St. Charles Christmas Traditions®

For nearly half a century, Saint Charles Christmas Traditions® has helped create cherished memories for the young and young at heart. With a unique blend of storytelling, history, and fairy tale whimsy, visitors are transported to a world of yuletide nostalgia where reindeer fly, Victorian carolers share a cheerful tune, and sugarplums dance in your head.  

As we prepare to enter our 46^th season, our festive fantasy world could not completely disregard the challenges of the real world.  We beg your indulgence during this season of peculiarities as you note that some of your favorite festival attractions and activities may be experiencing modifications (or in some cases may be postponed until next year) in order to keep everyone happy and healthy.

But rest assured, your favorite legendary characters will still be there, and this merry band of yuletide personalities look forward to making your season bright as the quaintly decorated historic district provides the perfect backdrop.

This season, the festival will be on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

What to expect this season:

• All of our Legendary Characters will be wearing Masks
• Characters will be in permanent locations AND socially distanced 
• We will have a festival guide that includes “cards” – printed in the corner of each page - there will be no individual cards
• Chestnut Roasters will be located at the Daniel Boone Statue
• Victorian Santa will be located in the Katy Depot for “socially distanced” photos with Santa on Opening Day, Saturday, and Sundays (sample attached) Masks Required – except when being photographed
• The Krampus Karavan will be located at the Katy Depot on Friday* evenings (*not on opening day)
• An Entry Processional – Characters will gather across from the Colonnade on North Main at noon on Opening Day, Saturdays, and Sundays. They will process South on Main Street and will exit the procession as they get to their assigned spot, the procession will be followed by a golf cart for safety
• The Holiday Train Display at the Frenchtown Heritage Museum, 1121 N Second Street (Thursdays, Fridays, & Sundays from Noon to 3pm and Saturdays from Noon to 7pm) Masks Required

Event Tie-ins

• Channukah on Main Street (by the Chabad Jewish Center of St. Charles County) from December 10-17 in Berthold Square – this will be a 15 minute program as they kindle the menorah each night of the eight-day holiday
• A virtual Las Posadas event on December 5 – for information go to www.stcharleslasposadas.com  
• A “Wreaths Across America” display - Christmas Tree honoring Blue, Silver, and Gold Star Mothers – this will be located in the Madison Street alcove (100 South Main)
• Gingerbread Village (Main Street Church, 116 N Main)

Changes from previous seasons:

• No Opening Day Ceremony
• No Tree Lighting
• No Santa Parades
• No Wednesday Night
• No Readings at the First State Capitol
• No Yuletide Dinners
• No Breakfast with Santa
• No Character Trading Cards

For 46 seasons, Saint Charles Christmas Traditions has striven to help the concerns of the real world melt away and allow revelers to experience the enchantment of the holiday season like a kid again. Never has that task been taken more seriously than this year.

We proudly welcome you to (safely) explore the holiday magic of historic Main Street, as we invite you to discover the wonder, discover the tradition, and discover why Saint Charles is the place where Christmas past comes to life.  

Welcome to Saint Charles Christmas Traditions®

PLEASE WEAR A MASK, SOCIAL DISTANCE, & MOST OF ALL ENJOY THE MAGIC OF THE SEASON WHILE YOU DISCOVER HISTORIC MAIN STREET & ALL IT HAS TO OFFER.