We’ve always found ways to brighten up the darkest, coldest days of the year with festive traditions. That’s literally true of the beautiful winter light displays that pop up across St. Louis and surrounding areas throughout the holiday season. It’s not too late to check out these magical events before they’re gone.
anheuser-busch brewery lights
This 37-year tradition transforms Pestalozzi Street at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery into a wonderland of a million twinkling lights. This year’s festivities include a nightly parade, kids’ zone and 50-foot digital holiday tree. On Dec. 19, 26 and 27, you can check out a free drive-through version of the light show.
Last night: Dec. 30
celebration of lights
This light display at Fort Zumwalt Park in O’Fallon has been attracting thousands of visitors for more than 30 years. Make your viewing extra special by reserving speciality rides like a horse-drawn carriage, tractor-pulled hayride or train.
Last night: Dec. 30
garden glow
Nearly 2 million lights deck out the Missouri Botanical Garden in this display, which is in its tenth year. This year, guests can enjoy s’mores, festive drinks and photo opportunities as well as light shows in the garden’s Climatron.
Last night: Jan. 7
grove of lights
Located about an hour outside of St. Louis, Lost Hill Lake features four acres of lights. Don’t miss the photo opportunities, which include a holiday vintage camper and truck, gigantic wreath, holiday cut-outs and unique neon signs.
Last night: Dec. 25
holiday lights at grant’s farm
Guests can take in the iconic Bauernhof Courtyard dressed up with holiday lights, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and check out the 50-foot LED Christmas tree. Along with a drive-through light display, offerings this year include a walking experience and VIP fire pits.
Last night: Dec. 30
holiday night lights drive-thru
This mile-long light display is in Rotary Park in Wentzville. It includes classic holiday scenes and tunnels of twinkling lights. On certain nights, you also can visit Santa or enjoy sleigh hay rides.
Last night: Dec. 30
santa’s magical kingdom
Head to Jellystone Park in Eureka for a spectacular drive-through display with more than 4 million lights on 35 acres. For an extra special treat, take in the sights on the Santa Express Train or in a festive old fashioned holiday wagon ride.
Last night: Jan. 8
u.s. banks wild lights
Take a walk on the wild side and check out the lights at the Saint Louis Zoo. This year’s event includes a 40-foot walk-through lighted tree, a Meet Me in St. Louie light display and more. Oh, and don’t forget to say hello to the penguins and puffins or visit the Bayer Insectarium.
Last night: Dec. 30
way of light
The Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows has welcomed people from all over to enjoy its Christmas light display since 1970. The event also features a gift shop, wreath auctions, a Lego display and much more to enjoy.
Last night: Dec. 31
wonderlight’s christmas
This drive-through display at World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois, features more than 1 million lights. Turn on your radio and enjoy a synchronized show with a variety of traditional and new Christmas music.
Last night: Jan. 1
world of illumination
Billed as the world’s largest light show, this display has taken over the parking lot of Six Flags St. Louis. Watch a Cosmic Sleigh Ride, enjoy hundreds of animated displays and take a trip down Kris Kringle’s Cosmic Portal, before finishing at Santa’s City.
Last Night: Jan. 1
winter wonderland in tilles park
You can enjoy this beloved StL tradition in three ways. Take in more than 100 winter scenes and characters on foot, stay warm in your vehicle with a drive through the decked-out park, or make holiday memories with a special carriage ride.
Last night: Dec. 30
