As soon as the clock struck midnight on Oct. 31, the holiday season officially began, filling our calendars with all of the social events, parties, and shopping that goes along with it. But before you get too busy with all of the hustle and bustle, you’ll want to check out our roundup of shows, events, and performances that will help make your holiday spirit come to life.
Show-Time
The holidays are in full swing at The Fabulous Fox starting on November 20 with the Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker, and continuing with Mannehim Streamroller Christmas, Hip-Hop Nutcracker, and Cirque Dreams Holidays.
The Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra is marching to a more traditional tune at Powell Hall with features that include The Nutcracker, the annual Mercy Holiday Celebration, A Gospel Christmas, and Home Alone in Concert featuring featuring John William’s whimsical score.
Mid-November, Big Muddy Dance Company presents the world premiere of “A Christmas Carol,” a contemporary dance retelling of the classic story of love and redemption for our friend Ebenezer Scrooge.
The Grandel celebrates Hanukkah in a big way for the 9th annual Hanukkah Hullabaloo on Dec. 14 with Brothers Lazaroff. Along with Rabbi James Stone Goodman and The Eight Night’s Orchestra and DJ Boogieman, they will be teaming up once again with Metro Theater Company to raise money for MTC’s groundbreaking youth violence prevention program “Say Something, Do Something.”
At The Sheldon, Dailey & VIncent (Dec. 6) , and Charles Glenn (Dec. 10-11), sing holiday tunes we all know and love, while on Dec. 16, the KMOX Holiday Radio Show brings a bit of nostalgia (and a lot of humor) to the stage.
Join the youth theatre troupe, Metro Theatre Company for the start of their season on Nov. 17 for ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ the live radio theatre version that leaps to life from the original 1940s radio broadcast – complete with microphones, a diverse company of characters, and live sound effects.
Shop Small
For an ever-changing line-up of local vendors (and your one-stop-shop for holiday gifts) be sure to check out Urban Chestnut’s Wintermarkt, which kicks off Nov. 30 and takes place every Saturday through Dec. 21, 11am-3pm.
On Nov. 20-21, St. Louis’ new experiential retail concept MERCH takes over the Contemporary Art Museum for the MERCH Mix Holiday Pop-Up, featuring designers from New York and London. If you need a holiday party look or a gift for a fashion-lover (or yourself) you’ll want to start here. For art aficionados, don’t forget the CAM Shop is open and stocked with a curated selection of items designed by contemporary artists.
Holidays with Friends
If you’re looking for a place to toast with friends who are visiting for the holidays, impress them over drinks at the Angad Arts Hotel. Show them the view on the roof and stay for their weekly music series’ which highlight a wide array of regional acts.
Dinner, anyone? For those that are looking for a lowkey night out or a romantic date night, The Dark Room has a new menu and a full roster of jazz acts to ensure your chill holiday vibes are set. Or, head to Bulrush for a purely local, Missouri-focused experience with an ever-changing menu that’s sure to impress even the most hard-to-please out-of-own guests. And if the holiday partying gets to be too much, Turn has the cure for your holiday hangover thanks to their highly raved biscuits and fresh comfort food favorites.
Since you’re probably going to need a break after all of this, consider a post-holiday retreat at Hotel Ignacio. Afterall, their winter rate packages are reason enough to book a staycation. You earned it!