The Ultimate Guide to a St. Louis Christmas with Kids
If you are looking for a Midwest holiday getaway that combines cozy traditions, epic light displays, and holiday magic for the whole family, a St Louis Christmas deserves a top spot on your family’s holiday bucket list.
Every holiday season, the city transforms into one of the most festive spots in the entire Midwest. Between the historic grandeur of St. Louis Union Station and the beloved Polar Express ride, millions of twinkling Christmas lights at the Missouri Botanical Garden, outdoor ice skating underneath the Gateway Arch, and themed holiday pop-up all over the city, St. Louis packs an incredible amount of seasonal magic into an easy, family-friendly weekend.
Here is your complete guide to planning an unforgettable St Louis Christmas trip with your family—including where to stay, must-see holiday attractions, festive dining, and the practical logistical tips that make the trip feel both easy and magical.
Where to Stay: St. Louis Union Station Hotel
If you are visiting specifically for the holidays, I highly recommend staying at the St. Louis Union Station Hotel.
Built inside the historic 1894 railway terminal, this hotel serves as the ground zero for St. Louis holiday magic. Staying here means you are steps away from some of the city’s most iconic holiday activities, like the Polar Express, the St. Louis Ferris Wheel, the Sleigh Shed pop-up and more.
The hotel itself is so cozy and festive, and filled with so many amazing holiday decorations – it’s sure to get your family in the Christmas spirit.
Book your stay at the St. Louis Union Station Hotel here
The Grand Hall Light Show
Even if you don’t choose to stay overnight, I highly recommend stopping by the hotel to meander through the lobby. Every evening, the Grand Hall’s 65-foot vaulted ceiling features an amazing 3D projection light and music show set to classic holiday tunes. Shows run on the hour in the evenings, and it is completely free to view. Grab a seat on the cozy couches, order a warm cider or hot chocolate from the bar, and enjoy this free indoor St Louis Christmas light show.
Must-Do Holiday Attractions in St. Louis
The Polar Express Train Ride at Union Station
This is the centerpiece of a St. Louis family Christmas trip. The train departs directly from the train shed at Union Station and takes families on a real-life journey to the “North Pole.”
- The Experience: Start in the train depot where there are tons of photo ops, souvenirs for purchase, and even a station where kids can write a letter to Santa. As you board the train, you will have your golden ticket punched by the conductor, sip on hot chocolate and cookies, and listen to the classic story read aloud. Santa make an appearance on the train and greets every child individually, handing them the iconic silver sleigh bell.
- Ticket Classes: Tickets range from Coach and First Class to Dome Car seating. First Class and Dome Cars include commemorative souvenir mugs and extra table space.
- Tickets sell out fast, especially peak weekend evening slots. Book as early as possible. If you miss your preferred time, check weekday evening slots, which tend to have better availability.
- Book your tickets here
Union Station Holiday Attractions
Under the massive covered train shed, Union Station sets up an entire winter wonderland walk-through.
- Visit Mrs. Claus’s Holiday Kitchen, a hands-on cookie decorating workshop where kids get sugar cookies, festive frostings, and sprinkles to design their own holiday treats.
- St. Louis Aquarium, complete with Scuba Clause and the Snow Fairy this year.
- Wander through the mirror maze, ride the 200-foot St. Louis Wheel, enjoy the carousel or take a turn on the ropes course.
- Book an igloo package for a cozy night with festive drinks and a private igloo space.
- Find the whole list of events here
Garden Glow at the Missouri Botanical Garden
Located about 15 minutes from downtown St. Louis, Garden Glow is easily one of the top botanical light displays in the Midwest.
Over two million lights blanket the historic gardens, wrapping around towering trees, forming walk-through glowing tunnels, and dancing over reflective ponds. The pathways are wide, flat, and stroller-friendly.
- Interactive light pads that change color when stepped on, fire pits for roasting s’mores, and plenty of hot chocolate stations scattered along the route.
- Garden Glow is an all-outdoor evening experience. Come prepared for cold—bring hand warmers, hats, and wind-resistant coats.
- Purchase timed-entry tickets in advance, as weekend evening slots sell out consistently.
Winterfest at Kiener Plaza
Located in the heart of downtown between the Old Courthouse and the Gateway Arch, Winterfest brings classic winter festival vibes to life for the whole family.
- Go Ice Skating with an Arch View. An outdoor synthetic/real ice rink sits right in the shadow of the illuminated Gateway Arch. Ice skate rentals are available on-site, and skate aids (walkers) are available for younger children learning to balance.
- Enjoy the heated igloos & fire pits. You can reserve private heated warming igloos for families, complete with festive food and drink service, or gather around public fire pits.
- Enjoy the holiday lights. Over 100,000 holiday lights drape the trees of Kiener Plaza, creating an easy, walkable winter evening stop.
- Find more information here
Citygarden Light Walk
Located just a block from Kiener Plaza along Market Street, Citygarden is an urban sculpture park that comes alive with a bright, artistic holiday light display. It’s an easy, free spot where kids can wander past illuminated outdoor sculptures and glowing trees. It’s the perfect quick stop after Winterfest.
Lafayette Square Holiday Historic Walk
If you love historic architecture and neighborhood charm, head to Lafayette Square, St. Louis’s oldest historic district. Surrounding Lafayette Park, rows of magnificent Victorian “Painted Ladies” homes go all-out with classic garland, window candle lamps, and elegant period decorations.
Bundle up and walk the paved loop around Lafayette Park to admire the historic homes, or check the neighborhood schedule for their annual Lafayette Square Holiday Parlor Tour, where select private historic homes open their decorated ground floors to visitors.
Festive Holiday Dining in St. Louis
There are so many incredible family-friendly spots to dine during the holidays in St. Louis.
The Sleigh Shed (at Union Station)
Every holiday season, the Train Shed restaurant inside Union Station transforms into The Sleigh Shed—an extravagant, over-the-top Christmas pop-up bar and restaurant.
Picture wall-to-wall glittering ornaments hanging from the ceiling, thousands of string lights, wrapped presents, and festive garland. Enjoy a festive menu filled with holiday cocktails for parents, festive mocktails and gourmet hot cocoas for kids, alongside artisan pizzas, loaded sandwiches, and savory appetizers.
- Booking Tip: They do not take reservations, so plan to arrive right at opening or put your name on the list before walking the train shed grounds.
The Soda Fountain at Union Station
Located right next to the Grand Hall, the Soda Fountain is a modern recreation of a retro 1950s diner. It is famous for its “Freak Shakes”—towering, gravity-defying milkshakes topped with whole slices of cake, brownies, candy canes, whipped cream, and chocolate drizzles. During the holidays, they offer seasonal shake creations that kids (and adults!) will devour. They also serve great burgers, crinkle-cut fries, and grilled cheese.
Katie’s Pizza & Pasta
If you’re looking for a cozy, sit-down meal featuring incredible made-from-scratch Italian food, head to Katie’s Pizza & Pasta (locations in Rock Hill and Ballpark Village downtown).
This spot strikes the balance of feeling like a high-end, beautiful restaurant for parents while being warmly welcoming to families. The wood-fired pizzas, scratch-made pastas and seasonal salads are outstanding.
- Mom Tip: Ask for “play doh” after you are seated and they will bring your kids out a ball of pizza dough to entertain them while you wait!
Clementine’s Naughty & Nice Creamery
You cannot make a visit to St. Louis without grabbing a scoop at Clementine’s.
They feature a “Nice” menu (kid-friendly, non-alcoholic flavors) and a “Naughty” menu (alcohol-infused flavors for adults). During the holidays, look for seasonal flavors like Peppermint Bark, Spiced Eggnog, and Hot Chocolate. Their Lafayette Square location is the perfect stop after strolling past the neighborhood’s Victorian Christmas lights.
Sample 3-Day St. Louis Family Holiday Itinerary
Day 1: Downtown Arrival & The Grand Hall
- Afternoon: Check into the St. Louis Union Station Hotel. Drop bags, explore the historic train shed, and take a daytime ride on the enclosed, heated St. Louis Wheel for city views.
- Early Evening: Walk through the lobby to catch the festive 3D projection mapping show on the Grand Hall ceiling.
- Dinner: Grab dinner and over-the-top holiday milkshakes at the Soda Fountain.
- Night: Stroll outside through the holiday village lights before an early bedtime.
Day 2: Ice Skating, Arch Views & Garden Glow
- Morning: Head to Kiener Plaza for Winterfest. Rent skates and hit the outdoor rink beneath the Gateway Arch, then walk through the glowing sculptures at Citygarden.
- Lunch: Enjoy scratch-made wood-fired pizza and pasta at Katie’s Pizza & Pasta.
- Afternoon: Head back to the hotel for a mid-day nap/rest, or visit the indoor St. Louis Aquarium right inside Union Station.
- Evening: Bundle up in your warm winter gear for Garden Glow at the Missouri Botanical Garden. Walk through two million glowing lights, roast s’mores over open fire pits, and sip hot cider.
Day 3: Cookies, Victorian Charm & The Polar Express
- Morning: Sleep in, then head to Mrs. Claus’s Holiday Kitchen at Union Station for cookie decorating and crafts.
- Afternoon: Drive 5 minutes over to Lafayette Square. Grab warm drinks and artisanal scoops at Clementine’s Naughty & Nice Creamery, followed by a scenic walk around Lafayette Park to admire the historic Victorian Christmas displays.
- Evening: Change into your family matching holiday pajamas! Dine under the thousands of ornaments at The Sleigh Shed, then board The Polar Express Train Ride.
Practical Parent Tips for a St. Louis Holiday Trip
- Book Polar Express & Garden Glow First: These are your two hard reservation anchors. Do not book hotel rooms or travel dates until you have confirmed your time slots for these if they are must-do activities.
- Pack Matching Pajamas: If you do the Polar Express, have your kiddos wear their holiday pajamas!
- Bring a Stroller with a Weather Shield: The pathways at Garden Glow, Winterfest, and Lafayette Square are paved and stroller-friendly, but winter winds in St. Louis can be chilly. A plastic stroller rain/wind cover traps body heat and keeps little ones warm and happy.
- Pack blankets and rechargeable hand warmers: Having a small fleece blanket in your backpack or stroller basket makes the evenings feel cozy while keeping kiddos warm. I also highly recommend these rechargeable hand warmers – they are life savers on a cold night!
