What's Open in St. Louis on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 2011

Jessica Pupillo

DEC. 19, 2011 -- Christmas is a day that many spend with their nearest and dearest, opening presents, assembling toys and gadgets, trying on new clothes and spreading good cheer. In St. Louis, most stick close to home (or the homes of their extended families) on Christmas, and the majority of area attractions are closed. However, for those who either don't celebrate Christmas or who want to get out of the house on Christmas, there are a few attractions open for business.

Steinberg Skating Rink
Lace up your ice skates and glide along Steinberg Skating Rink in Forest Park. The outdoor rink is a great place for skaters of all abilities to spend the day. Not so sure about skating? You can warm up at the rink's bonfire or grab a bite in the Snowflake Cafe while you watch. The rink is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is $6 and skate rentals are $4.

Steinberg Skating Rink is located at 400 Jefferson Drive, St. Louis, Mo., 63110. Call 314-361-0613 for details.

Hidden Valley Ski Resort
Ski, snowboard or inner-tube down the hills of Wildwood. St. Louis' ski slopes are scheduled to open for the season on Christmas day. Unseasonably warm temperatures caused the resort to postpone its Dec. 17 opening, so be sure to check the resort's website for the latest snow report. Hidden Valley Ski Resort is open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays.

Hidden Valley Ski Resort is located at 17409 Hidden Valley Drive, Wildwood, Mo., 63025. Call 636-938-6999 for details.

Celebrate Hanukkah at the JCC
The Jewish Community Center, Staenberg Family Complex is hosting a Hanukkah Hooplah. The event is open to members and nonmembers of the JCC and includes activities such as candle-making, dreidel spin-offs, a mitzvah project, stories, songs and more. The event is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Advanced tickets cost $10 per member family and $15 per nonmember family.

The Staenberg Family Complex is located at 2 Millstone Campus Drive, Creve Coeur, Mo., 63146. Call 314-442-3454 for details.

The Silver Screen
All of the area's movie theaters are open on Christmas Day, a popular day for new releases. "This year we have many, many family-friendly movies," said Kelly Hoskins, vice president of marketing for Wehrenberg Theatres. Movies that families might enjoy include: "The Muppets," "Hugo," "Arthur Christmas," "Adventures of TinTin," "Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked" and "We Bought a Zoo."

Shaw Nature Reserve
The grounds of Shaw Nature Reserve in Gray Summit are open to visitors though the visitors center and educational facilities are all closed on Christmas. Burn off a heavy Christmas breakfast with a stroll along the marsh boardwalk or through the native prairie.

Shaw Nature Reserve is located at Highway 100 and I-44 in Gray Summit, Mo., 63039. Call 636-451-3512 for details.

Missouri Conservation Areas
The visitor centers will be closed, but conservation areas managed by the Missouri Department Conservation are open on Christmas. Fish, hike, bird watch and more at Missouri Department of Conservation Areas, including Columbia Bottom Conservation Area, August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area and Weldon Spring Conservation Area.

Holiday Light Displays
Several area light displays are open on Christmas, including Way of Lights, Winter Wonderland, Santa's Magical Kingdom and Christmas Wonderland. Learn more about these light displays in Best Bets for Holiday Light Displays.