More than a million twinkling lights and 200 miles of cords: That’s what it takes each year to turn Tilles Park into a magical Winter Wonderland, which since its debut in 1987 has become a favorite holiday tradition for thousands of St. Louisans.
Families, couples and friends enjoy the magical display either from the comfort of their cars or bundled up in a private carriage ride (available on Saturdays). And it’s not just static light displays—some twinkle and move, creating the illusion of falling snow or leaping animals, and some dance along to music.
Each year, the display, designed by St. Louis County Park employees, is a little different. “This year, people should look for the deer leaping over the road,” says Maggie Martin, St. Louis County Parks special event coordinator. “The snow tubes, which are tubes of moving lights that look like snow falling, were a favorite last year, so we added more of those, as well.”
Park employees begin designing the light display right after the last season ends, Martin says. “The whole thing is designed by park employees, and they also put up the lights,” she explains. “This usually takes about six weeks, so we’ll typically start after the first full weekend in October. It’s the largest program the parks department has each year.”
Experiencing the holiday magic comes with a small price–$10 for a family car and $65 for a four-person private carriage—which goes to the County Parks Department’s general fund, used to pay for anything the parks department—not just Tilles—needs throughout the year. In addition, nonprofits are invited to provide volunteers to collect admission fees at the park entrance in exchange for a donation to their cause, Martin says.
For the past five years, the Winter Wonderland season has kicked off the weekend before Thanksgiving with a Winter Wonder Walk. “It’s the start of the holiday season, when everyone is excited about the upcoming holidays, and the kids’ faces just light up—they’re seeing Santa for the first time because he hasn’t been in the malls yet,” Martin says. “It’s $5 per person to get in, and we offer food trucks, hot chocolate and wine.”
Visiting Winter Wonderland is already a beloved holiday tradition on its own, but some couples are getting an experience they’ll treasure forever. Last year, special proposal packages were offered for the first time. “It’s a really unique way to get engaged,” Martin says. Although details are not available to be shared—we wouldn’t want to ruin the surprise for any unsuspecting bride-to-be!–the package costs $100.
WHAT // Tilles Park Winter Wonderland
WHEN // 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Now through Jan 1 (closed Dec. 24 and 31)
WHERE // 9551 Litzsinger Road, Ladue
WHY // To view a spectacular display of Christmas lights