Your 2025 Guide to the Best Holiday Light Displays in the St. Louis Area
Credit: Reporting originally compiled by Jennifer Somers, 5 On Your Side (KSDK)
The St. Louis region shines every holiday season, and 2025 is no exception. From the botanical gardens and breweries to zoo pathways and neighborhood traditions, there’s no shortage of displays to explore across Missouri and Illinois.
Here’s a curated look at some of the standout experiences lighting up the metro this year.
Brewery Lights at Anheuser-Busch
When: Nov. 22-Dec. 30
Where: 1200 Lynch St., St. Louis, MO
A million lights, a nightly parade with the iconic Clydesdales, and a brand-new light tunnel transform the historic brewery grounds into a winter destination. Kids 5 and under are free, and adults 21+ receive a complimentary beer with admission.
Candy Cane Lane
Where: 6500 block of Murdoch Ave., St. Louis
A St. Louis Hills tradition, Candy Cane Lane glows with thousands of lights thanks to residents who go all-in for the holidays. The display is free, though donations to local charities are accepted via @CandyCaneLaneSTL on Venmo. Don’t forget to pair the visit with Ted Drewes next door.
Citygarden Holiday Lights
When: Nov. 3-Feb. 16
Where: 910 Chestnut St., St. Louis, MO
Downtown’s sculpture garden becomes a whimsical, illuminated landscape filled with glowing ornaments and decorative stars. On Friday evenings, visitors can warm up with drinks from local vendors.
Garden Glow at Missouri Botanical Garden
When: Nov. 15-Jan. 4
Where: 4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, MO
Garden Glow returns with expanded walkthroughs, oversized floral installations, interactive light features, and stunning animations projected onto Tower Grove House. A St. Louis favorite for families and photographers alike.
Holiday Lights at Grant’s Farm
When: Nov. 22-Dec. 30
Where: 7385 Grant Road, St. Louis, MO
Drive-Thru Nights: Select dates onlyTour a million lights, illuminated animal scenes, Santa & Mrs. Claus, and a massive synchronized Christmas tree—all from the comfort of your car.
Walk-Through Experience: NightlyRide the tram, meet festive characters, enjoy seasonal food and drinks, and explore Tiergarten. VIP carriage rides and fire pits are also available.
Breakfast With Santa: Select morningsA full breakfast buffet, photos with Santa, and holiday fun inside the Carriage Haus.
Holiday Night Lights – Wentzville
When: Nov. 28-Dec. 30
Where: Rotary Park, Wentzville, MO
A drive-through mile of glowing displays and animated scenes. Visitors can meet Santa on Saturdays, and on Dec. 14–15 the event switches to a walk-through format.
Santa’s Magical Kingdom
When: Nov. 14-Jan. 4
Where: 5300 Fox Creek Road, Pacific, MO
Located next to Six Flags, this massive drive-thru includes more than 4 million lights and the vibrant Santa’s Atomic Wunderlights forest. Cash-only admission is taken at the exit. Train and wagon rides are available for those wanting the full experience.
Way of Lights – Belleville, IL
When: Nov. 12-Dec. 31
Where: Our Lady of the Snows ShrineA tradition since 1970, this faith-focused display celebrates the story of the Nativity and is free to attend, with donations supporting the shrine’s mission.
Wild Lights at the Saint Louis Zoo
When: Nov. 28-Dec. 28
Where: 1 Government Drive, St. Louis, MO
The zoo turns into a glowing winter world with themed areas, festive photo ops, and a showing of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer included with admission. New this year: photos with Santa and a holiday market.
Winter Wonderland – Tilles Park
When: Nov. 26-Jan. 3
Where: 9551 Litzsinger Road, St. Louis, MO
A longtime St. Louis classic, Winter Wonderland features 2 million lights across 75 acres. Select nights offer walk-through photo opportunities before it becomes drive-through only.
Winterfest – Kiener Plaza
When: Nov. 22-Jan. 11
Where: 500 Chestnut St., St. Louis, MO
Downtown’s holiday playground returns with ice skating, s’mores stations, cozy igloos, themed character days, and a family-friendly New Year’s Eve fireworks show.
WonderLight’s Christmas in St. Louis – Fairmont City, IL
When: Nov. 14-Jan. 4
Where: World Wide Technology Raceway
This mile-long, drive-through spectacle features more than a million LED lights synchronized to music on your car radio, with tunnels, giant trees, and animated displays around every turn.