Experience cheerful holiday markets full of local artists’ creations, unique twists on beloved holiday classics, and a variety of memorable performances ranging from dance to theater that bring the magic of the holidays to life across St. Louis.
CATEGORY: Arts/Culture
Nov. 28, Dec. 5, Dec. 12, Dec. 19 | St. Louis Art Museum Winter Festivities
From hands-on art making for the entire family to lively performances that fill the galleries up with joy, the St. Louis Art Museum’s annual Winter Festivities offer endless ways to enjoy the holidays this season.
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CATEGORY: Arts/Culture
Nov. 28–Jan. 4 | Weirdly Wonderful Holidays at City Museum
There is nothing quite like the holiday season at City Museum. Explore dazzling displays, visit Santa’s Workshop, enjoy specialty cocktails, and catch a performance from Circus Harmony.
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Photo courtesy of Saint Louis Ballet
CATEGORY: Dance
Nov. 29–Dec. 23 | The Nutcracker from Saint Louis Ballet
A classic holiday tradition returns to light up the stage with Saint Louis Ballet’s The Nutcracker. Don’t miss their special version of the beloved story, “A Shorter Tale,” made with the littlest audience members in mind.
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CATEGORY: Theater
Dec 4–Dec 13 | Bread and Wine Theater Company: Christmas Short Play Festival
Hosted in the Historic Sappington House, this festival showcases five holiday plays by local and national playwrights.
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CATEGORY: Theater
Dec. 4–7 | A Magic Smoking Christmas Carol
Magic Smoking Monkey Theatre adds their signature chaotic twist to a Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol.
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CATEGORY: Art Market
Dec. 6 & 13 | Laumeier Sculpture Park Holiday Pop-Up Shop
This annual pop-up gathers local artists and makers for a fun, curated market perfect for grabbing some unique holiday gifts.
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Photo courtesy of The Sheldon
CATEGORY: Music
The Sheldon
Newly remodeled and ready for the holiday season, The Sheldon is hosting multiple shows you simply can’t miss.
- Dec. 7 | Merry Christmas Darling – Holiday Tribute to The Carpenters
Full of joy and nostalgia, this heartwarming tribute to The Carpenters boasts holiday cheer. - Dec. 14 | Christmas With The Petersens
Enjoy a very merry Roots holiday with The Petersen family, full of beautiful harmonies and family charm. - Dec. 17 | Preservation Hall Band – Creole Christmas
Join the Preservation Hall Jazz Band for a holiday jam that highlights the lively spirit of New Orleans. - Dec. 18 | Notes From Home – Lola Kristine: Home For The Holidays
This St. Louis native brings a soulful, jazzy holiday celebration featuring a mix of classics and some of her own original work.
Cherokee Street Print Bazaar, Photo credit Nicholas Coulter
CATEGORY: Art Market
Dec. 7 | Print Bazaar on Cherokee Street
Stop by the largest holiday art market in the Midwest! This annual showcase of regional talent is the perfect spot to shop for gifts while strolling the eclectic Cherokee Street.
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CATEGORY: Theater, Music
The Fabulous Fox
Holidays at the historic Fox Theatre are an absolute must.
- Dec. 8 | Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith & CeCe Winans: Christmas Together Tour
One joyful night featuring three legendary artists. - Dec. 12-14 | A Christmas Story: The Musical
This musical brings the 1983 classic holiday movie to the big stage. - Dec. 16 | Straight No Chaser Holiday Road Tour
This nine-man act blends harmonious voices into contagious holiday spirit. - Dec. 23 | A Magical Cirque Christmas
This dazzling holiday variety show is a magical journey through music and movement.
CATEGORY: Opera
Dec. 8–10 | Winter Opera St. Louis’ Holidays on the Hill at Dominic’s
Dinner and a show, anyone? The Winter Opera’s annual Holidays on The Hill offers just that, featuring an intimate concert performance paired with a four-course meal.
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CATEGORY: Music, Art, Art Market
Dec. 11 | Missouri History Museum Holiday Concert and Winter Market
Join the Missouri History Museum for a special evening featuring live musical performances from local artists, interactive sing-alongs, holiday trivia, and a winter market full of festive goods.
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CATEGORY: Music
Dec. 12 | The Coldest Christmas Jam
Enjoy performances from St. Louis locals at the historic Blueberry Hill.
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Photo courtesy of Jazz St. Louis
CATEGORY: Music
Jazz St. Louis
For three decades, Jazz St. Louis has staged hundreds of local and nationally renowned artists.
- Dec. 12 & 13 | Jim Manley’s Very Manley Holiday
This St. Louis native is ringing in the holiday season with his “screamin’ seven-piece” band. - Dec. 17 & 18 | Denise Thimes: A Swingin’ Soulful Holiday
The iconic local singer is blending jazz, gospel and soul for a special holiday performance. - Dec. 31 | New Year’s Eve with Victor Goines and Friends
A can’t-miss performance starring Jazz St. Louis’ president and CEO Victor Goines and his all-star ensemble to ring in the New Year.
CATEGORY: Music, Theater
Dec. 12–14 | Ambassadors of Harmony’s Sounds of the Season
A cappella music meets musical theatre in this fun holiday production, following Ambassadors of Harmony chorus through two acts of music, storytelling, and joy.
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CATEGORY: Dance
Dec. 12–14 | Nutcracker & The World’s Fair from Ballet 314
A special St. Louis take on a classic, The Nutcracker & The World’s Fair retells the traditional tale at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair.
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CATEGORY: Music
Dec. 13 | Annual Brothers Lazaroff Hanukkah Hullabaloo
Hosting talented local musicians, this go-to St. Louis celebration boasts 15 years of music, community, and latkes.
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CATEGORY: Music
Dec. 13 | Punk Rock Christmas at The Pageant
Enjoy some holiday gems covered by members of St. Louis’ best punk rock bands.
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Photo courtesy of St. Louis Symphony Orchestra
CATEGORY: Music
St. Louis Symphony Orchestra
A chill in the air and the sound of the symphony in your ears—is there any better way to spend the holidays? And all at the newly renovated Powell Hall.
- Dec. 18 & 19 | IN UNISON Christmas
Gospel legends The Clark Sisters, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, and the IN UNISON Chorus blend gospel, jazz, and traditional holiday favorites in a beautiful performance. - Dec. 20-23 | Mercy Holiday Celebration
St. Louis native Kennedy Holmes joins the SLSO to perform seasonal favorites and new twists on timeless classics. - Dec. 27 & 28 | Home Alone in Concert
This widely loved classic features renowned composer John Williams’ charming score performed live by the SLSO. - Dec. 31 | New Year’s Eve Celebration
Ring in the New Year in style at SLSO’s sparkling evening of lively music.
CATEGORY: Music
Dec. 18 | Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Lost Christmas Eve
Celebrating 20 years, this multi-platinum rock group is returning to the stage with their beloved holiday rock opera.
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Photo courtesy of Saint Louis Dance Theatre
CATEGORY: Dance, Theater, Music
Dec. 19–20 | Saint Louis Dance Theatre & Jazz St. Louis Present Gaslight Dreams
Set to the music of The Nutcracker Suite by Ellington and Strayhorn, this can’t-miss performance turns a beloved classic into a jazzy nightclub fantasy.
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CATEGORY: Music
Dec. 20–23 | Funky Butt Brass Band: Holiday Brasstravaganza at Delmar Hall
Join this local brass, funk, and soul band for one (or all four) of their annual holiday extravaganzas that turn Delmar Hall into a festive wonderland filled with funky vibes.
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CATEGORY: Music, Dance
Dec. 19–21 | moSTLy Holidays presented by STL Rhythm Collaborative
This interactive holiday show features tap dancing from a professional ensemble accompanied by live holiday tunes.
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CATEGORY: Music
Dec. 20 | Joyful presented by COCA
Join COCA for a night full of song and celebration! The stage comes alive with premier vocal ensembles, local choirs, and guest artists, performing a thoughtfully selected holiday program.
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Photo courtesy of The Bach Society of St. Louis
CATEGORY: Music
Dec. 23 | The Bach Society of St. Louis’ Christmas Candlelight Concert
Since 1951, The Bach Society of St. Louis has gathered audiences for a candlelight performance full of cherished holiday carols.
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For the holidays, this list has got you covered but St. Louis is full of things to do all year long. Want more ideas? Find your vibe and start planning.
How do we fill this list? Great question! The short answer—it’s not easy. StLouisArts.org is powered by the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis, and we aim to lift up all the artists, arts programs, and arts organizations that make this city shine. If you think something is missing, we may have simply overlooked it—feel free to reach out.
