ST. LOUIS — As the holidays approach, the St. Louis area is already filled with events for the whole family. 

Below is a list of holiday events in the St. Louis area:

The Polar Express Train Ride at Union Station (Nov. 15–Dec. 30)
Santa and his elves are full steam ahead for a trip to the North Pole. Visitors will board decorated trains to take a journey with Santa and his elves. Families are encouraged to wear pajamas for the experience. The ride comes with hot cocoa, a tasty cookie, singing staff and a reading of the picture book “The Polar Express.” 

Wonderlight’s Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular (Nov. 15–Jan. 5)
Visitors of all ages can experience the more than one million LED lights synchronized to traditional and newer Christmas music at the World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Ill. There is even a 100-foot lighted tree in the grandstands. Visitors can turn their car radio to a dedicated FM station to enjoy the music synchronized light displays. 

Santa’s Magical Kingdom (Nov. 15-Jan. 5)
From twinkling trees, glistening fountains to a 300 foot waterfall, guests can experience millions of lights throughout Santa’s Magical Kingdom. The Tunnel of Dancing Lights is back by popular demand, as well as Elfland, the Herb B. Elf Factory and more. Ride in the Santa Express or the old fashion wagon. 

Winterfest (Nov. 23–Dec. 31)
The ninth annual Winterfest by the Gateway Park Foundation is taking place at Kiener Plaza. Popular attractions are back this season, including Chef Juwan Rice at the Winterfest Café, ice skating, Igloo village and s’mores stations. There is a new holiday pop-up this year called The Lodge, where guests can enjoy a specially curated menu of seasonal cocktails and warm drinks, games, portrait opportunities and winter-themed bites by UKRAFT Brunch Café. Special events will be held throughout the run.

The Missouri Botanical Garden’s "Garden Glow” (Nov. 15-Jan. 4)
More than two million lights illuminate the grounds of the Missouri Botanical Garden during the event. Classic favorites will return. Include extra magic by purchasing a dinner package, a private fire pit rental and/or visit concession stands. Don’t forget, Santa will visit Garden Glow on Mondays and Tuesdays from Nov. 18 to Dec. 10.

Anheuser-Busch Brewery Lights (Nov. 22–Dec. 30)
The 39th annual Brewery Lights at Anheuser-Busch are back this holiday season. Guests can experience more than a million twinkling lights down Pestalozzi Street. Those 21 and older will be welcomed with a complimentary beer. Children five and under can enter free. A VIP package also is available that includes an assortment of Anheuser-Busch products, s’mores and other campfire favorites.

Way of Lights (Nov. 22–Dec. 31)
Check out wintertime sparkles at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows during the annual Way of Lights. The displays focus on the birth of Christ and include life-sized biblical statutes. And for Lego lovers, a huge display created by the Gateway Lego Users Group will be set up in the Visitor's Center to enjoy. 

Tilles Park’s Winter Wonderland (Nov. 27–Dec. 30)
The holiday tradition that began in 1987 is back for another season. The family friendly event has more than one million lights shaped into 100 displays throughout the 75-acre park. Enjoy a ride from the comfort of your vehicle from 5-9 p.m. nightly, except Christmas Eve. No reservations required. Guests can buy tickets ahead of time or pay in cash at the park. There will not be any carriage rides due the closure of the St. Louis Carriage Company. 

Commerce Bank’s Wild Lights at the St. Louis Zoo (Nov. 29-Dec. 29)
Guests can experience more than one million twinkling lights throughout the Zoo, festive menus, children’s activities, a 10% off coupon for the gift shops and more. Some attractions include seeing a 4D showing of “Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” and exploring the Zoo’s newest Wild Explorer VR Experience. Families can have their photo taken next to a stationary Zooline Railroad locomotive. Don’t forget to try holiday treats such as adult hot chocolate, funnel cake fries, warmed chocolate chip cookies, s’mores kits and more.

Grant’s Farm Holiday Lights (Nov. 23–Dec. 30)
Grant's Farm grounds have been transformed into a winter wonderland. Guests can either walk, drive or ride in a carriage through the Holiday Lights experience. There are chances to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus and indulge in a breakfast spread.

St. Charles Christmas Traditions Nov. 29-Dec.22
Create cherished memories with friends and family while strolling the streets of historic St. Charles. This year, the event is in its 50th season. Enjoy lights and decorated shops along with visits from some carolers and other performers.   

Fairy Garden at the Butterfly House (Nov. 29-Jan. 5)
The Tropical Conservatory will feature a fair garden among the hundreds of butterflies. Visiting hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s included in the regular admission price.

Santa’s Chocolate Express in Grafton (Dec. 7)
Visitors can stroll down to Grafton's Main Street. The event is free and non-ticketed. From 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Grafton Chamber of Commerce will be at City Hall with chocolate treats, information and maps. From noon to 2 p.m., Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at The Grove Memorial Park with hot chocolate and cookies thanks to Jersey State Bank. Visitors also can stop by local businesses for a variety of chocolate treats, enjoy caroling and more from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.  

Supper with Santa (Dec. 13-15 and Dec. 20-22)
Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will be at the Butterfly House. Visitors can have their photo taken with Santa, enjoy a Pasta House dinner, create holiday crafts, enjoy cocoa with Mrs. Claus and take a nightly stroll inside the Tropical Conservatory. Children two and under are free.

Note that some events are closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Visit event websites for full details.