St. Charles is an old river town on the Missouri River, about thirty minutes west of downtown St. Louis, where Lewis and Clark set off in 1804. Its historic Main Street runs for about ten blocks of brick buildings from the 1800s, and from the day after Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve it hosts Christmas Traditions, with costumed characters from holiday stories strolling the street, carolers in Victorian dress and a parade. The first day stays on foot.
Main Street on foot
Where to eat: Hot chocolate at Picasso's Coffee House on North Main Street.
Start at the north end of South Main Street and walk the brick sidewalks past the old storefronts, now shops, toy stores, candy counters and cafes, all wrapped in garlands and wreaths. Kids can peek into the windows and pick out small treats. Stop at the St. Charles Visitor Center on Main Street for a map and the day's Christmas Traditions schedule, so you know when the parade and characters appear.
Christmas Traditions characters
Where to eat: Barbecue ribs and burnt ends at Hendricks BBQ on South Main.
On festival days, costumed characters walk the street and stop to talk with children: Father Christmas figures from around the world, Victorian carolers, Charles Dickens characters and storybook figures. Kids can collect trading cards from each character they meet, which turns the street into a happy treasure hunt. On some days, a holiday parade rolls down Main Street in the afternoon, so check the schedule and find a spot on the curb early.
The First Missouri State Capitol
Walk to the First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site on South Main Street, a row of brick buildings where Missouri's first legislature met from 1821 to 1826. Inside, restored rooms show the legislative chambers, a general store and the family home of the Peck brothers who owned it. The rooms are small and easy for kids, and staff share stories of early statehood. Check visiting times before you go.
Lights by the river
Where to eat: Toasted ravioli at Lewis and Clark's on South Main.
As the sun sets, walk down to Frontier Park beside the Missouri River, where the trees and the old railroad depot glow with lights. Kids can run on the lawn and watch the river roll by in the dark. Then walk back up Main Street, where shop windows glow, carolers may still be singing and the old gas-style lamps light the brick street. Dinner is a short walk away.
Where to eat and stop
- Breakfast · Magpie's Cafe — South Main Street Why here: A homey family spot in an old Main Street building.
- Lunch · Hendricks BBQ — South Main Street Why here: Kansas City-style barbecue that kids enjoy.
- Dinner · Lewis and Clark's — South Main Street Why here: A lively restaurant with a riverview deck.
- Quick stop (treat): Picasso's Coffee House — North Main Street Why here: A warm treat on a cold walk.
St. Charles is about thirty minutes west of downtown St. Louis and about twenty minutes from St. Louis Lambert International Airport. Park once near Main Street and walk the historic district and Frontier Park.
Where to stay
- A hotel or inn near Main Street — Small inns and hotels near historic Main Street put the Christmas Traditions characters, shops and dinner within an easy walk for small legs, with parking for the day trips.
- A suite hotel off Interstate 70 — Suite hotels a few minutes from Main Street give families more room, a pool and free breakfast, with an easy drive into the historic district and to St. Louis.
Dinner: Toasted ravioli at Lewis and Clark's on South Main.
Tomorrow: Ride the Katy Trail along the river, visit the Lewis and Clark Boat House and play in Frontier Park.
Bad-weather plan
On a rainy day, spend longer in the First Capitol rooms, shop the Main Street toy and candy stores and warm up with cocoa at a cafe.
Main Street · Christmas characters · First State Capitol · Lights by the river
Good to know: Main Street is crowded on festival weekends; agree on a meeting spot with older kids and keep little ones close at the parade.
