark Fishback as Santa, Christopher Robert Smith as Walter and Tieisha Thomas as Jovie.
from $25; fabulousfox.com
Train Shed at Union Station Presents Holiday Cocktail Pop-Up
