Holiday Fun Places in St. Louis

Young Saint Louis.com asked author Ann Seebeck to pick her favorite dozen local places kids and their families can visit for holiday fun.

Seebeck has been publishing a book, "Favorite Places to Go with Kids in St. Louis," since 1988. You'll remember that last May she recommended her "Top 12" local summer fun spots. (To review that feature, click here.)

If your family would like to purchase the book, you can contact Seebeck by e-mail (rlseeb@swbell.net) or write to her at 1018 Edgeworth, Kirkwood, MO 63122. Books are $6 each plus $1 for postage.

We asked her to pick her "Top 12" area attractions that do special things for the holiday season. She checks out all of her recommendations personally. Here are her choices:

By Ann Seebeck

It's hard to believe the holidays are about here.

Kids will have some time off from school. Some families will have out of town visitors. It will be a good time to explore all the top local places for kids to have fun during the holidays.

Here's a list of my "favorite places to go with kids in St. Louis" during the holidays:

1. Tilles Park, Litzsinger Rd. and McKnight Rd., Ladue. (314) 615-7275. Hours are 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily, except Saturdays and Dec. 24 and Dec. 31. Tickets are $8 per car at the gate.
   
   From Nov. 16 to Jan. 1, Winter Wonderland is a beautiful holiday light display with a river of lights, waterfalls, Santa's sleigh and many other signs all lit up. You drive through the park in your car and see miles of lights.
   
   
   The fabulous lighting at Tilles Park.
   
   
2. Santa's Magical Kingdom, Eureka, Mo. (636) 938-5925. Take I-44 west to the Six Flags exit, turn left and follow signs. This is open every night from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., starting Nov. 14 through Jan. 2. Tickets are $14 per carload.
   
   This is another wonderful light display that you drive through with 35 acres of sparkling lights, animated figures and joyful Christmas music. You see Yogi Bear, the Flintstones, a candy cane village and Santa's workshop.
   
   
3. Breakfast with Santa. At several Dillard's stores and the Famous Barr Downtown.
   
   The stores have a program during the month of December where kids can have a breakfast with Santa and many elves. There is singing, magic, clowns and balloons. A great time for all. Call your local stores for dates and times of reservations. But, remember, they fill up fast.
   
   
4. The Magic House, 516 S. Kirkwood Rd., Kirkwood. (314) 822-8900. Admission is $5.50 per person.
   
   In December, kids can come and make holiday crafts and there is a special holiday program. Please call for days and hours.
   
   
5. Christmas at Adams Mark Hotel, 4th and Chestnut sts. downtown. (314) 241-7400.
   
   In the lobby of this beautifully decorated hotel is a village of gingerbread houses made out of real gingerbread, icing and candies. A small toy train runs through the village.
   
   
6. Santa Comes to the Dogs!, Kennelwood Village Kennels. (314) 429-2100.
   
   This is an annual photo event for the whole family, including the family pet. Pictures of your pet may be taken with Santa, the whole family or alone. A variety of package prices are available. Call for days, times and reservations.
   
   
7. Nutcracker Suite Ballet, at Florissant Civil Center. (314) 921-5678. Dates are Dec. 21 and 22. Prices range from $15 to $20 a ticket.
   
   Some of the performances are a shorter version of the play for smaller children. Call for times and reservations.
   
   
8. Missouri Botanical Gardens, 4344 Shaw, St. Louis. (314) 577-5100. Admission is $3 for adults for St. Louis city and county residents and $7 for non-resident adults. Children under 12 are free. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to noon, free to all St. Louis city and county residents. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
   
   From Nov. 21 to Jan. 1, there is a special holiday display called Grandma's Toy Chest, Whirligigs and Jumping Jacks. This display combines flowers, animated characters and a fun place to walk through. It is a great place to take holiday pictures.
   
   
9. Old Courthouse, A Victorian Christmas, 11 N. 4th St., downtown. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
   
   There is a huge, beautifully decorated Victorian Christmas Tree on display for the month of December.
   
   
10. Sing Out St. Louis, Union Station Center, downtown St. Louis. (314) 421-6655.
    
    On Dec. 16 at 5 p.m., join hundreds of joyous St. Louis people and come caroling on this candlelit evening.
    
    
11. Ice Skate with Santa, at Queeny Park, 550 Weidman Rd. (636) 391-0922.
    
    On Dec. 22, from 4 to 6 p.m., come skate with Santa at the Queeny Park indoor ice rink.
    
    
12. Cut your own Christmas tree.
    
    There are several places you can go and cut down your own fresh tree. Some have wagon rides to the trees along with hot chocolate and snacks.
    
    A. Christmas Tree Valley, Pacific, Mo. (636) 742-3436.
    B. Pea Ridge Farm, near Hermann, Mo. (636) 932-4687
    C. Meert Tree Farms, at Festus and Mehlville, Mo., (636) 487-5824.
    D. Eckert's, Belleville, Ill. (618) 233-0513.