The air is getting crisp, the leaves are changing color, and the scent of pumpkin spice is everywhere—it can only mean one thing: it’s time for fall and winter festivals in the St. Louis and St. Charles areas! From Renaissance revelry to holiday magic, the Metro East region is packed with events that will fill your calendar with fun from October right through the end of the year.
Here is a breakdown of our Dodge team’s favorite festivals and events for the 2025 season.
Fall 2025: Pirates, Pumpkins, and Spooks, Oh My!
The transition to fall brings fantasy and celebrations to the St. Louis area.
St. Louis Renaissance Festival
Weekends from September 13 – October 26
Travel back in time to the village of Petite Lyon for armored jousting, aerial acts, food, artisan crafts, and general merriment. The festival runs on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the season in Wentzville, MO.
St. Louis Renaissance Festival Website
Pirates & Pumpkins at the St. Louis Aquarium
Runs September 19 through November 2
During this special event, the Aquarium is decorated with pirate-themed scenes, including a ghost ship with smoking, booming cannons. On the exciting trail through the Aquarium, guests can take a self-guided tour in the highly themed wonderland of treasure caves and grottos. Pirates & Pumpkins includes special trick-or-treat activities on Fridays and Saturdays in October and November 1-2.
Pirates and Pumpkins
Legends & Lanterns®
Weekends in October
Historic St. Charles transforms for the 10th year with this unique, family-friendly historical experience. The streets are filled with costumed storytellers and imaginative displays that celebrate the history and folklore of Halloween.
St. Charles Legends & Lanterns
Apple Butter Festival
October 25–26
Held in the quaint town of Kimmswick, MO, this popular festival is famous for its namesake apple butter, along with hundreds of craft vendors and a charming historical setting. It takes place on the last full weekend of the month.
Kimmswick Apple Butter Festival
November & December 2025: Holiday Cheer
The end of the year brings dazzling lights and historic holiday magic, especially in St. Charles.
Dia de Los Muertos
November 1
Celebrate the Day of the Dead at the Missouri History Museum with a cultural event that includes traditional altars, music, dancing, and activities to honor and remember departed loved ones.
Missouri History Museum Events
St. Charles Christmas Traditions®
November 28 – December 24 (Friday – Sunday)
This month-long free festival transforms Historic Main Street into a Dickensian world. Guests can enjoy Victorian carolers, meet over a dozen international Santa figures sharing global customs, and watch the Santa Parades at noon on Saturdays and Sundays.
St. Charles Christmas Traditions®
Beyond the famed Christmas Traditions® on Main Street, the St. Charles Parks and Recreation Department also hosts delightful festive activities:
- Holiday Cookie Decorating (Dec. 2): A fun activity for kids to customize their own sweet treats.
- Candy Cane Hunt (Dec. 7): A simple, classic holiday hunt activity that’s great for younger children.
- Ugly Sweater Bingo (Dec. 12): A festive adults-only night to go all in on the fun of Bingo! There will be a costume contest for the ugliest sweater, winner will receive a prize!
- Storytime with Santa (Dec. 14): A chance for kids to sit near Santa and hear a festive tale
The Polar Express Train Ride at Union Station
November 1 – December 31
Set to the classic motion picture soundtrack, this is an immersive train ride that takes families on a journey to the “North Pole.” The train departs from the beautifully decorated St. Louis Union Station, making it a classic holiday tradition.
Polar Express at Union Station
Garden Glow at Missouri Botanical Garden
November 15 – January 3
This is St. Louis’s premier walk-through holiday experience. Millions of lights transform the Garden’s statuary, architecture, and beautiful plant collections into a magical, immersive landscape. This event is incredibly popular, so be sure to purchase your tickets in advance!
MOBOT Garden Glow
Saint Louis Ballet
November 29 – December 23
The Nutcracker: One of the region’s most cherished holiday events. See the Saint Louis Ballet’s full, traditional production of the timeless ballet, bringing Clara’s magical journey to life at the Touhill Performing Arts Center.
Saint Louis Ballet Presents the Nutcracker
Wild Lights at the Saint Louis Zoo
Late November – Late December
Experience the zoo after dark! The grounds feature festive lighting, holiday displays, and special opportunities for family fun and animal viewing.
Saint Louis Zoo
The Fabulous Fox Theatre
December 12-14
The Fox often brings Broadway to St. Louis for the holidays. Look for A Christmas Story: The Musical for a festive night out.
Fox Theatre: A Christmas Story
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
December 23
If you prefer rock over ballet, catch the TSO at the Enterprise Center for their explosive holiday rock opera, The Ghosts of Christmas Eve. It’s a high-energy show full of lasers, pyrotechnics, and powerful music.
TSO 2025 Winter Tour
Whether you’re just seeing our city for the first time or visiting to go house hunting, there’s several events to make you feel right at home in St. Louis! Let us help you plan your local, long distance, or international move today!