Day 1: This day includes Christmas activities and celebrations as we cruise across I-70 to St. Charles. Be ready to be entertained by the Die Laughing Dinner Theater. We become characters in this fun entertaining Christmas show. Our hotel for the next three nights is in historic downtown St. Charles. (D)

Day 2: Our day begins with a tour of The Shrine of Saint Philippine Duchesne. This facility was dedicated to the French missionary, Religious of the Sacred Heart, who brought formal education and a zeal for sharing the love of God to the Missouri frontier in 1818. Next, we head to Merry Makers Market where we observe artists in action with an opportunity to shop. A step-on guide fills us with knowledge as we tour through St. Louis. This includes the downtown area, Riverfront, Arch, the World’s Fair of 1904, Cathedral Basilica (if available), and other highlights of St. Louis. Back in St. Charles, we discover a holiday celebration for all your senses called Christmas Traditions. Experience the taste of hot-roasted chestnuts fresh from an open fire, witness the pageantry of Santa figures dressed in the cultural attire of their home countries, listen to the timeless Christmas melodies sung by Victorian carolers, breathe in the aroma of the pine greenery that festively trims the historic district, and feel the well-worn character of the centuries-old bricks of Main Street under your feet. (B, L)

Day 3: We start today with a guided tour of historic St. Charles. Then on to the Old Town Spice Shoppe where we learn about and make vanilla extract and sample some treats. We also visit the Lewis and Clark Boat House and see a replica keelboat and two pirogues used on the expedition. At noon we take in the Santa Parade. The street comes alive with the music, pageantry, and spectacle of one of the best-loved Christmas events. Following the parade, we continue experiencing Christmas Traditions in historic downtown. After the sun sets, we drive through Celebration of Lights. O'Fallon's most historic park has come alive with the region's largest holiday light display. (B, D)

Day 4: Nestled high atop wooded bluffs overlooking the Missouri River sits Boonville, Missouri, a beautiful city rooted in history offering visitors an unexpected experience. A local step-on guide fills us with Boonville knowledge. Then we make our way back to Kansas sharing our favorite St. Charles Christmas memories. (B)