Things To Do In St Louis In December

Okay, folks, let's talk about St. Louis in December. It’s like that friend who insists on wearing a Santa hat everywhere after Thanksgiving – a little extra, maybe, but undeniably festive. And let's be real, who doesn't love a bit of festive cheer when the days are shorter than your patience after a delayed flight?

Holiday Lights: More Dazzling Than Your Aunt's Christmas Sweater

First off, you absolutely have to check out the holiday light displays. Think of it as the visual equivalent of mainlining Christmas carols.

Brewery Lights at Anheuser-Busch is a classic. It's like Disneyland, but with beer. (Disclaimer: I am not suggesting you use beer to bribe your children to behave. Mostly.) Expect twinkling lights, Clydesdales majestic enough to make you feel inadequate, and fire pits perfect for warming your perpetually cold hands.

Then there's Garden Glow at the Missouri Botanical Garden. Imagine walking through a fairytale landscape where every plant is draped in shimmering lights. It’s less "rowdy beer garden" and more "romantic date night" – unless you're like me and try to take a selfie with every light display, then it's just plain goofy.

And if you are looking for the best neighborhood lights, look no further than Candy Cane Lane in South City! Seriously, drive down Murdoch Ave. for some over-the-top holiday cheer.

Ice Skating: Proof That You're More Graceful in Your Head

Next up: ice skating. Now, I’m not saying I’m bad at ice skating, but I'm pretty sure the Zamboni driver and I are on a first-name basis. Seriously, ice skating is the ultimate test of whether you can maintain the illusion of being a graceful human being.

The Steinberg Skating Rink in Forest Park is perfect for this. It's scenic, and there's usually music playing, so even if you're clinging to the wall for dear life, you can at least pretend you're dancing. Plus, hot chocolate afterwards. Hot chocolate fixes everything.

Holiday Markets: Where You Find the Perfect Gift (and Maybe Something for Yourself)

Let's be honest, gift-giving can be stressful. It's like trying to decipher the unspoken desires of your loved ones while simultaneously battling crowds and trying not to max out your credit card.

That's where holiday markets come in! They're like a treasure trove of unique, quirky gifts that you won't find at your average chain store. Think handcrafted jewelry, artisanal soaps, and gourmet food that will make you the hero of the holiday potluck.

Cozy Up with Some Holiday Cheer

Sometimes, the best thing to do in December is absolutely nothing. And St. Louis has you covered for that, too!

Find a cozy bar with a fireplace (many of the bars in The Grove or Central West End have fireplaces!), order a festive cocktail (peppermint schnapps, anyone?), and settle in for an evening of conversation and good cheer. It’s like hibernating, but with friends and better drinks.

If bars aren't your thing, there are tons of great coffee shops to cozy up in as well. Blueprint Coffee is always a good choice and has multiple locations around the city!

The Bottom Line: Embrace the Festive Frenzy

St. Louis in December is a whirlwind of lights, activities, and holiday cheer. It's a little bit chaotic, a little bit overwhelming, but undeniably fun. So, bundle up, grab your friends and family (or just yourself – self-care is important!), and embrace the festive frenzy. Who knows, you might even surprise yourself and actually enjoy it!

Whether you're a seasoned St. Louisan or just visiting, December in the Lou offers something for everyone. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes – you'll be doing a lot of walking (or skating… or falling…)! Happy Holidays, y'all!