The holidays in St. Louis are about more than twinkling lights and festive cocktails. They’re when our community comes alive with connection. Whether you’re looking to network with fellow founders at a cozy holiday mixer, shop local at an artisan market, or simply soak in the seasonal magic at one of our city’s iconic attractions, we’ve gathered every celebration worth your time. From the tech community’s favorite gatherings to family-friendly wonderlands, here’s your complete guide to the season’s best events.
Now through the End of the Year
Wild Lights | St. Louis Zoo
Join the holiday celebration with dazzling new light displays and themed areas. Warm up with hot cocoa and festive treats as you visit animal exhibits like Penguin & Puffin Coast and Sea Lion Sound. Capture memories with Santa photos and explore a lively Holiday Market. ($ | Saint Louis Zoo)
Winterfest | Gateway Arch to Park
Immerse yourself in a weekend of holiday joy with complimentary character visits, live DJ entertainment, and spirited Carol-oke sessions. From roasting s’mores to gliding on the ice, Winterfest offers family fun in every frosty corner of Kiener Plaza. (Free/$ | Keiner Plaza)
Garden Glow | Missouri Botanical Gardens
Revel in the brightest and biggest Garden Glow yet, featuring new animations at Tower Grove House, vibrant illuminated flowers, family-friendly activities, sensory-friendly hours, and delicious dining options for a magical holiday outing. ($ | Missouri Botanical Gardens)
Anheuser-Busch Brewery Lights | Anheuser-Busch
Explore a festive wonderland where the brewery transforms into a vibrant holiday display. Experience cozy fire-pit gatherings, sip signature brews, and take advantage of flexible ticket options for effortless planning. ($ | Anheuser-Busch)
Festive Friday | St. Louis Art Museum
Marvel at the holiday spirit with vibrant activities, including live music from student ensembles and the Flute Society, guided tours spotlighting iconic artworks, creative winter-village house decorating, and seasonal refreshments offered in a lively art museum environment each Friday evening. (Free | Saint Louis Art Museum)
December 4
Justine PETERSEN’s Annual Holiday Party
Cherish the spirit of the holidays by joining an engaging celebration filled with networking opportunities, delightful refreshments, and joyful company in a welcoming in-person setting. (Free | Greencubator)
STL DNA Holiday Party
Delight in an evening of holiday mingling at Buddy’s Wine Bar, where music sets the tone, appetizers are on the house, and members are treated to a complimentary cocktail and prize raffle in a cozy downtown gathering. (Free | Buddy’s Wine Bar)
Every Startup’s Holiday Party – Benefiting Arch Grants | Spark St. Louis
Enjoy a joyful holiday gathering that brings the community together to support Arch Grants, featuring exciting raffle prizes and an opportunity to celebrate the season with fellow supporters of local entrepreneurship. ($ | Spark St. Louis)
December 6
MODEC Holiday Party | Missouri District Export Council
Celebrate a festive evening connecting with international trade professionals while enjoying cocktails and dinner in a vibrant atmosphere, complete with sponsored drinks and great networking opportunities hosted by the Missouri District Export Council. ($ | Oh London)
FrizzMas | Frizzy by Nature
Cherish a spirited afternoon filled with music, crafts, cocoa, and connection. This festive gathering highlights local makers, holiday photo ops with Santa, and a community-driven haircare drive supporting youth through The Little Bit Foundation. (Free | Cortex @ 4240 Duncan)
18th Annual Print Bazaar on Cherokee | Cherokee Street
Kickstart your holiday shopping surrounded by the textures and techniques of local artistry. With prints ranging from woodcuts to letterpress, this immersive marketplace stretches across Cherokee Street, spotlighting the region’s boldest printmakers and festive community spirit. (Free | Cherokee Street)
Tinsel Town: An Interactive Holiday Shopping Experience | City Foundry STL
Delight in a reimagined holiday market where style meets sparkle. Foundry Way buzzes with curated makers, live fun, and seasonal cocktails, all brought to life by the dynamic energy of Drag Santa and the charm of local creatives. (Free | City Foundry STL)
CWE Window Walk | Central West End Scene
Wander through a festive showcase of holiday elegance as CWE storefronts come alive with designer-decorated windows, carolers, and cozy delights. Each Saturday in December features free seasonal fun—from trolley rides and Santa visits to s’mores and live performances. (Free | Central West End)
December 7
Holiday Bazaar 2025 | 6th Dimension Entertainment
Unite with friends and family for a lively Holiday Bazaar featuring five hours of shopping from creative vendors offering everything from jewelry to candles. This inclusive event invites attendees of all ages to enjoy seasonal cheer at no cost. (Free | 4 Hands Brewing Co)
December 9
Vetworking STL Holiday Party 2025
Join a vibrant community of student veterans, reservists, and military spouses for an evening filled with networking, resources, and celebration as they reflect on accomplishments and build new career pathways in a supportive setting. (Free/$ | T-REX)
Tech on Tap STL – Holiday Party | TechSTL
Uncover the spirit of collaboration as tech professionals mingle in a relaxed setting without presentations or formal talks. Enjoy delicious food, cheerful contests, and an opportunity to build connections within a fast-growing Midwest tech community. (Free | Trust)
December 10
ConnectSTL Holiday Connections Mixer | SLDC
Unite with changemakers across St. Louis for a festive afternoon of community, music, and gratitude. This year-end mixer honors the partners, graduates, and advocates driving digital equity and inclusion through shared progress, connection, and celebration. (Free | LaunchCode)
ISA St. Louis Section Holiday Dinner Get Together
Engage with fellow automation professionals during a festive night of networking, where year-end highlights meet hearty meals, drinks, and seasonal surprises. Set against the cozy backdrop of Schlafly Tap Room, this gathering blends recognition with relaxed conversation and community spirit. ($ | Schlafly Tap Room)
Dutchtown’s Winter Wonderland Gala 2025 | Neighborhood Innovation Center
Revel in Dutchtown’s Winter Wonderland Gala, a magical evening filled with community spirit and festive cheer, bringing neighbors together for an unforgettable night of celebration and joy in the heart of Dutchtown. (Free/$ | Neighborhood Innovation Center)
December 11
FESTIVUS | T-REX
Revel in an irreverent celebration filled with free drinks, festive food, and hilarious traditions like Feats of Strength and the Airing of Grievances. This gathering flips the script on conventional holidays with music, merriment, and unapologetic fun. (Free | T-REX)
Holiday Mixer 2025 | Heartland Black Chamber St. Louis & African Chamber of Commerce, St. Louis
Applaud the spirit of community and business growth at this annual holiday party, where attendees can engage in meaningful networking while enjoying a festive atmosphere in an iconic St. Louis venue for a memorable three-hour event. (Free | Levels)
December 13
2025 KWANZAA Holiday Expo | Better Family Life
Dive into a dynamic celebration focusing on the fourth KWANZAA principle: cooperative economics. Enjoy an engaging experience featuring performances, cultural workshops, delicious food, and opportunities for small businesses to showcase their offerings in a lively family setting. (Free | Better Family Life)
12 Bars of Charity – St. Louis 2025
Experience the festive spirit by joining this unique pub crawl that raises funds for multiple charities, including animal rescue, pediatric cancer research, and spinal cord injury cures. With dedicated teams supporting each cause, participants enjoy exclusive events and memorable camaraderie across numerous city bars. ($ | Various)
December 14
Chanukah @ The Arch | Chabad of Greater St. Louis
Take in the spectacular sight of The Staenberg Menorah’s inaugural glow during this special Chanukah lighting event. Experience community joy and festive cheer surrounded by friends and family at this cherished local celebration. (Free | Keiner Plaza)
December 17
2025 Marketing Holiday Mixer | AMA St. Louis, SMPS St. Louis, Social Media Club STL & MDMC
Ignite your professional network at this end-of-year marketing mixer featuring collaboration among four top marketing groups. Engage with peers over drinks and light bites while contributing to a worthy cause through a food drive with raffle incentives. ($ | TOKY)
Women In Business (Holiday) Meet Up | A Creative Balance
Engage in a dynamic evening at this monthly Women in Business gathering where attendees connect, share insights, and build meaningful relationships among like-minded female leaders and entrepreneurs at an inviting wine bar setting. (Free | Intertwine Wine Bar)
Black Girls DO STEM Holiday Happy Hour
Celebrate a year of growth, impact, and transformation with a festive evening among changemakers. This uplifting gathering honors the brilliance of Black girls in STEM and the powerful community that helped shape their success. (Free | Trust)
December 19
Bourbon Friday 4th Annual Holiday Special
Indulge in rich pours and festive flavors at this holiday edition of Bourbon Friday. From curated tastings to a spirited raffle, the evening promises smooth drinks, great company, and cozy holiday energy in the heart of UCity. (Free | TechArtista UCity)
December 20
Holiday Marketplace at The 89th Collective
Appreciate the spirit of giving by exploring a diverse selection of holiday gifts crafted by community vendors. This event offers a perfect opportunity to shop locally while enjoying a warm, welcoming atmosphere for 4 hours. (Free | The 89th Collective)
December 25
Chanukah @ The Arch | Chabad of Greater St. Louis
Soak up the beauty of Chanukah as the Staenberg Menorah brightens the St. Louis skyline nightly. Embrace the season with family-friendly festivities, including ice skating near the Arch from December 26 to 31 for an extra festive touch. (Free | Keiner Plaza)
Know of a Holiday Event we should put on this list?
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