Explore St. Louis

Does anyone recall the Seinfeld episode where Festivus was introduced to popular culture? Weary of the rampant consumerism of Christmas, character Frank Costanza invented an alternative holiday with unusual traditions. The offbeat holiday struck a chord with many viewers and a cult phenomenon was born.

Those who celebrate Festivus enjoy a quirky kind of fun such as decorating a Festivus pole instead of a Christmas tree and participate in the Airing of Grievances in which each person tells each and everyone else all the ways they've disappointed him/her over the past year, and after a Festivus dinner, The Feats of Strength are performed. Traditionally, Festivus is not over until the head of the household is wrestled to the floor and pinned.

The Downtown St. Louis Merchants Association has planned a Festivus celebration. Everyone can join in the fun of Festivus - a holiday celebration for us all. St. Louis Downtown Merchant members include specialty retailers such as Casa Semplice, a special place for people who are passionate about cooking and entertaining at home, St. Louis Union Station, a national historic landmark and Macro Sun International, a center for international fashions, hand-crafted jewelry, and home décor.

The schedule for Festivus is:

Friday December 1st 6:00 PM - 9:00 PMThis year, St. Louisans may submit their grievances at a Festivus reception at Mosaic Restaurant, sponsored by Alive Magazine. The entry with the most votes will be announced by KMOX on-air personalities. The winner will receive a prize pack from downtown retailers and will be a celebrity judge for the Feats of Strength competition.

Saturday, December 2nd 12:00 Noon to 3:00 PMThis will be the first year for “Feats of Strength” in St. Louis, but it is sure to be remembered. This event will be held on the parking lot on 11th street between Locust and St. Charles. Events will include: Christmas Tree Tossing, Oiled Arm Wrestling and Tag-Team-Tug-O-War (bring your team of three or more for a competition that is sure to end with everyone in stitches).