The Christmas spirit is in the air this week! There’s lots of family friendly events happening, like holiday films, visits with Santa, The Grinch, and Christmas characters like Buddy the Elf, kids’ activities like cookie decorating classes, holiday parades, and a family-friendly holiday celebration on Route 66. There are also events for adults like holiday pop-up bars, vendor events, an open mic night, a local author Q&A event, 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. 8, Wednesday, Dec. 9, Saturday, Dec. 13, Sunday, Dec. 14
Great 8 Cinema in Union is showing classic holiday movies through Christmas Eve for only $2 per person. On Monday and Wednesday, catch “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” and on Saturday and Sunday view “The Polar Express.”
Get more info.
Wednesday, Dec. 10
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 will also run on Dec. 17. Reserve your spot for $10 per person.
Learn more.
Wednesday, Dec. 10
Sweat, dance, and support a wonderful cause at the Dance Fitness Party Toy Drive held at Vero Fitness in Pacific. This event is open to all, both members and non-members. To join in the dance party fun bring a new, unwrapped toy to help make the holiday season a little brighter for others.
Get more details.
Thursday, Dec. 11
Santa Claus is coming to Scenic Regional Library’s St. Clair Branch! Visit with Santa from 5-6 p.m., and parents should bring a camera or use their cell phone cameras to get a photo with him.
Learn more.
Thursday, Dec. 11
On select Thursdays, Cinema 1 Plus in Washington is hosting 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. 12
Head to Union for the Winter Wonderland Parade, this year’s theme is Candy Land. Take in all the decorated floats, holiday lights, and magic of the evening parade.
Find out more.
Friday, Dec. 12
After the parade, make your way to the Union City Auditorium for a Children’s Christmas Party. Each child in attendance will receive a gift, and there will be balloon sculptures, face painting, and pictures with Santa. The event is free, but please bring non-perishable food items for the food pantry.
Find out more.
Friday, Dec. 12
Want to learn some new moves while also having fun? The Office Bar & Grill in Washington is hosting line dancing from 6-9 p.m.
Get more info.
Friday, Dec. 12 – Saturday, Dec. 13
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. 13
Find a variety of arts and crafts, enjoy live music, and more at the Christmas Craft Fair at the Pacific Eagles Hall.
Learn more.
Saturday, Dec. 13
Grab some freshly baked treats from Cozy Crumbs Bakery at two different pop-up events on Saturday. Find one cookie selection at the Breakfast with Santa event at Dairy Delight in Washington, or choose from three cookie flavors at the St. Clair pop-up, happening at Deann’s Dazzling Designs.
Get more details.
Saturday, Dec. 13
The Rockin’ Down Main Street Christmas Parade is happening in St. Clair at 6 p.m. Arrive to the parade route early and set up your chairs to get a good view of the floats.
See parade route on Facebook.
Saturday, Dec. 13
Get into the Christmas spirit and visit with Santa at Muddy Banks Brewing in Sullivan. Have hot cocoa with Santa from 1-3 p.m.
Learn more.
Saturday, Dec. 13
Celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday with a High Tea party at Liberty Hall in downtown Washington. Attendees of this ticketed event will experience, blooming hot tea, a period-inspired cocktail, tea sandwiches, tea cookie, birthday cake, and more.
Purchase tickets and learn more.
Saturday, Dec. 13
Visit with Santa or The Grinch. Find Santa at R&R Ace in St. Clair or The Grinch at Sullivan Ace. The events at both locations are from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Get more info.
Saturday, Dec. 13
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. 13
Essence Salon and Spa in Union is hosting its 1st Annual winter vendor event called ‘Twas the Pop-Up Before Christmas. Find jewelry, bath and body products, boutique finds, salon gift cards, and more.
Get time and other details.
Saturday, Dec. 13
Local author Juniper Nicole is having a Q&A at Lang-A-Tang Cafe & Catering in New Haven at 10 a.m.
Find out more.
Saturday, Dec. 13
Christmas on Route 66 is a free event in Pacific with free Santa photos, a mini Christmas market, kids activities like a bounce house, face painting, ornament making, character visits from Buddy the Elf, Grinch, and much more.
Get time and location details.
Sunday, Dec. 14
Want to have the prettiest cookies at the cookie swap this year? Attend the Christmas Cookie Decorating Class at Muddy Banks Brewing in Sullivan from 2-5 p.m. to learn the art of sugar cookie decorating. The cost is $32 per kit and the kits include six cookies along with everything needed to decorate.
Register and find out more.
Sunday, Dec. 14
Cinema 1 Plus in Washington is having a Five Can Film Series with a showing of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” 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.
Find out more.
Sunday, Dec. 14
Tour homes and private businesses decked out for the season at the Downtown Washington Holiday Tour. Tickets are required to attend the tour and are limited.
Get tickets.
Sunday, Dec. 14
The Pacific Eagles are hosting their Annual Community Dinner from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Turkey, ham, sides, and desserts will be served. There will also be a vendor fair from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
More details.
Sunday, Dec. 14
Lang-A-Tang Cafe & Catering in New Haven is hosting a Kids Christmas Cookie Decorating Class at noon. The cost is $25. Contact the establishment to register for the class.
Learn more.
Sunday, Dec. 14
The Blu Room in Washington is hosting a Holiday Open House. This free event is from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and features a holiday photo booth, chair massages, a free Blu Room coupon, raffles, and more.
Find all the information.
Sunday, Dec. 14
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.
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. 11-Saturday, Dec. 13
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. 12
Head to Augusta for an old fashioned experience at the Christmas Candlelight Walk.
Get more info.
Friday, Dec. 12 & Saturday, Dec. 13
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 decor.
Find out more.
Friday, Dec. 12 & Saturday, Dec. 13
Hamilton Holiday Orchard in Rolla will glow with lighted displays every Friday and Saturday evening this holiday season.
Learn pricing and more info.
Saturday, Dec. 13
Head to Papa’s Diner/Super Smokers BBQ in Eureka for breakfast with Santa. The event is from 9-11 a.m. and will also feature a dirty soda menu and kids activities.
Get the details.
Saturday, Dec. 13 & Sunday, Dec. 14
The Inn at Hermannhof in Hermann is hosting a Christkindl Markt this weekend. Discover an incredible variety of handcrafted gifts, artwork, clothing, and so much more.
Get more info.
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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