This week there’s chances to get crafty, hear live music, play black light bingo, paint & sip night, as well as a knit & sip event, plus you can shop at the huge indoor garage sale at The Historic John B. Busch Brewery Event Center, and much more.
As a reminder, events may change or 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!
Did I miss an event? Tag me on Facebook or Instagram and I can share the event in my stories.
Tuesday, Jan. 13 Washington Public Library’s Crafting and Creativity event continues with an opportunity to make a dried orange winter garland. Get more information.
Wednesday, Jan. 14 Head to Washington Public Library for a Bird Feeder Crafternoon event from 4-5 p.m. Make a bird feeder ornament from supplies provided by the library. Find all the details.
Thursday, Jan. 15 & Saturday, Jan. 17 Birdie’s Bakeshop in Washington is having a Winter Wonderland cookie decorating class. Times, age/baking experience levels, and prices differ for each class. Get all the info.
Friday, Jan. 16 Do you live with a strange animal? Come to the Washington Public Library from 4-5 p.m. to meet exotic pets and learn how to care for them. This event repeats on Jan. 23 and 30. Learn more.
Friday, Jan. 16 Winter Wonderland Paint & Sip Fundraiser, benefitting the Union Community Center is from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Enjoy light snacks, sips, and lots of winter cheer as you paint. Cost is $35 per person and all materials are supplied. Reserve your spot.
Friday, Jan. 16 Sip wine or other beverages at McKelvey Vineyards while participating in some beginner-friendly line dancing brought to you by Glittering Grapevine. Find out more.
Saturday, Jan. 17 Head to the Scenic Regional Library’s St. Clair Branch for a Board Game Battle Royale. Pit yourself against other board game aficionados and see who is the real Game Night Gladiator! Register here.
Saturday, Jan. 17 It’s the 3rd Annual Garage Sale at The Historic John B. Busch Brewery Event Center. This indoor garage sale features a variety of vintage treasures, along with crafts, and baked goodies. The event is from 7 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Get more details.
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Saturday, Jan. 17 The Office Bar & Grill in Washington hosts an Open Mic Night every Saturday from 6-10 p.m. Find out more.
Saturday, Jan. 17 Head to Muddy Banks Brewing in Sullivan to enjoy live music by Lauren Ash. Lauren will perform from 5-8 p.m. Find out more on Facebook.
Saturday, Jan. 17 Play black light bingo at St. Anthony Catholic School in Sullivan from 5-11 p.m. More details.
Sunday, Jan. 18 Thrive Studio and Events in Sullivan is hosting a Knit & Sip event. In this hands-on Chunky Blanket Making Class you’ll learn step-by-step how to create a cozy, stylish couch throw blanket: no experience needed. Dirty Soda Bar is included in admission price so you can enjoy a build-your-own dirty soda while you work. Get more info.
Sunday, Jan. 18 The Washington Bridal Extravaganza is happening at the Elks Lodge from 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. This event is free to attend. Find out more on Facebook.
Road Trippin’
Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.
Friday, Jan. 16 & Saturday, Jan. 17 The Snow Spur Saloon is a winter-themed pop-up bar that’s part of the Winter Roundup event at Brookdale Farms. The pop-up is happening every Friday and Saturday night throughout January and February. Get tickets.
Saturday, Jan. 17 & Sunday, Jan. 18 Prairie Barn Winery & Christmas Tree Farm in St. James is hosting a winter Murder Mystery Dinner event on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $50 per person and include entertainment, a catered meal, tea, and water, with wine, beer, and soda available for purchase. Purchase tickets.
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Saturday, Jan. 17 & Sunday, Jan. 18 Winter Round-Up at Brookdale Farms is a family-friendly winter festival packed with outdoor fun, live entertainment, and cozy seasonal activities for all ages. From interactive hayride shows and hands-on crafts to inflatables, s’mores by the fire, and hot cocoa! Find out more and get tickets.
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!
The end of 2025 is here and if you’re looking for places to ring in 2026, but don’t want to travel far to celebrate, there’s plenty going on right here in the Franklin County area. From multi-course meals, to lively festivities with music and libations, to family-friendly parties and more low-key celebrations that wrap up well before midnight, there’s a number of spots to usher in the New Year.
If you want to enjoy drinks and a cigar this New Year’s Eve, celebrate at Eight Nine Eight Cigar Lounge & Bar in Washington with cocktails, fun activities, giveaways every hour, hors d’oeuvres, and a champagne toast at midnight! Get tickets.
Those who wish to ring in 2026 with a fine dining experience should reserve their spot at Mangia Bella at Elijah McClean’s in Washington. The special three-course New Year’s Eve menu features lobster bisque as a first course, and choose from prime rib, broiled cod, or roasted duck as a main course, along with a milk chocolate mousse cake for dessert. Reservations made through Open Table.
If you’re looking for low-key festivities that include an early ball-drop, check out the happenings at The Tipsy Keg in Washington. The celebration happens from 6-9 p.m. and features music by Extremely Unplugged. Learn more.
Triple 3 Vineyard in Washington is hosting a New Year’s Eve bash that includes an open bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres, live music, a midnight toast, plus a late-night snack offering to keep the party going beyond the balloon drop at 12 a.m. Get tickets for the event, or celebrate the early ball drop in the Tasting Room, which doesn’t require a ticket purchase.
New Year’s Eve at The Alley in Washington promises something for everyone: there’s blacklight bingo from 6:30-8:30 p.m., live music from 9 p.m. – 1 a.m., plus ball drops at 9 p.m. and again at midnight. Get more information.
Looking for a family-friendly night out? The NYE Kids’ Jam at Brookdale Farms in Eureka is from 6-9 p.m. and will have an open soda bar, food trucks, games and activities, as well as a photo booth and kid-friendly dance music. Find out more.
Thacker’s Mini Pub in Gerald will have Family Feud beginning at 8 p.m., a DJ later in the evening, as well as a photo booth, and food and drink specials throughout the night. Learn more.
Piccadilly Par1 in Union’s New Year’s Eve celebration kicks off at 6 p.m. with a cocktail hour, to be followed by a steak and lobster buffet at 7:30 p.m. There will also be a cash bar and appetizers throughout the night, along with a DJ and of course a champagne toast at midnight. Get more info.
If an evening filled with karaoke and pizza is your more your speed, then head to Saucy’s Pizzeria in Catawissa. The New Year’s Eve celebration will feature karaoke and a DJ, plus a $15 buffet from 7-10 p.m., and much more. Learn more on Facebook.
Pool tables, darts, karaoke and pub style food is on the menu at Boomers Sports Bar & Grill in Sullivan. One New Year’s Eve, the establishment will have karaoke, 50/50 raffles, and food and drink specials throughout the night, and no cover charge to celebrate, but will accept table reservations made by phone. Find out more.
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.
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.
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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 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.
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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.
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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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