It’s a Wonderful Weekend in The Lou

Posted on December 4th, 2009 by Erin Callier

There’s so very many holiday things happening in St. Louis this weekend that we’re just going to cut to the chase . . . lay them out for you, so the penciling-in can begin.

First off, there’s the first annual St. Louis Holiday Magic at downtown’s America’s Center from Dec. 4-6. Holiday Magic is essentially an indoor holiday carnival with over 40,000 lights, live music, shopping, a beer and wine garden, cooking demos and tons more. Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for children ages 6-12.

For more info on this event, visit the St. Louis Holiday Magic Website.

Every year during the holiday season, the Saint Louis Zoo hosts Wild Lights, a holiday wonderland with thousands of colorful lights, seasonal tunes, rides, shopping at the Zootique, plus tons of other festive attractions. wlpenguinlightssm

Grab a hot chocolate and stroll through the Zoo under the moonlight. This is one of St. Louis’ most enchanting holiday activities. Remaining Wild Lights evenings include Dec. 4-6, Dec. 11-13, Dec. 11-23, and Dec. 26-30. For more on Wild Lights at the Saint Louis Zoo, click here.

Shop one-of-a-kind gifts during the Loop Holiday Walk on Sat., Dec. 5 from noon-6 p.m. This all-day, family-oriented event includes arts, crafts, a children’s area, food, live music, entertainment, discounts from many of the Loop’s popular boutiques and retailers.

In town for just six performances from Dec. 3-6, the Joffrey Ballet will present The Nutcracker at the Fabulous Fox Theatre. Satisfy your visions of Sugar Plum Fairies dancing in your head and get your tickets to this very limited St. Louis engagement.

Click here to purchase tickets.

No matter what your heritage, enjoy festive Israeli music and dance, a menorah-lighting ceremony, and a traditional “shuk,” or marketplace at the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Chanukah:Festival of Lights. Festivities are free with Garden admission.

While you’re there, be sure to check out the Botanical Garden’s wildly popular holiday train show, Gardenland Express.

Every weekend during the holiday season, St. Louis’ newest gem, the City Garden, will feature several festive events, including carols, lights, free guided tours and holiday movies on Fridays & Sundays at 5 p.m.

Also new this year to the St. Louis holiday scene, The Anheuser-Busch Brewery will host Friday Night Lights each (you guessed it) Friday evening until Christmas. No, this is not over-dramatized high-school football played by a bunch of Texans, Friday Night Lights at the Brewery include extended, moonlit tours of the Brewery and light displays.

The Tour Center will stay until 9 p.m., offering free guided evening tours through the Clydesdale Stables, Brew House and Bevo Packaging facililty.

Every Friday and Saturday in Dec., Wesport Plaza will offer free carriage rides, and other festive happenings at this St. Louis dining and nightlife hot spot.

decorations_lapetite Every Saturday in December, the Historic St. Charles Christmas Traditions really kick into high-gear. From 11 a.m.-9 p.m., the charming Main Street shops extend their hours & offer festive goodies, while “Legends of Christmas,” like Kris Kringle, Scrooge, The Nutcracker, Mrs. Claus and many others stroll the cobblestone streets, entertaining visitors and kicking the holiday spirit up several notches.

Other classic holiday factors during the St. Charles Christmas Traditions, include chestnuts roasting, a daily Santa Parade, beautiful lights, carolers, and outdoor ice-skating on the riverfront.

For more info on the St. Charles Christmas Traditions, click here.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

No Comments


Urban Oasis

Posted on July 31st, 2009 by Erin Callier

They may not soar 630 feet into the Midwestern sky or serve as a gateway to anything, but the two dozen scultpures in downtown St. Louis’ brand spanking new City Garden are certainly giving Mr. Saarinen’s masterpiece a run for its money.

At 10th & Market, in the heart of downtown St. Louis, this privately-funded urban sculpture garden spans two city blocks and, in addition to sculptures like Jime Dine’s welcoming Pinocchio or Laura Ford’s eerily intriguing Bird, the City Garden boasts a sublime new restaurant and water features, in which kids can don their swimsuits and frolick busted-open-fire-hydrant-style.

Free and open to the public this new St. Louis attraction has recently drawn the attention of The New York Times and other national media outlets. If you find yourself downtown or really nowhere near it for that matter, a detour to the City Garden is an absolute necessity. Kids are even allowed, nay, encouraged to climb on many of the works of art. For more information, visit the City Garden Website.

Tags: , , , , , ,

No Comments