Whether you are stopping by a local art and makers market to pick up some local gifts or sitting in on a special holiday dance, theater, or musical performance, St. Louis has all the holiday plans you could ever need.
Unless you were planning on going to the North Pole, we are not really sure if we can compete with that.
If you are looking for more to do, check out our list of 2024 concerts, theater, arts and music festivals and must-see comedy.
Be sure to keep an eye on our weekend events listing and Instagram to get the latest on everything from local theatre, dance, music, museums and more.
How do we fill this list? Great question! Here is the short answer – it’s not easy. StLouisArts.org is powered by the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis, the largest public funder of the arts in the region. We are here to lift up all the artists, arts programs, and arts organizations who make St. Louis great. If you don’t see a show or event on the list, it’s possible we just forgot to add it. You can always email us!
Join the Saint Louis Art Museum in its wonderous winter events, lasting throughout the season. From Festive Fridays featuring art-making activities, gallery activations, and seasonal drinks and snacks to Kwanzaa celebrations, SLAM has something for everyone this holiday season.
WHEN: Nov. 12-Dec. 28
WHERE: Saint Louis Art Museum
COST: FREE
The Polar Express Train Ride at St. Louis Union Station is an important holiday tradition. Set to The Polar Express motion picture soundtrack, the magical experience takes guests on a journey to the North Pole aboard beautifully decorated trains. Families are encouraged to interact with the train conductor, The Polar Express characters, Santa Claus and his elves – and to wear their favorite seasonal pajamas for the occasion.
WHEN: Nov.15-Dec. 30
WHERE: St. Louis Union Station
COST: $44-$120
Enjoy the family holiday classic like you’ve never heard it before! In this laugh-out-loud remix of Dickens’ tale, Scrooge is visited by the Ghosts of Hip-Hop Past, Present, and Future –– as they show him the path of rhythm and redemption, will he throw off his selfish chains and get down to the beat?
WHEN: Nov. 26-Dec. 22
WHERE: The .ZACK Theatre
COST: $45 – $120
Saint Louis Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Enjoy one of St. Louis’ favorite holiday traditions with Saint Louis Ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker.
WHEN: Nov. 30-Dec. 23
WHERE: Touhill Performing Arts Center
COST: $39 – $89
Hear the holiday classics from the iconic Mariah Carey live at the Enterprise Center.
WHEN: Friday, Nov. 29
WHERE: Enterprise Center
COST: $55.95+
4th Annual Ugly Art Exchange & Island of Misfit Toys Party
Join 31art gallery in their annual ugly art exchange and party.
WHEN: Friday, Nov. 29
WHERE: 31art gallery
COST: FREE
Swingin’ Little Christmas presented by The Boom Boom Room
Stop by The Boom Boom Room for the 9th annual holiday-themed burlesque show featuring dancing presents, cheeky elves, and a special appearance by the Grinch!
WHEN: Nov. 29-Dec. 29
WHERE: The Boom Boom Room
COST: $34-$42+
Christmas With C.S. Lewis: Starring Gregory Williams Welsch
Cozy up with C.S. Lewis at his home near Oxford on Christmas Eve, hosting a group of Americans who are Christmassing in England. Visitors will experience a range of emotions listening to the stories – curiosity, laughter, gladness, and even some tears.
WHEN: Nov. 29-Dec. 15
WHERE: Westport Playhouse
COST: $64
“Million Dollar Quartet Christmas” brings Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins back together for a festive jam session that will have you jingling all the way! In the decked-out Sun Records studio, filled to the brim with Christmas cheer and enough musical talent to power a city grid, these legendary musicians blend their chart-topping hits with seasonal cheer.
WHEN: Dec. 4-22
WHERE: The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis (The Rep)
COST: $55-$105+
A Baroque Christmas Presented by St. Louis Symphony Orchestra
Bach heralds the holidays. The Orchestral Suite No. 3 gleams with the sound of trumpets and drums, while the Sinfonia from Christmas Oratorio captures a quiet pastoral beauty. Two SLSO musicians take center stage for concertos: Alejandro Valdepeñas on viola and Ann Choomack on piccolo.
WHEN: Friday, Dec. 6
WHERE: Washington University – 560 Music Center
COST: $20-$76
The 14th Annual Brothers Lazaroff Hanukkah Hullabaloo
Celebrate the Festival of Lights with one of St. Louis’ most beloved holiday traditions, featuring the Hullabaloo Klezmer All-Stars kicking off the evening in The Dark Room with high-energy klezmer tunes, featuring Will Soll and David Goldenberg and more!
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 7
WHERE: The Grandel Theatre and The Dark Room
COST: $10-$50
Laumeier Sculpture Park Holiday Pop-Up Shop
Shop local and support artists this holiday season with Laumeier’s Holiday Pop-Up Shop.
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 7 & Saturday, Dec. 14
WHERE: Laumeier Sculpture Park
COST: $5 (Tickets at Door)
Print Bazaar on Cherokee Street
Stop by the biggest art holiday market in the region! Cherokee Street’s annual Print Bazaar hosts more than 150 artists selling posters, prints, cards and calendars.
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 7
WHERE: Cherokee Street
COST: FREE
Ring in the holidays with a powerful performance by the Grammy Award-winning a cappella group Take 6 alongside your St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and the IN UNISON Chorus. Heralded by Quincy Jones as the “baddest vocal cats on the planet,” Take 6 bring their unparallel harmonies to this soulful celebration of the holidays, blending gospel, jazz, and traditional favorites.
WHEN: Friday, Dec. 13
WHERE: Stifel Theatre
COST: $40-$137
The Nutcracker & The World’s Fair presented by Ballet 314
Experience a favorite holiday classic reimagined and taking place at the St. Louis 1904 World’s Fair. Community performers from across the Gateway City join Ballet 314’s professional company in this narrated story ballet, set to the familiar Tchaikovsky score.
WHEN: Dec. 13-15
WHERE: Edison Theatre
COST: $35-$55
Compass Improv’s Holiday Improv Comedy Show – SLEIGHIN’ IT!
Get ready for an evening of laughter, joy, and festive fun at Compass Improv’s Holiday Improv Comedy Show – SLEIGHIN’ IT! Join as they turn the holiday season into a stage for spontaneous comedy, all while supporting a great cause!
WHEN: Dec. 13-14
WHERE: Kirkwood Performing Arts Center
COST: $20-$30
A Christmas Story: The Musical Presented by The Starling Company
Fly North Theatricals new children’s theater wing The Starling Company is bringing the well-loved Christmas story to St. Louis.
WHEN: Dec. 13-22
WHERE: The Marcelle
COST: TBD
moSTLy Holidays presented by STL Rhythm Collaborative
This is a holiday celebration like no other in St. Louis, featuring the collaborative’s professional ensembles, moSTLy TAP & moSTLy JAZZ along with special guests. Sing along to your favorite holiday classics and enjoy a free hot chocolate reception before every show.
WHEN: Dec. 13-15
WHERE: Pillsbury Chapel & Dale Williams Fine Arts Center
COST: $15-$30
Holidays on the Hill at Dominic’s presented by Winter Opera St. Louis
Enjoy a four-course dinner at Dominic’s paired with a fun-filled holiday performance by the Winter Opera Artists. Tickets include dinner, meal tax, gratuity, and performance.
WHEN: Dec. 17-19
WHERE: Dominic’s on The Hill
COST: $90+
Denise Thimes’ Soulful, Swingin’ Holiday
Vocalist Denise Thimes’ is returning to the Jazz St. Louis stage with her soulful take on everyone’s favorite holiday classics.
WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 18
WHERE: Jazz St. Louis
COST: $25-$30
Christmas Candlelight Concert presented by The Bach Society of St. Louis
Under the direction of Music Director and Conductor A. Dennis Sparger, this holiday concert features heartwarming music surrounded by candlelight that promises to enchant audiences of all ages.
WHEN: Dec. 18-19
WHERE: 560 Music Center (Washington University)
COST: $25-$75
Ellington/Strayhorn Nutcracker presented by Saint Louis Dance Theatre and Jazz St. Louis
In this special collaboration, Jazz St Louis and Saint Louis Dance Theatre join forces to present an innovative spin on a beloved holiday tradition. In 1960, equal billing of The Nutcracker by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn marked a milestone for the longtime collaborators.
WHEN: Dec. 20-21
WHERE: Skip Viragh Center For the Arts
COST: $45-$100
Funky Butt Brass Band presents Holiday Brasstravaganza!
The Funky Butt Brass Band was formed in 2008 by six talented musicians who respect and revere the New Orleans brass band tradition. Join them for their annual holiday music event at Delmar Hall!
WHEN: Dec. 20-22
WHERE: Delmar Hall
COST: $15-$27
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
Stop by The Fox Theatre for a holiday favorite, where magnificent sets and costumes inspired by Dr. Seuss’ original illustrations transport audiences to the whimsical world of Whoville and help remind us of the true meaning of the holiday season.
WHEN: Dec. 27-29
WHERE: The Fabulous Fox Theatre
COST: $45 – $120
Photo credit: Saint Louis Ballet Website; Courtesy of the Fabulous Fox Theatre: James Schultz as THE GRINCH and the Touring Company of Dr. Seuss’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! The Musical, Jeremy Daniel
