Head to Forest Park for the Great Forest Park Balloon Glow and Race. Watch as nearly 60 hot air balloons inflate, glow and launch. Families can also enjoy food trucks, fireworks, children's activities and live music.
Festivities begin at 5 p.m. Friday, September 20 (live music with DJ Reggie on the Main Stage, food trucks and kids' activities), and the Balloon Glow lasts from dusk to 9 p.m. At 9 p.m. the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team takes flight, and fireworks are set for 9:15 p.m.
On Saturday, September 21, the Great Forest Park Balloon Race begins at 1 p.m. with live music on the main stage, a family picnic area, and the Purina Children's Entertainment area. Don't miss the Purina Pro Plan Performance Team at 1:15 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. There will also be food trucks, inflatables, games and kids' activities from St. Louis Children's Hospital.
The afternoon includes the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team at 3 p.m., and balloon launches beginning at 4:30 p.m. The Great Forest Park Balloon Glow and Race are held at the Emerson Central Fields in Forest Park are free to attend.
More information: greatforestparkballoonrace.com
You can always watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on television, but if you want the real-life parade experience, bundle up the kids and head downtown bright and early on Thanksgiving morning to see the 40th annual Ameren Thanks for Giving Parade.
Experience the holiday lights at Winter Wonderland in Tilles Park, where you'll find two million beautiful holiday lights and animated displays. This year's Winter Wonderland is drive-through only.
Delight in brilliant, colorful light displays with spectacular photo opportunities throughout the Zoo during Wild Lights. Walk through two tunnels with dazzling lights, and enjoy themed displays featuring snowflakes, candy canes, gumdrops, penguins, polar bears, tigers, giraffes and much more at this St. Louis family-favorite holiday tradition.
More than a million lights will illuminate some of the Missouri Botanical Garden's most iconic locations, walkways will be transformed into sensory light tunnels providing an explosion of visual magic, and traditional candlelight village displays, festive drinks, s'mores and great photo opportunities will delight crowds of all ages.