Posted on November 16, 2018 at 9:19 AM by County Council
Halloween is over and it’s almost Christmas! These weeks ahead of the holiday are a time to reflect on the “reason for the season” as well as prepare for events and the precious family traditions many of us hold dear. It also is a time to give to those who are less fortunate. If you are looking for ways to enjoy all this hustle, bustle and fun, St. Charles County has programs to help make this Christmas your family’s best yet!
- The St. Charles County Parks Department has three events to add to your holiday calendar and we’re hoping they become your new Christmas traditions! Visit stccparks.org or call 636-949-7535 for more information and to register:
- Step back in time at The Historic Daniel Boone Home’s annual Christmas Candlelight Walks on Dec. 7, 8, 14 and 15. These popular events are an opportunity to see this beautiful park illuminated with thousands of candles. Guests experience the practices of different cultures and how the holiday was celebrated on the frontier in the early 1800s. You can visit with Daniel Boone himself, enjoy hot apple cider, listen to traditional carols and hear holiday tales as you stroll through the park. Tickets are limited, and pre-registration is highly recommended.
- Santa’s Search Party at Indian Camp Creek Park near Wentzville from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 15, is a new event for families. The object of the game is to find as many elves, presents and other characters hidden along the park’s trails as you can. Staff will provide a park map with clues, but players will need a cell phone camera to take a picture of each character. Cost is only $1 per person. Pre-registration is required.
- Watch as model trains wind through scenes that feature landmark buildings in St. Charles County, the Polar Express, and Frosty’s Winter Wonderland at the Heritage Museum’s annual free Holiday Train Display December through January. On Saturday, Dec. 1, guests can enjoy free hot chocolate and a cookie decorating reception to kick off the display opening. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m., Sunday. No registration is required.
- If you are considering adding a furry friend to your family, stop by Deck the Paws from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 15 at the Pet Adoption Center, 4850 Mid Rivers Mall Drive. Along with $60 adoptions for dogs and cats, the event features photos with Santa! The first 30 adoptive parents also receive gift bags! View available pets for adoption online. For more information, call 636-949-7387.
- If giving back to the community is part of your holiday plans, consider lending a helping hand by adding $1, $5 or $10 to your tax bill payment this year for Project CARE (Community Assistance Relief Effort). Established through an effort led by County Council Member Joe Cronin and administered by Collector of Revenue Michelle McBride and the County’s Community Assistance Board (CAB), the project provides funding to local nonprofit agencies that help homeless and indigent citizens. All you have to do is add one of the donation amounts above to your tax payment check when sending it in, or if you pay in person, tell the staff at the Collector of Revenue’s office, located at 201 N. Second Street in St. Charles, that you would like to donate to the program. All donations are tax-deductible.
- In addition to Project CARE, you can help ensure Christmas is magical for children in need by donating to the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Drive. The following County buildings are drop-off locations – just bring in a new, unwrapped toy for children up to age 12:
Now through Dec. 7:
St. Charles County Administration Building, 201 N. Second Street, St. Charles
Now through Dec. 15:
St. Charles County Police Department, 101 Sheriff Dierker Ct., O’Fallon
Dec. 15 through 21:
St. Charles County Heritage Museum, 1630 Heritage Landing, St. Peters
I hope this list of programs helps make your holiday exciting and meaningful. From my family to yours, I wish you a very merry Christmas!