Christmas at St. Louis Union Station: A Family Holiday Guide
Looking for a magical Midwest Christmas getaway with the kids? St. Louis Union Station in St. Louis, Missouri, transforms into a holiday wonderland filled with twinkling lights, festive experiences, and unforgettable family memories! From climbing aboard The Polar Express Train Ride to watching the dazzling Grand Hall Light Show, there is so much holiday magic waiting to be discovered.
Located in downtown St. Louis, approximately 5.5–6 hours from Des Moines, Iowa, this historic train station is the perfect destination for a family holiday road trip. Whether you’re planning a quick overnight adventure or an entire weekend of Christmas fun, St. Louis Union Station offers plenty of activities, dining, and even a hotel right on-site!
Our family had the opportunity to experience the holiday magic firsthand, and we’re sharing everything you need to know to plan your own visit, including where to stay, what to do, and tips to make the most of your Christmas getaway.
Plan Your Visit to St. Louis Union Station
- Location: 1820 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri
- Best Time to Visit: Mid-November through December, when holiday festivities are in full swing.
- Recommended Trip Length: 1–2 nights to experience the holiday attractions without feeling rushed.
- Must-Do Holiday Experience: The Polar Express Train Ride, running November 13–December 30, 2026.
- Other Family Favorites: Grand Hall Light Show, St. Louis Aquarium, The St. Louis Wheel, carousel, and festive dining.
- Tickets + Reservations: Visit the official St. Louis Union Station website for holiday schedules, ticket information, and booking details.
Parent Tip: If The Polar Express Train Ride is at the top of your family’s Christmas bucket list, book your tickets early! Popular dates and departure times can fill quickly, especially on weekends and closer to Christmas.
Keep reading for our family’s experience, favorite attractions, and helpful tips for planning a magical Christmas visit to St. Louis Union Station!
Check out other fun things to see and do while you are in St. Louis, Missouri.
- Forest Park and the St. Louis Zoo
- City Museum Tips and Tricks
- Gateway Arch
- Other Holiday Midwest Adventures
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas at St. Louis Union Station
Planning a holiday getaway to St. Louis Union Station? Whether you’re visiting for The Polar Express Train Ride or spending an entire weekend enjoying the Christmas festivities, here are answers to some of the most common questions families may have before their visit.
When is The Polar Express Train Ride at St. Louis Union Station in 2026?
The Polar Express Train Ride runs from November 13 through December 30, 2026, at St. Louis Union Station in St. Louis, Missouri. This popular holiday experience includes a festive train ride, storytelling, hot chocolate, cookies, and a special visit from Santa Claus. Dates and departure times vary, so book your tickets early!
Is The Polar Express Train Ride in St. Louis worth it for families?
Yes! If your family loves Christmas traditions and the magic of The Polar Express, this is an unforgettable experience. Children get to board a real train, interact with characters, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, and receive a special silver bell from Santa. Our family loved the experience, and the festive atmosphere throughout Union Station makes it even more memorable.
How much do Polar Express tickets cost at St. Louis Union Station?
Ticket prices vary depending on your travel date, departure time, and seating selection. Tickets for the 2026 season start around $20, with some experiences costing more. Purchase tickets in advance through the official Polar Express website, as popular dates can sell out quickly.
What should kids wear on The Polar Express Train Ride?
Christmas pajamas are encouraged! Many families dress in matching holiday pajamas to recreate the magic of the beloved book and movie. Comfortable shoes and a warm coat are also recommended, especially when walking between attractions during the winter months.
How early should we arrive for The Polar Express Train Ride?
Plan to arrive approximately 45–60 minutes before your scheduled departure to allow time for parking, checking in, and boarding. The train doors close 10 minutes before departure, and late arrivals cannot board. Arriving early also gives your family time to enjoy the festive atmosphere before the adventure begins.
Where should families stay when visiting St. Louis Union Station?
One of the most convenient options is the St. Louis Union Station Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, located right inside the historic station. Families can easily walk to The Polar Express Train Ride, St. Louis Aquarium, The St. Louis Wheel, restaurants, and other attractions. Special holiday hotel packages may also be available. Staying on-site makes the experience especially convenient when traveling with younger children.
What other Christmas activities are available at St. Louis Union Station?
There is so much more to explore beyond The Polar Express! Families can enjoy the Grand Hall Light Show, ride The St. Louis Wheel, explore the holiday decorations, and enjoy festive dining experiences. Seasonal activities and special events vary each year, so check the official St. Louis Union Station holiday calendar before your visit.
Is the Grand Hall Light Show free?
The Grand Hall Light Show is a complimentary attraction inside the historic St. Louis Union Station Hotel. The 3D projections transform the beautiful ceiling with colorful animations and music. Shows are generally scheduled hourly from 5 to 10 p.m., although private events may affect availability.
What can families do at St. Louis Union Station besides Christmas activities?
St. Louis Union Station is a family entertainment destination all year long! Families can visit the St. Louis Aquarium, ride the 200-foot-tall St. Louis Wheel, explore the ropes course and mirror maze, play mini golf, and ride the carousel. There are also several family-friendly restaurants, including The Soda Fountain and The Train Shed.
Is St. Louis Union Station good for toddlers and younger children?
Absolutely! Younger children can enjoy the holiday lights, train ride, aquarium, carousel, and festive decorations. Families with toddlers may want to plan for breaks, bring a stroller for exploring the complex, and choose an earlier Polar Express departure time. Strollers must be left in a designated area before boarding The Polar Express.
Where do you park for The Polar Express at St. Louis Union Station?
Parking is available in the main St. Louis Union Station parking lot, accessible from 18th Street. The Polar Express event currently lists parking at $5 per car, with cashless payment required. Follow the event signs when entering the lot, and confirm parking details before your visit.
How many days should families spend at St. Louis Union Station?
A full day is enough to experience several highlights, but we recommend planning a weekend getaway if you want to enjoy The Polar Express, St. Louis Aquarium, The St. Louis Wheel, festive dining, and the holiday decorations without feeling rushed. Staying overnight also allows families to enjoy the evening light displays.
Is St. Louis Union Station a good Christmas road trip from Des Moines, Iowa?
Yes! St. Louis is a fun Midwest destination for a family holiday getaway. The drive from the Des Moines metro typically takes approximately 5.5–6 hours, depending on your starting point, route, traffic, and weather. It’s a great option for a long weekend filled with Christmas activities and family adventures.
Ready to plan your holiday adventure? Visit the official St. Louis Union Station website for updated holiday events, tickets, and experiences. Be sure to book popular attractions and hotel stays early during the Christmas season!
Our Family’s Experience on The Polar Express at St. Louis Union Station
The Polar Express Train Ride
There is no better way to get into the Holiday spirit than jumping on a real train ride and heading to the North Pole. What better place to catch a train to the North Pole than at the historic St. Louis Union Station? You will journey to the North Pole where your children will receive a keepsake present. The Polar Express Train Ride at St. Louis Union Station is an enchanting holiday experience that captures the spirit of the beloved children’s book and movie. Set in the historic and beautifully restored Union Station, this magical train ride takes passengers on an unforgettable journey to the North Pole.
The beautifully decorated trains are festive, and the atmosphere is filled with excitement and anticipation. The train departs from the St. Louis Union Station train park and begins its adventure to the North Pole, with the characters from the story coming to life. The entire experience is filled with singing, dancing, stories, and more. The conductor and chefs spend the entire time interacting with your children. Hot chocolate is served, just like in the book, and cookies are passed around to create a truly immersive experience. Monte and Amelia loved every moment of this experience.
As the train chugs along, the scenery outside the window transforms into a winter wonderland, with twinkling lights and snow-covered landscapes. Finally, the train arrives at the North Pole, where Santa Claus himself (you may see Mrs. Claus too!) awaits with a special gift (the first gift of Christmas) for each child and shares the real meaning of Christmas. The train ride returns to the St. Louis Union Station train park.
Note: While waiting to board the train, head to the North Pole Village, which is a tent (that is heated) filled with fun activities for the kids. They even had the movie The Polar Express playing as well.
Magical Meals in the Grand Hall
The Grand Hall at the St. Louis Union Station Hotel is gorgeous. Enjoy a delicious meal while interacting with Polar Express characters before jumping on The Polar Express Train Ride. The Grand Hall is decorated with lights, trees, and holiday treats. You will not want to miss The Polar Express 3-D holiday light and music show that is displayed on the ceiling of the Grand Hall. The Grand Hall offers an amazing dinner menu all year-round. The Magical Meal is offered on select nights of the Polar Express rides in buffet style. They offer a buffet for adults and one buffet specifically curated for children.
Hotel Packages
The magic does not end with just a train ride to the North Pole. Take it a step further and book one of St. Louis Union Station’s hotel packages (part of the Curio Collection by Hilton) which include a decorated suite, gifts, tickets, and more. Packages vary and sell out quickly, so book soon! You can also book a room that overlooks the St. Louis Aquarium at St. Louis Station. When we stayed, they were just finishing up the final touches of the aquarium, but we could see the sea otters from our room.
The Wheel at St. Louis Station
All of your holiday fun does not stop at the Polar Express. Jump on The Wheel at St. Louis Union Station. This Ferris wheel is a 200-foot-tall St. Louis Wheel and is open all year round. Take a ride to the very top and enjoy beautiful views of St. Louis, Missouri. You will not want to miss this iconic ride. You will definitely want to ride once during the day and once at night. Both are magical experiences! During the holiday season, you can catch several light displays throughout downtown St. Louis.
The Soda Fountain
The Soda Fountain at Union Station is an experience of its own. They offer simple lunch items such as a Chicago Dog, cheeseburger, tuna melt, and onion rings, but their shakes are to die for! We indulged in some of their booze shakes while the kids were in heaven sipping and eating their Cotton Candy Shake. They do not mess around.
The Train Shed
The Train Shed is another great place to eat at the St. Louis Union Station. They offer draft beer with 12 rotating taps, creative cocktails, unique and delicious foods (the Stuffed Spuds are to die for!), and the decor is fun. They did not offer a children’s menu but were very flexible when ordering for the kids. It was a great spot to grab dinner before The Polar Express train ride.
Carousel, Playground, and Mini Golf, Oh my!
The green space near the St. Louis Ferris Wheel offers a fun playground, mini-golf, and a carousel. This is a great place for fun and play. They also offer a station where people can grab a hot cocoa or an adult beverage, and yes, you can bring all of the above onto the Ferris Wheel. This area is filled with so much fun (sometimes live entertainment) and is within walking distance from your hotel room and aquarium.
Fire and Light Show
Catch a seat at a “hot” spot in the center of the St. Louis Union Station for the fire and light show. The music show features an open fire, a 100-foot-long waterfall with 50 nozzles that spray water 40 feet down into the lake. Lights will turn the water into a variety of glowing colors accented by the icicle lights decorating the surrounding trees.
This area is filled with so much fun and is within walking distance from your hotel room and aquarium.
St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station
St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station must be on your list when you make a visit. Put on your antler ears or Santa hat and spend your day exploring and enjoying hands-on activities at the St. Louis Aquarium. This 120,000-square-foot aquarium offers animal encounters, over 60 sharks and rays, and 13,000 freshwater and aquatic animals. The aquarium is filled with fish and sharks, but also tons of hands-on experiences.
St. Louis Ropes Course and Mirror Maze
After exploring the St. Louis Aquarium, soar 3 stories up and walk around the St. Louis Ropes Course. This fun rope course is filled with more than 90,000 cubic feet of climbing space and 30 obstacles. This mom got a bit nervous, but Monte loved it! You may want to explore the Mirror Maze before lunch! This fun maze is a reimagined experience from the 1904 World’s Fair, filled with interactive experiences and more.
