community festivals

The Festival of the Little Hills is an annual three-day event that features over 300 arts and craft booths, more than 40 food vendors, live entertainment (both musical and non-musical) and a Kids Corner.

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Celebrate St. Peters

Enjoy live music, great food, games, rides for the kids, fireworks and lots more at the annual Celebrate St. Peters festival in Lakeside Park.

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Benton Park 150th Anniversary Festival

Enjoy a wide variety of live music, make-and-take art project for kids provided by Artscope, food, and fun at this community festival celebrating 150 years of the Benton Park neighborhood.

The festival begins at 11 a.m. with a full schedule of local bands at the Benton Park Pavilllion and Lagoon at the corner of Jefferson and Arsenal.

Free. More information: bpnastl.org

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Head to The Hill to Celebrate St. Louis' Italian Heritage This Weekend

I often tease my husband that if I ever write a book, I’m going to call it An American Girl’s Guide to Surviving an Italian Family. In turn, he – a first generation Sicilian who shares a name with the Godfather – likes to remind me that hot-headed and easily offended Italians are known for leaving the people who cross them to “sleep with the fishes.”

Okay, so if I know what’s good for me, I may never write that particular literary masterpiece. Or maybe I should remind my husband that we don't actually live in episode of The Sopranos. Either way, the truth remains that when an all-American girl like me marries into a big Italian family, there's going to be a bit of culture shock along the way.

“It’s like joining a secret society,” I joked to a friend, when attempting to explain how you have to kiss every single relative and acquaintance hello and good-bye, every single time you see them. If you skip the tradition, you risk offending an entire family – and igniting a feud that could last for decades.
Think My Big Fat Greek Wedding, but with pasta.

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Things to Do

Wild Lights at the Saint Louis Zoo

Delight in brilliant, colorful light displays with spectacular photo opportunities throughout the Zoo during Wild Lights. Walk through two tunnels with dazzling lights, and enjoy themed displays featuring snowflakes, candy canes, gumdrops, penguins, polar bears, tigers, giraffes and much more at this St. Louis family-favorite holiday tradition.

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Supper With Santa at The Butterfly House

Saturday, December 14, 2024

Sunday, December 15, 2024

Santa is making a stop at The Butterfly House before he makes his trip around the world, and he wants to enjoy a meal with your family! Enjoy a delicious dinner, visit Santa's Workshop and Mrs. Claus's Cookie Kitchen, have your picture taken with the guest of honor - Santa!

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Winter Wonderland in Tilles Park

Experience the holiday lights at Winter Wonderland in Tilles Park, where you'll find two million beautiful holiday lights and animated displays. This year's Winter Wonderland is drive-through only.

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Breakfast with Santa at the Saint Louis Zoo

Your family can enjoy a gourmet, festive breakfast buffet complete with a visit from the man of the hour: Santa.

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Candy Cane Hunt at Kirkwood Park

Saturday, December 14, 2024

Santa's Reindeer have been busy hiding candy canes in Kirkwood Park. Some have prizes attached to them. Kids can come early to decorate a hunting bag. Check-in begins at 9:30 a.m. The hunt starts at 10 a.m., and after the hunt, kids can take pictures with Santa.

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Bring your family to Cardinals Nation Restaurant on select Wednesday nights for Family Night with Fredbird! Meet Fredbird from 6:30-7:30 p.m., play games and win prizes! Kids eat FREE per adult meal purchased from 5 to 9 p.m. (Dine-in only, for kids 12 and under) Meet Fredbird from 6:30-7:30 p.m., play games and win prizes!

For more information and reservations: cardinalsnation.com

The Saturday Sneak Peek at New City School is a kid-friendly Open House that gives families a chance to explore New City School together. You'll connect with faculty and current families at activity stations in several of students' favorite places to learn and play. This day is intended to give families a sample of some of the engaging learning experiences New City teachers design for students. Registration is requested. The next Sneak Peek will be held on Saturday, December 14, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Learn more and register at newcityschool.org

DreamWorks’ How to Train Your Dragon combines humor, fire-breathing action, and epic adventure! In this captivating story, a young Viking defies tradition when he befriends one of his deadliest foes—a ferocious dragon he calls Toothless. Together, these unlikely heroes must fight against all odds to save both their worlds. Experience the thrill of this acclaimed film presented in HD, with composer John Powell’s Oscar®-nominated score performed live to picture by your St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Performances for How to Train Your Dragon in Concert are on Saturday, December 28 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, December 29 at 2 p.m. at Stifel Theatre. For more information and tickets, visit slso.org.

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