South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

Call Newspapers 2018 Holiday Guide Part 2: Lights, Santa, Craft Fairs

Call+Newspapers+2018+Holiday+Guide+Part+2%3A+Lights%2C+Santa%2C+Craft+Fairs

Check out our Call Newspapers 2018 Holiday Guide Part 2, with everything you can see and do this holiday season in south county and in a few other common holiday travel destinations like Chicago, Branson and Kansas City. Our guide is so comprehensive this year that we had to split it into two sections, one overall guide with listings by date and this one with divisions by category.

In this Part 2 section of the guide, we’ll list all the events we know of by category, in order of meeting Santa, lighting contests, craft fairs and concerts.

Santa will be making stops all over south county this year. He’s a busy guy! We don’t know how he does it.

Where and when to meet Santa:

Saturday, December 1

Santa is Coming to Affton! 

Santa House, Oakland House, 7801 Genesta St., Affton, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Also Dec. 8, same times.

Santa Claus rides to the Oakland House, 7801 Genesta St. in Affton, on a fire truck from the Affton Fire Protection District. After his grand arrival, visit Santa at the 42nd annual Santa House in a Victorian parlor at Oakland House. Enjoy a story time and puppet show, visit with Santa, get cookies from Mrs. Claus and shop the craft sale. Bring your camera. Craft items available for purchase. No reservations required on weekends. For information call 314-353-2636. Cost is $4 per person.

Christmas in Crestwood 

Festivities start at 11:30 a.m. and run until fireworks at 7 p.m. Kick off Crestwood’s annual Christmas celebration and celebrate its fifth year by meeting Santa at City Hall, 1 Detjen Drive.

Crestwood’s own jolly fat man, also known as “Santa Ted” from the Crestwood mall, is celebrating his 20th year as the Crestwood Santa and will make his grand entrance at 11:30 a.m. on a fire engine to open the doors to City Hall. The first 200 children will receive a fun gift bag full of goodies from local businesses. Families are invited to join in the spirit of the season by bringing nonperishable food items to support the Prince of Peace Food Pantry, and/or bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for School Kids. New this year: All photos with Santa at this event require a prepaid photo package that can be obtained at cityofcrestwood.org. All proceeds from the photo packages benefit Toys for School Kids.

The prepaid photo packages should cut down on the typical long lines to see Santa at the event, organizers believe. Children can also tour the firehouse at the Crestwood Fire Department and meet furry friends to pet and adopt from the Crestwood Animal Shelter, along with enjoying cookies and holiday music.

After hearing all the children’s wish lists, Santa will leave City Hall in a Willy’s Jeepster convertible to make his way to the third annual Christmas in Crestwood Classic Car Show, 2 to 3 p.m. Dec. 1, sponsored and hosted by Fairway Automotive, 8750 Watson Road. Coats, hats and mittens will be collected for Toys for School Kids. Join Santa for fun, food, games and raffles.

At 7 p.m., head to St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish, 1420 S. Sappington Road directly across the street from City Hall, for a “fantastic” holiday fireworks display by Brilliant Skies Fireworks. Overflow parking will be available at City Hall.

Breakfast with Santa

Rogers Middle School, 7550 Mackenzie Road, Affton.

Wednesday, December 5

Santa House, Oakland House

7801 Genesta St., Affton, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Reservations required.

Also Dec. 6 and 7, same times.

Visit Santa at the 42nd annual Santa House in a Victorian parlor. Enjoy a story time and puppet show, visit with Santa, get cookies from Mrs. Claus and shop the craft sale. Bring your camera. Craft items available for purchase. For reservations, call 314-843-7530 and for information call 314-353-2636. Cost is $4 per person.

Thursday, December 6

Pancakes and PJs with Santa at Rogers Elementary

5:30 to 8 p.m., Rogers Elementary gym/cafeteria

The Rogers Elementary PTO is sponsoring the fourth annual PJs and Pancakes event again this year.

Santa Shoppe and Pictures with Santa at Point Elementary

5 to 9 p.m. To receive multiple pictures on a disk, the cost is $15. Advance registration is required at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050544a5a92ea13-pictures4.  Proceeds go to the Point PTO.

Santa House

Oakland House, 7801 Genesta St., Affton, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Reservations required. See Dec. 5 entry for full information.

Friday, December 7

Santa House, Oakland House, 7801 Genesta St., Affton, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Reservations required. See Dec. 5 entry for full information.

Gaither Homecoming Christmas Spectacular, St. Charles Family Arena, 7 p.m. The legendary recording artist Bill Gaither will present an exciting celebration, filled with the very best in Christian music, including Gaither’s own multi-award winning group, The Gaither Vocal Band.

Saturday, December 8

Santa Saturday and Holiday Food Drive, Mehlville Fire Protection District, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

MFPD Engine House No. 5, 11020 Mueller Road, Green Park. Meet Santa! See fire trucks! Meet firefighters! A holiday food drive will also be sponsored by the Mehlville Fire Protection District. Canned foods and donations will be accepted through Dec. 20 for Feed My People to help those in need during the holiday season.

On Saturday, Dec. 8, children can meet and have their photograph taken with Santa. Firefighters and paramedics also will be available for photos and will teach children about fire safety. Educational material will be distributed. Parents also may bring their own camera to take photos.

“Pictures with Santa”

at Re/Max Integrity, 9 to 11 a.m., 4418 S. Lindbergh Blvd., Sunset Hills. Bring your list and enjoy a morning with Santa. Photos will be taken with children of all ages. Enjoy a holiday treat while Santa learns about all your wishes for the holidays.

Green Park 15th annual children’s holiday party with Santa

1 to 3 p.m., hosted by the city of Green Park, Green Park City Hall, 11100 Mueller Road, Suite 5 (Officer Blake C. Snyder Community Room).

Green Park residents’ children and grandchildren 12 years of age or younger are invited to attend. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Santa will be dropping by to chat with the boys and girls. There will be crafts, games, snacks and beverages. Bring your camera to take pictures of your child on Santa’s lap. Join in the festivities and make your reservations by contacting City Hall at 314-894-7336.

Santa and Live Reindeer at Museum of Transportation

noon to 4 p.m. (also Dec. 22, same time)

Museum of Transportation, 3015 Barrett Station Road, Kirkwood. Bring your camera for free photos. Museum admission of $10 for adults and $5 for children 3 to 12 required.

Sunday, December 9

Skate with Santa

Kennedy Recreation Complex, 3:30 to 5 p.m. Join Santa Claus at the Kennedy Recreation Complex public session and enjoy candy canes, cookies and holiday music. Regular admission and skate rental prices apply.

Santa Is Coming to Crestwood! Spectrum Eyeglass Pictures with Santa noon to 2 p.m. Also Dec. 16, same times

Bring the whole family to visit and have your photos taken with “Santa Ted” at Spectrum Eyeglass Repair, 179 Watson Plaza, Crestwood. Visit the website for more information: spectrumeyeglassrepair.com. Come take your picture with Santa Dec. 15 and 22 from 5 to 7 p.m. and Dec. 9 and 16 from noon to 2 p.m.  All proceeds from picture packages will go to Toys for School Kids. Donated toys are welcome as well. While you’re there, you can shop their unique selection of handmade jewelry and custom-made glass frames.

Monday, December 10

Forder Elementary Skating with Santa

from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Rollercade,11703 Baptist Church Road, 63128. Come join us for a fun night of roller skating with friends and family. Santa will be our special guest and will be available for photos. Families, please bring your cameras to capture photos. $6 per skater includes regular skate rental.

Friday, December 14 

“Message at Midnight: A One Act Play”

Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site, 7400 Grant Road. 2 and 7 p.m. 

It is Christmas Eve of 1864 and as midnight approaches Grant arrives to meet with the President at the White House. This one-act play was commissioned by the park and features Fritz Klein as Lincoln, Pam Brown as Mary Todd Lincoln, and Dennis Rendleman as General Grant. 

Saturday, December 15 

Sunset Hills Breakfast With Santa, 9  to 11 a.m.

Santa Claus will host a breakfast at the Sunset Hills Community Center, 3939 S. Lindbergh Blvd., and invites you to join him. Breakfast will be provided by Chick-Fil-A Sunset Hills Plaza. After breakfast you will have the opportunity to take pictures with Santa. The cost is $10 per person. Call the Community Center at 314-842-7265 to make reservations. All participants must register before Dec. 12.

Breakfast with Santa

presented by the Mehlville Majorettes and Tiger Twirlers, 8 to 10:30 a.m. in Mehlville High School’s gym, 3200 Lemay Ferry Road. Santa’s special guest will be Miss Missouri, Katelyn Lewis. Join us for breakfast with Santa and enjoy all-you-can-eat pancakes and sausage from Chris Cakes. Cost is $10 pre-paid per person by Dec. 8 or $15 per person on the day of the event. No cost for children 2 and under. There will be twirling entertainment throughout the morning, and crafts and games will also be available for families to enjoy. Be sure to bring your camera for photos with Santa and with Miss Missouri. We appreciate your support at this holiday fundraiser. Contact Emily Wicks Hawkins with questions at emilyerinwicks@gmail.com or mail your check to her at 9444 Lodge Pole Lane, St. Louis, Mo., 63126.

Santa Is Coming to Crestwood! Spectrum Eyeglass Pictures with Santa

5 to 7 p.m. Also Dec. 22, same times

Bring the whole family to visit and have your photos taken with “Santa Ted” at Spectrum Eyeglass Repair, 179 Watson Plaza, Crestwood. Visit the website for more information: spectrumeyeglassrepair.com. Come take your picture with Santa Dec. 15 and 22 from 5 to 7 p.m. and Dec. 9 and 16 from noon to 2 p.m.  All proceeds from picture packages will go to Toys for School Kids. Donated toys are welcome as well. While you’re there, you can shop their unique selection of handmade jewelry and custom-made glass frames.

Santa and Live Reindeer at Museum of Transportation

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Museum of Transportation, 3015 Barrett Station Road, Kirkwood. Bring your camera for free photos. Museum admission of $10 for adults and $5 for children 3 to 12 required.

Pets meeting Santa:

Saturday, December 15

Pet Pictures with Santa

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pet Supplies Plus, Oakville, presented by the FCCLA of Oakville High School as a fundraiser for Presents for Paws. Students will be collecting monetary donations as well as supplies for the shelters in exchange for the pictures. You will receive an electronic copy of your photo from the photographer. You may also take photos with your own device. For more details, visit the group’s website: https://sites.google.com/msdr9.org/ohs-fccla/home

Sunday, December 16

Puppy Pics with Santa

The Sunset Hills Community Center, Sunday, Dec. 16, 1 – 3 p.m. Grab your furry friend and head on over to the Sunset Hills Community Center to get their 2018 holiday picture taken! $5 per dog.

Lighting contests:

To find the best Christmas light displays in St. Louis, visit http://www.holidaylighthopping.com/. The website is created by Affton resident Laura Thake and her nephew Mitch Miller and lists all the best places to see Christmas lights around south county and the region.

The annual Holiday Decorating Contest for all of south county will soon be underway, co-sponsored by Call Newspapers, Coldwell Banker Gundaker Realtors-Telegraph and Handyman Hardware. Entrants always come from throughout south county and are awarded based on Most Attractive and Most Creative displays, two winners in each category. Winners will be featured in the Call. Call 314-849-2880 by Dec. 3 to enter.

Fifth Annual Crestwood Holiday Tree Decorating Contest

Dec. 1 to Dec. 25.

Celebrate the holidays with this fifth annual event by visiting some of the 120 businesses who are decorating and displaying trees as part of this fun annual event in Crestwood. Rate a business’s tree during your visit and be entered into a weekly drawing for a gift basket chock-full of goodies from Crestwood merchants. By rating the holiday trees, you are helping to choose which businesses will win the “People’s Choice” award. And you could possibly win the $5,000 Grand Prize gift basket.

Second Annual Christmas in Crestwood Holiday Lights House Decorating Contest

Are you inspired by icicle lights? Does garland make you giddy? Help us bring some fun and sparkle to our city by participating in the second annual Holiday Lights House Decorating Contest. You must be with in the Crestwood city limits to participate. Voters will select a winner from each of our four wards. Those winners will face off on Facebook Dec. 16-30. The one with the most “likes” take home a grand prize of $500. Winner will be announced via Facebook Dec. 31. To sign up go to Christmas in Crestwood Facebook page and click on events. A full list of participants will be available by Dec. 1 on our Facebook Page Christmas in Crestwood, or the city of Crestwood website CityofCrestwood.org.

Sunset Hills annual Holiday Lighting Contest

through Dec. 10.

Registration closes Dec. 8 for Sunset Hills’ annual contest, judged by the Parks and Recreation Board and Pool Advisory Committee. Light up the holiday season by decorating your house for the Sunset Hills annual holiday lighting contest. Call the Community Center at 314-842-7265 or visit sunset-hills.com to register your home or business today. Judging takes place Dec. 10.

Light Up Green Park! through Dec. 10.

Get your holiday decorations out of storage, get creative and start lighting up Green Park for the city’s annual “Light Up Green Park” Holiday Decorating Contest. Judging will take place on Sunday, Dec. 10. To participate, have your lights on by 6 p.m. that evening and make sure your home address is clearly visible from the street. Designs will be judged on elements such as elaboration, creativity, complexity, use of lights and overall impression. Winners will be honored in each ward and will be contacted the week of Dec. 10 to pick up their prize at City Hall. If you are interested in serving as a judge, please contact City Hall at 314-894-7336. Individuals will not judge the same ward in which they reside.

Craft fairs and shopping:

Saturday, December 1

Oakville Tiger Band Fall Craft Fair

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Oakville High School, 5557 Milburn Road. Free admission, free parking, strollers allowed. If you like craft shows, you will love this one.

Sunday, December 2

Oakville Tiger Band Fall Craft Fair

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Oakville High School, 5557 Milburn Road. Free admission, free parking, strollers allowed. If you like craft shows, you will love this one.

Saturday, December 8

Lutheran South Craft Fair at Lutheran South High School

9515 Tesson Ferry Road. The annual Lutheran South Craft Fair is Saturday, Dec. 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Ongoing:

Optimists tree lot

open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends and Monday through Friday, 4 to 8 p.m., at Planthaven Farms (formerly For the Garden by Haefners), 6703 Telegraph Road, Oakville.

Concerts, Plays and Displays:

Thursday, Nov. 29

 2018 Boar’s Head Christmas Festival

at Peace Lutheran Church will be held Nov. 29, 30, Dec. 1 and 2 at the church, 737 Barracksview Road. Services on Thursday, Friday and Saturday are at 7:30 p.m. Sunday services will be held at 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Free tickets were offered to the public on a first-come basis starting Nov. 1. Tickets can be obtained by calling the church office at 314-892-5610.

“A Christmas Story Live Play at Wildey Theatre”

Nov. 29 and 30, 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wildey Theatre, 252 W. Main St., Edwardsville, Illinois, 62025, 618-307-1750.

Back by popular demand, Curtains Up Theater Company presents this family friendly classic that chronicles young Ralphie’s quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. These shows sold out last year, don’t wait to get your tickets. Adult admission is $15, senior admission is $12 and Children 12 and under are $10

Friday, November 30

“A Christmas Story Live Play at Wildey Theatre”

in Edwardsville, Illinois (see above Nov. 29 entry for full information)

Thursday, December 6

Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Enterprise Center

The Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s annual holiday tour “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve” hits St. Louis and celebrates 20 years of live performances. This year’s tour is carrying forward the legacy created by the founder of the rock band/orchestra, Paul O’Neill. Tickets are $86.50, $66.50, and $37. The story features founder/composer/lyricist O’Neill’s timeless story of a runaway who finds her way into a mysterious abandoned theater.

Sunday, December 9

Choirs to Present “Sounds of the Season” at Jefferson College PACE Series, Hillsboro

In the spirit of the holiday season, the Jefferson College Music Department will present a free choral concert titled “Sounds of the Season” on Sunday, Dec. 9, at 3 p.m. in the Fine Arts Theatre on the Hillsboro campus, 1000 Viking Drive.

The concert is part of Jefferson College’s Performing Arts and Cultural Event (PACE) series and is suitable for all ages. There is no cost to attend. Reservations are not required. Performing groups will include the Chamber Singers, Concert Chorale and Community Chorale.

Friday, December 14

Third annual indoor Christmas light shows

First Baptist Church of Oakville, 6741 Telegraph Road, 7 p.m. Come to see thousands of lights synchronized to music at our light show, which is also presented at the same time Dec. 15, 21 and 22. The lights come to life! Fun for the entire family. Free admission and refreshments. For more information, call Tony of L.A. Design & Computer Services at 314-609-6165.

“Message at Midnight: A One Act Play”

Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site, 7400 Grant Road. 2 and 7 p.m. 

It is Christmas Eve of 1864 and as midnight approaches Grant arrives to meet with the President at the White House. This one-act play was commissioned by the park and features Fritz Klein as Lincoln, Pam Brown as Mary Todd Lincoln, and Dennis Rendleman as General Grant. 

‘Twas the Night holiday concert by Gateway Men’s Chorus

Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 Union Blvd, Saint Louis, 63108.
Dec.14 and 15 – 8 p.m. GMC’s holiday program this year promises a great mix of traditional classics, family favorites, and timeless music of reflection and joy at this special season. Your evening will include popular standards you know by heart, but we also have performances that will pique your interest such as The Prayer, the hilarious Hanukkah in Santa Monica, and of course, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. General Admission – $25 per person. Student/Senior – $20 per person.

Saturday, December 15

Third annual indoor Christmas light shows

First Baptist Church of Oakville (see above under Dec. 14 for information)

“Message at Midnight: A One Act Play”

Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site, 7400 Grant Road. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 

It is Christmas Eve of 1864 and as midnight approaches Grant arrives to meet with the President at the White House. This one-act play was commissioned by the park and features Fritz Klein as Lincoln, Pam Brown as Mary Todd Lincoln, and Dennis Rendleman as General Grant. 

The Sheldon presents “Home for Christmas” with Scott Kennebeck, Emily Truckenbrod & John Powel Walsh

Saturday, Dec. 15 at 11 a.m. in the perfect acoustics of the Sheldon Concert Hall. Tickets are $12 adult/$5 child, and are on sale through MetroTix at 314-534-1111, through The Sheldon’s website at TheSheldon.org, or in person at The Fox Theatre Box Office, 534 N. Grand Blvd. For more information, call The Sheldon at 314-533-9900 or visit TheSheldon.org.

 Sunday, December 16

“Let Heaven and Nature Sing!” concert by Vita Cantus Chorale (formerly the We Are One Community Choir)

3 p.m. at Rickman Auditorium, 747 Jeffco Blvd. in Arnold. 

The choir is under the direction of Bruce Walker and the accompanist is Johanna Ballou. Featured guest performers will include Seckman Elementary Choir directed by Lauren Honz, Fox Middle School Girls Glee directed by Kevin Nicoletti and the Fox High School Band directed by Thomas Perry. The concert is free, but donations collected will go to support the participating Fox C-6 choirs and band. In addition, nonperishable food items will be collected for the Arnold Food Pantry. Santa and his sleigh will be available for photographs after the concert for a small donation.

Terry Barber to Present Christmas Presence Concert

Sunday, Dec. 16 at 1:30 p.m., Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet Motherhouse Chapel, 6400 Minnesota Ave. 75 minutes. No intermission, children under 3 free.

With Kris Pineda, Piano. Amy Greenhalgh, Violin/Viola. Introducing: Tommy Wasiuta (Tap Dancer) and Maggie Kuntz (Musical Theater Award Winner). Back by popular demand, internationally-acclaimed countertenor, Terry Barber will present an intimate holiday concert in one of his favorite acoustic and visual settings. From classics to classical, carols and inspirational popular favorites, audiences have requested this program and can now be filled with joy. Barber will perform selections from his album considered for six Grammy nominations.

 

More to Discover