Just like many other news outlets in the world today, we just couldn't let this notable calendar event (12/12/12) go by without at least one reference to the number of the day.
So, in honor of the date, the season, and our interest in your opinions, we present this list of 12 awesome things about this time of year in the St. Louis region. All of the items on the list were submitted to us via Facebook and Twitter.
What do you think of the things included here? Is your favorite thing missing? Do you have photos of any of these things or others? Share with us in the comments, on Facebook, or on Twitter with the hashtag #holidaystl.
Without further ado, the list (in no particular order):
- Wild Lights at the St. Louis Zoo
From Nov. 23- Dec. 23 the Zoo comes alive even more than usual - and who doesn't love penguins in light-sculpture form? More information can be found here.
- Skating at Steinberg Skating Rink in Forest Park
It's the "largest outdoor ice skating rink in the Midwest," and it's in St. Louis' Forest Park. It's even open on holidays. More information.
http://youtu.be/Ijjl4aVslZE
- Candy Cane Lane
This part of south St. Louis REALLY enjoys putting up Christmas lights. We'll leave it at that and let you discover the rest. Find the drive-through experience on the 6500 block of Murdoch.
- The Lafayette Square Holiday Parlor Tour
Historical homes in the Lafayette Square neighborhood of St. Louis open their doors for tours. Unfortunately, this has already occurred this year on Dec. 9 and 10. More information.
- Schlafly Christmas Ale
It's Christmas. It's Ale. It's from local brewer Schlafly. The brewer describes the stuff as "a warming winter ale that blends the spices of the season with sweet caramel malt. Orange peel, juniper berries, ginger root, cardamom and cloves are added for spiciness."
- The Way of Lights at The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville
Over 1 million lights and a laser light show - completely free to visit. Here's more information, and a fan-created video:
http://youtu.be/ECWoAi4j94c
- Main Street in St. Charles
The people who submitted this as one of their favorite things cited the people in Victorian period dress, carolers and the roasted chestnuts for sale - along with shopping along the historic streets of St. Charles. Check out a full list of the events there, here.
- Solstice Sunrise at Cahokia Mounds
On Dec. 23 this year, a holiday gathering of a different sort will occur at the ancient Cahokia Mounds in southern Illinois. Early risers can meet at the reconstructed "Woodhenge" to explore the significance of the post circular calendar. More information.
- Grinchmas on South Grand Ave.
The event at MoKaBe's Coffee House on South Grand on Dec. 8 this year benefited Shriners Hospital for Children. More information.
- Carriage Rides in Tilles Park in St. Louis County
Part of the "Winter Wonderland" display put on by St. Louis County, horse-drawn carriage rides can take you through it all in the open air.
- The Bow on the McDonnell Planetarium
A massive symbol of the season visible from many vantage points near Forest Park. The planetarium is part of the St. Louis Science Center. Here's a look of the installation of the bow in 2011:
- Gardenland Express Flower and Train Show at the Missouri Botanical Garden
Model trains traveling over 900 feet of tracks surrounded by thousands of fresh flowers and plants. More information.
Want to see how it all comes together? Check out this video from the Botanical Garden:
http://youtu.be/BNYwXQ2v6Cw
Follow Kelsey Proud on Twitter: @KelseyProud
