Grab your golden tickets and pajamas before the train leaves the station! The Polar Express train ride, a St. Louis holiday tradition returns this year to St. Louis Union Station.
Experience beautifully decorated trains while you interact with The Polar Express characters, Santa Claus, and his elves. Based on the beloved children's book, The Polar Express is a magical story of a boy's search for the real meaning of Christmas.
Courtesy of Explore St. Louis
The Polar Express Train Ride
Enjoy a real-life journey experience where you will be greeted by the conductor inviting you to board the train ride, transporting passengers into the magic of this holiday classic. Families will enjoy a reading of the classic book, freshly brewed hot chocolate from on-board chefs, and cookies, followed by a visit from Santa Claus with all the good little boys and girls to share the magical gift of Christmas.
St. Louis offers an abundance of holiday magic this time of year, whether you want to sled down Art Hill in Forest Park, ice skate in the glow of the Gateway Arch, ride in a horse-drawn sleigh through Tilles Park or support local makers and small businesses offering everything from books, candles and jewelry to gourmet chocolates, handcrafted caramels and gooey butter cakes.
However, the adventure doesn’t stop there. Throughout the year, St. Louis rolls out the fun carpet for families with an abundance of historical must-sees and thrilling adventures for every age.
Gregg Goldman Photography
St. Louis City Museum
St. Louis is well known as a family-friendly destination,” says Catherine Neville, vice president of communications at Explore St. Louis. “From the mind-bending City Museum to the mind-expanding Saint Louis Science Center, kids of all ages (and their parents) will find a diverse array of experiences that will entertain, enlighten, and engage."
In fact, the team at Explore St. Louis has worked diligently to ensure families have a simple and easy navigation of memory-making with a creation of guides for all group-types and occasions — cool kids, traveling teens, art appreciation, cultural, outdoorsy, historic, music, and more.
I was recently able to visit St. Louis, MO, and with just a short 4-hour drive from my hometown of Memphis, TN, it’s definitely a place my family gets to experience very often. No matter how many times we’ve visited, there just seems to be something new we haven’t tried before, especially as children grow older. I’ve always been shocked at how many free and fun attractions are available, which has a huge impact on families’ budgets. You literally get to explore a diverse list of endeavors.
We want families to leave St. Louis with memories that will last a lifetime – taking a tram ride to the top of the Arch and peeking out onto the cityscape below, soaring on a roller coaster thrill ride at Six Flags, being amazed by the animals at the Saint Louis Zoo, getting crafty at MADE for Kids – all of these spots are designed to facilitate fun for families,” says Neville.
Courtesy of Gateway Arch Park Foundation
Gateway Arch
Not only is St. Louis packed with world-class attractions, but also award-winning restaurants, an arts-and-culture scene, flourishing public parks, miles of trails, and exhilarating waterways. Your travel experience will also be met with warm and inviting residents, welcoming you to their adored neck-of-the-woods to make lasting memories with your loved ones and friends.
Vacation time is fundamental to bonding families through shared experiences,” says Neville. “Here in St. Louis, we encourage visitors to deepen their family ties as they laugh, play and experience the city together.”
Did someone say sports? St. Louis has a multitude of sports attractions to choose from throughout the year. You can root for the Cardinals baseball team at the ballpark; cheer on the National Hockey League team, St. Louis Blues; catch a basketball game with the championship-winning women’s team, The Surge; and enjoy some good ‘ole football, professional car racing, and soccer. If you’ve never witnessed fans show up in droves, you best prepare yourself when in St. Louis.
I was able to check out a jam-packed football game where the Mizzou Tigers took on the Memphis Tigers, and boy, it was a madhouse of gold and black vs. blue and white apparel in the stadium at America’s Center Convention Complex. This was the kickoff of Mizzou (University of Missouri) football returning to St. Louis, since 2010, so you can only imagine the fan hype of Missourians. While my beloved home team, Memphis Tigers, didn’t take home the win, it was great to be among such grand support from both sides.
St. Louis is considered a friendly neighbor and maybe even a close relative to Memphis with so much likeness of the two cities.
Located on the Blues Highway, St. Louis and Memphis share a bond rooted in music and a mutual love of barbecue,” says Neville. “What we want folks from Memphis to experience is our open, friendly people and dive into our region’s deep history, beautiful architecture, world-class arts scene, unparalleled food and beverage offerings, stunning museums…all while enjoying only-in-St. Louis attractions like the Gateway Arch, Forest Park, City Museum, Missouri Botanical Garden and more.”
Courtesy of Explore St. Louis
St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station
St. Louis continues its work to impact the future of tourists and residents as a place to call home or even a home-away-from-home. “St. Louis is a hub of innovation and the city is constantly evolving – Great Rivers Greenway is establishing a region-wide network of trails that will tie the St. Louis area together, Grand Center is blooming as a nationally-recognized arts district, entertainment hubs like City Foundry and Ballpark Village draw thousands each week and our new soccer team, St. Louis CITY SC, is making national waves in its first season,” says Neville. “St. Louis is a warm, welcoming city and we open our arms to new residents and visitors alike.”
Did I mention how beautiful the space is at Union Station? It is a city within a city that will have you digesting the breathtaking architecture of lights, fire and water shows amid the lake, confectionary creations at the Soda Fountain restaurant, mini golf, mirror maze, carousel rides, carnival-style games, 200-foot view on The St. Louis Wheel, interactive aquarium, and so much more.
Courtesy of Explore St. Louis
The Soda Fountain
Tom Paule Photography
St. Louis Union Station Grand Hall
Explore St. Louis believes whether you’re an urban explorer, outdoor adventurer, aficionado of family fun – no matter your travel persona, you’ll find plenty to do in St. Louis. They invite you to not just take their word for it, but come and see for yourself.
Like many families, I certainly consider St. Louis to be a lasting memory of adventures, and look forward to making new ones.
For more information about holiday attractions and exploring St. Louis, visit explorestlouis.com.