From author Ann Seebeck

Favorite holiday visit spots in St. Louis

St. Louis author Ann Seebeck has been helping kids and their families find exciting places to go in the St. Louis area since 1988. She publishes an annual update of her book, "Favorite Places to Go with Kids in St. Louis."

Young Saint Louis.com asked Ms. Seebeck to select a dozen of her favorite holiday destinations for our readers.

As with her book, the 2006 holiday favorites are a mixture of long-standing favorites as well as some new places she's uncovered recently. And, she's updated opening-closing dates and times. And admission prices, if any, are current.

If your family would like to purchase the complete "Favorites" book, you can check local bookstores or contact Ms. Seebeck by e-mail or regular mail. Her e-mail address is rlseeb@swbell.net and her regular mail address is 1018 Edgeworth, Kirkwood, Mo. 63122. At bookstores, "Favorites" retails for $9.95 or by mail the price is $8 plus $1 extra for postage.

Here are her "top dozen" holiday choices for the 2006 season:

By Ann Seebeck

The 2006 holidays are just around the corner and it's time to start thinking about what you would like to do when you're off from school. You, your friends and relatives have time to explore some places that have special activities and decorations for the holidays.

Here is a list of my 12 favorite holiday places to go with kids in St. Louis:

1. Tilles Park, Litzsinger and McKnight rds., Ladue. (314) 615-7275. Hours are 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., daily, except Saturdays and Dec. 24 and Dec. 31. Tickets are $9 per car at the gate.

From Nov. 22 to Jan. 1, Winter Wonderland is a beautiful holiday light display with a river of lights, waterfalls, Santa's sleigh and many other figures all lit up. You drive through the park in your car and see miles of lights.

2. Santa's Magical Kingdom, Eureka, Mo. (636) 938-5920. Take I-44 to the Six Flags exit, turn left and follow the signs. This is open every night from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. starting Nov. 17 through Jan. 2

This is another wonderful light display. You drive through 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 the Crestwood Dillard's store on Watson Rd. (314) 968-4200. Programs are Nov. 25, Dec. 2, 9 and 16. $9 per person. Call early for reservations as they fill up fast.

The store has 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. It's a great time for all.

4. The Magic House, 516 S. Kirkwood Rd., Kirkwood. (314) 822-8900. Admission is $7 per person. Call for hours and days.

In December, kids can come and make holiday crafts. There is also a breakfast with Santa on Dec. 3 for $20.

5. Christmas at Adams Mark Hotel, 4th and Chestnut streets, downtown St. Louis. (314) 241-7400. Starting Nov. 22.

In the lobby of this beautifully decorated hotel is a village of gingerbread houses made of real gingerbread, icing and candles. A small toy train runs through the village.

6. Wild Lights at the St. Louis Zoo, Forest Park. $5 per person. Begins Nov. 24 and 25, then Thurs-Sat. through Dec. 9. Also nightly starting Dec. 14-23 and Dec. 26-30. Hours are 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Come to walk amongst the sparkling lights and animal figures and listen to music of the season. Kids can make take-home craft projects. The refreshment stand is open.

7. Nutcracker Suite Ballet, at Edison Theatre, Washington University. (314) 935-6542. Dec. 8-10 and Dec. 14-17. Prices range from $25 to $35 per ticket.

Some of the performances are a shorter version of the ballet for smaller children. Call for times and reservations.

8. The City Museum, 701 N. 15th St., downtown St. Louis. (314) 231-CITY. Admission is $12 per person or after 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, $8 per person. Hours are Wed. and Thurs., 9 a.m. to 1 a.m.; Sat. 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Snowflake Lady will be on the 3rd floor of the City Museum making and teaching you to make paper cutout snowflakes. They are beautiful. Enjoy all the museum with the many rooms with caves you can crawl through, slides, aquarium, circus, art studios and many more.

9. The Old Courthouse's "A Victorian Christmas.", 11 N. 4th St., downtown St. Louis. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

There is a huge, beautifully decorated Victorian Christmas tree for month of December.

10. Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw. (314) 577-5100. Open daily, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission if you're St. Louis City or County residents, $4 and children under 12 are free.

There is a special indoor display of GardenLand Express flower and small train show Nov. 22-Jan. 1. There is an extra $3 admission for the GardenLand Express.

11. Grant's Farm, 10501 Gravois. (314) 843-1700. A special "Magic of the Holidays" display with reindeer and penguins and a special kiddie train ride. Starts Nov. 24-25 and then Dec. 1-2, 7-9, 14-16, 18-23, 26-30. Hours are 5 to 10 p.m. Admission is free but parking is $20 per car.

There is a heated, clear-wall tent, crafts, storytellers and carolers.

12: Cut your own Christmas tree. There are several places you can 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) 741-3436.
     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, Il. (618) 233-0513.