The holidays are right around the corner, and there’s no better time to plan your holiday trip to St. Charles. Visit the historic district, where brick-lined Main Street looks like it was taken straight from a Hallmark Christmas movie. Celebrate at the festive Saint Charles Christmas Traditions®, browse holiday maker markets for unique gifts, and stroll along candlelit pathways that capture the magic of the season. Pop into local shops to find the perfect present, warm up with a cup of coffee from a charming café, savor a delicious meal at a local restaurant, and unwind in charming lodging for an unforgettable holiday experience. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly outing, a romantic winter date, or to start a new holiday tradition, we’ve made a list of some of the best holiday events in St. Charles that you won’t want to miss this year.
SAINT CHARLES CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS®
Fridays (6 PM – 8:30 PM), Saturdays (noon – 8:30 PM), and Sundays (noon – 5 PM) from November 28 through December 24
*Opening day hours: Noon – 8:30 PM, Christmas Eve hours: 11 AM – 2 PM
Saint Charles Christmas Traditions® invites guests into a world of yuletide nostalgia on Historic Main Street with a unique blend of storytelling, history, and fairy tale whimsy. Taste chestnuts roasted on an open fire, interact with a delegation of global Santa figures, and meet beloved characters from Christmas classics like the Sugarplum Fairy and Susie Snowflake. The magic of the holiday season comes alive as you walk down the brick-lined street decked with fresh pine greenery. Wander over to the KATY Depot in Frontier Park to visit Santa and his elves, who turn the depot into a special workshop outpost just for Christmas Traditions®. See for yourself why the Today Show named us the “Merriest Main Street in America” last year, and plan your visit to this free Christmas festival today.
SAINT CHARLES CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS® PRESENTS “A CHRISTMAS CAROL” STROLL
Wednesdays (6 PM – 8:30 PM) from December 3 to 17 (12/3, 12/10, 12/17)
Visit St. Charles Main Street as it transforms into the foggy streets of 1840s London for “A Christmas Carol” Stroll. The timeless tale of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” comes to life in six captivating chapters, unfolding as you walk through the historic district. Meet iconic characters such as Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and even Charles Dickens himself, and watch the lamplighter tend to the glowing gas lamps, play with traditional 19th-century toys alongside the toymaker, and pick up the latest news from the spirited newsboys on the street. Experience the heartwarming spirit of a Christmas classic brought to life on Main Street St. Charles during “A Christmas Carol” Stroll.
KRAMPUS KARNIVAL: THE BIZARRE, ODD, AND CURIOUS TRADITIONS OF CHRISTMAS
Fridays (6 PM to 8:30 PM) from December 5 through 19 (12/5, 12/12, 12/19)
Learn about the wonderfully weird holiday customs from around the world as Krampus and his friends take over Saint Charles on Friday nights of Christmas Traditions®. Visit the KATY Depot, transformed into a turn-of-the-century carnival midway, where Santa’s parlor becomes Krampus’ lair. Get a one-of-a-kind Christmas photo with Krampus, the furry, punitive partner of Saint Nicholas in Bavarian and Austrian culture, as he delights guests with his playful antics. Enjoy free “Krampus-fied” carnival games and meet a cast of whimsical characters, including an Icelandic ogress, a singing skeletal horse from Welsh legend, and mischievous Greek trolls. This delightful Christmas attraction in St. Charles is more merry than scary and exclusively takes place at the KATY Depot. Find regular Christmas Traditions® programming on Historic Main Street on these evenings.
MERRY MAKERS MARKET AT THE FOUNDRY ART CENTRE
Friday, December 5 (5 PM – 8 PM) and Saturday, December 6 (11 AM – 5 PM)
Get your holiday shopping in St. Charles done and support local artisans at the Merry Makers Market at the Foundry Art Centre. This beloved seasonal event brings together some of the region’s best makers, designers, and artists, all under one roof. Browse a selection of handmade gifts, from plushies and artwork to unique décor and items that capture the spirit of the season. Little shoppers can join in on the fun at the Mini Makers Market, a special space just for kids ages 12 and under where they can independently pick out surprise gifts for family and friends. Vendors and the Foundry Art Centre’s Clay Club donate items and price them at $20 or less. Located just a short walk from Main Street St. Charles, the Merry Makers Market is a great addition to a visit to Christmas Traditions®.
FRENCHTOWN TREE LIGHTING
Saturday, November 22 at 5:30 PM
Frenchtown signals the start of the holiday season with a tree lighting at Frenchtown Pocket Park. Grab dinner at a nearby restaurant, bundle up, and kick off the "Saison de Noel" in Frenchtown. Celebrate festive cheer and take photos in front of the lit tree to get the holiday season started on the right foot.
LAS POSADAS ON MAIN STREET
Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Experience Main Street Saint Charles illuminated by candle-lit procession leading a reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter at Las Posadas. After stopping at several businesses, the crowd makes their way to a live nativity scene in Frontier Park, where guests sing Christmas carols as a yule log is lit for a warm bonfire.
AUGUSTA CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS WALK
Saturdays, December 5 and 12 (5 PM – 10 PM)
Enter a living Norman Rockwell Christmas painting at the Augusta Candlelight Christmas Walk. The charming Historic Missouri Wine Country town of Augusta glows with over 1,000 luminaries for one of the best Christmas events in St. Charles. Get a photo taken with Santa, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through town, sample local wines and spirits, and shop at the Christmas Market. Experience nostalgic magic at Augusta’s Christmas festival.
DEFIANCE CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
Saturday, December 6 (9 AM – 4 PM)
This Christmas festival near St. Charles begins with Dashing through Defiance, a 5K walk/run through town. At noon, watch a parade of local businesses' and organizations' floats decked in Christmas cheer for the Defiance Christmas Festival. Get your family photo taken with Santa after the parade and visit businesses in Historic Missouri Wine Country for more festivities.
CHRISTMAS CANDLELIGHT WALK AT THE HISTORIC DANIEL BOONE HOME
Fridays, December 5 & 12 (6 PM – 10 PM) and Saturdays, December 6 & 13 (4:30 PM – 8:30 PM)
Step back in time and celebrate the holidays as they were in the early 1800s at the Christmas Candlelight Walk at the Historic Daniel Boone Home. Wander candlelit paths through the historic village, aglow with the light of a thousand luminaries. Along the way, costumed actors bring to life the wonder of holiday traditions from Boone’s time. Sip on hot apple cider, listen to cheerful Christmas carols, and explore the Christkindlmarkt in the Grand Pavilion for gifts. This beloved event often sells out quickly, so make sure to reserve your tickets early.
CELEBRATION OF LIGHTS IN O’FALLON, MO
Nightly, November 28 through December 30 (6 PM – 9 PM), except for December 25
Surround yourself with twinkling lights at the Celebration of Lights in O’Fallon, MO in St. Charles County. Located at Fort Zumwalt Park, drive through an extensive holiday lights show that features several light up scenes designed and funded by local organizations, churches, and businesses. Tickets are required, purchase ahead for this drive through light show near St. Charles.
If you’d rather go through the light display in a vehicle that’s more charming than your car, sign up for a specialty ride. On select dates only, guests can ride through the Celebration of Lights in O’Fallon on a trolley, hayride, or city train. Tickets are limited and a reservation is required to participate. Visit the Celebration of Lights webpage for more information.
For three nights only (December 7, 8, and 9), the O’Fallon Celebration of Lights is closed to vehicle traffic and open for pedestrians for the Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll. See the festive light displays up close as stroll through the set up. In addition to the holiday lights, this event features a fireworks show, Santa and his reindeer, sweet treats, and hot drinks. Tickets for the walk-through nights at the Celebration of Lights must be purchased in advance online.
Don’t let the season pass you by, mark your calendar for these festive St. Charles holiday events.