What's New in The Lou: December 18th

LOCAL SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK:
2025 “Best in The Lou” Awards WINNERS! 🎉🎉🎉

🍴Best Fine Dining Restaurant: Brasserie by Niche

💎 Best Hidden Gem Restaurant (Co-winner): Yolklore

💎 Best Hidden Gem Restaurant (Co-winner): Concord Grill

🌟 The Holiday Buzz

Last week we featured some of the many holiday pop-up bars St. Louis has to offer, but what if you have some little ones along for the ride? With the kids nearly home on break, these family-friendly popups can add some merriment to your countdown to Christmas!

• CANE (Steve’s Hot Dogs Delmar)- This festive pop-up turns a local favorite into a candy-cane-striped holiday hangout with playful decor and seasonal drinks. Runs through Jan 10.

• Cocktails and Claws (4 Hands/Peacemaker Kirkwood)-  A cozy holiday pop-up serving wintry cocktails and seafood bites is ready to welcome the whole family. Runs through Dec. 31.

• Merry Moves (World Chess Hall of Fame)-  With hot chocolate, cookies, and crafts for the kids, this pop-up is the perfect place for little ones! Runs through Dec. 31.

• Polar Patio Popup (Side Project Pizza)- Get ready for a festive, winter-themed patio experience with hot pizza and cold beer.  The kids can color snowflakes and take fun pictures as well. Runs through Jan. 4.

• Bling! (The Wolf)- This glitzy holiday pop-up sparkles with over-the-top decor and celebratory cocktails. Runs through Dec. 31.

• The Iced Fountain (The Fountain on Delmar)- The iconic soda fountain transforms into a retro wonderland serving boozy shakes and winter cocktails. Runs through Jan. 11.

What’s Happenin’ in St. Louis 👀

Friday, December 19th

• Mannheim Steamroller Christmas (Fabulous Fox Theater)-
  Chip Davis’ show features 15 musicians playing more than 20 instruments with immersive multimedia effects. Ticket tiers range from $30 for upper‑balcony seats to $123 for orchestra‑pit eating, making it accessible whether you’re splurging or on a budget. Show starts at 7:30 pm.

• Brasstravaganza (Delmar Hall)-
  The Funky Butt Brass Band respects the New Orleans brass tradition while blending funk, southern rock, and soul. Come see their holiday show! Shows play throughout the weekend. The Friday show starts at 8 pm.

• IN UNISON Christmas (Powell Hall)-
  Gospel legends, The Clark Sisters, join the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and the IN UNISON Chorus to blend gospel, jazz, and holiday classics. It’s a high‑energy, spiritually uplifting start to the weekend. Show at 7:30 pm.

• El Monstero (The Pageant)-
  This long‑running Pink Floyd tribute, founded by members of St. Louis rock band Stir, is a favorite that has performed around the holidays in St. Louis for years. Doors open at 7 pm. Show at 8 pm.

Saturday, December 20th

• Jingle Bell Run (Frontier Park, St. Charles)- Choose a timed or untimed 5 K, don holiday gear and jingle bells, and run or walk to support the Arthritis Foundation. It’s family‑friendly and a great way to get active this time of year!

• Hanukkah Pop-Up Bar (Ballpark Village)- Celebrate Hanukkah at Sport and Social in Ballpark Village. Attending the event is free, and special menu items and drinks are available at this 21+ event.

• Soul Brunch: Jazz & Soul Christmas Spectacular (City Winery)-
  Enjoy brunch while Tony Cazeau and Chicago musicians perform holiday soul classics. The mix of food and music makes this a relaxed mid‑day outing. Show at 12 pm.

• Mercy Holiday Celebration (Powell Hall)- The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, with hometown vocalist Kennedy Holmes, performs seasonal favorites. The matinee time is perfect for families wanting an afternoon outing. Additional shows play Saturday night, Sunday, and Tuesday.

Sunday, December 21st

• St. Louis Irish Arts Holiday Concert (The Sheldon)-
  Celebrate with musicians and dancers from St. Louis Irish Arts; general admission is $20 and children under 12 pay $5. Expect lively jigs, reels and carols. Show at 3 pm.

• Chanukah on Main Street (Berthold Square Park, Historic St. Charles)- Celebrate at the Chabad Jewish Center’s 7th annual free Join your community for a joyful public menorah lighting, holiday music, family-friendly activities like a dreidel man and gelt drop, and seasonal treats. 5 pm.

• The Nutcracker (Fabulous Fox Theater)- See a quintessential holiday ballet to the grandest stage in St. Louis! An international cast brings holiday magic through the story of Clara’s journey. Shows on Dec. 21 and 22.

• Saint Louis Billikens vs. New Hampshire Wildcats (Chaifetz Arena)- Tis the season to cheer on your home team! The basketball game begins at 2 pm.

Brought to you by:
Your Business? 🫵 

Are you struggling to get your business, service, or event in front of St. Louis locals?

We can help!

ST. LOUIS NEWS + UPDATES 📰 

Scottish Arms Reopening: The long awaited reopening of Scottish Arms has finally arrived! After closing over a year ago, new owners have bought life back to a much loved pub and restaurant in Central West end. Scottish Arms is open Thursday-Sunday 5-10pm. Expanded hours are coming soon.

Horse-mounted security coming to downtown in 2026: The downtown entertainment district plans to increase safety and security in the area by deploying security forces on horseback. These patrols are set to be out all the time, not just during major events.

WEATHER FORECAST 🌡️ 

Friday
38° ☀️ | 1% rain | 🌬 9 mph

Saturday
57° 🌤 | 3% rain | 🌬 12 mph

Sunday
42° ☀️ | 5% rain | 🌬 8 mph

Monday
50° 🌤 | 9% rain | 🌬 8 mph