Through Jan. 3
Gardenland Express annual holiday flower and train show. G-scale model trains travel through a miniature landscape of live plants, surrounded by colorful poinsettias and flowers. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; closes early at 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve; closed Christmas Day. Garden admission plus $5. Free for members. Learn more.

Through Jan. 3
Greening your holiday with EarthWays: Living the Green Life. Learn about products, ideas and technology that will help your family grow greener this holiday season, including eco-friendly crafts, décor and gift-giving inspirations. Bring your camera to snap a holiday memory in a “Festively Green Family Photo Scene” and enjoy hands-on activities. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Brookings Interpretive Center.

Through Jan. 3
Victorian Christmas at Tower Grove House. See the Victorian country home of Garden founder Henry Shaw decked for the season with wreaths, garlands, floral centerpieces, greenery and a holiday tree. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m. Closed Mondays. Learn more.

Through Jan. 3
Holiday Wreath Auction features unique creations by some of the area’s finest floral designers. All wreaths are sold by silent auction bidding, with proceeds benefiting the Missouri Botanical Garden. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. More information.

Dec. 2
Members' Event: Gardenland Express Evening. An exclusive members-only evening viewing of the 2009 “Gardenland Express” holiday flower and train show.
5 to 8 p.m. Ridgway Visitor Center. Free for Garden members. (314) 577-5118.

Dec. 5
Members’ Event: Breakfast with Santa.
Garden members can visit with Santa as he makes his yearly stop at the Garden. Bring a pair of mittens or a child’s hat to donate to charity. Seatings available at 8 a.m., 8:45 a.m., and 9:30 a.m. Sassafras cafe. $16 per person; children ages two and under free. Advance reservations required: RSVP online or call (314) 577-9570. For more information,visit the Breakfast with Santa web page or call (314) 577-5154.

Dec. 5
Don Kurz and Jim Wilson book signings. Kurz’s new book, “Missouri’s Natural Wonders Guidebook,” showcases 100 of Missouri’s most outstanding natural features, with directions, maps, descriptions and 118 color photos included. Wilson has spent 13 years in garden television, including such shows as PBS “Victory Garden” and HGTV “Great Gardeners.” His newest book is “Homegrown Vegetables, Fruits and Herbs.” 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Garden Gate Shop.

Dec. 5 through Jan. 3
Holiday Trimmings at the Kemper Center. Enjoy a 15-foot balsam fir tree naturally decorated with over 50 “gourdaments” and gourd birdhouses to celebrate Garden’s 150th anniversary. New this year, vote for the “visitor’s choice” award for your favorite gourd! All decorated gourds are sold by silent auction bidding. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Jan. 1. Kemper Center for Home Gardening. Learn more

Dec. 6
Classic99’s “From the Garden – LIVE!”® fall concert featuring the Bach Society of St. Louis, broadcast live on 99.1 FM. Noon. Shoenberg Theater. Sponsored by KFUO-FM and the Missouri Botanical Garden. Call (314) 725-0099 for free ticket information. www.classic99.com.

Dec. 6
Chanukah: Festival of Lights.. A traditional Jewish holiday celebration that includes festive Israeli music and dance, a menorah-lighting ceremony, and Chanukah merchandise provided by local vendors and the Garden Gate Shop. Noon to 4 p.m. Ridgway Visitor Center. Learn more.

Dec. 12
Jennifer Ward book signing. Ward’s children’s book, “The Busy Tree,” features illustrations rendered in oil paint and rhyming text that describes a tree’s activities from its roots to its branches. Noon to 2 p.m. Garden Gate Shop.

Dec. 12
Oaks and Acorns: Forever Green. Spend time at the Garden with your favorite young person. See which trees are still green and learn why, and use evergreens to decorate a small wreath. Ages six to 12 with an adult. 10 to 11:30 a.m. $18. Advance registration required; www.mobot.org/classes or (314) 577-5140. For a complete list of over 175 fall/winter classes at the Garden’s family of attractions, visit www.mobot.org/classes.

Dec. 12
St. Louis Herb Society book signing. Members will discuss and sign copies of their new cookbook, “Herbal Cookery from the Kitchens and Gardens of the St. Louis Herb Society.” 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Garden Gate Shop.

Dec. 12
Members’ Event: Holiday Concert. Join the annual holiday sing-along. 11 a.m. Shoenberg Theater. Free for Garden members and their guests. (314) 577-5154.

Dec. 12 & 13
Christmas Carols in the Garden. Enjoy holiday carols, Santa in his sleigh, chestnuts roasting on an open fire and a gingerbread house display. 1 to 5 p.m. More info.

Dec. 24
The Missouri Botanical Garden closes early at 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

Dec. 25
The Missouri Botanical Garden is closed on Christmas Day.

Dec. 26
Mark Abbott book signing. Abbott’s new book, “Tower Grove,” offers a brief history of a collection of neighborhoods that abut Tower Grove Park. Noon to 2 p.m. Garden Gate Shop.

Dec. 30
“Kwanzaa: Festival of the First Fruits.” Kwanzaa is a Swahili term that means “first fruits,” and this contemporary African-American holiday centers around the feast table of the harvest. A Kwanzaa ceremony highlights a day of storytelling, craft and jewelry displays, and authentic African drumming and musical performances. Noon to 4 p.m. Ridgway Visitor Center.

Dec. 31
The Missouri Botanical Garden closes early at 4 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.

Through Mar. 14
Extended! EarthWays: Living the Green Life exhibit. Explore easy, everyday ways to protect the planet through this interactive exhibit. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Brookings Interpretive Center.

Through Mar. 31
Please note: Narrated tram tours, Tower Grove House, and the Doris I. Schnuck Children’s Garden are not available during the winter months. Seasonal operations resume April 1.

Click here for hours, admission, directions, and parking information.

Email Web Comments: Rob Thurman