You might think Belleville has a rich French heritage — its name is French for “beautiful town” — but its German roots rule, especially around the holidays. Park and walk along Main Street, the heart of the downtown shopping district, for a truly unique mix of boutiques, antiques stores, shops to satisfy collectors of all things and restaurants galore.

The Central West End is city living as it ought to be: dense streets packed with sidewalk-friendly dining options, funky boutiques, cerebral gift shops and historic homes. Make a day of it as you shop, dine and catch a film at the Chase Park Plaza or scope out some art at the Philip Slein, Duane Reed or Houska galleries.

Cherokee Street isn’t just antiques anymore: it’s where to find authentic Mexican eats, funky vintage wearables, loose teas by the scoopful, and local artists, makers and bakers. Make sure to check out stores and eateries both east and west of Jefferson Avenue.

While the outlet malls in Chesterfield typically draw crowds looking for a bargain during the holidays, there are several smaller shopping destinations in the area. You can discover unique gifts at local retailers, attend special events featuring handmade crafts or simply stroll through the plazas enjoying the atmosphere.

Clayton and Ladue are perfect shopping destinations if you’re the kind of person who likes to poke around specialty stores and unique gift shops until you find the perfect present. On the other hand, if you’re the kind of person who just wants to get all your shopping out of the way without searching that hard, the St. Louis Galleria and Plaza Frontenac are also right in the area.

More than 130 specialty shops, galleries, restaurants and entertainment venues call the Loop along Delmar Boulevard home. The Loop is named for streetcars that came west more than 100 years ago and “looped around” before making connections. A new electric trolley has been in testing this year. As you walk, look down. You’re stepping on more than 140 brass stars on the St. Louis Walk of Fame, which honors local legends like Stan Musial, Harold Ramis, and Thomas Hart Benton. Be sure to visit sculptor Harry Weber’s eight-foot bronze statue of Chuck Berry, the Father of Rock and Roll who died in 2017.

What’s your shopping pleasure? If you like parking and leisurely strolling, downtown Edwardsville offers a charming mix of small-town shops, cool cafes and soul-satisfying restaurant fare. If you also need some big-box buying convenience, you can find plenty of that, too, throughout Edwardsville and Glen Carbon, two Metro East gems just a quick 25-minute drive from downtown St. Louis.

Though just 25 miles south of St. Louis on Interstate 55, the small town of Kimmswick along the Mississippi River feels like it's from a different era. But inside many of the shops you’ll find trendy collections and hip new items.

These St. Louis County neighbors boast historic downtowns with plenty of eclectic shops and hip boutiques. Artsy, literary and personalized presents seem to be a specialty, and many of the stores pride themselves on carrying items from St. Louis-based companies.

Maplewood's bustling stretch of Manchester Road, and the surrounding area, is packed with great shops where you can find one-of-a-kind gifts, including lots of locally made, handcrafted goods. The area is walkable, with ample street parking and (bonus!) no meters to feed.

The only thing more enchanting than historic downtown St. Charles’ brick streets, historic buildings and river views, is historic downtown during the holidays. Characters, carolers and marching bands fill the streets for a festive shopping experience that has become a holiday tradition for many.