Winter in St. Louis, Missouri, might include the chill of the cold air against your skin, but state parks and historic sites in the area are determined to bring warmth to the season with a variety of events aimed to engage the community in festive and historical activities. Starting last Sunday and running through December 22nd on Thursdays to Sundays, the Felix Vallé House State Historic Site invites guests to partake in a traditional ornament craft, creating 3-D paper decorations that celebrate the holiday spirit.
For those looking to momentarily escape the frenzy of holiday preparations, the First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site is set to transform into an old-time shopping experience today and tomorrow. Visitors can to step back into the 1820s and shop by candlelight at the Peck Bros. Dry Goods and Hardware Store, picking up unique gifts like old-fashioned toys and handcrafted items. Those keen on nature can also turn to Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park, where two sessions tomorrow will teach participants to create wreaths using natural resources.
Tomorrow, Felix Vallé House dazzles with a celebration known as Le Réveillon, an early Missouri French Christmas event. Attendees can observe traditional dances by St. Louis-based Dance Discovery, partake in hands-on crafts, take candlelit tours, and enjoy special desserts reflective of the period. Not to be overlooked, Mastodon State Historic Site hosts a Story Time program on the same day, catering to families with young children and offering educational activities that align with park themes.
The upcoming Saturday and December 21st will welcome visitors to the First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site for holiday crafts including snowman and angel decorations. Designed as drop-in activities, they provide a charming reprieve from the season's chill. Following the theme of educational engagement, Mastodon State Historic Site is preparing for its Homeschool Hour on December 16th, focusing on animal adaptations with sessions tailored to different ages and learning levels.
Lastly, those looking to celebrate the winter solstice can join in a special sunrise hike on December 21st at Mastodon State Historic Site. Welcoming the return of longer days, this trail offers a gentle landscape for all ages to enjoy a reflective and invigorating start to their day. Many of these festive and educational events require pre-registration, and interested parties should visit the Missouri Department of Natural Resources website for additional details and registration information.
