It's holiday time again, and St. Louis has all sorts of treasures to share with visitors and residents alike. Check out what's new with some old friends at area attractions or shop ‘til you drop at the fabulous assortment of boutiques, gift shops and top name department stores.

Enjoy all the holiday trappings in one spot at the Missouri Botanical Garden (www.mobot.org). The Garden is decking the halls with their annual holiday wreath exhibition through Jan. 4. The festive display features unique creations by some of the area's finest floral designers.

The annual holiday flower and train show "Gardenland Express" chugs through until Jan. 4. Then on Dec. 21, it's the "Chanukah: Festival of Lights" celebration. There will be festive Israeli music and dance, a menorah-lighting ceremony, and Chanukah merchandise available from local vendors and in the Garden Gate Shop. "Kwanzaa:  Festival of the First Fruits" kicks off on Dec. 30, complete with storytelling, craft and jewelry displays, and authentic African drumming and musical performances. Through Dec. 31, the Tower Grove House will be decorated in all its holiday finery.

Wondering what to do with all of that family free time between holidays? Take a free Winter Getaway at the Missouri History Museum, Dec. 27- Jan. 2. There's something different - and free - to do every day, from "Felix the Penguin's Family Tour" to storytelling to make-and-take crafts. Check out "Happy Feet" the movie, puppet shows, magicians and more - activities vary by day, so visit www.mohistory.org for a complete schedule of programs.

The Way of Lights at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows (http://www.snows.org/) lights up the nights from 5 - 10 p.m., through Jan. 4. The grounds sparkle with illuminated displays and indoor activities include the Children's Village, Puppet Show, Christmas Tree and Wreath Display, Community Choirs and more.

Back by popular demand, "Santa vs. the Snowman" will run in the Saint Louis Science Center's (www.slsc.org) OMNIMAX® Theater through Jan. 4. The wacky holiday movie tells the heartwarming story of a lonely Snowman who wages war on Santa because he is jealous of the attention Santa receives during the holidays. Needless to say, things turn around and a good time is had by all.

Gateway Riverboats (www.gatewayarchriverboats.com) is hosting a number of Christmas Cruises throughout the holiday season. The two-hour cruises feature a DJ playing holiday favorites and a dinner buffet. Check out the Web site for dates and details. Plus, you can ring out the old year with a riverboat cruise along the mighty Mississippi River. The boats are heading out on the Big Muddy armed with a DJ, party hats and noise makers for a New Year's Eve party from 9:30 p.m. - 1 a.m., Dec. 31. Open to adults 21 and over only, there will also be an open house bar and a champagne toast at midnight. Reservations required.

The fabulous Rockettes are kicking their way into the Fox Theatre for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Dec. 11- 28. A cast and crew of nearly 100 people return to St. Louis to deliver a holiday show experience you won't forget. Children of all ages will be enchanted by the show, which features everything from dancing teddy bears and wooden soldiers who come to life to flying reindeer and the spectacular footwork of the fabulous Radio City Rockettes.

Enjoy free carriage rides from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays in December at Westport Plaza (www.westportstl.com). Rides begin from the front of the St. Louis Bread Company. A family-friendly New Year's Eve celebration will take place on Dec. 31. An early evening fireworks display will take place at 6 p.m. (for those who may have nodded out by midnight), as well as free carriage rides.

For the ultimate family-friendly, alcohol-free New Year's Eve party, don't miss "First Night® St. Louis:  Kaleidoscope (www.firstnightstl.org)." Ring in the new at the Grand Center Arts & Entertainment District from 5:30 p.m. - midnight and enjoy a winter celebration chock full of visual and performing arts, musicians, storytellers, dancers, magicians, actors, puppeteers and visual and media artists. The first batch of fireworks launch at 9 p.m., and the Grand Fireworks wrap up the night - and the year - at midnight.

Here's a sampling of additional holiday happenings in St. Louis. For information visit http://www.explorestlouis.com or call the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission at 1-800-916-0040.

Holiday Zootique: Nov. 13 - Dec. 24, The Saint Louis Zoo

Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre:  The Christmas Killer: Nov. 14 - Jan. 3, The Lemp Mansion Restaurant & Inn

Anheuser-Busch Brewery Christmas Lights Display: Nov. 16 - Jan. 2

Santa's Magical Kingdom: Nov. 16 - Jan. 6, Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park

Tilles Park Winter Wonderland: Nov. 21 - Jan. 1,Tilles County Park

This Wonderful Life: Nov. 26 - Dec. 28, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis

A Gospel Christmas Concert: Dec. 18 - 19, Powell Symphony Hall

Christmas with Amy Grant and Vince Gill: Dec. 19, Scottrade Center

The Manhattan Transfer: Dec. 19, Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center, University of Missouri-St. Louis

The Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra Holiday Celebration: Dec. 19 - 21, Powell Symphony Hall

The Little Fir Tree: Dec. 20, 22 - 23, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis

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