Holiday Trees of St. Louis-2021

What plant geek doesn’t love a holiday with a tree as it’s central symbol? It’s Christmas Eve, 2021 and if you are still looking for some holiday spirit, taking in the festive holiday decor around the Lou should help. Most holiday decor stays up through New Year’s Day so if you want to impress your out-of-town visitors before they leave St. Louis, check out some of the best trees around town this year.

If you haven’t been down to Union Station in the past few years, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. It’s the home of the new Ferris wheel, the new aquarium and tons of family-friendly fun for all ages. The front entrance of the aquarium is heavily decorated for the holidays, including these twin trees that are a light show themselves.

After you visit the aquarium or ride the wheel, grab a bite at the Soda Fountain, a retro-inspired soda fountain with the yummiest tree this side of the Mississippi.

You don’t have to be a hotel guest to check out the 20′ tree in the Union Station Hotel Grand Hall. The two smaller corner trees aren’t too shabby either. Be sure to linger long enough to see the new laser show-it’s outstanding.

At the corner of N. Broadway and Washington is the Steifel Building. The Lobby tree can be viewed from the street, but if you head up to the second level, twin trees stand sentinel in the common area in front of the unique mural and water feature.

Along 7th, at Washington, the US Bank tree can be seen from the street, but it’s worth the trip inside to the second level to see the elegant champagne and soft blues of this tree up close. On the way out, check out its little sister in the lobby along Washington.

Bank of America at Market and 8th boasts 2 matching trees also. The ground level tree can be viewed from the street but is also worthy of an up-close visit to check out the ferns, mirrored balls and ‘bubble’ ornaments.

Best viewed from N. Broadway, the Met Square Lobby Tree is well known in St. Louis. The impressive tree has custom luminaries depicting vintage St. Louis scenes. Another one worth parking for and checking out up close.

The Hyatt Hotel lobby is bustling this time of year, but you can still sneak in and check out the spectacular tree glistening with icicles and mirror balls.

Known as THE tree of St. Louis, the Salvation Army Tree of Lights sits in Kiener Plaza along Broadway and takes a huge crew to assemble.

Moving west from downtown, the Central West End is a great holiday destination with its annual Window Walk. The Chase Park Plaza Hotel at Lindell and Kingshighway is STUNNING inside and out, and the fountain tree in Maryland Plaza is a holiday landmark.

Enterprise Holdings in Clayton displays trees in each of its three buildings, but the center building is the home of a 20′ tree that can be seen from S. Brentwood, just south of Forest Park Parkway.

Plaza Frontenac is as well known for its tasteful holiday decor as it is for its high-end shops. The Center Court tree is decorated with nature-inspired deco such as berry wreaths, artichokes, and pine cones.

At the intersection of S. New Florissant and Suburban, sits Ferguson’s 501 Plaza-the site of many free concerts and other events the rest of the year. During the holidays, it’s the home of a star-topped Christmas tree.

Sitting next to the UMSL campus is a little hidden gem of a neighborhood called Bellerive Acres. This tree can be seen from Natural Bridge Road and will make you do a double take, followed by a U-turn to go check it out. (At least that’s what happened to us!) Photos do not do it justice! The best part about this tree is that it’s live and will hopefully live for many more Christmases.

Historic Main Street St. Charles is a favorite holiday destination with its cobbled streets and character actors during the holidays. The entire street is drippy-oozy with live garland and lights on every lamp post, tree and shop, but these two live decorated spruce trees are selfie-magnets with visitors.

Wishing you a very happy and healthy holiday! All the best in 2022!

Words and photos by Jo Batzer

© Jo Batzer, garden-lou.com All rights reserved.