Holiday Activities Ideal for St. Louis Seniors

The upcoming holiday season can be made magical for anyone, including senior adults. Thankfully, there are plenty of holiday activities in and around St. Louis for seniors to enjoy with loved ones this year. So, let’s start the holiday season off right!

St. Louis Holiday Activities

ANHEUSER-BUSCH BREWERY LIGHTS 

With more than a million lights, the Anheuser-Busch Brewery Lights walking tour runs through December 30. Reservations are required and can be booked online. They are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Private packages, which include fire pits, are available for groups.  A variety of foods will be featured at the Biergarten, and free parking is included with your reservation.

And for those who might need to avoid walking and cold temperatures, a free drive-thru experience is available on select dates.

WILD LIGHTS AT THE ST. LOUIS ZOO

The St. Louis Zoo U.S. Bank Wild Lights take place during select holiday season nights. Attendees will enjoy winter-themed treats, as well as access to Penguin & Puffin Coast and the Insectarium. Wild Lights runs 5-8:30 p.m. through December 30.

High demand is expected, and popular dates fill up quickly. Ticket and date information can be found on the St. Louis Zoo website, and advance online tickets are required.

Like the Anheuser-Busch Brewery Lights, this is a walking tour.

GARDEN GLOW AT THE MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN

The Garden Glow, which is open through Jan. 6, is a dazzling display of two million lights complete with s’mores, festive drinks and great photo opportunities. You can even meet Santa himself on select nights!

Similar to the holiday activities above, the Garden Glow is a walking tour. Purchase tickets online.

CANDY CANE LANE

During the holiday season, Murdoch Avenue is transformed into “Candy Cane Lane,” as the residents who live in the St. Louis Hills neighborhood decorate their homes and neighborhood streets with thousands of lights and festive decorations. Hundreds of people enjoy this free tour of lights every year. Pro tip: start your evening at nearby Ted Drewes for frozen custard or hot chocolate!

As this is a drive-through experience, seniors who have difficulty walking can fully enjoy this celebration from the comfort and warmth of their cars.

WINTER WONDERLAND IN TILLES PARK

Enjoy a stroll through one million twinkling lights at the 37^th annual Winter Wonderland in Tilles Park. This display is open through December 30 from 5 – 9 p.m. Visitors can enjoy the lights while staying cozy in their cars during this drive-thru lights tour.

SANTA’S MAGICAL KINGDOM

Some call this the Midwest’s most spectacular holiday light display, as it is filled with animated scenes, dazzling special effects, and millions of shimmering lights. Santa’s Magical Kingdom is open nightly through January 7, including holidays. Located in Pacific, Mo., next to Six Flags, you can drive through 35 acres of holiday magic. Or for a special treat, experience all the sights and sounds of the Kingdom aboard the Santa Express Train or on a festive Old Fashion Holiday Wagon ride!

GRANT’S FARM HOLIDAY LIGHTS

The Grant’s Farm Holiday Lights tour can be experienced by car through December 14, on foot through December 30, or around a VIP fire pit! Tune in to your radio and twinkle into the night as you witness this exclusive lights display. Senior adults can enjoy the show with loved ones from the comfort of their own vehicle. Reservations are required.

Other Holiday Activities

ST. CHARLES CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS

For nearly half a century, Saint Charles Christmas Traditions® has made the holiday spirit of the past come to life for the young and young at heart. This festival features global Santa figures dressed in the cultural attire of their home countries, carolers in the historic district, roasted chestnuts fresh from an open fire, and more! The event runs through December 24. See the website for hours of operation on each day.

ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The Symphony’s Mercy Holiday Celebration is a treasured tradition full of your favorite carols and sounds of the season.

Buy tickets online.

ST. LOUIS UNION STATION POLAR EXPRESS^TM TRAIN RIDE

Beautifully decorated trains take passengers on a fantasy journey to the North Pole as they interact with the Polar Express^TM characters, Santa Claus, and his elves.

Families are encouraged to wear their holiday pajamas for the experience. The Polar Express^TM runs through December 30.

Check out Bethesda’s blog to find more senior-friendly fun activities to try this season.