Blog

 Christmas in Old Town with Santa & Tree Lighting Dec. 1

Mayor Thomas P. Schneider announced that the 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. Many of the retail shops and restaurants will be open in Old Town so you can enjoy dining, shopping and all the holiday festivities.

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 do the honors of switching on the Christmas lights to 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 their website at www.florissantoldtown.com.

 

 

Holiday D.A.R.E. Party at The Eagan Center Dec. 1

The City of Florissant, Florissant Youth Advisory Commission, and D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education taught by Florissant police officers in area schools) will host Project Liftoff XXVIIII on Saturday, Dec. 1 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the James J. Eagan Center for 5th-8th grade students.

There will be DJ music, game room, ice skating, swimming, contests and door prizes.

There will also be free pizza and Pepsi products. Admission is $6 in advance and $8 the day of the event. A Florissant resident card is required to purchase a ticket.

Tickets are required upon entry and are on sale now at the JFK Center or JJE Center.

Tickets sales on the day of event can be bought from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at JJE only. Tickets will not be sold at the door. For more information call the James J. Eagan Center at 921-4466 or JFK Center at 921-4250.

 

 

Chocolate Holiday Event in Grafton Dec. 1

Grafton is rolling out a new and reimagined version of their annual holiday chocolate festival this year. Santa’s Chocolate Express will come to town on Saturday, Dec. 1 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What was formerly called “A Taste of Chocolate” has been expanded into a town-wide experience. Participants can visit local businesses to collect a variety of chocolates, enjoy caroling on the downtown streets, and meet Santa and Mrs. Claus at Grove Memorial Park from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Strollers can take in views of the majestic bluffs and the Illinois River as they enjoy the surrounding holiday celebration.

Also new this year is the opportunity to tour Grafton’s lodging and guest houses. Ticket holders will be invited to register to win a free overnight stay at one of those guest houses.

“Santa’s Chocolate Express will capture the full spirit of the holidays throughout the town,” said Grafton Chamber President Jamie Clayton. “This is a way to celebrate in style for children and adults alike, including the collection of irresistible chocolates as you make your way through town and finish up with a chance to see Santa Claus.”

Santa’s Chocolate Express will begin and end at the ice skating rink at The Loading Dock. Tickets are required for this event and include free shuttle service, a complimentary treat at each participating business, and a holiday shopping bag with a small selection of chocolates and a holiday wine glass.

With seven designated shuttle stops, “express riders” will experience a variety of shops, eateries, and scenic views throughout town. Many businesses will be offering specials and discounts, giving riders and strollers a chance for some Christmas shopping or a special holiday meal.

Tickets are $9 in advance and $10 the day of the event. Advance tickets can be purchased online at: https://www.graftonilchamber.com/chocolate-express.

 

 

 

Chanukah: Festival of Lights at Botanical Garden Dec. 2

Chanukah: Festival of Lights at Missouri Botanical Garden will be Dec. 2 from noon to 4 p.m. 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.

 

 

 

Holiday Performances Across St. Louis Begin in December

Theaters and concert halls across St. Louis come to life during the holidays, with magical performances that are sure to delight young and old. Here’s just a sampling of the many performances that are sure to get you in the holiday spirit.

• 14th Annual Christmas at the Cathedral (Dec. 1 – 2) – The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis will host the Tenth Annual Christmas at the Cathedral concert, featuring the Archdiocesan Adult Choir, Children’s Choir, Handbell Choir and Orchestra, featuring Christmas classics both old and new.
• A Magical Cirque Christmas (Dec. 4) – A holiday entertainment blockbuster set to dazzle audiences of all ages. Featuring the best talent from around the globe, has it all – jaw-dropping magic, breathtaking circus acts, and the most angelic voices singing your favorite Christmas carols. Be transported to the golden age of entertainment by the mind-blowing talents, stunning costumes, comedy and more.
• Trans-Siberian Orchestra (Dec. 6) – Music and the holiday spirit come alive again during the Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert, “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve, The Best of TSO and More” a larger-than-life performance complete with symphonic-rock music, grandiose light displays and spectacular effects.
• A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage (Dec. 6) – Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage is a fresh take on the timeless classic that gives the audience a completely new way of experience in the storyline as portrayed by real actors who maintain the integrity and spirit of each peanuts character. This plays at the Stifel Theatre.
• A Christmas Carol (Dec. 6 – 9) – This fully-staged musical version of Charles Dickens’ classic tale has become a Yuletide tradition. The performances at the Fabulous Fox feature a spirited ensemble of 23 performers who bring Dickens’ fable of redemption to life on a magical set created by noted designer James Othuse. A full array of timeless carols such as “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “Away In a Manger” and “Here We Come A-Wassailing” are interwoven within the classic story of a tight-fisted, middle-class merchant Ebenezer Scrooge.
• Dr. Suess’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas: the Musical (Dec. 13 – 16) – Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas: the Musical returns to St. Louis for the first time since 2011 when it takes the stage at Stifel Theatre. The Grinch broke box office records for two consecutive years on Broadway during its holiday engagements at the St. James and Hilton theatres in New York. Since then, more than 1.5 million theatre-goers across America have been delighted by this heartwarming holiday musical, which The New York Times praised as “100 times better than any bedtime story.”
• Home Alone: In Concert (Dec. 14 – 15) – Experience the beloved 1990s box office hit, Home Alone: In Concert, on the big screen with the SLSO performing John Williams’ charming and delightful score live. See what antics eight-year-old Kevin McCallister comes up with when he is accidentally left behind from family vacation.Playing at Powell Symphony Hall.
• Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (Dec. 22 – 23) – The beloved TV classic soars off the screen and onto the stage at the Fabulous Fox Theatre this holiday season. Come see all of your favorite characters from the special including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph, as they come to life.
• Saint Louis Symphony’s Mercy Holiday Celebration (Dec. 21 – 23) – The holidays would not be complete without taking in a performance of the Saint Louis Symphony’s Mercy Holiday Celebration concert at Powell Symphony Hall.

 

 

House Decorating Contest and Ornament Making in Florissant

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.

 

 

Write Your Letters from Santa Now!

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 with personal letters throughout the holiday season. All letters need to be received by Dec. 15 for Santa to have enough time to reply!

Chamber Toy & Supply Drive Through Dec. 14

The Greater North County Chamber of Commerce is holding a Holiday Toy & Cleaning Supply Drive until Dec. 14. Drop off new, unwrapped toys and cleaning supplies at the Greater North County Chamber office, 420 W Washington St., 63031 to help families in need in our community for the holiday season.

 

 

Sharing & Caring Food Drive for Florissant

Through Dec. 15, a barrel for the Sharing and Caring Food Drive will be placed at the JJECenter, JFK Community Center and City Hall. All residents are encouraged to donate non-perishable and canned food items.

These donations will be given to organizations and food pantries within the city limits of Florissant. Please help bring holiday cheer to those families who may not be as fortunate as some.

 

 

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 be the judges of this contest. You must be a Florissant resident to enter.

 

 

 

Saturday with Santa Dec. 8

Santa Claus will visit the Missouri Botanical Garden on Saturday, Dec. 8 from 1 to 4 p.m. Christmas Carols in the Garden. Whisper your Christmas wishes to Santa Claus, rub noses with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, listen to festive holiday carols and enjoy a free ride with your friends and family to see holiday decor at the Tower Grove House and Kemper Center.

 

Christmas at St. Ferdinand Shrine Set Dec. 9-10

Celebrate Christmas at Old St. Ferdinand Shrine will be held on Dec. 9 and 10 this year. On Saturday, Dec. 9, events are from 5-9 p.m. and include a visit from Santa Claus, food (sandwiches, salad, dessert & drinks), candlelight tours of the Shrine ($2), Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe, living history reenactors, horse drawn carriage rides through Old Town (adults $15, children under 12 $10, includes live Nativity), the book store will be open, raffles. There will be a Christmas Concert on Sunday, Dec. 10 at 3 p.m. featuring the Community Choir and Children’s Choir. There is no charge for the concert. Reception will follow the concert.

 

 

Visit with Santa Dec. 15

Come visit with Santa at the James J. Eagan Center from 10-11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 15. Light refreshments will be provided. Bring a camera for a photo with Santa!

You may obtain tickets by showing your resident card and paying $2 or for non-residents $5. Open to non-residents after Dec. 4. A limited number of tickets will be available.

Tickets are available at the JFK or JJE Centers.

For more info call 921-4250 or 921-4466.

 

Winter Break Camp Begins Dec. 26 at Eagan Center

Come join Winter Camp over winter break for some fun games and activities. This camp will be similar to the Summer Playground program. Children will be able to go swimming, ice skating and much more at the James J. Eagan Center Tuesday 12/26, 12/27, 12/28, 1/2 – 1/4

(No camp 1/1). Camp will be from 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. for ages 6 – 10 (K – 5th).

Residents pay $60 per child and non-residents pay $120 per child. Spots are limited, so sign up early! Registration is held at the JFK Community Center and James J. Eagan Center.

Applications are available online at www.florissantmo.com as well at the Community Centers.

Items needed to register:

• Registration form & Emergency Medical Treatment Form
• Payment in full (no discounts, refunds or pro-rating of fees)
• Current resident card must be presented when registering

(All residents 6 and over must have their own resident card)

For more details please call the JFK Community Center (921-4250) or the James J. Eagan Center (921-4466).