Schedule:

Santa’s cottage - north pole distribution outpost #636 - 11:00 am to 1:00 pm

Location: the historic katy depot in frontier park

The historic katy train depot in frontier park has been a saint charles landmark since it opened in 1893. But not many people know that during the holiday season, santa uses it as a special workshop outpost as he counts down to christmas eve. Mr. Claus wants to let you in on the secret as he welcomes you to become an “honorary elf," as you explore the workshop, get a glimpse of his busy mailroom, and witness the majestic reindeer hall of fame, where you can learn some of the stories of santa’s lesser-known reindeer (you know…the ones that didn’t have a red nose).

Photos with victorian santa claus - 11:00 am to 1:00 pm

Location: the historic katy depot in frontier park

Enjoy a private audience with victorian santa claus in his parlor where you can share a christmas wish list, take a photo, and make a special holiday memory.

Oh christmas tree: the evolution of an icon - 11:00 am to 1:00 pm

Location: the historic katy depot in frontier park*

Perhaps no image is as associated with the holiday season as the christmas tree. For centuries these festive evergreens have not only provided a fitting place for santa to deposit gifts but have stood as a global symbol for the hope and meaning of christmas.

Journey to the historic katy depot in frontier park to experience “oh, christmas tree: the evolution of an icon,” an exhibit that will lead visitors on a gentle winding path through history as a forest of tannenbaums illustrate how trends and fashions affected the stylings of trees over generations. From the first illumination introduced onto pine trees by martin luther, to the mid-century modern flair of aluminum trees in the 1950s and 1960s, discover interesting trivia as you view international variations of this holiday icon, while celebrating famous depictions in popular culture (from charlie brown’s sad sapling to seinfeld’s “festivus pole”).

Santa send-off - 1:30 pm

Location: kister park gazebo

As the 50th season of saint charles christmas traditions® comes to an end, join the legends of christmas one final time as they gather for a festive pep rally in preparation for sending victorian santa, mrs. Claus, and the elves back to the north pole to get ready for the big night. Join a merry procession to berthold square where a time capsule will be buried near the city christmas tree (where it will remain until november 23, 2074... The opening day of saint charles christmas traditions® 100th season  Reminisce on a wonderful season of memories and magic as the legends of christmas join together in a verse of auld lang syne and bid farewell to historic main street…until next year