St. Louis: A Winter Holiday Experience

It's that time of year again. People are moving around like toy soldiers busy trying to decide what the perfect gift will be for everyone on their Christmas holiday list. This becomes even a little more demanding, if you and your family are also planning a Christmas vacation get-a-way. But, have no fear, this article is going to let you know about some special things you can do if holidaying in St. Louis Missouri.

St. Louis is spilling over with places to go and things to see that are reasonably priced so your pocketbook is not injured by your holiday travels. Read the information below to discover just a few of the many fun activities available for your choosing

The Missouri Botanical Garden

The Missouri Botanical Garden has a selection of special events going on during the holiday season. At the onset of fall, and the holiday season, you can stop by the Garden and participate in a holiday wreath auction. How fun it would be, when you are just getting into the holiday season, to see hundreds of beautiful wreathes you can bid on and maybe take one home.

You do not want to miss out on taking the Gardenland Express. This is a small train ride that whistles you around a replica of a Vermont village winter wonderland. Too fabulous!

During the early part of December, you can take part in Christmas Carols in the Garden. This event sings in the "sound of the season". There are Christmas carolers, musicians, brass ensembles and choirs ready to help you feel and sway to the holiday spirit. You can even sip hot chocolate and mulled cider. There is also an opportunity to see and visit with jolly old St. Nick.

The Garden has set aside time to reflect on the importance of the Jewish holiday Chanuka with the Festival of Lights. This is an event well worth seeing. Don't miss out on being a part of the Kwanzaa celebration of First Fruits which is a non-religious holiday observing African history and traditions.

The admission fees for the Garden are: children 12 and under & members FREE, Adults - 13 and up, St. Louis city & county residents - $4, St. Louis City & County Seniors (65+) $3. Parking at the Gardens is FREE. Be sure and checkout their website - http://www.mobot.org/ for more information on events and times.

The Salvation Army Tree of Lights

We all know one of major meanings of the Christmas holidays is giving. You can take part in the giving tradition by going to the Chesterfield Mall and seeing the Salvation Army Tree of Lights. Just pick a child's name tag from the tree located in the center of Chesterfield Mall, buy a gift and return it to a participating establishment - what a great feeling. There are many wonderful holiday sites and events going on at the Chesterfield Mall to keep you in the spirit of the season while buying a beautiful child a gift.

Fox Theatre

If you love music and chic' ambience, you will want to plan a trip to the Fox Theater during the holiday season. The Fox traditionally offers several wonderful performances during the holiday season that will thrill and delight. If you are in St. Louis at the right time, you might be able to hear the Sheldon Corale performing their annual "Yuletide Celebration" concert where they perform Christmas music from around the world.

It has been a tradition for the Fox Theater to host the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. At this extravaganza the Rockettes typically perform many of their popular dances featuring the legendary "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers".

St. Louis Science Center

The St. Louis Science Center is renowned for planning great experiences for the holiday season. The OMNIMAX theatre goes to great effort to ensure they are showing fun holiday season features. The Science Center has all of its' other incredible hands on centers and activities running year round. A visit to the Center will keep a family busy for hours to days.

If you are planning a day trip, a weekend or more in St. Louis be sure and check out this website for more information. http://www.explorestlouis.com/events/index.asp.