As we head into Thanksgiving this week, I wanted to say how grateful I am to get to share events and stories from our vibrant cultural community with you all each week. This newsletter turned 4 years old earlier this month, and it has grown and changed so much since it first launched. Perhaps the biggest change is just how many of you there are. Close to 40,000 of you are opening this missive each week to learn what’s going on in the worlds of art, theater, music, literature, film, and comedy. That gives me so much hope for the future and success of the arts in the city we call home.
So thank you all for continuing to read, I couldn’t do what I do without all of you. Have a safe and pleasant holiday, and we’ll be back next week with plenty more news and events to share. As always, thanks for subscribing, and feel free to reply to this email with your thoughts, ideas, and questions. Until next time!
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The Brothers Lazaroff Hanukkah Hullabaloo. Photo by Phillip Hamer.
Celebrate the holiday season with festive events and performances
Mark your calendars and grab your tickets for the season’s many festivals, concerts, and performances.
As Thanksgiving approaches, the holiday season starts in earnest among St. Louis’ cultural institutions, performing arts groups, and venues. Mark your calendars for some free holiday celebrations or splurge on tickets for the perfect seasonal surprise gift. Whether you’re looking for an afternoon of festive fun or the perfect celebratory night out, there’s something in the weeks ahead that fits the bill.
Nutcrackers? Sweet!: If attending a performance of The Nutcracker is part of your holiday traditions (or if you’d like it to be), there are plenty of options. Take in a traditional ballet version with the Saint Louis Ballet, try Ballet 314’s adaptation with some local flavor, or check out Leverage Dance Theater, which hosts both an immersive event and a drag and burlesque twist on the holiday tale.
Festive Films: Both the Hi-Pointe Theatre and Arkadin Cinema & Bar are welcoming the holiday season with a series of festive films for fans of seasonal favorites and less-traditional fare. The Holly Jolly Hi-Pointe program features holiday classics such as It’s a Wonderful Life and White Christmas alongside indie hits (Tokyo Godfathers, Black Christmas), and maybe-Christmas-movies (Die Hard, The Nice Guys). Arkadin has dubbed their program, which includes such selections as Jingle All the Way, Little Women, Batman Returns, and In Bruges, “It’s Kind of a Christmas Movie.” Be sure to prepare your arguments for why your favorite is—or isn’t—a holiday hit while you’re in line for your popcorn.
Toast to 2025: Get your New Year’s Eve plans locked in now by choosing a musical celebration to close out 2025. Over at the newly renovated Jack C. Taylor Music Center, Stéphane Denève will conduct the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra through a program of lively compositions to say goodbye to 2025. Nearby, at Jazz St. Louis, Victor Goines will lead an all-star band as they play festive classics and original compositions during two evening performances.
Plan a getaway in the Aurora Area of Illinois featuring some of Chicagoland’s most festive attractions. Stroll Christkindlmarket, see award-winning theater, and discover stylish boutiques paired with chef-driven dining.
If you’re the type of person who can’t wait to put up the Christmas tree the moment the turkey is cleared away—or if you just love to see Will Ferrell at his funniest—the latest Alamo Drafthouse Movie Party is for you. The immersive, interactive screening of Elf will feature provided props, a gift “wrap off,” and elf hats for everyone. Join other superfans to sing out loud for all to hear as Buddy the Elf makes his way to Manhattan in search of family, laughs, and love. November 28. Alamo Drafthouse Cinema City Foundry, 3765 Foundry.
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Seasonal Spotlight—“Thanksgiving”
Take a moment to reflect on gratitude during your holiday weekend celebrations with a visit to Gallery 333 at the Saint Louis Art Museum to see Norman Rockwell’s “Thanksgiving.” Andrew W. Mellon Associate Curator of American Art Amy Torbert will lead two half-hour in-gallery talks (1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.) to highlight Rockwell’s poignant depiction of giving thanks even in the most meager of circumstances. This program is part of the Festive Fridays series, which also includes musical performances and craft opportunities. November 28. Saint Louis Art Museum, 1 Fine Arts.
LISTEN
Tonksgiving
Ozarks-born band Ha Ha Tonka are spending November on tour once again, and this Friday sees them headed back to Off Broadway for their annual Thanksgiving event, Tonksgiving. After 21 years performing together, we imagine there’s lots to be thankful for these roots rockers. The guys will be joined by India Ramey, who left behind a law career to become one of the most exciting new voices in Americana and outlaw country, for their St. Louis date. November 28. Off Broadway, 3509 Lemp.
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Faith Family and Flag and Little Movements
Tonight, the Center of Creative Arts (COCA) will celebrate two of its alumni who have transitioned from telling stories on stage to on the page. Former COCA dancers Joanna Dee Das and Lauren Morrow have both authored books released this fall. Das’ Faith Family and Flag: Branson Entertainment & The Idea of America explores the history of Branson, Missouri, often called the “Vegas of the Midwest,” and what it says about our country and its culture. Morrow instead channeled her experiences as a dancer into a novel, Little Movements, that sees Layla, a Black choreographer from Brooklyn, take on new challenges as she pursues a prestigious residency in rural Vermont. While RSVPs for the intimate celebration are closed, both books are available for purchase from Left Bank Books. left-bank.com.
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Around Town
Evolution Festival will not return in 2026 (SLM): Evolution Festival has announced that the Forest Park–based music festival will not return in 2026. The event has been “placed on pause,” according to organizers, in order to avoid conflict with other major events taking place in the region over the next year.
Two Lindbergh High School students to march in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (KSDK): Lindbergh Flyers Sarah Bailey and Rebecca Thomas were selected to perform with the 2025 Macy's Great American Marching Band Color Guard. Viewers can tune into 5 on Your Side beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday to see the pair march in the 99th annual parade.
Wicked to return to the Fox in 2027 (The Fabulous Fox): Wicked mania has fans in a frenzy thanks to the recent release of part two of the film adaptation, Wicked: For Good. Lucky for them, another chance to return to Oz is on the way. The Fox has announced that Wicked will return to their stage in the spring of 2027. Season ticket holders will have priority access to tickets for Wicked with a renewal for the 2026-2027 season.
Experience the magic of the 1904 World’s Fair as Ballet 314’s professional company and regional performers bring this narrated holiday classic to life, set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score. December 12–14. Buy tickets.
Enter to win a SLAM membership, two Anselm Kiefer exhibition posters, two catalogues, and merch—perfect for art enthusiasts, or anyone looking to start the new year with inspiration.
In case you missed it
🍿 The Hi-Pointe Theatre serves up mysteries new and old for a “Whodunit Holiday”: The program kicks off on November 26 with the Hi-Pointe premiere of Rian Johnson’s Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. Read Now »
🏛️ Mill Creek: Black Metropolis opens at the Missouri History Museum: The exhibition tells the stories of Mill Creek Valley through photographs, oral histories, memorabilia, and rare film images. Read Now »
🚗 5 Midwest holiday celebrations worth the drive from St. Louis: Explore a German-style market, view millions of holiday lights, and dance your way into the new year. Read Now »
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