St. Charles Christmas Traditions and 14 Other Things to Do This Weekend

As we head into the weekend, Patch rounds up a list of events going on in St. Charles County.

• Christmas Traditions: This annual festival runs every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday, starting Nov. 23, through Dec. 24. It features a cast of more than 30 Christmas characters including a Victorian-era Santa and Tiny Tim from A Christmas Carol. See hours here.
• Heartland Humane Society Trivia Night: Friday, Nov. 30 at 6 p.m. at O'Fallon Elks Lodge, 1163 Tom Ginnever Ave, O Fallon. All proceeds raised will benefit the cats and dogs of Heartland Humane Society; a 501(c)3 non-profit, no-kill foster group that rescues stray, unwanted and abused animals and provides them with permanent homes. Cost is $20 per person or $160 for a table of 8 (includes beer/soda -- outside food is welcome).

• 'Steel Magnolias' Play in O’Fallon: Performances of the comedy-drama are Nov. 30 – Dec. 2, and Dec. 7-9 at O'Fallon City Hall. The curtain goes up at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling 636-474-2732 or at the Renaud Spirit Center. Cost is $10 for general admission (ages 18-64), $8 for students (ages 6-17) and seniors (age 65 and up), and free for ages 5 and under. For an additional $2 each, tickets can be purchased at the box office, which opens one hour before the start of each show.

• Lindenwood University Fall Music Series: Friday, Nov. 30 at 7:30 p.m. at  J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts, 2300 W Clay St, St. Charles. Hear the sounds of percussion at the conclusion of the fall music series. 

• Big Red Box Show & Sale: Friday-Saturday at Foundry Art Centre, 520 N Main Ctr, St. Charles. Over twenty juried artists from Best of Missouri Hands will have their work on display for purchase. Along with unique artworks, the Foundry Art Centre will charge no sales tax, provide free gift wrapping and light refreshments. Get all your shopping done from 4pm – 9pm on Friday, November 30 or from 10am – 5pm on Saturday, December 1. For more information, visit www.foundryartcentre.org or call 636-255-0270.

• A Christmas Carol: Friday-Saturday 7:30 p.m. at J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts, 2300 W Clay St, St. Charles. Enjoy this Lindenwood University tradition for more than 30 years. Tickets start at $10 and go up to $18 a person. 

• O'Fallon's Celebration of Lights: The annual holiday lights display opens for the season on at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 23 and continues nightly through Dec. 30. Guests can make reservations for sleigh, train or carriage rides.Click here for more information. 

• Wentzvile Holiday Night Lights:  In Rotary Park, 2577 West Meyer Rd., Wentzville. Guests walk through the holiday light displays and enjoy refreshments. Santa Claus will also stop by to visit with and take photos with children. Cost is $3. Children under age 6 are free. 

• 2012 Holiday Bazaar: Saturday, Dec. 1 at 8:45 a.m. at Crossroads Elementary School, 7600 Highway N, O Fallon. All-you-can-eat pancake and sausage breakfast provided by Chris Cakes 9:00-11:30: $5 kids, $6 adults. Santa arrives by fire truck at 8:45 a.m. and children are welcome to make crafts at elf stations. 

• Kids Cooking Class: Saturday, Dec. 1 at 11 a.m. at Rendezvous Cafe & Wine Bar, 217 S Main St, O Fallon. Join local cookbook author, Rosalie Harpole, for a "hands on" cooking class. You will prepare cookie cut-outs, French bread pizza and ice cream cake.  RSVP is required. Cost is $35 for adults and $25 for kids (6-12).

• O'Fallon Candy Cane Hunt: Saturday, Dec. 1 at 9 a.m. at the Renaud Spirit Center. For kids ages 2-12. Search for candy canes hidden around the Renaud Spirit Center. After all the treats are found, head inside for a visit with Santa, hot chocolate and holiday games and songs  The cost is $8 for O'Fallon residents and $10 for non-residents.

• Santa at the Old Town Log Cabin: Saturday, Dec. 1 at 1 p.m. at 141 Gatty Dr., St. Peters. Kids can visit Santa and share their Christmas lists for free at the Old Town Log Cabin in Old Town St. Peters. Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, hot chocolate and cookies. 

• Charity Wine Tasting: Saturday, Dec. 1 at 4 p.m. at Hope Lutheran Church, 1975 S Old Highway 94, St. Charles. Proceeds from this event will be used to support Hope's many charities.  Tickets are $20.  Each ticket purchase allows you to sample 8 different wines.  You must be 21 to purchase tickets. Event features over 70 different premium wines and microbrews.  Complimentary appetizers will be provided to pair with your wine. 

• New Town St. Charles Residents' Christmas House Tour: Sunday, Dec. 2 at 1 p.m. at 3300 Rue Royale. Have fun visiting beautifully decorated New Town homes.  Tickets, $10 (cash only) for ages 2-102, will be on sale at select New Town businesses beginning Nov. 12.  Tickets also will be available the day of the tour. Tour begins at the New Town Town Hall.  Proceeds benefit New Hope and Oasis Food Pantries. 

• Missouri Choral Society Christmas Concert: Saturday-Sunday at  First United Methodist Church, 801 1st Capitol Dr., St. Charles. The concert celebrates the Christmas season with Vivaldi's Gloria; Malcolm's Missa Ad Praesepa; and a selection of Christmas anthems and carols. Performances are be Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m. at Grace United Methodist Church 6199 Waterman, St. Louis; and Dec. 2, at 2:30 p.m., at .