There’s something about glowing light displays that make this time of year feel extra special. If you’re looking for places to view lights, by either driving through the lights or exploring them on foot, take a look at the list below
St. Clair
Head to Lost Hill Lake Weddings & Events in St. Clair to walk through 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.
Union
ReDicsover Union Inc. has released a Holiday Lights Map on its website. The map shows you how to take a self-guided tour of the lights located throughout town.
Eureka
Santa’s Magical Kingdom is a drive-thru light display containing millions of lights that make up a variety of animated scenes. Admission is paid by the carload. Find out more.
Central Avenue in Eureka is lit up with beautiful holiday displays. See more.
Washington
Take a drive down East Fifth Street to take in the lights of numerous businesses as well as residences who’ve decked the halls for Christmas. There’s also some beautiful light displays on the historic homes located along Cedar Street (near Tilted Skillet), as well as in the neighborhood near Total Access Urgent Care (Madison Avenue and 47).
Krakow
Facebook users report that a private home located at 5333 Cedar Lane in Krakow features a lighted display set to music.
Rolla
Hamilton Holiday Orchard in Rolla will glow with lighted displays every Friday and Saturday evening this holiday season. Learn pricing and more info.
Christmas in the Park is happening at Rolla Lions Park from Dec. 11-23 and again from Dec. 26-27. This drive-through light display features displays of several businesses and organizations in Phelps County as well as Santa, Mrs. Claus, Frosty, and more. Get more information.
St. Louis and St. Charles Counties
For those up for a road trip, Facebook users report that there are numerous neighborhoods, parks, and other organizations featuring holiday light displays, including Teddy Bear Christmas Land, near Grant’s Farm.
Walk through lights at Grant’s Farm features carousel rides, up close encounters with animals, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, as well as millions of dazzling light displays. Learn more and get tickets.
Garden Glow is a walk-through lighted display at the Missouri Botanical Garden. Find out more.
Wild Lights is a light display at the St. Louis Zoo. Get more info.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
Confession time. I love a theme. And since I get really excited over holiday flavored beverages – I’m talking peppermint, eggnog, hot cocoa, and all the warm, buttery, and spiced flavors of winter – I knew I had to share a post about holiday drinks.
Now that we’re two weeks away from the big day, I’m so excited that numerous establishments around Franklin County have rolled out their Christmas and winter-inspired sips. If you also find an indescribable amount of joy in small things like holiday beverages, you’re in the right place.
While I can’t try everything on this list, if that’s your mission this season, good on you! In the spirit of festive sips, I wanted to come up with a list of a few suggestions that hit several categories: non-alcoholic, coffee, non-coffee, and some cocktail options. In no particular order, here a few cheery selections I think are worth trying this season.
Eggnog Latte at Exit 11
When it comes to holiday coffee, I love leveling up my latte by adding winter flavors. I am a total sucker for a great eggnog latte and I love Exit 11‘s version. While I usually drink iced coffee, this one is creamy, cozy, and perfect when served hot.
Santa’s Cookies & Coffee Flight at Sarah’s on Central
If boozy coffee is your thing, you might want to try the December special flight at Sarah’s on Central in Eureka. This flight combines the yummy taste of coffee and cookies, but in a form you can sip and savor. Flight offering is Sugar Cookie, Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Cookie, and Snickerdoodle.
Available at Sarah’s on Central in Eureka, the Santa’s Cookie & Coffee flight features boozy coffees made with flavorful spirits such as vanilla vodka, RumChata, Fireball, Irish cream, and more. Photo via Sarah’s on Central on Facebook.
Gingerbread House Crafted Soda at Good News Blooms, Sips, N’ Sweets in St. Clair
With a holiday drink menu that includes crafted sodas, teas, and lemonades, there’s a lot to choose from at this cute floral boutique and sweet shop in St. Clair. The crafted sodas include items like the Gingerbread House, Sugar Plum Fairy, and Candy Cane cooler, while the teas on the menu include the Yuletide Citrus and Nutcracker. There’s also the Holly Berry, Snowflake, and Santa’s Citrus lemonades. I’ve ordered the Gingerbread House, a blend of Coke, vanilla, brown sugar cinnamon, and hazelnut. Sweet and delicious! Check out the entire menu.
Grinch’s Heart Cocktail at Eight Nine Eight Cigar Lounge & Bar in Washington
With four festive holiday drinks gracing the menu at Eight Nine Eight Cigar Lounge & Bar in Washington, one stands out to me for its originality and whimsy – oh, and its use of color! The Grinch’s Heart cocktail, with its green hue and cherry garnish looks like a fun and nostalgic way to celebrate the season with an adult beverage. Not feeling Grinchy this season? Choose from the other holiday drinks – Jack Frost Margarita, Blizzard Martini, and Winter’s Kiss.
Grinch Matcha Latte at BB Coffee Lab in St. Clair
And speaking of Grinch-inspired drinks, BB Coffee Lab in St. Clair has released its Christmas drink menu, and there’s lots of festive drink choices from peppermint and cinnamon flavors to eggnog and amaretto. If you’re not a coffee drinker, the coffee shop has a holiday themed matcha, called Grinch Matcha Latte, which combines white chocolate and matcha for a lovely green drink.
Holiday Energy Elixirs at Simply Sweet in Owensville
Simply Sweet is a coffee, sweet shop, and cafe in Owensville. The establishment has a full menu of Christmas drinks that includes flavored hot cocoa and dirty sodas, such as the Jack Frost pictured below, as well as Energy Elixirs made with Alani energy drinks. There are two elixirs on the Christmas menu, but the Frosty’s Frostbite sounds extra special to me. It combines a cherry slushy flavored Alani, along with cupcake and vanilla syrups, plus cream, and is topped with whipped cream, and Christmas sprinkles.
Simply Sweet in Owensville has coffee, cocoas, dirty sodas and dirty Alani energy drinks. The Jack Frost dirty soda at Simply Sweet. pictured here, is made with Starry soda, coconut and vanilla syrups, cream, and topped Blue Raspberry cold foam. Photo via Simply Sweet’s Facebook.
Cranberry Kringle at Scarlett’s Bar & Grill in St. Clair
Located on Main Street in St. Clair, Scarlett’s Bar & Grill has released their Christmas bar menu. With a handful of cocktails along with festive shot selections, there’s a few merry drink choices available. The offerings range from White Russian Eggnog to a Merry Mai Tai, but to me there’s something uniquely festive in the Cranberry Kringle, with its cranberry and peach flavors along with a cranberry and rosemary garnish, it offers both the colors and flavors of the season in a glass.
Peppermint Mocha Smoothie at SmoothEs and More in Sullivan
I love a smoothie because it’s something I can drink on the go, they’re delicious, and usually, they’re healthy. SmoothEs and More is a locally-owned smoothie shop that also serves coffee, breakfast, and lunch offerings, and it has a salad bar. The winter smoothie menu features items like pumpkin and cinnamon flavors, but the Peppermint Mocha smoothie has caught my attention. Its made with coconut milk, hot chocolate powder as well as regular cocoa powder, plus chocolate chips, banana, and peppermint extract for that holiday chocolate, minty flavor.
Holly Berry White Mocha at Clark Street Cafe in Sullivan
In a season where the flavors trend toward peppermint, cinnamon, and buttery flavors like toffee or caramel, the Holly Berry White Mocha from Clark Street Cafe in Sullivan stands out. The cafe released its holiday drink menu just before Thanksgiving, and while so many of the offerings sound up my alley – Brown Sugar Cinnamon Toast Latte or Gingerbread Dreams – I just had to add this merry berry beverage to the list.
Try a Grown Up Slushy at Serendipity Slush Co. in Washington
There’s a number of rotating boozy slush flavors at Serendipity Slush Co. in downtown Washington. Perhaps nothing says Christmas quite like eggnog. And if you’re looking for a unique twist on this holiday beverage, the Salted Caramel Eggnog from Serendipity Slush sounds like a delicious twist on a classic – combining eggnog liquor, spiced rum, salted caramel whiskey, and eggnog. Try it or one of the other flavors available for a grown up version of a slushy treat.
Hot Chocolate at White Rose in Union
This isn’t exclusive to Christmas, but when it’s cold and blustery outside, few things are as comforting as a mug of hot chocolate. I had the hot chocolate at White Rose on a really cold day and it absolutely hit the spot. Chocolatey and creamy, and topped with a generous portion of whipped cream, I could’ve stayed at White Rose all day and sipped mug after mug.
Holly Jolly Tea at The Washington Coffee Shop
Last, but not least, The Washington Coffee Shop has released its winter drink menu and here you’ll find some flavors reminiscent of Christmas treats reimagined as drinks. While I can’t wait to try a couple of the coffee specials, like the Orange Chocolate Mocha (does anybody else have a core memory of opening those chocolate orange balls at Christmas time?) or the Gingerbread House, I also really love the shop’s flavored teas. On the winter menu is the Holly Jolly, a cinnamon and cranberry tea, which sounds like the perfect iced beverage to take along while doing some Christmas shopping.
I realize this list doesn’t cover all the wonderful holiday drink options available at the various cafes, restaurants, and bars across our community. My hope with compiling the list is that when you’re out and about this season, you will consider supporting one of the many locally-owned businesses in the area, from the ones I’ve highlighted here, and the many others I didn’t get to with this post.
Holly (Nelson) Cook is the owner of 5Ever Permanent Jewelry, located inside the Washington Community Arts Studio, at 307 Elm Street in Washington. Holly started 5Ever about three years ago as a pop-up style business, appearing at markets and other events around St. Louis.
When she relocated from Salt Lake City to the Washington area in 2022 she noticed that there weren’t a lot of businesses offering permanent jewelry in Franklin County at that time.
Owner Holly Nelson outside the 5Ever storefront, located inside the Washington Community Arts Studio. Photo via 5Ever’s Facebook.
“When I first started there weren’t that many people doing permanent jewelry here, because it hadn’t really hit yet,” she recalls.
Although the concept and term “permanent jewelry” may seem to be something that just started showing up in social media feeds, boutiques, and pop-up events over the past couple of years, having a custom piece of jewelry isn’t necessarily a new concept.
Although it’s common to refer to the jewelry style as “permanent” 5Ever owner Holly says custom is a more apt description of the pieces. Photo via 5Ever’s Facebook.
Unlike a traditional bracelet that has a clasp, a permanent bracelet is seamless, and fitted to the wearer. And since the bracelets, or anklets, are sized at a custom length for each individual, permanent jewelry is a great option for anyone with a smaller or larger wrist or ankle.
“There can be a lot of misconceptions about what permanent jewelry is,” Holly explains. A couple things she’s encountered when people hear the phrase permanent jewelry, is assuming the piece is something that can’t ever be taken off, and permanent jewelry can be removed.
“I prefer to call it custom fit instead of permanent,” she shares.
Another custom aspect is selecting the style. In her studio, Holly has a wide variety to choose from – customers can decide on the type of link they want, with selections ranging from dainty to bold links and even chains in unique shapes, such as hearts. The metal styles are available in either sterling silver or gold filled.
Couples, friends, and family members often like to book an appointment together to get custom bracelets made by Holly at 5Ever. Photo via 5Ever’s Facebook.
Once a style is picked out, the process of getting custom fitted and making your piece of jewelry is pretty straightforward. Holly made my custom sterling silver heart link bracelet in a matter of minutes while I was interviewing her for this article 🙂
“The hearts are really popular,” Holly says about the style I chose.
Because the goal is make the pieces look seamless, the two pieces of chain are hooked together with a small circular piece, called a jump ring, that’s closed using pliers and is then welded to keep the piece in place and secure.
There are also a variety of charms to choose from at 5Ever Permanent Jewelry. The charm necklaces have a clasp and can be worn and removed whenever the wearer chooses. Photo via 5Ever’s Facebook.
Although getting bracelets or anklets are popular, especially since friends, family members, or even couples can get custom made matching bracelets, there’s also a charm bar with a variety of fun and unique styles.
The charm necklaces have a clasp, so they can be put on and taken off as often as you wish.
Interested in gifting that special someone a piece of custom jewelry or adding to your bracelet stack? Connect with 5Ever Permanent Jewelry and Charm Bar on Facebook, Instagram, or by phone at 636-283-0056 to make an appointment.
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