Steal this cozy St. Louis date night that’s equal parts delicious and magical!
Dinner and Art
Start with dinner at Idol Wolf, located in the 21c Museum Hotel. We ordered a few tapas and dishes to share- truly the best way to sample their menu! You can’t go wrong with anything here; every dish is beautifully plated and packed with flavor. Our favorites were the jamon croquettas, crispy brussels, the carved strip steak, and the vanilla bean Basque cheesecake.
Loved the apple tucked into the brussels- its bright pop of flavor lifted the whole dish and balanced the cozy, roasted notes. Spoiler alert! There’s a cotton candy surprise at the end, and it’s an absolute delight!
After dinner, spend a little time wandering the most iconic staircase in St. Louis. We are talking a full technicolor, floor-to-ceiling installation where each level transitions into a new palette, moving from bright florals and vivid pinks into deep purples and bold oranges. It is truly unlike anything I’ve seen before! On the second floor, you can explore the free contemporary art museum inside 21c. And, of course … keep an eye out for the orange penguins! We spotted at least 7!
FUN FACT: Each 21c Museum Hotel has its own flock of penguins in a color chosen to reflect the identity of its city. The color orange was selected for St. Louis because it’s associated with joy, energy, and the historic ties between the fruit and France. The penguins wander throughout the hotel: in the lobby, hallways, elevators, and gallery spaces. Part of the fun is never knowing where one will appear next!
Lights: Choose Your Adventure
Best news? Both options are FREE and only 5 min away!
Option 1: Citygarden Holiday Lights
Enjoy glowing orbs, peaceful pathways, and a lovely stroll through downtown. On select Friday nights (5–8pm), Citygarden will have local vendors with hot drinks and treats! Check their schedule HERE (scroll down past the map to the “Holiday Lights” section).
Option 2: The Grand Hall 3D Light Show
A stunning, immersive projection show takes place inside The Grand Hall at Union Station! Shows run at the top of every hour, 5–10pm, so plan your dinner timing accordingly. Also, be sure to check the schedule BEFORE going since it closes for private events (many Fri/Sat are NOT an option for the rest of December). CLICK HERE for their calendar.
This date night was simple, cozy, and full of that winter magic we love in STL!
