City Life, Life

Enjoy Christmas Lights, New Restaurants, and More in St. Louis

December 4, 2020

The Polar Bear Experience at St. Louis Union Station – STLThePolarExpressRide.com This classic Christmas tradition continues at Union Station. This year, the decorated trains will remain stationary and guests will enjoy a walk-through event where you can interact with Polar Express characters and Santa Claus and his elves. Families are encouraged to wear their most festive pajamas! Timed tickets are available from 3PM to 9PM Monday–Thursday and 1PM to 9PM Friday–Sunday.

Jungle Bell Rock display. *Photo courtesy Saint Louis Zoo.*

U.S. Bank Wild Lights at the Saint Louis Zoo – STLZoo.org/wildlights The Saint Louis Zoo is one of the most popular destinations in the city, and now you can visit at night too during Wild Lights. There are more than one million lights showcased and animal-themed displays, including Starry Safari and Jungle Bell Rock. Wild Lights is open from 5 to 8:30 PM December 2–6, 9–23, and December 26–January 2. You can also purchase ingredients for s’mores at the Zoo and roast them at one of the fire pits. Snacks, holiday-inspired drinks, food, and more are available at various locations throughout the Zoo. Brewery Lights Drive-Thru at Budweiser Brewery – BudweiserTours.com If you prefer to stay inside of your vehicle while seeing twinkling lights this year, then Budweiser Brewery is the place for you. You’ll see synchronized lights and music, Clydesdale stables, the Clocktower, and more. Book online and visit Thursdays–Sundays until January 3rd. And since the holiday season is also a time of giving, the brewery is partnering with the St. Louis Area Foodbank to help those in need. Bring packaged food on Fridays and Saturdays to donate. When you do so, you will receive a promo code for $100 off of a Drinkworks Home Bar by Keurig.

*Photo courtesy Mauki’s Bakery & Country Store.*

Mauki’s Bakery & Country Store – 1730 S 8th Street – MaukisBakery.com Indulge in freshly baked breads, pies, sweets, and more at this brand new bakery in Soulard. Owner Angie Swyers started out selling her baked goods on Saturdays at Soulard Farmers Market, but now Mauki’s Bakery & Country Store expanded to a brick-and-mortar. In addition to the sweet treats, Mauki’s also offers hearty breakfast and lunch meals and specials throughout the week. Angie says their main focus is on country comfort foods and big portions. “We’re firm believers in not leaving hungry,” she says. And if you’re wondering where the name Mauki came from, Angie combined her cat’s names, Mau Mau and Ki Ki to create the moniker. Stop in between 6 AM and 5 PM Tuesdays through Sundays. Phillies Cheesesteaks – 6800 Olive Blvd Ste F – PhilliesCheesesteaks.com St. Louis just got a new cheesesteak destination. Play it safe with the Classic Steak or Chicken Philly or try something a little more unique like the Teriyaki Chicken Philly or Veggie Philly. Follow Phillies Cheesesteaks on social media to see new meals that are added to their menu.