1858 Victorian Ball

Date: 12/20/2008
Location: Jefferson National Expansion Memorial (Old Courthouse)
Time: Ball: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.; Program: 12:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more information call: (314) 655-1700
Website: www.nps.gov/jeff

1858 Ball with dance and music by the Independent Silver Band.

The Little Fir Tree

Date: 12/20/2008
Location: The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Browning Mainstage at the Loretto-Hilton Center
Tickets: (314) 968-4925
Website: www.repstl.org

Truly a classic for the holidays, this tale is sure to warm your heart in the cold, blustery winter. Small and separate, the little fir tree spends her days alone in a meadow, hoping for a friend. Just when she is beginning to think her day will never come, the fir tree is chosen to help a sick little boy celebrate Christmas. Year after year the fir tree returns to the boy, and the friends learn that with time, hope and faith, miracles really do happen.

The Magic House Expansion Grand Opening

Date: 12/20/2008
Location: The Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum
Cost: $7.50; Children under 1 are free
For more information call: (314) 822-8900
Website: www.magichouse.org

The Magic House opens to its new 25,000-square-foot addition to the public. The addition connects to the original historic home and includes a light-filled Victorian Conservatory welcoming visitors, new exhibits, a rooftop garden, an Education Center with classrooms for students of all ages, the Star-Spangled Center, a unique learning environment with exhibits and educational programs on citizenship, and an outdoor Play Garden.

Chanukah: Festival of Lights Celebration

Date: 12/21/2008
Location: Missouri Botanical Garden Ridgway Visitor Center
Time: 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Cost: $8.00 adults 13 and up; 12 and under Free
For more information call: (314) 577-5100
Website: www.mobot.org

A traditional Jewish holiday celebration that includes festive music, dance and a menorah-lighting ceremony.