2024 marks fifty seasons of Saint Charles Christmas Traditions®. We’re celebrating five decades of memories, smiles, and holiday cheer right here on Historic Main Street. The festival has humble beginnings as a small gathering of Main Street residents and merchants in the mid-1970s during Main Street’s period of revitalization. They sang Christmas carols while pulling a Yule Log down the street and eventually ended up at a bonfire by the river. Then known as the Christmas Walk, this event wasn’t open to the public until the late 1970s, when five merchants pledged $100 each to promote the event as open for guests to come and celebrate old world holiday customs in the charming historic district.
The Christmas Walk evolved into Las Posadas, a Spanish tradition where people reenact Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. As the event rebranded to Christmas Traditions® in the late 1980s, characters were introduced. The first characters were the Santas from around the world, a familiar aspect of Christmas Traditions®. Why start with Santas? Well, the merchants and residents were inspired by the collection of international Santa figurines for sale at Pop’s General Store on the 300 block of South Main. Volunteers played the Santas, with many of them playing several different Santas throughout their shift.
As the event grew in the 1990s, more characters were added, including the Victorian Christmas carolers. In 2001, one of the most highly anticipated parts of the festival was introduced: the collectible character trading cards. The trading cards became immensely popular. So much so, that between 2001 and 2003, 828 individual cards have been designed (with more coming this year).
In 2010, due to the size of the festival, the producing responsibilities shifted from the South Main Preservation Society to the Greater St. Charles Convention & Visitors Bureau. The festival continued to grow with expanded programming, a diverse array of holiday figures and caroling groups, a festival ambassador crew, and multifaceted advertising that increased visibility locally, nationally, and even internationally. Today, a quarter of a million people travel to Historic Main Street each season to experience the charm and holiday magic that only Christmas Traditions® can provide.
Become a part of the fun this year and discover why St. Charles is the best Christmas town in Missouri with a trip to Christmas Traditions®. This year, we have all of the characters, attractions, and traditions that you know and love, plus some new surprises that you don’t want to miss! Keep reading to learn about some of the special events in store for our biggest season yet.
Special Christmas Traditions® Ticketed Events at the Foundry Art Centre
Holidays Around the World
Have you ever wanted to try different holiday foods from around the world? Well, here’s your chance without ever leaving St. Charles! On December 8, grab your souvenir passport and embark on a mouthwatering journey with our international holiday figures. Sample customary holiday desserts from around the globe with Christmas Traditions’® multicultural ambassadors at this international event. Secure your tickets now and treat your taste buds to a delicious experience. Bon appetit! Buon appetito! Guten apetite! Smaklig måltid! Velbekcomme!
Naughty vs Nice Night
What side will you take at Naughty vs Nice Night? “Merry” and “Mischief” clash at this two-sided holiday party. Join us on December 15 for a festive bash unlike any other. Step onto the “Nice” side and mingle with classic Christmas characters like Victorian Santa, Mrs. Claus, the Sugarplum Fairy, and the Nutcracker Prince. They’ll be hosting a fun dance party with cookies, crafts, and coloring activities.
Feeling a bit mischievous? Wander over to the “Naughty” side and enjoy the carnival with Krampus, ogres, and trolls. Test your luck at the White Elephant Gift-a-palooza for a chance to win bizarre gifts and let out your frustrations with Krampus at the airing of grievances. This ultimate holiday event promises fun, laughter, and a bit of friendly rivalry. Grab your tickets now and prepare to represent your favorites. Let the battle begin!
Live From Freezer’s Palace
This fan favorite event is back! Join Jack Frost, Susie Snowflake, and their frigid friends for entertainment from the biggest celebrities in “Frost” Vegas. Celine Freon and Diana Frost will lead a sing-along of seasonal hits with Meltin’ John on the piano. Make crafts and take a spin at the SNOWpacabana Casino for a shot at winning a special souvenir. Dance the night away with your frozen favorites as DJ Axel Froze concludes the evening spinning holiday songs. Mark your calendars for December 22 and buy your tickets here for this winterpalooza.
Season Pass
Interested in attending all three of the Saint Charles Christmas Traditions® special events? Purchase a season pass here and attend all three for a discounted price. Spend the three weekends leading up to Christmas with extra Christmas Traditions® events.
Other Special 50th Anniversary Happenings
Christmas Traditions® 50th Anniversary: The Exhibition
Look back at 50 years of St. Charles Christmas Traditions® through a contemporary art lens at the Foundry Art Centre. From November 1 to December 21, visit the main galleries where St. Louis photographer, Tiff J. Sutton, has complex layered portraits of famous Christmas Traditions® characters. Peek into the costume design process with costume mood boards by costume designer, Riley Grady. Marvel at the imaginative decorated nutcrackers by regional artists, and so much more. It’s a celebration of creativity and holiday magic that you won’t find anywhere else.
New Merch
Get ready to snag some exciting new merch this season—it’s our biggest selection yet! Shop for official Christmas Traditions® merch at our online store or in person at the Tourism Center at 230 S. Main Street.