Tag: Union Missouri

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in East Central Missouri, Jan. 5-11, 2026

Posted on by Amanda

The hustle of the holiday season is over and the New Year has arrived. This week there’s a few opportunities to help you get on track with your 2026 goals, take in live entertainment, test your knowledge with trivia, and 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. 6
Get crafty with DIY Advice Cards. Each card will have its own unique theme, artwork, and rules set by its creator – YOU! The cards will feature messages that can help guide you through situations you may encounter during the new year.
Get more details.

Tuesday, Jan. 6
Start the New Year with creating a 2026 Vision Board at Scenic Regional Library’s St. Clair Branch. This free workshop begins at 6 p.m., and requires registration.
Register.

Thursday, Jan. 8
Liberty Hall in Washington is continuing its Dynamic Women Speaker Series in 2026, with “Awakening the Wise Heart” presented by Regan Caruthers.
Learn more and purchase tickets.

Friday, Jan. 9
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. 16, 23, and 30.
Learn more.

Friday, Jan. 9
Dance the night away with line dancing led by Glittering Grapevine kicks off at 6 p.m. at The Office Bar & Grill in Washington.
Get more details.

Friday, Jan. 9
The Main Street Studio is a new event space in Washington and is kicking off its first community event with a Vision Board and Goal Night from 6-8 p.m. The evening will be led by Kaylie Kaufman, Nutrition Coach & Mindset Speaker. Kaylie will guide attendees through setting meaningful, realistic goals for 2026 and share practical, encouraging tools to help you actually achieve them.
More info on Facebook.

Friday, Jan. 9
Have a crochet or other fiber project you’re working on or are you interested in starting a new project while also meeting new people? DeAnn’s Dazzling Designs on Main Street in St. Clair is hosting a free event called Fiber Friends Monthly Meet where you’ll work on crocheting granny squares.
Learn more.

Back view of white two-story home with a covered patio
Advertisement – Need more space in your current home? Reach out to Freelance Services today for help with your addition or renovation drawings.

Saturday, Jan. 10
The Office Bar & Grill in Washington hosts an Open Mic Night every Saturday from 6-10 p.m.
Find out more.

Sunday, Jan. 11
Tri County Community Senior Center in Pacific is hosting a Winter Ball from 2-5 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door, and the celebration includes hors d’oeuvres, sangria, beer, and non alcoholic beverages, as well as live music performed by The Elderly Brothers.
Learn more.

Sunday, Jan. 11
Attention Brides-to-Be, you don’t want to miss the Washington Wedding Show happening from 12-3p.m. at The Historic John B. Busch Brewery Event Center.
Get more info.

Road Trippin’

Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.

Friday, Jan. 9
Calling all “Gilmore Girls” TV series fans! Prairie Barn Winery in St. James is hosting a “Gilmore Girls” themed trivia night.
Get more info.

Comic book themed colorful image of a man and woman kissing
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Friday, Jan. 9
St. Vincent De Paul School in Marthasville is hosting a Music Trivia Night. The event is $30 per person, with beer, seltzer, soda, and setup included in the price. Attendees are welcome to bring in food.
Learn more.

Friday, Jan. 9 & Saturday, Jan. 10
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 & Sunday, Jan. 10-11
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!

Posted in Events

10 Ways to Celebrate New Year’s Eve Around Franklin County

Posted on by Amanda

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.

Posted in News and Features

Where to Find Holiday Light Displays

Posted on by Amanda

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.

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in East Central Missouri Dec. 15 – Dec. 21, 2025

Posted on by Amanda

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.

Back view of white two-story home with a covered patio
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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.

Comic book themed colorful image of a man and woman kissing
Advertisement – Calling all romance girlies! Download your next binge read like Nerdy Words, book one in The Talk Nerdy to Me Series.

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!

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