The American Arts Experience fills concert halls, museums, theaters, universities and outdoor spaces in the St. Louis area with dozens of performances and shows by renowned American artists and companies, singer-songwriters, in disciplines ranging from symphonic music to jazz to visual artist; also, theater by American playwrights and dance by American companies. For a complete schedule and locations, visit our Web site.

Napoleon Bonaparte remains an undeniably powerful and enigmatic figure of world history. The Missouri History Museum has the rare opportunity to look into the private life of the Emperor of France, through an exhibition that showcases some of his most personal possessions and the possessions of those closest to him. The exhibit presents a wealth of historic artifacts, world-class artwork and unrivaled decorative arts together with a compelling story line that only Napoleon could invoke. Included are not only the personal belongings of Napoleon, but also some of the most famous depictions of the Emperor painted by some of the greatest artists of the time. The exhibition, featuring historic objects rarely seen outside the most distinguished and celebrated museums and palaces of Europe, provides unprecedented insights into the heart and mind of this complex and remarkable man. It allows viewers to see beyond the legend of Napoleon Bonaparte and reveals Napoleon the person. Presented at the Missouri History Museum. NOTE: Exhibition dates are subject to change; please confirm the dates prior to your museum visit.

For the 52nd straight year, the “Cardinal Company” of Navy recruits from the St. Louis region will march through downtown to the ballpark for a special on-field enlistment ceremony. During the pregame ceremony, 60 uniformed sailors will be manning the bases and a Navy Color Guard will present the colors.

This exhibit details the history and development of American Military Air Power from its beginnings as a part of the Army Signal Corps during World War I through land and sea air power in World War II, and a less detailed look at air power since WWII. Hundreds of pictures that illustrate the development of aircraft explain the history of air power, as well as uniforms and equipment are on display. Tickets: $2; younger than 13, free. Held at Jefferson Barracks.

This concert celebrates the 400th anniversary of Monteverdi's Vespers of 1610. Taking its name from the classical god of music and the sun, Apollo’s Fire is dedicated to the performance of 17th- and 18th-century music on the period instruments for which it was written. The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, where all Cathedral Concerts take place, is an unparalleled triumph of art and architecture. It rivals the grandest cathedrals in the world and was almost a century in the making. Among its treasures are: one of the world’s largest collections of mosaic art; Tiffany stained glass windows; and two Kilgen pipe organs. The main organ is the largest in the Midwest. Visitors from around the world tour the Cathedral to experience the grandeur.

Nineteenth annual Best of Missouri Market at the Missouri Botanical Garden. More than 130 Missouri food producers and crafters offer fresh produce, baked goods, fresh and dried flowers, herbs, handcrafted items, baskets, wooden toys, custom jewelry and other items. Live music and a Kids Corner with cow milking, pumpkin decorating and barnyard animals. No trams.

Outdoors under tents, rain or shine. Admission $12; age 65+, $10; ages 3-12 and members, $5. Buy tickets in advance online at www.mobot.org.

The Friends of Jefferson Barracks present their annual Candlelight Dinner. The event takes place in an original ordinance storage building built in the mid 1800s. Dinner is served by costumed interpreters. This events sells out fast so to reserve your seats early. Cost: $50.

The Grammy Award-winning vocal ensemble Chanticleer returns to the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis. Don't miss your chance to hear this orchestra of voices in live performance. The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis is an unparalleled triumph of art and architecture. It rivals the grandest cathedrals in the world and was almost a century in the making. Among its treasures are one of the world’s largest collections of mosaic art, Tiffany stained glass windows and two Kilgen pipe organs. The main organ is the largest in the Midwest. When filled with the music of performers who are experienced in similar venues, the result is an inspiring, uplifting musical feast for the audience.

Founded in the 1670s to sing daily services in the College Chapel during the University term. The all-male Choir consists of 14 Choristers, appointed at voice trials and educated at St. John’s College School, and 15 Choral Scholars admitted as undergraduates in the University of Cambridge. This famed choir now comes to St. Louis to sing in the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis. It rivals the grandest cathedrals in the world and was almost a century in the making. Among its treasures are one of the world’s largest collections of mosaic art, Tiffany stained glass windows and two Kilgen pipe organs. The main organ is the largest in the Midwest and was completely refurbished in 1997. Visitors from around the world tour the Cathedral to experience the grandeur.

The Christmas at the Cathedral concert includes the 120-voice Archdiocesan Adult Choir, 20-piece Orchestra, 70-voice Children’s Choir, and five-octave Hand-bell Choir all in the sonic splendor of the Cathedral Basilica. This concert is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season. The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis is an unparalleled triumph of art and architecture. It rivals the grandest cathedrals in the world and was almost a century in the making. Among its treasures are: one of the world’s largest collections of mosaic art; Tiffany stained glass windows; and two Kilgen pipe organs. The acoustics of the Cathedral are unique. Its soaring dome and mosaic-encrusted ceiling demand a carefully articulated program. When filled with the music of superb performers who are experienced in similar venues, the result is an inspiring, uplifting musical feast for the audience.

Encounter dozens of prehistoric creatures in an unparalleled environment: hidden in the heart of a thriving tropical rain forest. Learn about the world of dinosaurs and some of the lessons their extinction teaches us today.

Presented in the Climatron, Shoenberg Temperate House and Brookings Interpretive Center at the Missouri Botanical Garden. Cost: regular garden admission, plus $5; ages 3-12, $3; garden members, $3; members children, $2.

Two well-known St. Louis County traditions are combined: the Tilles Fine Arts Festival, at the St. Louis Carousel area in Faust Park; and the Faust Folk Festival. Hop on a hay-wagon for a free ride to the Historic Village entrance. The festival features tours, demonstrations of blacksmithing, rope making, pottery firing and other historical arts and crafts. In addition, enjoy a first rate juried fine arts sale featuring artists with their original work. There are live music, food vendors and children’s activities.

Admission:$5; younger than 5, free; includes both events and a ride on the St. Louis Carousel.

This is an annual holiday flower and train show at the Missouri Botanical Garden. Watch G-scale model trains travel through a mountainous, miniature landscape of living plants, small towns and rural dwellings along the Appalachian Trail. Twinkling holiday trees, oversized snowflakes, more than 600 colorful poinsettias and other blooming plants surround the festively detailed scene in the Orthwein Floral Display Hall, lower level of the Ridgway Visitor Center. The Garden closes at 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve; closed Christmas Day. Admission, $5 in addition to regular garden admission; free for members.

Listen to spooky stories told by costumed storytellers on the candlelit outdoor grand staircase at Fort Bellefontiane. The circa 1800s site was the first United States military instilation west of the Mississippi River. Story times: 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.. Advance registration required. Cost, $7.

Jefferson Barracks, a military instillation from 1826 to 1946, was home of the first infantry school. From here many soldiers departed for distant lands to protect the United States. For this evening, Jefferson Barracks is lit by candlelight as costumed interpreters telling spooky stories. Reservations recommended. Story times: 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Cost: $7.

Listen to spooky stories told by costumed storytellers in the candlelit Bissell House. Dim lights, creaking stairs and slightly opened doors set the scene for this once-a-year exclusive. Advance registration required. Story time: 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets: $7. Call or email for reservations.

Join us after dark for a hayride around Faust Park, then wander through candlelit historic homes, enjoy refreshments, a bonfire and live music. Hayrides are not wheelchair accessible, but the candlelit historic homes are wheelchair accessible.

Hayrides at 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.; $10, younger than 5, free.

From ancient pueblos to modern suburbs, women have shaped the Western landscape through choices about how to sustain home, family, and community. This exhibit brings together women's history, Western history, and environmental history to show how women have been at the heart of the Western enterprise across cultures and over time. Historical artifacts, art, photographs, and biographies of individual women lead visitors through four distinctive Western environments created and inhabited by women. At the Missouri History Museum.

The annual Japanese Festival at the Missouri Botanical Garden presents taiko drumming, traditional tea ceremonies, martial arts, candlelight walks in the Japanese Garden. Doors open at 9 a.m. Tickets: $15; age 65+, $10; ages 3-12 and members, $5. Buy tickets in advance online at www.mobot.org. No trams.

Ken Cowan is one of North America’s finest concert organists. Praised for his artistry, technique and imaginative programming by audiences and critics alike, he maintains a rigorous performing schedule which takes him to major concert venues across America, Canada and Europe. He comes to the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis to play the 7,600 pipes of the Great Cathedral Organ. The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis is an unparalleled triumph of art and architecture. It rivals the grandest cathedrals in the world and was almost a century in the making. Among its treasures are one of the world’s largest collections of mosaic art, Tiffany stained glass windows and two Kilgen pipe organs. The main organ is the largest in the Midwest. Visitors from around the world tour the Cathedral to experience the grandeur.

Take a hayride through the 1800s and early 1900s as Fort Bellefoutaine Park comes alive with reenactors depicting the Lewis and Clark Journey, the Civil War and World War II. Call or email for reservations. Hayrides: Sat., 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.; Sun., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Cost: $7.

Jefferson Barracks was a military base from 1826 through 1946. The hayrides will travel through the park, stopping as camps of soldiers from the Revolutionary War, Civil War, and World War II. Reenactors help you travel through the past. Hayrides: Sat., 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.; Sun., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Tickets, $7/person, sell out fast; call to reserve yours.

Enjoy this exhibit displaying model trains of several scales, plus military toys. Admission: $2.

The Navy Band “Freedom” will get the crowd rocking at St. Louis Union Station as they offer a three-hour blues performance to kick off the St. Louis Navy Week. The performance will be followed by a screening of “Top Gun” as part of Union Station’s free movie and concert series.

One of Poland’s leading Orchestra’s, the Opole, Philharmonic of Poland was founded in 1947 and became the resident Orchestra of Opole. Now for the first time they come to St. Louis to play in the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis. It rivals the grandest cathedrals in the world and was almost a century in the making. Among its treasures are one of the world’s largest collections of mosaic art, Tiffany stained glass windows and two Kilgen pipe organs. The main organ is the largest in the Midwest and was completely refurbished in 1997. Visitors from around the world tour the Cathedral to experience the grandeur.