It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in downtown Union, thanks to the work of two local artists. Eileen Wade and Donna Huellinghoff are the duo behind the festive paintings that grace the windows of various businesses as well as Union City Hall during the holiday season.
What started a few years ago at one business, has quickly grown to a fun and jolly way for downtown businesses to get into the holiday spirit.
Each window’s design varies, but the scenes are always colorful, festive, and often feature a bit of whimsy.
On a chilly Tuesday morning, I sat down with Eileen and Donna at White Rose Cafe in Union, and over a delicious cup of hot chocolate, the artists shared the story of how they started painting windows in downtown.
Both artists have been creating art in one way or another for most of their adult lives, but started creating together in 2016 at a studio Eileen had at that time. Donna taught various art techniques at the studio, like creating barn quilt designs.
Eileen (left), and Donna (right), putting the finishing touches on the window designs at White Rose Cafe on a chilly November morning.
Although Eileen ended up closing her studio due to personal reasons, a few years later in 2022, the artists decorated their first set of windows on a business in Union, at the White Rose Cafe. After that first holiday season, it grew from there.
“It’s all word of mouth,” Donna says of the process. “We’d be out there painting and someone at another business would come up to us and ask us to paint their windows.”
The windows at Union City Hall are decorated with colorful holiday characters.
In addition to the Christmas season designs, Eileen and Donna also paint windows in the downtown area for other holidays, like Valentine’s Day, Easter, Halloween, and for the Union Homecoming celebration.
“It’s fun to share our art and challenge ourselves and think, ‘what could we fit in this window’s space?'” Eileen shares.
The process takes anywhere from two to six hours, depending on the number of windows and the design, among other factors.
“It depends on how many people stop and chat with us,” Eileen says with a laugh. “But that’s what’s fun and that’s why I laugh about it.”
The window decor at Sip on Main depict Santa and Rudolph after they’ve enjoyed a few too many “sips,” along with beautiful holiday cocktails.
Along with the painted windows, there’s also some permanent art installations that Eileen and Donna have created in Union. Together, they’ve painted eight murals that can be found throughout town, including the scene that runs along the wall inside Hansen Park, a mural along the wall at the MU Extension Center near the Pasta House, and several others.
The artists have also painted several murals around Union, including this one that is along the exterior wall of the Franklin County Historical Society in downtown Union.
See more photos of the holiday window paintings on Facebook. And be sure to take a stroll through downtown Union to look at the designs first-hand, they’re sure to make you smile and put you in the holiday spirit!
This week there’s Veterans Day Celebrations, opportunities to get crafty, and Ladies Nights galore! Check out these events and others below.
Monday, Nov. 10 The Sullivan Branch of Scenic Regional Library is having a Native American Story Telling event from 6-7 p.m. This presentation focuses on traditional stories told primarily by Choctaw, Cherokee, and Delaware Nations/tribes. Pre-registration is required to attend. Register here.
Veterans Day is Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025
Tuesday, Nov. 11 The Tipsy Keg in Washington is honoring those who served with its Veterans Day Celebration. The event will feature free meals and haircuts for vets, along with a “Cheers to Our Heroes” Coaster Campaign, where guests can grab a special coaster and write a heartfelt thank-you note for veterans. Find out more.
Tuesday, Nov. 11 The public is welcome to stop by the American Legion Post 218 in Washington for its Veterans Day Ceremony. Get more information.
Thursday, Nov. 13 R & R Ace in St. Clair is hosting its annual Ladies Night, an evening full of samples, drinks, and surprises. Enjoy 20% off storewide (10% off Power Tools), sip on boozy slush samples, taste small batch salsas, try out some unique dips, grab a specialty drink from the Poppy & Co drink truck, explore gift recommendations, and more. Learn more.
Thursday, Nov. 13 The final Music on Main of the season is happening at Hansen Park in Union. Enjoy live music by Tobey Fisher, with food available for purchase from Ramblin’ Rooster food truck and drinks by Sip on Main. Get more info.
Friday, Nov. 14 The Washington Public Library is having a Gilmore Girls Craft-a-Thon. Attendees will have an opportunity to watch episodes of the iconic TV show and craft. Attendees can bring their own crafts to work on, or choose from a number of crafts with supplies provided by the library as well as coffee and mugs to take home. Get the details.
Friday, Nov. 14 Head to Vero Fitness in Pacific for Ladies Night. Shop local vendors, enjoy snacks and beverages, and an evening of good vibes and fun. Find out more.
Friday, Nov. 14 Glittering Grapevine is offering line dancing at McKelvey Vineyards from 5 – 8 p.m. Join in on this beginner friendly evening of dancing. Learn more.
Friday, Nov. 14 Head to The Tipsy Keg in Washington from 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. to celebrate Friendsgiving. The event will include drink specials, music, and guests are encouraged to bring a canned good item. Each canned good donated will secure you one raffle entry. Get the details.
Friday, Nov. 14 Take a wreath & candle making workshop at Andy’s Produce Too in Union’s Back Home location (U.S. 50). Registration required. Register here.
Saturday, Nov. 15 The annual Downtown Washington’s Does Day Out is a day of patronizing local businesses. This year nearly two dozen businesses will have something special or on sale for this one-day event. Learn more.
Saturday, Nov. 15 McKelvey Vineyards is hosting a Does Day Out. This ticketed event includes mimosas and brunch, live music, wine tastings, local vendors, games, raffles, and more. Advance tickets $25 or $30 at door.
Saturday, Nov. 15 Head to Pacific for the 4th Annual Pizza, Puzzle, and Beer Competition. Gather your crew of 4 and be the first to finish a custom made 500+ puzzle, devour an extra large pizza and drink 18 beers. Find out more.
Saturday, Nov. 15 There will be a downtown Christmas Market in Sullivan. Get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping and find curated crafts and gifts. More info.
Sunday, Nov. 16 Johnny’s Restaurant in Union is hosting a Christmas Ladies Night from 4-8 p.m. There will be opportunities to sip, shop, and get prizes. Be sure to wear your Ugly Sweater! Learn more.
Road Trippin’
Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.
Tuesday, Nov. 11 Veterans are encouraged to drop by Main St. Real Estate in Washington for free coffee and donuts provided by Travelin’ Tom’s from 7:30-9:30 a.m. Learn more.
Thursday, Nov. 13 The Outfield Bar & Grill in Marthasville is hosting a Thanksgiving Paint & Sip event. Preregistration required to attend, and attendees receive $5 off their food/drink orders. Register and find out more.
Friday, Nov. 14 St. James Winery is hosting a Holiday Cheers Cocktail Workshop. Attendees will mix, sip, and savor three holiday-inspired cocktails, enjoy a charcuterie grazing board, and take home recipe cards to recreate the cocktails at home this holiday season. Limited spots available, learn more and register.
Friday, Nov. 14 – Sunday, Nov. 16 Lange General Store in Steelville is hosting a weekend shopping event for ladies. While the men hunt, head to the store in downtown Steelville for deals, with everything in the store marked down 20-50%. Find out more.
Friday, Nov. 14 – Sunday, Nov. 16 Mary’s Country Store and Antique’s in Cuba will have a weekend shopping event with discounts found throughout the store. Get more info.
Friday, Nov. 14 – Sunday, Nov. 16 Experience the best parts of fall one more time at Fall Farewell Fest at Brookdale Farms in Eureka. Shop end-of-season pumpkin deals, sip hot cider, and enjoy all your favorite fall activities before saying goodbye to fall and hello to winter fun. Learn more.
Saturday, Nov. 15 Stop by St. James Winery for a relaxed afternoon of holiday cheer, shopping, and sipping. Enjoy complimentary mulled wine samples, fresh-baked holiday cookies, beautifully curated holiday gift boxes, special in-store discounts, and more. Get more info.
Sunday, Nov. 16 The Outfield Bar & Grill in Marthasville is hosting an indoor Craft Fair from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Find unique and hand-made gifts for that special person on your shopping list! Find out more.
This week there’s Ladies Night Out events, ways to give back to the community, craft fairs, and much more.
Thursday, Nov. 6 Head to Dahlia Cafe in Union from 4-8 p.m. for Dine to Donate Night. Whether you dine in or take out, a portion of every purchase will benefit the United Way — helping support vital programs right here in our community. Find more info.
Thursday, Nov. 6 Ace Hardware in Sullivan is hosting a Ladies Night. Catch store-wide sales, giveaways, and more. Get more info.
Friday, Nov. 7 The Washington Public Library is hosting a Family Sushi Class. Learn to use a sushi mat, work with sticky rice, and choose your own ingredients (vegetarian options and no raw fish). A fun experience for the whole family. Pre-registration is required.
Friday, Nov. 7 Head to Sullivan to come together as a community and stock the shelves of the Meramec Community Mission. Monetary donations are welcomed as well as food donations. Get more info.
Friday, Nov. 7 Glittering Grapevine will be teaching beginner friendly line dancing lessons for free at The Office Bar & Grill in Washington. Find out more.
Friday, Nov. 7 Lang-A-Tang Cafe & Catering is hosting a Grand Opening event to celebrate moving into its new home. Learn more.
Saturday, Nov. 8 Crooked Creek Beef in Pacific is hosting a special Farm & Craft Market. Find local honey, farm fresh eggs, tallow skincare products, fresh sourdough and other baked goods. There will be a bounce house, face painting, games, and more. Get more details.
Saturday, Nov. 8 Head to New Haven for a Chili Supper to benefit the local schools. The event will include food, a kids carnival, raffle, silent auction, and pie auction. Get more info.
Saturday, Nov. 8 The 2nd Annual Holiday Craft Show is happening at Immaculate Conception School in Union. Get more info.
Saturday, Nov. 8 Support local athletes by joining the Pacific Sports Club for their second annual Music Trivia Night and Karaoke. More info.
Saturday, Nov. 8 & Sunday, Nov. 9 Union Middle School is hosting a Craft Fair. Find out more.
Road Trippin’
Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.
Tuesday, Nov. 4 Ladies Night at Red Door & Lillian Grace in Rolla will feature special sales, permanent jewelry, appetizers and drinks, and more. Find out more.
Friday, Nov. 7 – Sunday, Nov. 9 Experience the best parts of fall one more time at Fall Farewell Fest at Brookdale Farms in Eureka. Shop end-of-season pumpkin deals, sip hot cider, and enjoy all your favorite fall activities before saying goodbye to fall and hello to winter fun. Learn more.
Friday, Nov. 7 & Saturday, Nov. 8 Fall Campfire Nights continue at Brookdale Farms in Eureka. Get more info.
Saturday, Nov. 8 November is National Novel Writing Month, and aspiring and established authors will race to complete a 50,000 word novel from Nov. 1 – 30. The Rolla Public Library is hosting Novel November Writer’s Drop In events on Saturdays in November. Get more details.
Saturday, Nov. 8 Smith Valley Event Barn in Salem is hosting a Holiday Market. Get a jump start on your holiday shopping at this event that will run from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Find out more.
Saturday, Nov. 8 Meditate with the vision of the wild mustang archetype, a symbol of freedom and resilience, at Mindful Living Coaching’s day retreat in Marthasville. Get more info.
Saturday, Nov. 8 Downtown Rolla will have a Veterans Day Parade to honor the men and women who have served our country. Learn more.
This week there’s lots of fall events like markets and other shopping experiences, aspiring bakers can attend a sourdough workshop, and there’s numerous Trunk or Treat events happening. You can find all the Halloween-related events happening through 11/2 here.
Tuesday, Oct. 28 Discover the art of sourdough while learning how it can benefit your gut at Roux 66 in Washington. In this hands-on class, you’ll mix, shape, and practice the techniques behind creating a delicious sourdough loaf and explore why sourdough is easier to digest than conventional breads, and how fermented foods can support a healthier gut microbiome. Register here.
Tuesday, Oct. 28 The Washington Public Library is hosting a Teen Haunted Gingerbread House Make & Take. Drop in and construct a haunting “gingerbread” house out of graham crackers, frosting, and candies. All materials will be provided. Ages 12 & Up. Register here.
Wednesday, Oct. 29 Swallows Nest Boutique and Cafe in Washington is hosting a Shoptober event from 3-8 p.m. Shop, sip, dine, and get a tarot card reading for $20. Get more info.
Wednesday, Oct. 29 Shiloh Baptist Church in Robertsville is having a Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat. The event will have free food and kids activities. Learn more.
Thursday, Oct. 30 Head to St. Clair Library for a Trick R Treat event that includes games, candy and fun. Find out more.
Thursday, Oct. 30 Lost Hill Lake Weddings and Event venue in St. Clair is hosting a Halloween themed Puff n’ Paint event. Get more info and register here.
Friday, Oct. 31 Looking for a fun & safe trunk-or-treat? Watermark Church located at 41 St Andrews Drive in Union will have hot dogs, popcorn, candy & other fun treats from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Learn more.
Friday, Oct. 31 Get the caffeine you’ll need to fuel your Halloween plans! On Halloween morning, Just Hank’s coffee trailer will be parked at RC Roofing on Fifth St. in Washington and the first 100 customers will receive a free coffee! Get more info including times.
Friday, Oct. 31 First Baptist Church in Belle will host a night full of family-friendly fall fun including games for all ages to play, a cake walk, bounce house, hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy and so much more! Find out time and location.
Friday, Oct. 31 Free kid friendly indoor and outdoor fun at the Fall Fling at Life Stream Church in Washington. The event includes Trunk or Treat, bounce houses, games, hotdogs, and candy. Learn more.
Saturday, Nov. 1 The St. Clair Saddle Club is hosting a free family fun night. Get all the details.
Saturday, Nov. 1 Autumn Nights is an adults shopping experience in downtown Washington. Visit multiple businesses for fun, food, and shopping. Learn more.
Saturday, Nov. 1 & Sunday, Nov. 2 Area St. Louis artists are hosting a boutique show at Shaw Nature Reserve. Featured artwork includes ceramic, wood and metal sculpture, painting, folk art, photography, jewelry, basketry, and more on display and available for purchase throughout the rustic cabins at the Dana Brown Overnight Center. Get more info.
Road Trippin’
Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.
Multiple dates and times in Oct. Think you’re brave enough to venture into Terror on Route 66? Step into this haunted attraction in Sullivan for the ultimate in spine-tingling entertainment. Get more info.
Moms. Busy women. Goal-getters. You don’t have to do it alone. Fitness. Fuel. Focus. Grab your FREE guide!
Monday,Oct. 27 Think you know your horror, from slashers to campy creeps? Put your spooky smarts to the test at our Halloween Spooktacular Trivia Night—a frightfully fun evening of laughs, drinks, and horror-movie bragging rights at Brookdale Farms. Rounds will cover iconic Halloween films, monsters, haunted history & lore, and seasonal pop culture. Costumes encouraged! Dress as your favorite monster or Halloween icon—the best costume wins a prize. Learn more.
Friday, Oct. 31 New Salem Baptist Church in Owensville is having a Trunk ‘R Treat in Maciejewski’s Parking Lot in Owensville. The event features free treats, free hotdogs, trunk decorating contest, and more! Get more info.
Friday, Oct. 31 First Baptist Church in Belle will have games for all ages to play, including a cake walk, a bounce house, face painting, hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy and, a pet costume contest. Learn more.
Saturday, Nov. 1 Maggie Grace’s on Main in Warrenton is hosting a Fall/Christmas Market. Get the details.
Saturday, Nov. 1 St. John the Baptist School in Villa Ridge will have a Trunk or Treat along with a haunted forest and hayride beginning at 5 p.m. Get the details.
Multiple dates and times until Nov. 2 Six Flags St. Louis in Eureka is the home of Fright Fest, happening on select nights until Nov. 2. Find haunted mazes, scare zones, live shows, and more. Learn more.
Small Town Socialite 