Blog

Winter Wonderland at Tilles Park (Nov. 21 – Dec. 30, Closed Christmas Eve) – Don’t miss your chance to see one of the most popular Christmas light displays in the area for over 30 years, The park is filled with millions of twinkling lights and various holiday scenes. Nominal fee per car.

Florissant Encourages All to

Deck the Halls & Send Santa a Letter

The Florissant Parks and Recreation Department need your help Wednesday, Dec. 5 decorating the trees at the John F. Kennedy Center and the James J. Eagan Center.
In this program, held at the JFK Center, children ages 2-5 years old will make ornaments at 6 p.m. and 6-10 year olds will make them at 7 p.m. Children will make a total of four ornaments: one for the trees at each center and two to take home.The price for residents $10 and non –residents is $12.
There will also be a Christmas house decorating contest for residents.  Applications are free to Florissant residents and are available at James J. Eagan Center, JFK Community Center and Florissant City Hall. Parks and Recreation prizes are awarded to the best decorated homes. The deadline to apply is Monday, Dec. 10 at 5p.m.
Letters from Santa
For a personal reply from Santa, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to:
Santa
c/o JFK Community Center
315 Howdershell Road
Florissant MO 63031
Please include some personal information about the child.Santa will respond throughout the holiday season. All letters need to be received by Dec. 15. For more information call 921-4466 or  921-4250.

Snowman Building Contest
If you think you build the best snowman in your neighborhood, then we have a contest for you.  Through Feb.  28, anytime it snows build a snowman.  Take a picture of yourself and the snowman, and send it to the Parks Department office along with an application.  Prizes will be awarded. The Youth Advisory Commission will judge this contest. You must be a Florissant resident to enter.

U.S. Bank Wild Lights

at Zoo Begins Nov. 23

A wild, arctic wonderland with 1 million twinkling holiday lights and festive family fun awaits you at U.S. Bank Wild Lights at the Saint Louis Zoo!
Fun & Activities
You’ll be enchanted by whimsical animal-themed displays throughout the Zoo, including a larger-than-life swan family, towering giraffes, an illuminated penguin colony, and much more.
Visit with the cool birds at Penguin & Puffin Coast and warm up in the tropics of the Monsanto Insectarium where you’ll see colorful insects from around the world. Please note these are the only animal exhibits open at night during the event.
Kids can take part in winter crafts and activities and meet costumed characters. Enjoy holiday carolers and other strolling live performances on weekend nights.
Climb aboard your favorite animal on the Mary Ann Lee Conservation Carousel. Chill out in the 4D Theater featuring “The Polar Express 4D Experience.” Rides are free with event admission and operate weather permitting.
Food & Shopping
Roast your own campfire s’mores (available for purchase) at one of the fire pits. Enjoy dinner, snacks, hot chocolate, holiday drinks and more available at food locations throughout the Zoo.
Shop for a variety of unique gifts at Zoo gift shops and receive a 10 percent discount on any purchase; Zoo members receive a 20 percent discount.
2018 Event Dates
Wild Lights is open from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the following dates:
• Friday-Sunday, Nov. 23-25
• Wednesday-Sunday, Nov. 28-Dec. 2
• Wednesday-Sunday, Dec. 5-9
• Monday, Dec. 10, is Sensory Night for individuals on the autism spectrum and others who may benefit from a sensory-friendly experience.
• Nightly, Dec. 12-23
• Nightly, Dec. 26-30
Tickets
Tickets can be purchased in advance at stlzoo.org/wildlights, or at the door on nights of the event starting at 5:30 p.m. Ticket sales and event entrances will close at 8 p.m.
• Monday-Thursday: $8/members, $9/non-members
• Friday-Sunday: $10/members, $11/non-members
• Sensory Night: $8/members, $9/non-members (Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance.)
Children under age 2 are free. Free parking is available on Zoo parking lots. The Zoo will close to the public at 4 p.m. each day of Wild Lights. Doors re-open at 5:30 p.m. for the event. For more information, visit stlzoo.org/wildlights.

Historic Florissant Annual
House Tour is  Nov. 25
12 Locations on 2018 House Tour
Historic Florissant Inc (HFI) is again sponsoring the Christmas House tour in Historic Old Town Florissant with 12 locations to visit on Sunday, Nov. 25 from 1-6 p.m.
There are five residential homes on the tour this year and also seven other historic locations. They include:
The Franz Gittemeier House, John B Myers House, Weithaupt General Store (currently Dooley Florist & Gifts),
•  Korte’s Custom Framing & Antiques
(newly renovated location on N Jefferson,
• Log Cabin at Tower Court Park
• Hendel’s Market cafe, and
•  Old St. Ferdinand Shrine.
Each will all be beautifully decorated for Christmas to get you ready for the holidays with complimentary snacks and drinks at most of the locations.
Cost is $20 – Adults, $5 – Ages 18- 5 and free  for ages 4 and under. (checks and cash only)
Tickets can be purchased at Korte’s Custom Framing & Antiques, 560 N Jefferson, and Dooley’s Florist & Gifts, 690 rue St. Francois. List of locations and a map are on the ticket and this is a self-guided tour so you can go as you please.
Both Korte’s and Dooley’s will be open the day of the tour for you to purchase tickets and they are both having their annual open house. Korte’s will be open from 11-6 with cookies, hot tea and 20% off. Dooley’s will be open 1-6 and have wine, snacks and a Christmas centerpiece drawing. There are a limited number of tickets that are sold so people are urged to  get their tickets early.
Alpha Players to Present

Santa Elves Show Nov. 29-30

The Alpha Players presents “The Shoemaker and Santa’s Elves” at the Florissant Civic Center Theatre on Thursday, Nov. 29, and Friday, Nov. 30 at 7:30 both nights.
The play, by Stephen Chamineak, is an adventure that shows how even the youngest members of a family can make a big difference.
Christmas is just around the corner and the Shoemaker and his family can’t seem to make enough shoes to pay their rent.  When the landlord threatens to kick them out, it is up to Santa and his elves to save the day! Tickets, are priced at $10 and can be purchased at https://florissantmo.thundertix.com or 314-921-5678. Tickets can also be purchased in person starting one hour before each performance.

Christmas in Old Town with

Santa & Tree Lighting Dec. 1

City of Florissant and Old Town Partners will be co-hosting “Christmas in Old Town with Santa” on Saturday, Dec.1 from 2- 4:30 p.m. in the Florissant City Council Chambers.
There will be light refreshments and snacks to enjoy.  Santa Claus will be there and fun activities are planned like face painting, a clown making balloon animals, music, storytelling and children’s crafts.  At 5 p.m. the annual tree lighting ceremony will take place on the front lawn of City Hall.  From the City Hall balcony Mayor Schneider and the 2018 Valley of Flowers Queen Yen Nguyen and her court will officially start the holiday season.
There will also be Project Lift Off for 5th to 8th graders at the James J. Eagan Center #1 James J. Eagan Drive from 6:30-9 p.m.  For more information contact Old Town Partners at 314-837-0033 or visit www.florissantoldtown.com.
Look for our section  next week (Nov. 29) on  all the activites at Christmas in Old Town and the tree lighting event.
Annual Elsah Home for the

Holidays Home Tour Dec. 1

Take a step back in time this holiday season and stroll along the historic streets Elsah, IL during Elsah’s annual Home for the Holidays from Noon to 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 1.
A total of 18 historic buildings will be open for the event, including eleven homes, Elsah’s two-room school house, Farley’s Music Hall, the Elsah Museum, churches and village businesses. Tickets for the annual Home of the Holidays House Tour are $15 in advance or $18 the day of the tour. Ticket prices include a map and tour booklet with descriptions of each building. Rides on a horse-drawn carriage are available at no extra charge.  For an additional $11, visitors can purchase lunch from My Just Desserts at Farley’s Music Hall.
“Since the 1970’s, the Village of Elsah has offered house tours for visitors who want to get a look inside some of its beautiful historic homes and buildings,” said Blair Smith, one of the organizers of the event. “Some of our buildings date back to the 1850’s and this is a great opportunity to see them.”
Tickets may be purchased on line at: www.historicelsah.org or in advance at the following businesses: Maple Leaf Cottage Inn, Green Tree Inn and Elsah General Store in Elsah; Alton Visitors Center, 200 Piasa St., Alton, and My Just Desserts, 31 E. Broadway, Alton.
Proceeds from the tour benefit the Historic Elsah Foundation, a not-for-profit organization, dedicated to the historic preservation and education of Elsah.

St. Louis Civic Orchestra

Holiday Concert Dec. 2

at Logan Purser Hall

The internationally acclaimed Vocal Spectrum quartet and the Parkway Southwest Middle School Choir highlight the St. Louis Civic Orchestra’s Annual Winter Holiday concert on Sunday, Dec. 2 at 3 p.m. at Logan University’s Purser Hall, 1851 Schoettler Road, Chesterfield, MO 63017.
The St. Louis Civic Orchestra will perform a variety of holiday favorites at its annual Holiday Concert. A favorite at each December performance is the sing-along, in which audience members join the Civic and its guest performers Vocal Spectrum and Parkway Southwest Middle School Choir to sing traditional holiday favorites:
The St. Louis-based Vocal Spectrum (www.vocalspectrum.com) has become one of the most sought-after young quartets in the world, with numerous international appearances performed by this award-winning vocal ensemble.
The Parkway Southwest Middle School Choir – directed by Karen Kaibel – is part of the Civic’s overall collaboration with the Parkway School District’s music program.
Tickets are available online at the St. Louis Civic Orchestra’s website stlco.org, or the day of show at Purser Hall. Adult  tickets are $18 each, students/seniors (55+) are $12 each, and children 5 and under are free. Special discounts are available for seniors and students,

The    44th season     of       the Applause/Applause   Series is a remarkable four show line-up! On Saturday, Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m.,  “Luisa Marshall’s Simply The Best: A Tina Turner Tribute” will play.
Superstar Tina Turner, born Anna Bullock and a graduate of Sumner High School, got her 1956 start in St. Louis night clubs beginning a life-long career which landed her an award at the 2005 Kennedy Center Honors.

Luisa Marshall captures Tina’s life in this tribute show, developed over 16 years and now toured around the world. From Tina’s days with Ike Turner to her breakthrough Grammy – winning album Private Dancer, to her latest greatest hits collections, Luisa Marshall lends her unique and explosive style to this new groundbreaking show.

Luisa Marshall’s Tina Turner tribute will be performing at the Florissant Civic Center, Dec. 8.  Luisa Marshall’s uncanny resemblance to Tina Turner has heads turning everywhere she goes.  This show is a once in a time experience that makes this live tribute show to Tina Turner the most fun, energetic and entertaining tribute.

Lafayette Square Holiday

Parlor Tour is Dec. 9

The Lafayette Square Holiday Parlor Tour will be on Dec. 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The tour begins at the corner of Mississippi and Lafayette Avenues. You will pick up your ticket/tour book here. Amenities include complimentary carriage rides and trolley.
Neighborhood shops, art galleries and restaurants will be open, with many offering treats and discounts. The tour is conducted as a self-guided, open house format: attendees are welcome to visit homes in any order at any time during tour hours. All homes have several stairs leading to the entrance and are not wheelchair accessible. Only the first floor of each home will be showcased for the parlor tour. A free trolley will be running in a loop around the neighborhood to save you a few extra steps between homes. Tickets cost $20 in advance, $25 day of the tour (limited availability), and children under 12 are free. Tickets are non-refundable. The tour is held rain or shine. Advance tickets must be picked up on tour day – no paper tickets will be mailed. Ticket sales end at 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 7.
Tickets are available for cash or check at the following locations: Forrest Gallery, Four Muddy Paws (both locations), Looking Glass Designs, Park Avenue Coffee, Polite Society, Square One Brewery & Distillery and SqWires Restaurant. St. Louis, MO 63104. Checks must be received prior to Dec. 5.

‘Les Miserables’ Returns to Fox
Theatre for Limited Engagement

   Casting for Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed  production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel
Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical  phenomenon,  Les Miserables, has been  announced for its much anticipated St. Louis  engagement at the Fabulous Fox Theatre direct  from a celebrated two-and-a-half year Broadway  engagement.
To purchase tickets, visit MetroTix.com, call  MetroTix at 314-534-1111 or visit the Fabulous
Fox Box Office. Ticket prices start at $25. For a sneak peek, visit www.LesMiz.com. Performances of Les Miserables at the Fabulous Fox run Dec. 11-16. Show times are Tuesday through Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. There will also be a 1 p.m. matinee performance on Thursday, Dec.13.
Nick Cartell portrays the fugitive ‘Jean Valjean.’ He is joined by Josh Davis as ‘Javert,’ J Anthony Crane as ‘Thénardier,’ Allison Guinn as ‘Madame Thénardier,’ Mary Kate Moore as ‘Fantine,’ Matt Shingledecker as ‘Enjolras,’ Paige Smallwood as ‘Éponine,’ Joshua Grosso as ‘Marius’ and Jillian Butler as ‘Cosette.’
With new staging and dazzlingly reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, this production of Les Miserables, which broke box office records during its pre-Broadway tour, has left both audiences and critics awestruck, cheering “Les Miz is born again!” (NY1). Cameron Mackintosh said, “I’m delighted that after a four-year absence this glorious production is once again tourin and is more spectacular than ever.”
Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Miserables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption – a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit.
The great score includes “I Dreamed A Dream,” “On My Own,” “Stars,” “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More,” “Do You Hear the People Sing” and many more, this epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history. Cameron Mackintosh’s production of Boublil and Schönberg’s Les Miserables has music by Claude-Michel Schönberg, lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer from the original French text by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel.
Les Miserables originally opened in London at the Barbican Theatre on Oct. 8, 1985, transferred to the Palace Theatre on Dec. 4, 1985 and moved to its current home at the Queen’s Theatre on April 3, 2004 where it continues to play to packed houses. It is the only version of the original production left in the world.

Anheuser-Busch Brewery Lights

Shine through Dec. 30

Witness the magic of more than a million twinkling lights during the 33rd Annual Brewery Lights at the Anheuser-Busch St. Louis Brewery! Guests are invited to stroll down Pestalozzi Street to marvel as the brewery is turned into a remarkable holiday experience with something for everyone, including a new Kids Zone.
The holiday season at the Brewery kicked off with a festive lighting ceremony, on Nov. 15. New this year, guests can enjoy the Kids Zone and take a ride on the Brewery Express train, watch nightly screenings of a classic holiday movie on an outdoor big screen and play festive games.
Additionally, guests can experience their favorite traditional Brewery Lights attractions, including roasting s’mores at the outdoor fire pits or warming up inside at the Tour Center Gift Shop and exploring new holiday merchandise, including Budweiser holiday steins, cheerfully crafted ornaments and trendy hats and apparel. Guests 21+ can also enjoy one complimentary 16-ounce sample of their favorite Anheuser-Busch beverage and guests of all ages can purchase delicious food in The Biergarten.
While Brewery Lights is complimentary, guests can upgrade their holiday experience with a variety of new individual and group packages, such as Budweiser Clydesdale packages and Fire Pit Fun packages. All of which can be purchased at BudweiserTours.com.
Guests can also upgrade their parking by purchasing a preferred parking spot for $10, with a portion of those proceeds going to the St. Louis Blues Alumni Association.
Also benefiting the Blues Alumni Association, guests are invited to skate under the lights at the Bud Light Ice Rink with 100 percent of skate rentals going to the association.
Brewery Lights is a family-friendly event, open to all ages at no cost. Guests can attend every Thursday through Sunday, from 5 to 10 p.m. starting Nov. 15 until Dec. 30. Drive-through tours are also welcome Monday through Wednesday after dusk until midnight. V
Ice Rink, Winterfest Back at

Gateway Arch Through Jan. 1

Experience an ice skating rink like no other! Grab your skates and enjoy this outdoor rink in the heart of Kiener Plaza. In the shadow of the Gateway Arch or under its new lights, the Winterfest Ice Rink is a great winter destination with regular hours and special events through Jan. 1.
Enjoy the rink, sip hot chocolate in the renovated park, or explore the play ground. Admission is free. Youth can try hockey for free at Little Blues sessions with the St. Louis Blues.
Skate rentals are available: $12 Adults | $7 Children (3 – 15). Children skate rentals are free on Thursdays and Fridays – courtesy the St. Louis Blues! Skate sizes: toddler 8 – adult 13.
Regular Hours:
Thursday & Friday: 4 – 8 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: noon – 8 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 24 – Tuesday, Jan. 1: open everyday
noon – 8 p.m.
Special Events:
• Thursday, Nov. 22: Thanksgiving Day Skate 8 a.m. – noon with free skate rental & the Thanksgiving Day Parade
• Friday, Nov. 23: One Nation Night 5 – 8 p.m.
• Dec.  31: New Year’s Eve Party: 4 – 8 p.m. with fireworks at 8 p.m.
• Jan. 1: New Year’s Day Skate – last day of Winterfest Ice Rink season.

Discover Nature with MDC at
Eagle Days Dec. 4 through Feb. 2

From December through February, Missouri’s winter eagle watching is spectacular. Discover nature with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) through Eagle Days events around the state, or enjoy eagle viewing on your own.
Because of the state’s big rivers, many lakes, and abundant wetlands, Missouri is one of the leading lower 48 states for bald eagle viewing. Each fall, thousands of these great birds migrate south from their nesting range in Canada and the Great Lakes states to hunt in the Show-Me State. Eagles take up residence wherever they find open water and plentiful food. More than 2,000 bald eagles are typically reported in Missouri during winter.
Eagle Days events include live captive-eagle programs, exhibits, activities, videos, and guides with spotting scopes. Watch for eagles perched in large trees along the water’s edge. View them early in the morning to see eagles flying and fishing. Be sure to dress for winter weather and don’t forget cameras and binoculars.
• St. Louis: Jan. 19 and 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge south of I-270 off Riverview Drive in St. Louis. Call 314-301-1500 for more information.
• Clarksville: Jan. 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Jan. 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lock and Dam 24 and Apple Shed Theater in Clarksville. Call 660-785-2424 for more information.
Mark your calendar for the MDC Wild Webcast: Bald Eagles and Eagle Days Dec. 4, noon to 1 p.m. where MDC Resource Scientist Janet Haslerig and MDC Eagle Days Veteran Dan Zarlenga will share their expertise about bald eagles in Missouri and the perennially popular MDC Eagle Days events around the state. Register at short.mdc.mo.gov/ZT7.
For more information on bald eagles, visit the MDC online Field Guide at nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/bald-eagle.For more information on Eagle Days, visit mdc.mo.gov/EagleDays

Share on Facebook

Tweet

Follow us