Sainte Geneviève Holiday Christmas Festival

Two Days of Music, History, and Celebration in Missouri’s Oldest Town

Every first weekend of December, Sainte Geneviève transforms into what AAA Magazine has recognized as one of the top two Christmas celebrations in the entire Midwest. The annual Holiday Christmas Festival fills Missouri’s oldest town with a remarkable two-day program that spans more than 700 years of holiday music—from Renaissance sacred works to contemporary jazz—all performed in historic churches, galleries, and gathering spaces throughout the downtown district. With one of the state’s largest parades, elegant historical receptions, hands-on craft experiences, and French colonial holiday traditions, this free community celebration has grown over four decades into an event that draws visitors from across the region while remaining authentically rooted in Sainte Geneviève’s unique cultural heritage.

A Festival Built on Generosity and Community Spirit

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the Holiday Christmas Festival is what it costs to attend: nothing. Nearly every event across the entire weekend—from world-class musical performances to craft workshops, from the parade to Santa photos, from historical programming to art exhibitions—is completely free. This generosity reflects Sainte Geneviève’s community values and the festival’s purpose: sharing the town’s historic character and holiday spirit with as many people as possible, regardless of economic circumstances.

Executive Director Annette Rolfe and countless volunteers work year-round to secure performers, coordinate venues, manage logistics, and ensure that each year’s festival outshines the last. Their commitment has built the Holiday Christmas Festival into an event that rivals far larger cities’ productions while maintaining the intimacy and authenticity that only a small historic town can provide.

Saturday: The Main Event

Saturday brings the festival’s fullest schedule, beginning at 9:00 a.m. with the Weihnacht Market (Christmas Market) at the northeast corner of Main and Merchant streets. This German-style Christmas market runs until 5:00 p.m., offering vendors, crafts, and the festive atmosphere of European holiday markets adapted to Sainte Geneviève’s mixed French and German heritage.

The Parade: 11:00 a.m.

The festival’s centerpiece is unquestionably the Christmas parade, which begins at 11:00 a.m. and runs through the historic district. Recognized as one of the largest parades in Missouri, this procession includes marching bands from regional schools, classic cars gleaming with chrome and holiday decorations, elaborate floats built by local organizations, the colorful spectacle of the Shriners, beauty queens waving from convertibles, and—of course—Santa Claus himself making his grand entrance to the cheers of children lining the streets.

The parade’s route through the historic district adds layers of meaning and beauty that modern subdivisions can’t replicate. Imagine marching bands passing beneath bare-branched trees with the stone facades of 18th and 19th-century buildings as backdrop, or watching floats roll past the same churches where French colonists celebrated Christmas more than 250 years ago. The district’s compact, walkable layout means spectators can position themselves anywhere along the route and enjoy excellent views without arriving hours early to claim spots.

For families, the parade creates the kind of memory that children carry into adulthood: small-town Christmas done right, without the commercialized excess of larger city parades, maintaining the community-celebration feeling that makes everyone feel included rather than just spectating at a production.

Lions Park Spectacular: 12:00 p.m.

Immediately following the parade, families head to Lions Park on Market Street for the Lions Park Spectacular. Here, Santa settles in for free photos—and this is genuinely free, not the expensive professional packages typical of mall Santas. Parents bring their own phones and cameras to capture their children’s excited faces, making this accessible to everyone regardless of budget.

The Lions Club provides free hot chocolate and hot dogs, with children under 12 eating free when accompanied by an adult. Local musician Vernon Flieg performs traditional country and Christmas tunes, creating a festive atmosphere while families enjoy their lunch and kids burn off excitement running around the park.

This combination—parade directly into Santa photos and free food—demonstrates the festival’s understanding of family needs. Parents don’t need to coordinate complicated schedules or worry about hungry children between events. Everything flows naturally from one experience to the next.

The Unsung Charm: Two Days of Extraordinary Music

While the parade draws the crowds and makes the headlines, many visitors discover that the Holiday Christmas Festival’s greatest treasure is its music programming. Scattered throughout both Saturday and Sunday across multiple venues—primarily the town’s historic Catholic, Lutheran, and Presbyterian churches—are performances spanning more than 700 years of holiday music traditions.

This isn’t community band playing the same tired arrangements you’ve heard at every holiday concert. This is:

• Southeast Chamber Choir from SEMO State University, directed by Dr. Barbara LaMont, performing sacred and classical music from the Renaissance period through modern selections in the stunning acoustic environment of Sainte Geneviève Catholic Church
• The Fountain Street String Quartet, coached by Dr. Sophia Hahn, presenting classic and romantic period Austro-German music at Holy Cross Lutheran Church
• Matt Palisch, Professor of Organ at SEMO State University, joined by The Big Muddy Brass Quintet for a concert of sacred Christmas music for brass and organ that fills the Catholic Church with glorious sound
• Classical harpist Elaine Pontious, a renowned artist whose performance at Holy Cross Lutheran Church brings the ethereal beauty of this ancient instrument to holiday repertoire
• SEMO State University Steel Drum Band, directed by Dr. Shane Mizicko, offering something completely different—a compilation of Caribbean, jazz, funk, popular, and classical Christmas tunes that showcase how holiday music transcends cultural boundaries
• Stanhope Recorder Consort (members of The St. Louis Recorder Society) performing Baroque and Renaissance music on historical instruments
• Ste. Genevieve Municipal Band Symphonic Wind Ensemble presenting a full concert at the R-II Performing Arts Center

Alongside these larger ensemble performances are intimate solo and small group concerts: violinist/fiddler Steve Schaeffner performing baroque period violin music and folk fiddling; jazz saxophonist Gerry Huggins featuring contemporary smooth jazz and holiday tunes; Chad Stephen Stafford on acoustic guitar and mandolin; cellist Jake Brookman presenting 200 years of multiple genre music; and numerous other performers filling the weekend with music.

The Church Music Experience

Attending concerts in Sainte Geneviève’s historic churches adds dimensions that modern concert halls can’t replicate. These aren’t auditoriums built yesterday—they’re spaces where generations of French colonists, German immigrants, and American settlers celebrated Christmas long before recorded music existed, when live performance was the only way to hear such works.

The Catholic Church’s architecture creates natural acoustics that enhance choral and brass performances. The Lutheran Church’s more intimate scale suits chamber music and solo instruments. Each venue’s character shapes the music performed there, creating experiences where setting and sound interact rather than just providing a place to sit and listen.

Many festival visitors develop strategies for maximizing their musical experience: arriving early to secure good seats, choosing performances that particularly interest them while accepting they can’t attend everything, and building their Saturday and Sunday schedules around these concerts interspersed with other festival activities.

Historical Programming and French Colonial Traditions

Between musical performances, the festival offers rich historical programming that connects visitors to Sainte Geneviève’s unique cultural heritage:

A French Colonial Christmas at the Linden Living History House (12:00-5:00 p.m. Saturday) invites visitors to meet historic characters from late 18th and early 19th century Sainte Geneviève. These costumed interpreters share stories of French and Creole holiday traditions, teach period games, and offer samples of historically accurate treats. This immersive experience helps visitors understand how Christmas was celebrated on the frontier before modern commercialization transformed the holiday.

Winter Traditions Exhibit Around the World at Shaw House (10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Saturday) provides broader context, showing how different cultures celebrate winter holidays, helping visitors appreciate both universal human desires for light and celebration during dark months and the specific ways various traditions express these themes.

Le Réveillon: A French Christmas at Felix Vallé State Historic Site (6:00-8:00 p.m. Saturday) recreates one of French colonial culture’s most distinctive holiday traditions. Le Réveillon was traditionally a feast served after midnight Christmas Mass, often featuring thirteen desserts honoring Jesus and his disciples. The Felix Vallé House, dating to 1818, provides an authentic setting for experiencing the food, customs, and decorations of an early 1800s Christmas Eve. This isn’t a lecture—it’s an experiential program where visitors taste period desserts and see how French colonial families celebrated Christmas.

Dance Discovery (2:00-3:00 p.m. Saturday at Felix Vallé State Historic Site), a St. Louis dance troupe, performs historical dances from the 1600s to present, showing how social dance evolved and helping visitors understand that holiday celebrations have always included music, dance, and communal joy.

Hands-On Experiences and Art

The festival recognizes that not everyone wants to sit through concerts or historical lectures. For those who prefer active participation:

Hands-on paper marbling with John Bielik at the Ziegler Gallery (10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Saturday) teaches this historic art form where participants create their own marbled paper using techniques dating back centuries.

Paper filigree crafting with Lisa Palmer of Never Bored Creations LLC at Dr. Shaw House (1:00-3:00 p.m. Saturday) introduces visitors to this delicate art of rolling and shaping paper strips into decorative designs.

Christmas Crafts for Children by Diane Wilson at The ORRIS (12:00-2:00 p.m. Saturday) gives kids creative activities while parents rest between other festival events.

Ste. Genevieve Art Guild Christmas Show at the historic Museum Building (310 Merchant Street) runs throughout both Saturday and Sunday, showcasing local artists’ work with an elegant reception Saturday evening featuring cello performance by Jake Brookman. The show provides opportunity to purchase unique, locally created art and gifts while supporting the regional arts community.

Family Entertainment

Understanding that families with young children need variety beyond music and history:

Renowned magician Bruce Dyvig performs at 1:00-1:45 p.m. and 2:00-2:45 p.m. Saturday at the Ste. Genevieve Museum Learning Center. His shows are designed to amaze and entertain audiences of all ages, providing that element of wonder that makes Christmas magical for children.

Read Me A Story presented by The Friends of Ste. Genevieve Library at The Anvil (46 Third Street, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Saturday) offers a warm indoor space where children can hear holiday stories, giving parents a break from the cold and providing quieter activity between more energetic festival events.

Saturday Evening: The Community Comes Together

As Saturday afternoon transitions to evening, the festival builds toward communal celebrations that unite residents and visitors:

Guibourd House Reception (4:00-6:00 p.m. at Fourth and Merchant) features elegant hors d’oeuvres and displays of colonial Christmas decorations, with violinist/fiddler Steve Schaeffner performing a mix of baroque period violin music and traditional fiddling. This elegant reception showcases Sainte Geneviève’s commitment to hospitality and provides a sophisticated gathering space for adults to socialize.

Community Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony (6:00 p.m. at the Welcome Center, 66 South Main Street) brings everyone together for this symbolic moment. Santa and Mrs. Claus make an appearance, the SGHS Madrigal Choir performs, and the community—residents who’ve lived here for generations alongside first-time visitors—collectively celebrates the lighting of the town Christmas tree. Gary Scheel hosts this heartwarming ceremony that captures small-town Christmas at its finest.

Live Bethlehem Nativity Scene (6:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 160 South Main Street) presents the Christmas story outside the church with live actors, animals, and settings, while Christmas carols are sung. This traditional display reminds visitors of Christmas’s religious origins amid the festival’s secular celebrations.

Free Hayride sponsored by the Ste. Genevieve Park Board (6:00 p.m.) tours Christmas lights throughout town while participants sing Christmas carols. The ride concludes at Main Street Park with cookies and hot chocolate around the firepit—a perfect way for families to end their festival day.

Contemporary Music Options

For those seeking different musical styles:

Lynn, Jack and Jen Trio performs pop standards from the 1930s to the 1970s at Audubon’s Grill and Bar (9 North Main Street, 6:00 p.m. Saturday), providing dinner entertainment for those who want to enjoy the festival atmosphere while dining.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra Tribute by Livin’ Tale at The ORRIS (7:30 p.m. Saturday) brings rock-influenced holiday music to those who prefer electric guitars to chamber choirs.

Hailey Jane featuring Nathan Schultz (3:00-4:45 p.m. Saturday at The ORRIS) masters a mixture of Country, Rock, Folk and Americana with signature Ozark charm.

Academy Hill performs alternative country music at Music Art Love (4:00-6:00 p.m. Saturday, 137 North Main Street).

This variety ensures that virtually every musical preference finds representation during the festival weekend.

Sunday: A Gentler Pace

Sunday’s schedule, while shorter than Saturday’s, offers its own rewards. Many visitors appreciate Sunday’s more relaxed atmosphere—fewer crowds, easier parking, and a contemplative quality that suits the day.

The music programming continues with repeat performances of popular Saturday concerts plus Sunday-only offerings. The SEMO State University Steel Drum Band performs at DuBourg Center (1:30-2:30 p.m.), bringing Caribbean warmth to a cold December afternoon. The Stanhope Recorder Consort presents Baroque and Renaissance music at Sainte Geneviève Catholic Church (3:00 p.m.), and the Ste. Genevieve Municipal Band Symphonic Wind Ensemble closes the festival with their concert at the R-II Performing Arts Center (6:00 p.m.).

Sunday provides opportunity for visitors who spent Saturday rushing between events to slow down, attend concerts they missed, revisit favorite spots, and absorb the town’s character without the pressure of trying to see everything.

Planning Your Festival Experience

When: First full weekend of December annually (Saturday and Sunday)

Where: Historic Downtown Sainte Geneviève, with events at churches, galleries, historic sites, and public spaces throughout the walkable district

Cost: Nearly everything is FREE. Seriously. The concerts, craft workshops, historical programming, parade, Santa photos, and most food at Lions Park are all free.

Information: For detailed schedules, maps, and updates, visit www.visitstegen.com or call the Sainte Geneviève Welcome Center at (573) 883-7097.

Parking: Parking fills quickly on Saturday, especially around parade time. Arrive early or use side streets and walk. Sunday parking is generally easier.

What to Bring:

• Warm clothing—December in Missouri can be cold, and you’ll be outdoors for the parade and between events
• Your camera or phone for Santa photos (no professional photographer provided)
• A festival schedule (available at the Welcome Center) to plan your day
• Comfortable walking shoes—you’ll cover significant distance moving between venues
• Snacks and water, though free food is available at Lions Park

Strategy for Families: Start with the 11:00 a.m. parade, immediately proceed to Lions Park for Santa photos and free lunch, attend one or two child-friendly events (magician, story time, crafts), catch at least one musical performance in a historic church (the steel drum band is particularly kid-friendly), and end with the tree lighting ceremony and hayride.

Strategy for Music Lovers: Study the schedule carefully and prioritize performances you most want to hear. You cannot attend everything—concerts overlap intentionally. Choose based on your preferences, arrive early for good seats in smaller venues, and accept that you’ll miss some excellent performances. Consider attending both days to maximize your concert experience.

Strategy for History Enthusiasts: Focus on the French Colonial Christmas at Linden Living History House, Le Réveillon at Felix Vallé State Historic Site, and the various historical receptions. These experiential programs provide deeper understanding than simply touring historic houses.

Strategy for Couples: Attend the more sophisticated evening events—the Guibourd House reception, classical music concerts, Le Réveillon, and the tree lighting ceremony. Dine at one of Sainte Geneviève’s restaurants between events. Consider booking a room at Audubon’s Hotel or one of the town’s other accommodations so you can enjoy the evening without driving concerns.

Why This Festival Works

In an era of over-commercialized, expensive holiday events, the Sainte Geneviève Holiday Christmas Festival succeeds by remembering what Christmas celebrations should be: community coming together to share music, stories, traditions, and joy without price barriers excluding anyone.

The festival’s scale remains human. You’re not fighting crowds of tens of thousands or navigating parking nightmares. You’re walking historic streets, ducking into churches to hear concerts, chatting with locals who are genuinely happy to share their town, and feeling like a welcomed guest rather than a tourist to be processed.

The programming’s sophistication—world-class musicians, authentic historical interpretation, diverse musical styles spanning seven centuries—would cost hundreds of dollars in a major city. Here, it’s free, reflecting the community’s belief that culture should be accessible to everyone.

The setting matters enormously. Attending concerts in churches where French colonists worshiped, watching parades pass buildings that witnessed Civil War soldiers, celebrating among architecture that predates American independence—these layers of history create resonance that new developments can never replicate.

AAA Magazine Recognition

When AAA Magazine ranked the top Christmas celebrations in the Midwest and placed Sainte Geneviève at number two, they recognized what four decades of festival evolution have achieved: a small town creating a world-class holiday event that honors history, celebrates community, and welcomes visitors without losing its authentic character.

This recognition brings more visitors, which creates both opportunity and challenge. The festival’s organizers work to maintain accessibility and community focus while accommodating growing crowds. So far, they’ve succeeded—the festival remains free, the programming continues improving, and the small-town character persists.

Beyond the Festival: Extending Your Visit

While the festival could fill an entire weekend, Sainte Geneviève offers much more worth experiencing. Consider arriving Friday evening or staying through Monday to explore:

• Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park sites including Green Tree Tavern, Jean Baptiste Vallé House, and Bauvais-Amoureux House (though note park hours may be limited during festival weekend)
• Downtown shops and galleries with unique local goods, French-inspired items, and artisan crafts
• Restaurants serving French, German, and contemporary cuisine
• Wineries in the surrounding countryside
• The Sainte Geneviève-Modoc Ferry crossing the Mississippi to Illinois’s French historic sites

Festival weekend shows Sainte Geneviève at its most celebratory, but the town’s historic character, cultural richness, and welcoming spirit exist year-round.

A Festival That Grows With You

First-time visitors often focus on the parade and major events. Return visitors develop favorites—that string quartet they loved, the paper marbling they want to try, the church where acoustics make sacred music transcendent. Regular attendees build traditions—where they park, which concerts they never miss, who they meet for lunch.

The Holiday Christmas Festival rewards both single visits and annual returns because the programming changes yearly while the overall structure remains consistent. New performers, different craft workshops, updated historical programming keep the festival fresh while maintaining the elements that work.

Come Celebrate

On the first weekend of December, Sainte Geneviève—Missouri’s oldest town—becomes one of the Midwest’s finest Christmas destinations. More than 700 years of holiday music echo through historic churches. A parade winds through streets where French colonists celebrated centuries before. Families line up for free Santa photos while the Lions Club serves lunch. Artists display their work. Historians share colonial traditions. The community lights its Christmas tree as residents and visitors sing together.

This is the Sainte Geneviève Holiday Christmas Festival: accessible, authentic, sophisticated, and welcoming. Whether you’re seeking world-class music, family activities, historical experiences, or simply the warmth of small-town Christmas done extraordinarily well, the festival offers two days that capture holiday spirit without the commercial exhaustion that plagues so many modern celebrations.

Bundle up, study the schedule, and join thousands of others discovering why AAA Magazine recognized this as one of the Midwest’s top two Christmas celebrations. In Sainte Geneviève, Christmas still means community gathering to share the best of music, history, and human warmth against the cold December air.

The churches will be lit and warm. The musicians will be ready. Santa will be waiting. The historic streets will be dressed for the season. And the community will welcome you to celebrate Christmas as Missouri’s oldest town has celebrated for generations—with generosity, sophistication, and genuine joy.