2020 has been a challenging year for everyone. Here are five places to visit to get you and your family in a festive holiday mood, while remaining safe from the coronavirus. Merry Christmas!

      1.  Winter Wonderland at Tilles Park

Winter Wonderland has become a yearly tradition for many St. Louis families. Open now through Jan. 2, 2021, this holiday fun can be enjoyed from the comfort of your own car or rented carriage. Tune into their special radio station and enjoy over one million musically coordinated lights for just $10, depending on the type of vehicle you use. Please check the Winter Wonderland website for more information such as when this event is open. Lastly, be strategic when planning your visit because the lines get very long, especially on the weekends. 

       2.  Saint Louis Zoo ‘Wild Lights’

Visit the Saint Louis Zoo for a fun Christmas walk-through with an extensive Christmas lights display. Registration and masks are required for this event. The Zoo offers two time slots available to choose from, 5-6:30 p.m. or 6:30-8 p.m. Visit their website for more details on this amazing event. 

       3.  Wonderlight’s Christmas

This year, for the first time ever, World Wide Technology Raceway is presenting a two mile long holiday lights show, making it the largest synchronized holiday lights display in the St. Louis area. This event is based on a holiday lights show in Columbus, Ohio at National Trail Raceway. Be one of the first families in the city to see this one of a kind lights display. This event is now open. Please visit the Wonderlight’s Christmas website for pricing and further details. 

       4.  Garden Glow at the Missouri Botanical Garden

The Garden Glow is currently open at the Missouri Botanical Garden. Enjoy this wonderful lights display as you walk through the spectacular nature the garden has to offer. You will need reservations for this event and masks are required. Please visit the Garden Glow website for more information. 

       5.  Gingerbread Village in St. Charles

Historic Downtown St. Charles is known for its Christmas Traditions event every year. This year the celebrations have been cut slightly, but the holiday cheer is still present. From now through Dec. 20 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, you are welcome to visit the 2020 Gingerbread Village competition located at 116 N. Main Street. Visitors are encouraged to vote for their favorite. The winner will receive the “People’s Choice Award.” More details can be found on the St. Charles Christmas Traditions website.