Thursday, Dec. 11
Evening with Santa, 5-8 p.m., pavilion at Kade’s Playground at the William C. Haggard City Park, 776 Joachim Ave., Herculaneum. Photographs with Santa, Mrs. Claus and a live reindeer. Each child will receive a free snack cake, a personalized ornament and plush toy, while supplies last.
Blood drive, 1-5 p.m., Delmar Gardens of Meramec Valley, 1 Arbor Terrace, Fenton. Sponsor: American Red Cross. Donors need to bring ID. Call 1-800-733-2767.
30th Annual Toy Drive Celebration, 5-7:30 p.m., Pine Hollow Annex, 6482 Hwy. MM, House Springs. Sponsored by the Northwest Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce. Admission to the event is a new, unwrapped toy. Included with the initial entry donation, attendees can enjoy appetizers and drinks. In addition to food, the celebration will feature a friendly competition between the High Ridge and Cedar Hill Fire Protection Districts, games, live music and a visit from Santa Claus.
Show Me Woodturners, 6:30 p.m., 711 W. Main Street, Festus. Meet at the old band building behind the Festus Police Station. Short meeting followed by show-and-tell, president's challenge, wood exchange and demo. Everyone welcome. Contact Show.Me.Woodturners@gmail.com.
Tumbling Tots, 10-11 a.m., second Thursdays and third Wednesdays, Eureka Community Center, 333 Bald Hill Road. For ages 6 months to 5 years. Fee: $9 residents; $10 others. To sign up: eureka.mo.us.
Ukulele Club, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Festus Public Library, 400 W. Main St. All ages and skill levels welcome. Call 636-937-2017.
Toastmasters Jeffco Challengers, 7 p.m., New Hope UMC, 3921 Jeffco Blvd., Arnold. In-person and virtual meetings by Zoom. Information: Josephineemde@yahoo.com.
Bingo, 10-11 a.m., Quad Cities Senior Center at the Crystal City Municipal Park, 1511 Park Drive, Crystal City. Sponsored by Festus VFW. Call 24 hours in advance for lunch reservations. 636-937-8333.
Job preparedness and recovery groups, 10 a.m., the Collective, 924 Jeffco Executive Drive, Imperial. Every Tuesday and Thursday. These groups are open to all community members. At the meetings, attendees will learn valuable job skills, build confidence and find ongoing support. For more info, call Leisa at 1-636-214-5780 or Breanna at 1-636-214-5781.
Free English conversation classes, 7 p.m., Spring Hills Presbyterian Church, 6247 Upper Byrnes Mill Road, House Springs. Those who wish to participate can register any Thursday. Call 636-677-0409.
Preschool storytime, 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., Festus Public Library, 400 W. Main St. For ages 2-6. Call 636-937-2017.
Pay It Forward Baby Ministry, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., De Soto Community Center, 400 Boyd St. Free diapers, clothes, supplies for any child in need. Donations welcome. Call 314-779-4351.
Minecraft open play, 4:30-7:30 p.m., Cedar Hill Satellite Branch of the Jefferson County Library, 6780 Mall Drive. Ages 7-14. Call 636-551-1020 or visit jeffcolib.org.
Jefferson County Heritage and Historical Society Museum, 6-7:30 p.m. every Thursday, 5321 Chouteau Ave., Victoria. Contact Bernard Laiben at blaiben@outlook.com for more information.
Bingo, 12:30-2 p.m., Northwest Branch of the Jefferson County Library, 5680 Hwy. PP, High Ridge. Suggested donation of $2 to cover the cost of prizes. Cold catered lunch is by reservation a week in advance. Call 636-677-4578. $5 suggested donation. Organizer: Aging Ahead.
Friday, Dec. 12
Grinch at Lenhard Family Light Show – Christmas Edition, 6-8 p.m., Dec. 12-13, Larry G. Crites Memorial Park along Old Hwy. A, Festus. The Grinch will make an appearance during the first two hours of the event (which goes to 10 p.m. both nights). After interacting with the cars that pass through for about half an hour, the Grinch will go to Mayor Mike’s Stage and people may take photos with him. No charge for seeing the light show or taking photos with the Grinch. The light show runs 6-10 p.m. nightly through Dec. 31. Donations are accepted on behalf of the Jefferson County Rescue Mission. For more info: visit the Lenhard Family Light Show Facebook page.
Blood drive, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., First Baptist Church, 2012 Missouri State Road, Arnold. Sponsor: American Red Cross. Donors need to bring ID. Call 1-800-733-2767.
Blood drive, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Jefferson County Family YMCA, 1303 YMCA Drive, Festus. Sponsor: American Red Cross. Donors need to bring ID. Call 1-800-733-2767.
St. John’s Lutheran Christmas production, 7 p.m. Friday; 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. Sunday, St. John’s Lutheran Church, 3517 Jeffco Blvd., Arnold. Performances of “Let Heaven and Nature Sing” are free to attend. For information, go to sjlarnold.org or call 636-464-0096.
Santa in the Park, 5-8 p.m., Crystal City Municipal Park, 1400 Dick Cook Drive. Pictures with Santa, free carriage rides, free coffee, hot chocolate, desserts and crafts. Christmas carols performed by Crystal City High School concert choir starting at 5:30 p.m.
Pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, 5-8 p.m., De Soto Historic Texaco Station. Donations accepted will go toward the De Soto Food Pantry.
Live music, 7 p.m., VFW Post 3777, 900 VFW Drive, Festus. 90 Proof Acoustic will be performing. Guests welcome.
Kimmswick Food Truck Fridays, 5-9 p.m., City Park, 5900 Mississippi St., Kimmswick. No admission fee. Food for purchase from multiple food trucks. Outdoor movie showing of “The Polar Express” at 6:45 p.m. Some boutiques will stay open late for after-hours shopping. For more info, visit the City of Kimmswick Events Facebook page. To view the food truck menus, visit cityofkimmswick.org.
Alzheimer’s support group, 10 a.m., First Baptist Church of Festus- Crystal City, 107 N. Truman Blvd., Crystal City. Caregivers caring for those with Alzheimer's or any type of Dementia are welcome. The group meets every second Friday of the month and provides a platform for sharing experiences, offering advice and gaining insights from others. Sponsor: Senior Care Solutions. For more info, call 314-749-0986.
Harbor thrift store, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays, The Harbor Community Church, 1645 Marriott Lane, Barnhart. Cash only; no refunds. New items weekly. Funds sponsor community outreach programs. Call 636-223-2106.
Fish fry, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., American Legion Post 253, 849 American Legion Drive, Festus. Catfish plate: $14. Cod plate: $16. Shrimp plate: $14. Jack salmon: $14. Sides: coleslaw, baked beans and potato salad. Call 636-933-3981.
Hooks and Needles Club, noon to 3:30 p.m., Arnold Branch of the Jefferson County Library, 1701 Missouri State Road. Call 636-296-2204.
Fish fry, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., VFW Post 1831, 1651 Veterans Drive, De Soto. Two pieces of fish and two sides for $11. Dine-in or carry out. For questions, call 636-586-9765.
Fish fry, 3-7 p.m., American Legion Post 400, 2 Gravois Road, Fenton. Menu: crispy cod, catfish fillets, shrimp and chicken fingers, all served with your choice of two sides. Choose from fries, green beans, baked beans, coleslaw or hush puppies. Come early as meals sell out quickly. Dine in or grab your meal to go. Bar is open until 11 p.m. To place your order, call 636-343-7330. Cash and credit accepted. Everyone is welcome.
Saturday, Dec. 13
Breakfast with Santa, 8-11 a.m., High Ridge Fire Protection District Station 1, 2842 High Ridge Blvd. The fire district will serve pancakes, eggs, biscuits and gravy, coffee and juice for free. Attendees can also take a picture with Santa Claus. Call 636-677-3371.
House Springs Lions Christmas Parade, Hwy MM in House Springs. Parade line-up at Faith Community Church, 4824 Scottsdale Road, starts at 5 p.m. Parade through House Springs starts at 7 p.m. $15 entry fee for float or group. Theme: “Frosty the Snowman.” For info or to register, contact Kim 314-422-8788 or email kimrnpat@sbcglobal.net.
Community Christmas Bazaar, 1-7 p.m. First Baptist Church of Murphy, 203 Old Sugar Creek Road, Fenton. The day will feature a Christmas market with Christmas crafts and baked goods for sale. A gift-wrapping fundraiser will also take place. With a monetary donation, volunteers will wrap attendees’ Christmas gifts. Proceeds from the event will go toward replacing the church’s roof. For more info, call 636-343-8674.
Hillsboro Christmas Parade and Community Christmas at the Farm, 5 p.m., Hillsboro Intermediate School, 10478 Hwy. 21, Hillsboro. After the parade, experience live animals, pictures with Santa, food trucks, Santa’s Gingerbread workshop and more at Bridle Ridge Acres Farm. All proceeds go to the Hillsboro High School Agriculture Department to support daily farm needs. Meet Disney princesses and princes for photos and enjoy Bank Star’s famous cookies and cocoa. For more info, contact hillsborochamberoffice@gmail.com or Mandy Alley at 636-481-6718.
Kimmswick Elf Hunt, participating businesses on Saturday, Dec. 13, and Sunday, Dec. 14. Tickets may be purchased for $10 at gokimmswick.com or the Visitor Center. Participants receive a story book, elf guide and gift bag. Santa Claus at the Santa House located near corner of Front and Market streets from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sunday. The Rivertown Sound Quartet will perform from 1-4 p.m. Sunday. For information, call 636-464-6464.
Breakfast with Santa, 7-10 a.m., De Soto Masonic Lodge, Third and Boyd streets. Eggs, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, sausage: $3 to $7. Free breakfast and a gift for children aged 12 and under. Attendees should bring a camera to take photos. Food donations will be accepted at the event. Each shelf-stable food item donated earns one raffle ticket. Raffle prizes will be for all ages. Donations will go to the De Soto Food Pantry and the De Soto School Free Backpack program.
De Soto Food Pantry, 9 a.m. to noon, 705 E. Stone St. at Flucom Road. Schedule changes: 636-586-7300.
St. Vincent de Paul clothing shop, 9 a.m. to noon, 200 Brierton Lane, Crystal City. Every Tuesday and Saturday. All proceeds go to help those in need in our area.
Indoor pickleball, 9-11 a.m., Central Baptist Church gym, 601 N. Central Ave., Eureka. Recreational games for all ages. Instructors, equipment will be on hand. To register, visit cbcserves.org/pball.
Harbor thrift store, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays, The Harbor Community Church, 1645 Marriott Lane, Barnhart. Cash only; no refunds. New items weekly. Funds sponsor community outreach programs. Call 636-223-2106.
Ozark Food Pantry, 8:30-10:45 a.m., No. 1 Sunset Park, Festus. Call 636-933-9974.
Bingo, 5:45 p.m., Fenton American Legion, 2 Gravois Road. Kitchen serves at 4 p.m., special bingo at 5:45 p.m., regular bingo at 6:15 p.m. No checks or outside food, drinks.
Sunday, Dec. 14
98th Annual Christmas Concert, 4 p.m., First United Methodist Church of Festus-Crystal City, 113 Grand Ave., Festus.
Free family movie, 2 p.m., The Melba Theatre, 300 S. Main St. Admission to “Rise of the Guardians” is one nonperishable food item for the De Soto Food Pantry. Santa Claus and the Grinch will visit. There will be giveaways. Sponsored by Werner C. Stichling & Associates; the Lowry Law Firm, Sandy Meuer/State Farm; Enterprise Bank & Trust; Kozzy’s and Hope United Church of Christ.
Breakfast, 7:30-10:30 a.m., Auxiliary Post 48, 1075 Amvets Drive, De Soto. Every second Sunday of the month. Menu: biscuits and gravy, eggs, hash browns, sausage or bacon and potatoes. Biscuits and gravy only: $4. Plates: $9. All you can eat: $12.
Meat shoot, 10 a.m., Meramec-Arnold Elks Lodge 2372, 1515 Miller Road, Imperial. Every third week is stock chokes-no scopes, all other weeks are modified chokes-with scopes. Chokes will be randomly checked. All judges' decisions are final. For more information, call 636-464-8960.
Bingo, 5 p.m., Meramec Arnold Elks, 1515 Miller Road, Imperial. No smoking. Call 636-464-8960.
Shooting match competition, noon, Amvets Post 48, 1075 Amvets Drive, De Soto. Every Sunday. Practice opens at 11 a.m. and the match begins at noon. Food available for purchase. For more info, call 636-586-1750.
Monday, Dec. 15
Adult sci-fi book club, 5 p.m., Northwest Branch of the Jefferson County Library, 5680 Hwy. PP in High Ridge. Free. Call 636-677-8186 or visit jeffcolib.org.
Homeschool hour, 1 p.m. Mastodon State Historic Site, 1050 Charles J. Becker Drive, Imperial. Educational activities on park topics for those age 10 and up. Adults must remain with their children during the program. To register: icampmo.com.
Jefferson County Republican Club, 7-8:30 p.m., Wesley Rogers Steakhouse and Buffet, 3601 Jeffco Blvd. Arnold. Call 314-825-0944 or email jeffcogopclub@gmail.com.
Bingo, 10-11 a.m., Quad Cities Senior Center at the Summit Building in Crystal City Municipal Park, 1511 Park Drive, Crystal City. A $3 donation or 2 prizes to play. Call for the theme of the week and prizes. 636-937-8333.
Senior lunch, 12:15-2 p.m., Aging Ahead Center at Jefferson College Arnold, 1687 Missouri State Road. Free lunch for adults 60 years or older. Must register 72 hours in advance. Call Jessica at 314-413-1240.
Bingo, 6:30 p.m., Arnold Eagles, 1725 Jeffco Blvd. Doors open 3 p.m. Call 636-282-0415.
Preschool story hour, 10:30 a.m., De Soto Public Library, 712 S. Main St. Call 636-586-3858.
Story time, 10 a.m. Mondays and Tuesdays, Windsor Branch of the Jefferson County Library, 7479 Metropolitan Blvd., Barnhart. Call 636-461-1914.
Story hour, 10-10:30 a.m., Cedar Hill Branch of the Jefferson County Library, 6780 Mall Drive. Reading and crafts.
Games for seniors, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., St. Martin UCC Church, 3229 High Ridge Blvd. High Ridge. Every Monday. Cards and games. Cold catered lunch is by reservation a week in advance. Call 636-677-4578. $5 suggested donation. Organizer: Aging Ahead.
Tuesday, Dec. 16
Blood drive, 2-6 p.m., RiverChase YMCA, 990 Horan Drive, Fenton. Sponsor: American Red Cross. Donors need to bring ID. Call 1-800-733-2767.
Women Dems, 6:30 p.m., third Tuesdays, Hillsboro United Methodist Church, 4810 Hwy. B. Information: womendems5@gmail.com.
Wildwood Historical Society, 7 p.m., 18750 Manchester Road (Hwy. 100). Call Sandy Becker-Gurnow, 314-374-3159.
Job preparedness and recovery groups, 10 a.m., the Collective, 924 Jeffco Executive Drive, Imperial. Every Tuesday and Thursday. These groups are open to all community members. At the meetings, attendees will learn valuable job skills, build confidence and find ongoing support. For more info, call Leisa at 1-636-214-5780 or Breanna at 1-636-214-5781.
Stretch exercise, 10:30 -11:30 a.m., Quad Cities Senior Center at the Crystal City Municipal Park, 1511 Park Drive, Crystal City. 636-937-8333.
St. Vincent de Paul clothing shop, 9 a.m. to noon, 200 Brierton Lane, Crystal City. Every Tuesday and Saturday. All proceeds go to help those in need in our area.
Show and tell story time, 10 a.m., Jefferson County Library-Cedar Hill Satellite Branch, 6780 Mall Drive, Cedar Hill. Join Ms. Sofia for show and tell story time. Read a book or two and share show and tell items in the children's area of the library. No registration is required. For ages 2-6. Check the website for the monthly theme at jeffcolib.org.
Chess club, 3 p.m., Crystal City Public Library meeting room, 736 Mississippi Ave. For information, call Amy at 636-937-7166.
Pickleball, 10-11:30 a.m. Quad Cities Senior Center at the Summit Building at the Crystal City Municipal Park, 1511 Park Drive, Crystal City. For more info, call 636-937-8333.
Bingo, 6:15 p.m., Meramec Arnold Elks. 1515 Miller Road, Imperial. No smoking. Call 636-464-8960.
Line dancing lessons, 7-9:30 p.m., High Ridge Elks, 2808 Old Hunning Road. Doors open 6:30 p.m. Cost: $5. Soda and water available; dancers can bring snacks. Call Carol Smith at 314-609-8610.
Food pantry, 8:30-11:30 a.m., First United Methodist Church, 113 Grand Ave., Festus. For residents of 63028, 63019, 63047 and 63048 ZIP codes. Call 636-937-6205.
Bingo, 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., Northwest Branch of the Jefferson County Library, 5680 Hwy. PP, High Ridge. Suggested donation of $2 to cover the cost of prizes. Cold catered lunch is by reservation a week in advance. Call 636-677-4578. $5 suggested donation. Organizer: Aging Ahead.
Wednesday, Dec. 17
Grown-up board game night, 5-7 p.m., Windsor Branch of the Jefferson County Library, 7479 Metropolitan Blvd., Barnhart. For ages 18 and older. Registration is required at jeffcolib.org or by calling 636-461-1914.
Pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, 6-8 p.m., De Soto Historic Texaco Station. Donations accepted will go toward the City of De Soto Kennel.
Jefferson County Photography Club, 6:30 p.m., High Ridge Elks, 2808 Old Hunning Road. Those under 15 must be accompanied by parent or guardian.
Tumbling Tots, 10-11 a.m., second Thursdays and third Wednesdays, Eureka Community Center, 333 Bald Hill Road. For ages 6 months to 5 years. Fee: $9 residents; $10 others. To sign up: eureka.mo.us.
Senior lunch, 12:15-2 p.m., Aging Ahead Center at Jefferson College Arnold, 1687 Missouri State Road. Free lunch for adults 60 years or older. Must register 72 hours in advance. Call Jessica at 314-413-1240.
Harbor thrift store, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays, The Harbor Community Church, 1645 Marriott Lane, Barnhart. Cash only; no refunds. New items weekly. Funds sponsor community outreach programs. Call 636-223-2106.
Chess Open Play, 3:30-5:30 p.m., De Soto Public Library, 712 S. Main St. Call 636-586-3858 for any questions.
Nondenominational Bible study, 10-11 a.m. Quad Cities Senior Center at the Crystal City Municipal Park, 1511 Park Drive, Crystal City. For more info, call 636-937-8333.
Bingo, 6 p.m., De Soto KC, 13225 Hwy. E. Doors open 4 p.m. Door prizes, two progressive games. Call 636-586-2594.
Therapy dog at library, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Festus Public Library, 400 W. Main St. Children may read to therapy dog Maddie. Call 636-937-2017.
Line dancing, 6:30 p.m., Arnold VFW, 2301 Church Road. Sponsor: Midwest Club Dance. Call 314-972-4094.
Activities for seniors, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., St. Martin UCC Church, 3229 High Ridge Blvd. High Ridge. Every Wednesday. Cards and games. Line dancing for beginners from 11 a.m. to noon. Intermediate line dancing noon to 2 p.m. Cold catered lunch is by reservation a week in advance. Call 636-677-4578. $5 suggested donation. Organizer: Aging Ahead.
Thursday, Dec. 18
Blood drive, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., American Legion Post 253, 849 American Legion Drive, Festus. Sponsor: American Red Cross. Donors need to bring ID. Call 1-800-733-2767.
Line and swing dance, lessons 6-7 p.m., dancing 7-10 p.m., Arnold VFW, 2301 Church Road. Admission: $8. No meeting on Dec. 25 due to the holidays. Sponsor: Jefferson County Swing Dance Club. Call 636-296-6702.
Bingo, 10:30 a.m., Arnold Eagles, 1725 Jeffco Blvd. Doors open 8 a.m. Call 636-282-0415.
Teen Book Club, 6:45 p.m., Arnold Branch of the Jefferson County Library, 1701 Missouri State Road. Register at jeffcolib.org or call 636-296-2204.
Bingo, 10-11 a.m., Quad Cities Senior Center at the Crystal City Municipal Park, 1511 Park Drive, Crystal City. Sponsored by Hillsboro Estate Group. For info, call 636-937-8333 or 386-208-5052.
Gardening Club, 1-3 p.m., Festus Public Library, 400 W. Main St. Families with children welcome.
Job preparedness and recovery groups, 10 a.m., the Collective, 924 Jeffco Executive Drive, Imperial. Every Tuesday and Thursday. These groups are open to all community members. At the meetings, attendees will learn valuable job skills, build confidence and find ongoing support. For more info, call Leisa at 1-636-214-5780 or Breanna at 1-636-214-5781.
Free English conversation classes, 7 p.m., Spring Hills Presbyterian Church, 6247 Upper Byrnes Mill Road, House Springs. Those who wish to participate can register any Thursday. Call 636-677-0409.
Preschool storytime, 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., Festus Public Library, 400 W. Main St. For ages 2-6. Call 636-937-2017.
Pay It Forward Baby Ministry, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., De Soto Community Center, 400 Boyd St. Free diapers, clothes, supplies for any child in need. Donations welcome. Call 314-779-4351.
Minecraft open play, 4:30-7:30 p.m., Cedar Hill Satellite Branch of the Jefferson County Library, 6780 Mall Drive. Ages 7-14. Call 636-551-1020 or visit jeffcolib.org.
Toddler Thursday, 10 a.m. Mastodon State Historic Site, 1050 Charles J. Becker Drive, Imperial. Activities and crafts for toddlers and their parents. To register: icampmo.com.
Jefferson County Heritage and Historical Society Museum, 6-7:30 p.m. every Thursday, 5321 Chouteau Ave., Victoria. Contact Bernard Laiben at blaiben@outlook.com for more information.
Bingo, 12:30-2 p.m., Northwest Branch of the Jefferson County Library, 5680 Hwy. PP, High Ridge. Suggested donation of $2 to cover the cost of prizes. Cold catered lunch is by reservation a week in advance. Call 636-677-4578. $5 suggested donation. Organizer: Aging Ahead.
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