Best Holiday Lights around Saint Louis

Experience the Magic of Saint Louis Christmas Lights This Holiday Season

As the holiday season approaches, Saint Louis transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland, with Christmas lights illuminating neighborhoods, parks, and iconic landmarks throughout the city. Whether you’re a local resident or planning to move to the area, experiencing the festive glow of Saint Louis Christmas lights is a must-do tradition that brings joy and warmth to the community.

Top Spots to See Christmas Lights in Saint Louis

1. Garden Glow at Missouri Botanical Garden
   One of the most enchanting holiday light displays in the region, Garden Glow features millions of twinkling lights woven through the beautiful botanical gardens. It’s a perfect family-friendly outing that combines nature’s beauty with festive cheer. The event features over two million lights, with dazzling installations like illuminated flowers, fireflies, glowing faux oak trees, light-animated displays, and more. New for this year: interactive light-control features (so you can influence or “play with” some of the lights), expanded illuminated exhibits, and an updated light show projected onto the historic Tower Grove House. Dates run from November 15, 2025 through January 3, 2026, with admission $24 for adults and $12 for children (ages 3-12). Buy tickets here! 

2. Candy Cane Lane in St. Louis Hills
   This neighborhood is famous for its spirited residents who go all out decorating their homes with colorful lights, inflatable Santas, and creative holiday displays. A drive or stroll through this seasonal, community-driven holiday lights display on the 6500 block of Murdoch Avenue is sure to fill you with Christmas cheer. Visiting Candy Cane Lane is free, though donations are encouraged. The money collected usually goes to local charities (e.g. food banks, homeless support, other nonprofits). For locals or visitors around St. Louis at this time of year, it’s one of the most charming, accessible, and heartwarming ways to get into the holiday spirit, especially if you combine lights with treats, friends or family, and a stroll through the neighborhood’s decorations.

3. City Museum’s Holiday Lights
   The City Museum, known for its unique and interactive exhibits, also hosts a spectacular holiday light display. It’s a fun and vibrant spot to enjoy the season’s festivities. During this time, the museum is decked out in festive lighting, decorations, and holiday-themed experiences — transforming many of its indoor and outdoor spaces (including the facade, main floors, and play areas) into a “winter wonderland.” For 2025, Weirdly Wonderful Holidays runs from November 28 through January 4. The holiday-lights experience is included with standard City Museum admission or a member pass (i.e. no special “holiday-only” ticket).

4. Tilles Park Holiday Lights
   Formally called "Winter Wonderland," Tilles Park offers a charming light display that’s perfect for a peaceful evening walk or a cozy drive. Each holiday season, the park is transformed with more than a million lights arranged into dozens of holiday-themed scenes — from light-decorated arches and tunnels to scenes featuring Santa, reindeer, elves, and holiday decorations. The experience is enhanced by holiday music broadcast over the radio (past years used local Christmas-music radio stations), so you drive through listening to tunes while enjoying the lights. Tickets are CASH ONLY at the gate. Because this is one of the biggest holiday-light events around St. Louis, there can be a line of cars waiting to get in, especially early evening and busy weekends!
   
   

Why Saint Louis is a Great Place to Celebrate the Holidays

Saint Louis combines Midwestern charm with a vibrant cultural scene, making it an ideal place to enjoy the holidays. The community spirit shines brightly during this season, with local events, markets, and light displays that bring people together. If you’re considering making Saint Louis your home, the festive atmosphere is just one of many reasons to love living here.

Thinking About Moving to Saint Louis?

If the magic of Saint Louis during the holidays has you dreaming of a new home, The Collective is here to help! As local real estate experts, we can guide you through the process of finding the perfect property to enjoy all that this wonderful city has to offer year-round.

Let’s make your Saint Louis homeownership dreams come true this holiday season!

Enjoy the lights, the joy, and the warmth of Saint Louis this Christmas. Happy holidays!