Christmas Holiday Activities in St. Louis | St. Louis Polar Express | Christmas time at St Louis Station
We headed back to St. Louis this year to ring in the holiday season with a ride on the Polar Express again & to check out all the new offering St. Louis Station has to get us in the Christmas spirit!
I surprised the kids with a box full of Polar Express goodies & Polar Express cookies before we got on the road to kick off our Christmas filled weekend! AND It was the perfect excuse to buy the mug & saucer that looks identical to the movie! It was so cute & they loved it!
Polar Express Ride gift
As always the Polar Express cookies by the ever amazing Girly Girl Cookies
Polar Express Hot Chocolate Mug
This is our second time going during the holidays {see our other visit HERE} & we had a visit during the spring {see that HERE} but, even with those visit we still manage to not do every thing they have to offer! We were so excited to try the new things they are offering right at St. Louis Station. One of the reasons I love starting at Union Station is you virtually do not have to leave the property to have a great time! Of course there is SO much to do {see all those things HERE} However, if you are looking for a quick maybe weekend getaway like we did to start off the season and want to pack all the holiday magic in, in a short time & stay in one place, this is IT!
Book early! Things fill up QUICK for the days that the Polar Express runs. They have normal hotel rooms or they offer decorated suites for the extra Christmas magic! We did that this year & I can't recommend it enough! The kids loved the glow of the Christmas tree when we came back to our room!
They gave me a code for you use to save $5 on each ticket you purchase: "VIP5"
Polar Express Decorated Suite at St Louis Station
Look for the hotel ticket packages that include your train tickets & stay on the website!
Hotel Ticket Packages for St Louis Polar Express:
Coach Ticket Hotel Packages include a souvenir golden ticket, hot chocolate, cookies & the first gift of Christmas.
First Class Hotel Package include a souvenir golden ticket, hot chocolate in a commemorative mug, cookies, digital family photo download & the first gift of Christmas. First Class rail cars are pods of four seats that face each other with a small table in between.
Decorated Suite Hotel packages include a souvenir golden ticket, hot chocolate in a commemorative mug, cookies, digital family photo download, the first gift of Christmas & voucher for the gift shop.
Things to do at St Louis Station during the Holidays
1. Mrs. Claus' Kitchen
From their website "Join us at St. Louis Union Station for an enchanting holiday experience that will warm your heart and ignite your creativity! Gather your loved ones and immerse yourselves in the festive spirit as you decorate delicious cookies in Mrs. Claus’ whimsical kitchen. "
Mrs Claus' Kitchen St Louis Station
Mrs. Claus' Kitchen is located in the building that the aquarium & other activities are. When we headed up stairs we couldn't believe the theming! It was like stepping into the North Pole meets Disney World. Everything was so cute! You check in & have the opportunity to take a cute photo at the gingerbread photo spot. The kitchen gives you a box with all your supplies & then you are free to take any table & decorate your cookies with your family or children. While decorating them, Mrs Claus walks around & talks with the children. After about 30 mins you head to story time where she reads a book & sing carols. This part my teens didn't absolutely love but they say & enjoyed. My toddlers absolutely loved. If you have a mixed ages family or going with extended family with cousins different ages, this will be a hit! Something for everyone to enjoy. My teens loved decorating the cookies while the toddlers just wanted to mostly eat them. & story time wasn't their favorite but the boys had a blast.
Mrs Claus' Kitchen St Louis Station
Mrs Claus' Kitchen St Louis Station
Mrs Claus' Kitchen St Louis Station
2. Pancakes with Santa
We started off the day that we had tickets to Polar Express in the evening with Pancakes with Santa. This really made for the perfect Christmas spirit day! It's in the Grand Hall with has this amazing dome ceiling where they project on & play music to. You get Santa Pancakes are decorated with a whipped cream and strawberries Santa face and served with milk or coffee for mom and dad as well as a buffet full of different beverages. I will say the pancakes left a lot to be desired, so for maybe parents grab something from the Starbucks in the lobby before or after. However, all four kids didn't have one complaint & loved!
Santa comes around to each table & at the end you can get a photo by the gorgeous Christmas tree!
Pancakes with Santa at St Louis Station
Pancakes with Santa at St Louis Station
I swear he was having a great time haha Pancakes with Santa at St Louis Station
3. Polar Express
I have a full post on the Polar Express ride HERE so I will keep this one much more condensed. The Polar Express is one of our favorite traditions! The St. Louis Polar Express is Disney-level magic! It was so so well organized & the actors were amazing! We had the most magical time! The ride is great & you get to see the arch which is neat as non-resident! Make sure you get your tickets early! They luckily have a lot of dates available but they go quick!
Polar Express St Louis
Polar Express St Louis
Polar Express St Louis
Polar Express St Louis
Polar Express St Louis
Polar Express St Louis
Polar Express St Louis
4. Elfie Express
Normally named the "Selfie Express" turns into the "Elfie Express" for the holiday season, this fun activity has transformed into a whimsical wonderland taken over by mischievous elves! You go into room each with backdrops and interactive displays that capture the spirit of the holidays. You can do fun poses & take fun photos!
5. Stop in Build A Bear Headquarters
Right in the parking lot of Union Station is Build-a-Bear HQ! They have an exclusive Polar Express bear during the holidays & it's the perfect stop to get a cuddly friend to take on your train ride!
St. Louis Polar Express Polar Express Build-a-Bear
St. Louis Polar Express Polar Express Build-a-Bear
St. Louis Polar Express Polar Express Build-a-Bear
As you can see, the bear is a huge hit! St. Louis Polar Express Polar Express Build-a-Bear
Plus so much more
As you can tell there is SO much to do & I didn't even list everything. You can go on the wheel, visit the aquarium, watch the fire show, go to the soda fountain & for sure eat at the train shed. {see more about those things HERE} With so much to do St Louis Station is great stop for all the holiday fun for your family!
A final pro tip, mom to mom? After your did all the planning for a magical getaway headout to the Grand Hall one night for a night cap & watch the projection show. You deserve it ;)
