Blog

Santa Comes to Florissant Dec. 7, Then Tree Lighting at City Hall

The City of Florissant and Old Town Partners will co-host “Christmas in Old Town with Santa” on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 2-4:30 p.m. in the Florissant City Council Chambers.

There will be hot cocoa & cookies to enjoy.  Santa Claus will be there and fun activities are planned like face painting, a clown making balloon animals, music, pictures with Santa, crafts, and cookie decorating. There will also be a plaque dedication in honor of the late Rita Meyer Moellering in front of 990 rue St. Francois beginning at 4:45 p.m.

At 5 p.m. the annual tree lighting ceremony will take place on the front lawn of City Hall.  From the balcony, Mayor Lowery and the 2019 Valley of Flowers Queen Grace Gettemeier and her court will switch on the Christmas lights. For more info call 314-837-0033.

Old St. Ferdinand Shrine to Host Christmas Events this December

Old Saint Ferdinand Shrine will host Christmas at the Shrine on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 6-9 p.m. There will be S’mores, Hendel’s wine, Ferguson Brew House & Narrow Gauge Beer, hot chocolate, food, Tablescapes, Christmas photo opportunities, Gaterman Photography, carolers, and also a golf cart decorating contest at 6:30 p.m.

Tablescapes at the Shrine will be held several days in December. Tablescapes are unique and creatively designed table settings and centerpieces. In addition to the tablescapes, there will be two fireplace mantels decorated by local florists and there will be a raffle for the mantels, along with other items. Raffle tickets will be pulled and winners notified on Mon., Dec. 9. The cost for tablescapes is $5 per person to enter.

Tablescape Dates

• Sunday, Dec. 1: 1-6 p.m.                 •Wed., Dec. 4: noon-4 p.m.

• Thurs., Dec. 5: noon-4 p.m.            •Friday, Dec. 6: noon-4 p.m.

• Sat., Dec. 7: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

34th Annual Anheuser-Busch Brewery Lights Lit

Witness and experience the magic of more than a million twinkling lights during the 34th 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 Kids Zone.

Brewery Lights is a family-friendly event, open to all ages at no cost. Guests can attend every Friday through Sunday, from 5 to 10 p.m. until Dec. 30. Drive-through tours are also welcome Monday through Wednesday after dusk until midnight. Additionally, there are walking tours on Monday, Dec. 23, Thursday 26, and Dec. 30.

There is also a Brewery Express Train. The cost is one ticket $3 or two tickets for $5; each car can hold two adults and four kids or some variation. The cost to ice skate is free. For skate rental, there is a suggested donation of $5 for adults and $3 for kids. All proceeds go the Blues Alumni Association. Call 314-577-2626.

‘Grandpa Gang’ Back with Christmas Wonderland at Rock Springs Park

Begin your holiday celebration escaping from the chaos of the season and experiencing the enchantment of Christmas at the “Christmas Wonderland” holiday light display. The “Grandpa Gang” has been at it again transforming Rock Springs Park in Alton, Ill. into a Winter Wonderland.  Visitors can drive through the park to view more than 4 million lights, cascading waterfalls of lights, lighted trees, and displays, and visit Santa Claus in the Enchanted Forest. Christmas Wonderland is open the day after Thanksgiving (Nov. 29) through late December. The suggested donation is $7 for cars and small vans or $1 per person for vehicles holding more than 10 people. For info about Christmas Wonderland, call (800) 258-6645.

The Loading Dock’s Ice Skating Rink Now Open

The Loading Dock Bar & Grill in Grafton opened its ice skating rink on Saturday, Nov. 23.  Each November, The Boatworks is transformed into a Winter Wonderland offering ice skating, s’mores tables, and a full menu and bar.

The rink will be open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through March 8. 2020 with extended hours during Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks.  Special events this year include a visit from Santa and a New Years Eve party.

Party packages are available and include skating for fifteen guests, pizza, soda, and s’mores in a heated party tent.  Private rink rentals are also available during non-business hours. 

“It’s not just for kids,” says Afton Hughes, Event Coordinator at The Loading Dock.  “Each year we see an increase in corporate events for companies looking to do something a little different for the holidays.”

For more info contact The Loading Dock at 618-786-3494 or loadingdock@gtec.com. The Loading Dock’s outdoor patio will remain open throughout the season.

Parlor Tour & Market Dec. 8 in Lafayette Square

The Lafayette Square Holiday Parlor Tour will be held on Sunday, Dec. 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The self-guided tour begins at the Park House, 2023 Lafayette, where tour-goers pick up their tickets, starting at 9:30 am. This year’s tour features unique homes, including Victorian-era “painted ladies” and two apartments in a beautifully renovated historic building that once housed canvas awnings and mops. Visitors are also in for a musical treat; singers from Opera Theatre St. Louis will perform songs of the season at one of the tour homes.

The day-long celebration includes a Holiday Market in the Fountain Plaza on Park Avenue. Tour-goers can also see Santa or ride in a horse-drawn carriage through Lafayette Park. A trolley is also available to transport tour-goers around the neighborhood.

Tickets are $25 per person in advance and can be purchased online. A limited number of day of tour tickets are $30 per person. Children under 12 are free.

Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House Events includes Winter Jewels through Dec. 31

   Now through Dec. 31, Winter Jewels is open daily at the Butterfly House from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Butterfly House transforms into an enchanted land. (Closed Mondays.)

   Visit a fierce dragon and noble knights at the castle, discover tropical jewel-toned butterflies and fairies in the fairy garden in the Conservatory and make new friends in the Gnome Forest, which will include games and forest insect displays. 

   New this year, kids can try their hand at casting “spells” while learning the Latin names of plants and insects! Join Tuesday through Friday,  at 11 a.m. for Books & Butterflies,  a themed storytime featuring special guest hosts of local heroes, authors, mascots, animal friends and more. Included with regular admission.

St. Charles Christmas Traditions Begins Nov. 29

More than 50 costumed characters and Santas from around the world will help celebrate the milestone of St. Charles Christmas Traditions’ sapphire anniversary, and also commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the city of Saint Charles.

The merriment happens on Main Street at the annual St. Charles Christmas Traditions festival on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, Nov. 29-Dec. 24. Visitors can mail a letter to Santa and visit his cottage, enjoy roasted chestnuts and get a jump on holiday shopping. The parade begins at 1:30 p.m. on opening day, Nov. 29,  and on Saturdays and Sundays. A tree-lighting ceremony is at 5 p.m. on opening day.

For 45 seasons, Saint Charles Christmas Traditions has helped create cherished holiday experiences. With a unique blend of history, storytelling, and fairy tale whimsy, visitors from around the globe have been transported back in time to an era of yuletide nostalgia and fantasy; where reindeer fly, dapper carolers put a song in your heart, and the concerns of the modern world melt away, allowing you to experience the enchantment of the holiday season like a kid again.

Wild Lights at the Zoo Begin Nov. 29

U.S. Bank Wild Lights at the Saint Louis Zoo is open from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the following dates:

· Friday-Sunday, Nov. 29-Dec.1

· Wednesday-Sunday, Dec. 4-8

· Nightly, Dec. 11-23

· Nightly, Dec. 26-30

The Zoo will close to the public at 4 p.m. each day of Wild Lights. Doors reopen at  5:30 p.m. for the event. Advance online ticket purchase is strongly encouraged. Tickets are available in advance at stlzoo.org/wildlights or at the door on nights of the event beginning at 5:30 p.m. Ticket sales and event entrances will close at 8 p.m. Prices are between $8-11. Free parking is available on Zoo parking lots during event hours.

Be enchanted by whimsical animal-themed displays throughout the Zoo, including Swan Lake, Starry Safari, Sparkling Savanna, Jungle Bell Rock and more.

There is a new Lovebirds Lookout area overlooking the lake with a beautiful view and photo opportunity.

Visit Penguin & Puffin Coast and the Bayer Insectarium to see colorful insects from around the world. Please note that 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 the Mary Ann Lee Conservation Carousel. Chill out in the 4D Theater featuring “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4D.” These attractions are free with event admission and operate weather permitting. Roast your own campfire s’mores (available for purchase) at one of the fire pits. Enjoy dinner, snacks, hot chocolate, holiday drinks and more.

Monday, Dec. 9, is Sensory Night for individuals on the autism spectrum and others who may benefit from a sensory-friendly experience. This special night will mirror the traditional Wild Lights experience, but the evening will offer quiet areas and trained Zoo staff to assist families. For more information, visit stlzoo.org/wildlights.

Winter Wonderland Open in Tilles Park

The 34th Annual Winter Wonderland in Tilles Park, presented by St. Louis County Parks opened to cars and carriages on Nov. 27. It will run through Jan. 2 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. The display will be closed Dec. 24 and Dec. 31.

Visitors can slowly meander one mile through over a million twinkling holiday lights. Over 100 areas of favorite characters and festive scenes glisten throughout the park. The display can be enjoyed on foot, by carriage or by vehicle:

• Walk – The Winter Wonderland Walk is on Nov. 25, Dec. 2, Dec. 9 and Dec. 16. Tickets are $6 per person not including service charges and are available through MetroTix at metrotix.com or by calling 314-534-1111. Dogs on a leash, cameras, strollers, and wagons are all welcome. Desserts, hot chocolate, and other beverages will be available for purchase. Also, be on the lookout for a special visitor from the North Pole until 8:45 p.m. This is an all-weather, rain or shine event so please dress for the weather.

• Carriage Rides – Carriage rides will be available every day of the week except Mondays through December 16. Saturdays are reserved for carriage rides only. The cost for carriage rides starts at $12 per person plus service charges. Carriage ride tickets can be purchased through MetroTix at metrotix.com or by calling 314-534-1111.

• Vehicles – Open to vehicular traffic every day of the week except Mondays through December 16 and every Saturday. The cost is $10 per family vehicle. Fees for vehicles will be collected as vehicles exit the park. Only cash and checks will be accepted as payment. No credit or debit cards.

All vehicular traffic to Winter Wonderland must enter from southbound McKnight Road. Visit www.wwlstl.com for schedule information, parking, pricing, and other FAQs.