As the festive season approaches, St. Louis’ latest holiday attraction, JINGLE!, is ready to turn CarShield Field in O’Fallon into a dazzling winter spectacle from November 29 to December 31. Featuring sparkling light exhibits, a 10-lane snow-tubing hill, an ice-skating trail, themed pop-up bars, and a vibrant shopping village, JINGLE! promises to merge classic holiday magic with fun, interactive experiences for families in the metro area. At the centerpiece of the event is a forest aglow with millions of lights, crafted to captivate guests of all generations. Mark McKee, the Chief Merriment Officer of JINGLE!, shares insights on what he feels makes this immersive winter festival a must-attend, along with advice on how to maximize your ticket experience.
With so many elements to enjoy, which aspect of the festival excites you the most?
I’m particularly looking forward to the pop-up bars. We’ve crafted them in themed styles, ensuring each one is distinct. Bah Humbug’s Piano Bar is going to be an absolute riot. Additionally, we collaborated with Chuck Berry’s family on their CHUCK100 project to create our Jingle Jam Lounge, designed in a nostalgic ’60s living room setting, reminiscent of the Berry household. It showcases some wonderful vintage photos of Chuck and has a truly charming atmosphere. Furthermore, the snow tubing has quickly become a favorite for everyone who has tried it out!
What gap do you believe this event fills in St. Louis?
St. Louis offers numerous ways to celebrate the holiday season with various pop-up bars and stunning light displays. JINGLE! combines everything that people cherish about the holidays and adds even more. We present a nightly lineup of fantastic entertainment, a variety of vendors for holiday shopping, and fun activities like snow tubing and ice skating. It’s incredibly engaging, providing enjoyable experiences for the entire family.
McKee’s expert tips for experiencing JINGLE! like a pro:
- Look beyond just lights: Each evening, guests can enjoy a full schedule of entertainment, including the Jinglette dance team, musicians, dueling piano performances, roaming carolers, and magicians.
- Reserve your spot early: Enthusiasm for the holidays is high in St. Louis, and some dates are already filling up quickly.
- Support local artisans: You can complete your holiday shopping at JINGLE! with a “main street” lined by local vendors showcasing crafts and products.
- Consider a group visit: JINGLE! provides discounts for groups of 25 or more, along with venues for private gatherings, ranging from intimate VIP huts to larger settings like St. Nick’s Supper Club.
- Come ready to eat: Attendees can savor delicious offerings from 6–7 food trucks each night, along with festive beverages including spiked hot chocolate and signature holiday cocktails like the “Holiday Spirit” (a blackberry vodka and lemon yuletide mule) and the “Naughty But Nice” (bourbon cinnamon whiskey with ginger beer).
- Give back to the community: Purchase discounted tickets through local charities such as Salvation Army, Pedal The Cause, Kranzberg Arts Foundation, Stray Rescue, No Hunger for Holidays, and more, allowing you to save money while supporting great causes. A portion of the proceeds will directly benefit these nonprofits.
To learn more about JINGLE! and to buy tickets, visit jingleholiday.com.
