December brings a whirlwind of traditions and celebrations, from Christmas to Kwanzaa and everything in between. This time of year, many St. Louis families are in search of holiday outings that everyone can enjoy—young and old. Family-friendly December activities are inclusive, community-centered holiday events and traditions, ranging from seasonal light displays and cultural heritage exhibits to local treat tours and volunteer opportunities, designed to bring parents and children together while accommodating diverse age groups and schedules.
Here are a few expert tips to help local families make December magical and memorable. From creating special traditions at beloved city spots to teaching generosity and teamwork, you can ensure this holiday season is joyful and stress-free.
Family-Friendly December Activities Bring Holiday Magic to Downtown St Louis
Downtown St. Louis is full of family-friendly ways to celebrate the season. From Christmas to Kwanzaa and everything in between, there are activities for every family to enjoy, making the holidays truly memorable.
Start with the traditions that matter most to your family. If hunting for the perfect Christmas tree is a family favorite, the Soulard Market is the perfect spot. Known for its festive stand arrangements, the market offers more than just trees. Your family can walk through the bustling aisles filled with holiday scents, sip hot cocoa from a local vendor, and pick up homemade ornaments that will add a personal touch to your holiday decor.
After picking out that special tree, make a day of it with a visit to the nearby Lafayette Park Conservancy for a winter stroll and perhaps a snowball fight if weather permits.
For families celebrating Hanukkah, the Winter Wonderland Holiday Lights Display is a must-see in St. Louis. This drive-through display allows families to soak in the beautiful light arrangements, which can be a wonderful way to discuss the significance of light in the festival. You can even make it a game to spot certain colors or shapes from the first night to the last. To deepen the experience, you might consider visiting the Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum. Here, exhibits can offer valuable insights into Jewish history and traditions, providing an educational experience for older children.
Kwanzaa, with its focus on community and culture, can be beautifully celebrated by participating in events such as the ones hosted at the Missouri History Museum. With storytelling, performances, and activities that celebrate African American culture and history, your family can dive deeper into the themes of unity and creativity that Kwanzaa embraces. To enhance the celebration at home, consider cooking a traditional meal from recipes found online. Involving kids in the kitchen can be a fantastic way to spark conversations about heritage and the role of food in cultural celebrations.
While specific holiday traditions are cherished, creating new, non-denominational traditions can also foster a sense of togetherness. You might decide to spend an evening at the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Garden Glow. Walking through the twinkling paths with hot cider in hand encourages family conversations and laughter. You could create a scavenger hunt with a list of items to find, like a snowflake-shaped light or the star at the top of a tree. Pair this visit with crafting nights where the kids make ornaments inspired by the botanical garden’s varied flora, bringing a piece of nature indoors.
Leverage the local community to teach children about diverse December celebrations. The St. Louis Public Library hosts multiple workshops and reading sessions during winter break that help children learn about holidays around the world. This is a great time to borrow books on global traditions and encourage your kids to ask questions, fostering an understanding and respect for different cultures. Don’t hesitate to let them take the lead on which books to choose; their curiosity can guide important conversations.
You might consider creating a new (and tasty) tradition together: the treat tour. Downtown St. Louis is home to a range of bakeries renowned for their holiday sweets. La Patisserie Chouquette, with its French flair, offers Christmas logs and pastries that are a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. Spend an afternoon sampling these delightful treats and perhaps learn the stories behind traditional goodies. Follow it up with a visit to Missouri Baking Company in The Hill neighborhood, where you can explore a different kind of pastry and enjoy learning about Italian Christmas dessert traditions.
How Local St Louis Holiday Traditions Keep Busy Families Grounded
Generosity is a powerful lesson December can teach. Engage in local efforts such as the Food Outreach program in the Central West End, where families can volunteer to pack boxes for those in need. Or visit Ronald McDonald House Charities, where your kids can assemble care packages for children and families spending the holidays away from home. It’s a hands-on way to show your kids the importance of empathy and charity. Another idea is to join a neighborhood trash pickup day, teaching that giving back to the community also means taking care of our surroundings.
Even with holiday fun, maintaining routines can keep everyone grounded amid the excitement. Reestablishing consistent meal and bedtimes allows children to feel secure during this high-energy time. Try to communicate schedule changes early and involve your children in planning what stays and what has a festive twist. Maybe one night of dinner becomes a pajama dinner party at home, complete with family board games or storytelling sessions.
Flexible Care Keeps Downtown St Louis Holiday Outings Stress-Free
With countless ways to celebrate, ensuring kids feel they are contributing to the festivities can be immensely rewarding. Assign them simple tasks like crafting homemade gift wraps from newspapers or planning a simple game for holiday gatherings. Perhaps you give them a special role at family gatherings at Kiener Plaza Park, where they can guide younger cousins in games or take charge of orchestrating a group photo. Encourage them to print the photos and create an album together that you can all cherish for years to come.
Balancing your holiday fun with necessary preparations can be challenging. When you need a peaceful moment to catch up on shopping at City Foundry STL or dinner at Union Station without little eyes catching their presents early, remember that Jovie of Downtown St Louis is here to help. Our nannies and sitters go far beyond basic supervision; they engage your children in creative and festive activities while making sure everyone stays safe. Whether it’s indoor crafts, a visit to the Saint Louis Science Center, or a playful day at Forest Park, December can be both eventful and tranquil with Jovie on your side.
Find a Trusted Holiday Babysitter with Jovie of Downtown St Louis
Need a hand making this holiday season seamless? Whether you need flexible scheduling for a last-minute shopping trip, date-night coverage, or full-time support throughout winter break, Jovie of Downtown St Louis offers customizable care solutions tailored to your family’s unique routine. Our network of fully vetted, CPR-trained, and experienced caregivers provides busy parents peace of mind, engaging your children in safe, festive fun while you tackle your seasonal checklist.
Contact Jovie of Downtown St Louis today to connect with a trusted nanny or sitter who will make your holiday season easier, more joyful, and filled with extra time for what matters most to your family.
The Jovie Editorial Team is made up of childcare professionals and writers from across Jovie’s national network. They write about hiring caregivers, juggling schedules, and everything else parents end up figuring out as they go.
