It’s another week of events perfect for making Christmas memories with your family and friends. This week, catch Christmas movies at area theaters, get crafty with some free maker events happening at local libraries, visit holiday pop-up bars, don your ugly Christmas sweaters or Christmas PJs and party at local bars. There’s also lots of chances to visit with Santa or The Grinch, take in holiday light displays, and other holiday celebrations.
Please note I try my best to capture the happenings in our area each week, and some events may be posted too late to make it into the article, so I share those items in my stories throughout the week. Be sure to follow me on Facebook an Instagram to get all the details!
And, as we move into winter weather, event details may change or events may get rescheduled. While I strive to keep these posts as up to date as possible, it might be a good idea double check with the event venue before heading out!
Monday, Dec. 15, Wednesday, Dec. 17, Saturday, Dec. 20, Sunday, Dec. 21
Great 8 Cinema in Union is showing classic holiday movies through Christmas Eve for only $2 per person. On Monday and Wednesday, catch “The Polar Express” and on Saturday and Sunday view “Elf” which will also be shown on Monday, Dec. 22 and on Christmas Eve.
Get more info.
Tuesday, Dec. 16
Scenic Regional Library’s St. Clair Branch is hosting a holiday music event called A Carpenter’s Christmas with Melissa and Tim. The musicians will perform nostalgic Christmas tunes originally performed by the group The Carpenters. This event is free, but limited to 50 people and registration is required.
Register here.
Tuesday, Dec. 16
The Washington Public Library is hosting a Winter Paint Party. From 6-8 p.m., attendees will work on a painting under the guidance of an instructor.
Find out more.
Tuesday, Dec. 16
The 16th Annual Oma’s Soup Night is happening at St. John the Baptist School-Gildehaus. What started in the early 2000s as a simple night of homemade soup and togetherness has grown into a local symbol of generosity and community spirit. The event was founded by Oma Gildehaus who began inviting friends and family to Cowans Restaurant, which she and her husband owned at the time, each December for soup, fellowship, and a shared goal of giving back. After Oma’s passing from cancer in 2009, her loved ones continued her legacy, transforming “Soup Night” into an annual event in her honor — one that now draws families from across the area. Oma’s Soup Night is happening from 5-8 p.m. Attendees can enjoy homemade soup, and in exchange donate canned goods, hygiene products, or a monetary donation of what you’re able. All proceeds go toward community outreach, with over $5,300 and a record of items collected last year.
Get more info.
Wednesday, Dec. 17
The Washington Public Library is hosting a Christmas Crafternoon event. From 4-5 p.m., attendees ages 9 and up will work on a holiday craft.
Learn more.
Thursday, Dec. 18
Cinema 1 Plus in Washington’s “Happy Holidates” continues this week. The special is a dinner and a movie date package on Thursdays, with a holiday twist. For $30 per person, enjoy dinner at Smokin’ Oak, plus admission to a holiday film, popcorn, and a drink. This week, catch the 80s holiday film “Gremlins.”
Get more info.
Thursday, Dec. 18
The Cigar Vault in Pacific is hosting a Ladies Night. Bring in 2-4 dozen cookies for a cookie swap, enjoy cocktails, cigars, and take home a new piece of permanent jewelry.
Find out more.
Thursday, Dec. 18
Head to Washington for a flashlight candy cane hunt! The event is open for kids ages 1-10, and is $10 per child. The event happens at City Auditorium. Registration required and the deadline is Tuesday, Dec. 16.
Find out more.
Thursday, Dec. 18
Put on your ugliest holiday sweater and stop by Eight Nine Eight Cigar Lounge & Bar in Washington. The establishment is offering prizes for the ugliest sweater.
Get more info.
Thursday, Dec. 18
That One Nail Studio in Union is hosting a Nails & New Links Holiday Social. Stop by from 5-8 p.m. for an evening of holiday cocktails and mocktails, as well as JBloom permanent jewelry, and more.
Find out more.
Friday, Dec. 19
Farmers and Merchant Bank in St. Clair is hosting a Selfies with Santa event from 1-3 p.m. Enjoy some cookies and Christmas cheer and get a picture with Santa.
Learn more.
Saturday, Dec. 20 – Sunday, Dec. 21
Lost Hill Lake Weddings & Events in St. Clair is having their annual Grove of Lights holiday light experience. View thousands of dazzling lights, enjoy complimentary hot cocoa and s’mores, get photos with Santa, free face painting for kids, and much more.
Purchase tickets.
Saturday, Dec. 20
Cinema 1 Plus in Washington’s final Five Can Film Series of the season is a showing of “Arthur Christmas” this Saturday. Catch the film for a $6 ticket price, or by donating 5 non-perishable cans of food per movie goer.
Learn more.
Saturday, Dec. 20
Santa Claus is coming to Sullivan Bank’s St. Clair location from 9 a.m.-noon! This free event features milk and cookies, as well as a photo with Santa. You’ll leave with a free photo magnet to take home.
Get more details.
Saturday, Dec. 20
Ladies, Littles, and Lattes is having its 3rd Annual Pictures With Santa event. Photos with Santa are only $5 per family (each family takes their own pictures), there’s also face painting, a bounce house, food trucks, and more.
Get information.
Saturday, Dec. 20
Visit with Santa or The Grinch this weekend. The Grinch will be at R&R Ace in St. Clair or visit with Santa at Sullivan Ace. The events at both locations are from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Get more info.
Saturday, Dec. 20
There’s another chance to see both Santa and The Grinch at El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant in Union.
Find out more.
Saturday, Dec. 20
Scarlett’s Bar & Grill is hosting its annual Christmas PJ Party from 10 p.m.-1:30 a.m.
Get the details.
Sunday, Dec. 21
Blondies Breezeway in St. Clair is hosting a Pancakes with Santa breakfast event. The breakfast event is from 9 a.m.-noon and children 10 and under eat free.
Learn more.
Sunday, Dec. 21
Dahlia Cafe in Union is hosting a Santa Brunch. Take a photo with Santa, drop off your letters to the North Pole, and enjoy a brunch menu.
Get more info.
Road Trippin’
Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.
Weekdays and Weekends in December
Looking for a fun and winter-themed experience? Noboleis Vineyards in Augusta is featuring Winter Wine-derland Igloos this fall and winter season. These private spaces feature cozy blankets, twinkling lights, and views of the vineyard.
Get pricing and more info.
Thursday, Dec. 18 & Saturday, Dec. 20
The Barn at Brookdale Farms is transformed into The Jingle Joint, a Christmas pop-up bar on select evenings through the holiday season. Guests will be wowed with the festive floor-to-ceiling decorations like twinkle lights, tinsel, garland, and more. Prepare to hum along to holiday tunes, sip cocktails and warm winter drinks.
Find admission prices and more on Facebook.
Friday, Dec. 19 & Saturday, Dec. 20
Hamilton Holiday Orchard in Rolla will glow with lighted displays every Friday and Saturday evening this holiday season.
Learn pricing and more info.
Friday, Dec. 19 & Saturday, Dec. 20
Hermann’s holiday pop-up bar called Holly Hof is open Friday and Saturday evenings through the end of 2025. Find cheery cocktails, mocktails, bites, and cozy Christmas décor.
Find out more.
Saturday, Dec. 20
Head to Camp Mihaska in Bourbon for a holiday event featuring live music, reindeer games, hot chocolate, cookie decorating and Christmas crafts, as well as a nativity experience and drive through light display.
Find out more.
Have a public event coming up? Submit your event details like time, location, and cost to attend. Be sure to include your website and social media details so I can help spread the word about your event!
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