A Winter Wonderland for Everyone
St. Louis offers some of the best seasonal lights displays in the country, all of which are within convenient driving distance from the downtown area. So make a jug of hot cocoa, pile the family in the Ford Flex, or the economical Ford Focus wagon, and hit the road in search of seasonal delights.
Wild Lights at the St. Louis Zoo
Some people don't think of the St. Louis Zoo as a place to go in the winter months, but during the holiday season, the Zoo hosts an annual event called "Wild Lights." The lights run from the South Gate entrance of the Zoo past the Lakeside Café up to the Mary Ann Lee Conservation Carousel, a ride which contains hand-carved representations of protected and endangered species. Visitors also can view animal light sculptures at the Emerson's Children's Zoo, which is located within the Zoo complex.
Wild Lights at the St. Louis Zoo is open nightly from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., December 7 through December 30 (Wild Lights will be closed on December 24 and 25).
The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows: Way of Lights (Belleville, Illinois)
Each year, St. Louis residents make the drive into Illinois to view the Way of Lights, an annual event that features indoor and outdoor activities at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows. Using over a million lights, this display tells the story of Mary and Joseph's long journey to Bethlehem from November 15 through January 6, 2008. Best viewed in your warm Ford Vehicle, the Way of Lights is free to the public, but donations will be accepted to support the charitable works of the Shrine.
In addition to the free Children's Village, the Shrine also has a laser show this year that tells the Nativity story through light and sound.
Winter Wonderland at Tilles Park
Preparing for its 22nd year of operation, the Winter Wonderland at Tilles Park in St. Louis County features one of the most impressive displays of lights in the area. Visitors can use their own vehicle to see the display or reserve a horse-drawn carriage through Metrotix. On Saturday evening, only carriage rides are permitted within the park. The Winter Wonderland is open Wednesday, November 21 (the day before Thanksgiving) through Tuesday, January 1 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., but the display is closed Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.
Hopefully this holiday season will find you merry and bright. As you visit the local light displays, please buckle up and drive safely.
