A wellness, music, and arts festival all rolled into one, New Earth Fest is happening Thursday, Aug. 20, to Sunday, Aug. 23 in St. Clair. This all ages, family-friendly, alcohol-free gathering aims to create a more present and connected festival experience for its attendees and is founded and organized by St. Louis resident Christine Kick.
“I love the idea of being able to create events that can build culture, specifically around positive things,” Christine shares. “It’s a way to come together around the idea of envisioning the world in a positive way.”
Prior to creating New Earth Fest, Christine had been a part of other festivals in various ways: as an aerialist performer, teaching yoga, and as a singer and musician, since she also makes electronic music under the name Harmony Om. After attending other festivals, she noticed a couple of things that were missing at most events.
“I noticed the need for spaces that are family-friendly and clearly focused on wellness,” she says.
Although she lives in St. Louis, when Christine started planning the festival she knew she wanted it to happen somewhere that was close to the city, yet at a location that was nature focused and would allow attendees to stay for more than one day.
“Having people stay together creates more of a vibe and a community,” Christine explains.
More than a music festival, New Earth Fest offers ways for attendees to connect and form community through wellness and arts workshops, as well as through spending time together in nature at Lost Hill Lake in St. Clair. Photo via Christine Kick, New Earth Fest.
She found what she was looking for at Lost Hill Lake Events. The St. Clair venue features an onsite lake and Meramec River access, glamping as well as RV hookups, outdoor showers, and an outdoor dry barrel sauna, making it an ideal setting for a festival that’s rooted in wellness, embracing nature, community, and positivity.
Workshops, music, and activities
Even though it’s a multi-day event, attendees can choose attendance options that are right for their schedule, with day passes available, as well as a multi-day ticket option that allows for glamping onsite. No matter if someone plans to come out for the day, or stay for the entire festival, there’s activities that span across interests and wellness areas.
The festival features daily workshops centered on wellness practices like yoga and breathwork, as well as arts, and spirituality. Photo via Christine Kick, New Earth Fest.
The daily workshops center around wellness and somatic practices like yoga and breathwork, as well as sound healing, which is a practice of using frequencies, vibrations, and tones from sources like chimes, singing bowls, and gongs to promote relaxation and mental well-being.
Attendees can also expect to find spiritually focused workshops on things like manifestation. There will also be interactive workshops focused on crafts, painting, and making things, plus kid oriented activities, as well as windows of time where kids can be dropped with staff so parents in attendance at the festival can have solo time to attend workshops.
And for those who plan to stay onsite for multiple days, the festival schedule features breaks in the afternoons so attendees can enjoy the lake, explore the hiking trails, or simply relax and take in the natural landscape.
At night, expect a full production music experience, with lights, lasers, and plenty of room for dancing. It should be noted that the music performances go until 2:30 a.m., and it’s recommend people staying onsite bring earplugs if they’re not planning on attending the full music performances at the event.
New Earth Fest features musical performances each night, complete with lasers and lights. Photo via Christine Kick, New Earth Fest.
There will be vendors onsite, as well as food and drinks available for purchase and in place of serving alcohol at the festival, expect beverages made with cacao or adoptogens such as mushroom powders, plus sparkling waters, juices, and cannabis seltzers through a partnership with Mighty Kind, as well as CBD drinks.
Day pass and multi-day ticket sales are available in advance online, or onsite at the event. Find out more about New Earth Fest on Facebook or by visiting the festival’s website.
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!
This week, there’s chances to watch holiday movies, attend craft events, holiday pop-ups, Christmas parades, winter markets, holiday concerts, meals with Santa, holiday light displays, and much more.
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. 1, Wednesday, Dec. 3, Saturday, Dec. 6, Sunday, Dec. 7 Great 8 Cinema in Union is showing classic holiday movies through Christmas Eve for only $2 per person. On Monday and Wednesday, catch “A Christmas Story” and on Saturday and Sunday view “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” Get more info.
Tuesday, Dec. 2 Enjoy a holiday concert with music by the Schwarzer Zither Ensemble of Washington. Promoting the tradition, music, and local history of the zither instruments, Schwarzer Zither Ensemble of Washington performs a concert including seasonal and holiday music. Learn more.
Wednesday, Dec. 3 – Sunday, Dec. 7 Eight Nine Eight Cigar Lounge & Bar’s The 898 Hours of Christmas Pop-Up Bar is still happening this week. Drink Christmas-themed cocktails in a cozy, winter wonderland-themed space. Get more details.
Wednesday, Dec. 3 Get into the spirit of the season at Mistletoe & Mixology, a Holiday Pop-Up at Oak & Front in Washington. Experience festive decorations, holiday cocktails, themed food specials, and house-made Christmas cookies served at every table. The event kicks off on Dec. 3, and will also run on Dec. 10, and Dec. 17. Reserve your spot for $10 per person. Learn more.
Thursday, Dec. 4 N-Rec Sports Center in Washington is hosting a Bingo Night featuring Taco Loco. Price is $40 per person, and includes bingo, as well as a Taco Loco meal and margarita. Get more details.
Thursday, Dec. 4 Have breakfast for dinner, and eat pancakes with Santa at St. Gertrude Parish & School in Washington. Have pancakes with all the toppings, beverages, Christmas crafts, and more. Learn more.
Thursday, Dec. 4 Beginning this Thursday, Cinema 1 Plus in Washington is kicking off a special series called “Happy Holidates.” 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. Get more info.
Friday, Dec. 5 Thacker’s Mini Pub in Gerald is having a Scotch Doubles Pool Tournament. Cost of entry is $20 per person. Find out more.
Friday, Dec. 5 – Saturday, Dec. 6 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.
Friday, Dec. 5 Washington Library is hosting a Build-a-Stuffie and movie night. Attendees will build a new stuffie and then watch a G-rated holiday movie. Registration is required. Register and learn more.
Friday, Dec. 5 River Sirens Collective is hosting a Ladies Night with IPL hand facials, permanent jewelry, blowouts, chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, Botox specials, and exclusive retail discounts. Learn more.
Saturday, Dec. 6 Have breakfast with Santa & the Grinch at Miller’s Grill in Washington from 8-9:45 a.m. Children have the opportunity for a free photo with Santa & the Grinch and Christmas Cookie Treats with the purchase of breakfast! Purchase your tickets for the breakfast and learn more.
Saturday, Dec. 6 Head to Robertsville Elementary for a vendor fair and visit from Santa. Learn more.
Saturday, Dec. 6 Have breakfast with Santa at Boles Fire Protection District from 9-11 a.m. in Villa Ridge. This event is free, and also includes station tours by firefighters. More info.
Saturday, Dec. 6 New Haven is the site of the Handmade Holiday Mart from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Find seasonal cocktails and samples from Pinckney Bend Distillery, an espresso bar by Lang-A-Tang Cafe, tea and gifts from London Tea Merchant, plus permanent jewelry, custom shirts and mugs, along with flowers, décor, and ornaments by Bright Side Blooms. Get all the details.
Saturday, Dec. 6 The 4th Annual Mingle & Jingle is happening at Triple 3 Vineyard in Washington from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Shop from 50 local makers and visit with Santa from 1-3 p.m. Learn more.
Saturday, Dec. 6 The town of Pacific is having a Winter Wonderland Christmas on the Plaza and Parade holiday event. There will be s’mores, hot cocoa, pictures with Santa and much more. Get more info on Facebook.
Saturday, Dec. 6 The Office Bar & Grill in Washington is hosting an Open Mic Night every Saturday. Stand up comedy, music, and more is welcome. Learn more.
Saturday, Dec. 6 Liberty Hall in Washington is hosting The Divines, a Celtic band blending Irish, Old Time, and Americana music. Get tickets and time info.
Saturday, Dec. 6 Downtown Sullivan will have its Christmas Festival and a lighted Parade. Find out more.
Saturday, Dec. 6 Riverbend Middle School Craft & Vendor Fair promises to be a festive day of shopping, creativity, and community spirit in Pacific. Browse a wide variety of handmade crafts, unique gifts, home décor, seasonal items, and local vendor products—perfect for getting a head start on your holiday shopping! Enjoy food and fun while supporting our school and local small businesses. All proceeds from booth rentals help support Riverbend Middle School programs and student activities. Get more details.
Saturday, Dec. 6 Head to Union’s City Auditorium for Rock & Roll Bingo. Attendees can bring their own snacks and beverages to this black light bingo night. Find pricing and other details.
Saturday, Dec. 6 Visit with Santa at Sullivan Ace from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn more on Facebook.
Sunday, Dec. 7 Meet Santa Claus at Linny’s Kennel in Union. There will be treats for kids as well as canines at the event. Get more info.
Sunday, Dec. 7 Thrive Studio and Events in Sullivan is hosting a Holiday Market & Santa Photos event. Expect hot cocoa, shopping with area vendors, and more. Find all the details.
Sunday, Dec. 7 Cinema 1 Plus in Washington is having a Five Can Film Series with a showing of “Elf” this Sunday. Watch classic holiday flicks throughout the Christmas season for a $6 ticket price, or by donating 5 non-perishable cans of food per movie goer. *Editorial note: this article originally stated the special showing of “Elf” was on Saturday. The article has been updated to reflect the correct date for the movie. Find out more.
Sunday, Dec. 7 Make an embroidered ornament at Yarn Together in Washington. Registration is required, and all supplies are included in workshop price. Find out more.
Sunday, Dec. 7 St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Washington is having a donuts with Santa event from 10 a.m. – noon. Learn more.
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.
Friday, Dec. 5 Head to Augusta for an old fashioned experience at the Christmas Candlelight Walk. Get more info.
Friday, Dec. 5 The town of Salem is having its Christmas parade, and the theme is Candy Cane Lane, with businesses open late after the parade for shopping. Find out more.
Friday, Dec. 5 & Saturday, Dec. 6 Hamilton Holiday Orchard in Rolla will glow with lighted displays every Friday and Saturday evening this holiday season. Learn pricing and more info.
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Saturday, Dec. 6 The 2nd Annual Hometown Christmas in Warrenton is the perfect way to slow down and soak in the joy of the holidays with family and friends. There will be a lighted parade, live reindeer, photos with Santa, a Christmas light maze, hot cocoa, and much more. Learn more.
Saturday, Dec. 6 Christmas in Rosebud will feature fun for all ages, with a petting zoo, tree lighting, parade, face painting, an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus, and much more. More details.
Saturday, Dec. 6 Head to Owensville High School for a Winter Craft Market. There will be food vendors, music, a visit from Santa, gift wrapping, and more. Find out more.
Saturday, Dec. 6 St. James is having its Christmas Parade, and “Joy to the World” is the theme of the celebration. See Santa, enjoy cookies and hot cocoa, and more. Get more info.
Saturday, Dec. 6 Have ice cream for breakfast with Santa Claus at Udderly Moolicious in Warrenton. The menu will feature Belgian waffles topped with ice cream, whipped cream, and other delicious toppings. A photographer will also be onsite to take photos for $15 per family. Learn 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!
