{"id":20389,"date":"2018-11-28T12:24:51","date_gmt":"2018-11-28T18:24:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.flovalleynews.com\/?p=20389"},"modified":"2018-11-28T12:24:51","modified_gmt":"2018-11-28T18:24:51","slug":"holiday-events-for-fun-times","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/flovalleynews.com\/?p=20389","title":{"rendered":"Holiday Events for Fun Times"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\u00a0Christmas in Old Town with Santa & Tree Lighting Dec. 1<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Mayor Thomas P. Schneider announced that the City of Florissant and Old Town Partners will be co-hosting \u201cChristmas in Old Town with Santa\u201d on Saturday, Dec.1 from 2- 4:30 p.m. in the Florissant City Council Chambers.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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Face painting at last years Olde Towne Florissant Christmas events. Photo by Bob Lindsey<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

For more information contact Old Town Partners at 314-837-0033 or visit their website at www.florissantoldtown.com.<\/p>\n

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Holiday D.A.R.E. Party at The Eagan Center Dec. 1<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

There will be DJ music, game room, ice skating, swimming, contests and door prizes.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Tickets are required upon entry and are on sale now at the JFK Center or JJE Center.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Chocolate Holiday Event in Grafton Dec. 1<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Grafton is rolling out a new and reimagined version of their annual holiday chocolate festival this year. Santa\u2019s Chocolate Express will come to town on Saturday, Dec. 1 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.<\/p>\n

What was formerly called \u201cA Taste of Chocolate\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

Also new this year is the opportunity to tour Grafton\u2019s lodging and guest houses. Ticket holders will be invited to register to win a free overnight stay at one of those guest houses.<\/p>\n

\u201cSanta\u2019s Chocolate Express will capture the full spirit of the holidays throughout the town,\u201d said Grafton Chamber President Jamie Clayton. \u201cThis 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Santa\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

With seven designated shuttle stops, \u201cexpress riders\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Chanukah: Festival of Lights at Botanical Garden Dec. 2<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Holiday Performances Across St. Louis Begin in December<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2019s just a sampling of the many performances that are sure to get you in the holiday spirit.<\/p>\n