Metro-East Living

Metro-east events calendar: Santa visits for your pets, concerts, parties & more

Noon Thursday, Dec. 12, is the deadline to appear in next week’s What’s Happening. We must receive your event in writing with a contact phone number for questions. Due to the large number of submissions, events may run only one time in print, will be edited and appear in the week before the event date.

Email: lifestyle@bnd.com. Mail to: Lifestyle, Belleville News-Democrat, P.O. Box 427, Belleville, IL 62222-0427. Questions, call Jennifer Green at 618-239-2643.

Holiday Festivities

Breakfast with Santa — 8-11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. Amelia V. Carriel Junior High School, 451 N. 7 Hills Road, O’Fallon. Santa will arrive at 8:30 a.m. Meal served between 8 and 10 a.m. Crafts will be made. Collecting canned goods for O’Fallon Food Pantry and unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots. Sponsored by the O’Fallon Police Department.

Santa Claus Returns to Edison’s — 8:30-11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. Edison’s Entertainment Complex, 2477 S. Illinois 157, Edwardsville. Enjoy breakfast with Santa (served until 10 a.m.). Festivities include a free photo with Santa, a balloon artist, an all-access pass for bowling, laser tag and arcade. Cost: $16 plus tax per guest. Breakfast-only tickets are $10 and features pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage and breakfast beverages. Tickets available online at EdisonsFun.com/Santa. Walk-ins welcome. See the holiday schedule of events at EdisonsFun.com/holidays.

Wreaths Across America – Alton — 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. Alton National Cemetery, 600 Pearl St., Alton. A holiday wreath-laying ceremony to honor and remember our nation’s veterans. 314-845-8320, ext. 4103 or wreathsacrossamerica.org

Wreaths Across America – Jefferson Barracks — 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, Old Flag Circle, 2900 Sheridan Road, St. Louis. A holiday wreath-laying ceremony to honor and remember our nation’s veterans. 314-845-8320, ext. 4201 or wreathsacrossamerica.org

Santa Paws Pet Photos — Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. Belleville Area Humane Society, 1301 S. 11th St., Belleville. Have your pet’s photo taken with Santa at the shelter. Pets of any kind are welcome. Humans can come for photos too! Receive your photo and a holiday frame for $10. A digital copy will also be posted to Facebook. Proceeds benefit the animals at BAHS. facebook.com/events/3778429105516104

The ‘Soulful Santa’ Experience — 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. Afro World, 7276 Natural Bridge Road, St. Louis. Pictures with Soulful Santa, all-day entertainment, in-store fashion show, Mrs. Claus story time, caricatures, dancing and more. Book, fruit and treats for the children. afroworld.com

Santa at O’Fallon Station — 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, and Wednesday, Dec. 18. O’Fallon Station, South Vine Street, O’Fallon. Visit with Santa and make sure he has your wish list for this year, then take a photo with him. facebook.com/events/336385850575719

Belleville Historical Society ‘50s-Style Holiday Party — 7-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. Midcentury Modern Architecture Museum (Blazier House), 6 Oak Knoll Place, Belleville. Dress in your favorite 1950s-inspired fashion for this festive event. Period holiday music, tinsel trees, food and drinks. All are welcome. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Proceeds benefit the Belleville Historical Society. For tickets and information: bellevillehistoricalsociety.org

A Very Critter Christmas – Photos with Santa and Chili — 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. Treehouse Wildlife Center, 23956 Green Acres Road, Dow. Santa “Claws” will be visiting the center to listen to the Christmas wishes of young visitors. For only $6, have your child take a picture with Santa and one of the center’s owls for a lasting holiday memory. Bring an item from our Critter Holiday Wish List and your photo will be $5. Participate in a nature-based holiday craft to take home, visit our outdoor education ambassadors, and purchase that special Christmas present in the gift shop. Sweets and refreshments will also be provided. Admission is free, but holiday donations are greatly appreciated. facebook.com/events/539284820248677

Events

Marine Toys for Tots — Now through Thursday, Dec. 19. Madison County is collaborating with local veteran service organizations and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves to collect items for those in need this holiday season. Individuals are invited to donate new, unwrapped items at the Madison County Administration Building, 157 N. Main St., Edwardsville, and the Wood River Facility, 101 E. Edwardsville Road, Wood River. Items needed for veterans include socks, underwear, T-shirts, gloves, caps, slippers, throws and basic hygiene. 618-296-4554 or toysfortots.org

Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center Blood Drive — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12. ECS Federal, 5 Eagle Center, Shiloh. bloodcenterimpact.org

Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center Blood Drive — 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. KSHE Blood Drive, Southwestern Illinois College, 2500 Carlyle Ave., Belleville. bloodcenterimpact.org

A Forever Vintage ‘Farmhouse Christmas’ Market — 3-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; Dec. 14; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. Belle-Clair Fairgrounds, 200 S. Belt E., Belleville. General admission is $5. First pick Friday admission is $10. A portion of the proceeds benefit Randy’s Rescue Ranch. bcfairgrounds.net

Mistletoe Market — 4-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14; and Sunday, Dec. 15. St. Clair County Event Center, 1550 E. Illinois 15, Belleville. Experience an array of vintage, handmade crafts, holiday décor, food and more. Free admission. scceventcenter.com

Christmas Cookie Sale — 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. The Pentecostals of Troy, 8965 Illinois 162, Troy. Prices vary. No phone or early orders. 618-667-6054 or pentecostalsoftroy.org

Holiday Market & Bazaar — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. U City Farmers Market, 6655 Delmar Blvd., University City, Missouri. Celebrate the season at this popular European-style market. Local farm products, handcrafted foods and goods for hearth and home, live music, food and beverages, warm fires and much more. facebook.com/events/995253187483062

3rd annual Country Christmas Craft Fair — 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. Mascoutah American Legion Hall, 1414 W. Main St., Mascoutah. Includes Santa pictures at noon, 30 different craft booths, food trucks, DJ with karaoke and more. facebook.com/events/455027655053278

Library Comic-Con — 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. Belleville Public Library, 121 E. Washington, Belleville. A day of family-friendly activities, comic book vendors and artists and more. Galaxy ornaments 11:30 a.m. to noon. Pool noodle lightsabers 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. Hardware enterprise 1 to 1:30 p.m. Harry Potter wands 1:45 to 2:30 p.m. Hedwig painted rocks 2:45 to 3:15 p.m. 618-234-0441 or facebook.com/events/391519021757587

Troy Family Year of Fun: ‘The Grinch’ (2018) — 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. The Activity Center (Spin City), 284 Riggin Road, Troy. Leave your wallet at home – everything is free during the movie. Hotdogs, chips, water while supplies last. Balloon animals, caricatures, face paintings. 618-667-8769 or troycoc.com

Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center Blood Drive — 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16. Scott Credit Union, 101 Credit Union Way, Edwardsville. bloodcenterimpact.org

American Red Cross Blood Drive — 2-6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16. Glen Carbon Centennial Library, 198 S. Main, Glen Carbon. Make a big difference in the lives of others. 618-288-1212 or glencarbonlibrary.org

Free Sunrise Yoga at the Gateway Arch — 7 a.m. Tuesdays. Gateway Arch Visitor Center, 11 N. Fourth St., St. Louis, located just inside the west entrance of the Arch facility. YogaBuzz instructors lead participants through a 45-minute class to relaxing music. All experience levels are welcome. Yoga is free and open to the public. No RSVP required.

Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center Blood Drive — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17. The Journey Metro East Platelet Drive, Multipurpose Room, 200 Dapron Drive, Belleville. bloodcenterimpact.org

Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center Blood Drive — 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17. The Quail Club of Belleville, 8303 Concordia Church Road, Belleville. bloodcenterimpact.org

Queen of Hearts Fundraiser — 7 p.m. Wednesdays until the Queen of Hearts is drawn. Silver Creek Saloon, 2520 Mascoutah Ave., Belleville. Includes a 70/30 progressive raffle. Drawing time 7:30 p.m. Benefits Belleville East Lancer Bands.

Games

Bridge — 11:45 a.m. Thursdays. Collinsville Senior Center, 420 E. Main St., Collinsville. To participate, must have played bridge before. 618-310-1289.

Euchre Tournament — 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13. Everyone welcome. Smithton Senior Center, 711 S. Main, Smithton. 618-233-3370.

Meat Shoot — Noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. American Legion Post 1255, 201 Eiler Road, Belleville. Free food, raffles, wheel and attendance prizes. Bacon, T-bones, ribeyes are just some of the items available to shoot for. Sponsored by Legion Championship Horseshoe Team.

Althoff Catholic Fathers & Friends’ Bingo — 7-10 p.m. Mondays. CK & L of I Country Club, 2800 N. Illinois St., Swansea.

Bridge — 11:45 a.m. Tuesdays. Senior Center, 10025 Bunkum Road, Fairview Heights. Sponsored by Caseyville Township. 618-310-1289.

Cribbage Club — 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays. 1 Columbus Plaza, KC Club, Collinsville. Nine games played against nine different opponents. Yvonne Bright 618-344-1521 or John Bilski 618-398-1029.

Euchre Tournament — 7 p.m. Wednesdays. Agriculture Building, Scheve Park, Sixth Street and Park Drive, Mascoutah. 618-401-8858.

Theater/Concerts

Singer/Songwriter Thursday at The Abbey — 7-10 p.m. Thursdays. The Abbey, 5801 W. Main St., Belleville. Enjoy live music at The Abbey every Thursday night. thebellevilleabbey.com

Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ — 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. Family Life Center, Troy United Methodist Church, 407 Edwardsville Road, Troy. Doors open 30 minutes before show time. Free admission. A love offering will be available. Light refreshments. All are welcome.

ComedySportz Match — 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, and Saturday, Dec. 14. CSz St. Louis, 524 S. Main St., St. Charles, Missouri. Outrageously funny improv played like a sport. A perfect combo of funny and sports creating an explosion of laughter and competition on stage. Tickets available at the door on online at cszstlouis.com/tickets. facebook.com/events/707064463098560

Christmas Scholarship Concert — 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. St. Luke AME Church, 414 N. 14th St., East St. Louis. Presented by Pastor Damon Mitchell and featuring Min. Amos Isaac, the Normandy High School Band and more. General admission is $15, VIP reserved seating is $25. For tickets and information: stlukeame.com

9th annual Brothers Lazaroff Hanukkah Hullabaloo — 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. The Grandel Theatre, 3610 Grandel Square, St. Louis. Includes performances by Rabbi James Stone Goodman and The Eight Nights Orchestra reciting their original spoken-word electro-klezmer composition dedicated to the Festival of Lights, along with tributes to musicians lost in 2019. St. Louis specialty shops, STL-STyLe and Taco Buddha will have STL-themed swag and tacos for purchase. Tickets start at $25. For tickets and information: kranzbergartsfoundation.org

Heartland Community Chorus Christmas Concert — 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. St. Dominic Catholic Church, 493 N. Second St., Breese. Featuring traditional and contemporary Christmas music, accompanied by brass choir. Admission is $15. Children 16 and under are free. Tickets available at FCB Bank, Highland, St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, from chorus members and at the door.

Over the Rhine: Christmas Tour 2019 — 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. The Sheldon, 3648 Washington Blvd., St. Louis. Tickets start at $25. For tickets and other information: TheSheldon.org

Christmas Musical: ‘Light and Life’ — 10:15 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. First Baptist Church of Fairview Heights, 10401 Lincoln Trail, Fairview Heights. Performed by the Celebration Choir. Free and open to the public. 618-397-4720.

Christmas Concert: Fanfare with special guest Dawn Weber — 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. Ivory Theatre, 7620 Michigan Ave., St. Louis. Tickets are $15. 314-752-6339 or carondeletliving.com

Christmas Wonders Concert — 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. St. Luke Catholic Church, 301 N. Church St., Belleville. Ring in the season with this annual holiday Chorale concert with chamber orchestra music by the Philharmonic Chorale & Orchestra. General admission $20, seniors and military $18, free admission for youth. For tickets: 618-235-5600 or bellevillephilharmonic.org

Heartland Community Chorus Christmas Concert — 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. St. Paul Catholic Church, 1412 Ninth St., Highland. Featuring traditional and contemporary Christmas music, accompanied by brass choir. Admission is $15. Children 16 and under are free. Tickets available at FCB Bank, Highland, St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, from chorus members and at the door.

Metro East Community Chorale Christmas Concert — 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. St. Paul United Church of Christ, 115 W. B St., Belleville. Join the Metro East Community Chorale at our annual Christmas concert. Enjoy popular and spiritual music sung by over 50 voices under the leadership of Director Stephen Wilson with accompaniment by Carol Brookshier. Free admission. metroeastcommunitychorale.org

St. Clare Church, School Advent concert — 6:30 p.m. St. Clare Church, 1411 Cross St., O’Fallon. The choirs of St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church and St. Clare School will present an Advent concert: “Let us Walk in the Light of the Lord.” Advent hymns will be paired with Scripture during this hour of prayer. Admission is free. Visit www.stclarechurch.org for more details.

Sounds of Our Village Christmas Concert by the Millstadt Community Choir — 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. Zion Evangelical Church, 117 W. White St., Millstadt. Guest choir: Valmeyer Community Chorus. 618-660-4255.

Blue Mondays at The Gaslight: Big Mike Aguirre and The Blu City All Stars — 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16. The Gaslight Theater, 358 N. Boyle Ave., St. Louis. Tickets are $15 and available online at ticketmaster.com or by phone at 800-982-2787. gaslighttheater.net

‘Path of the Past’ Screening — 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17. Soldier’s Memorial, 1315 Chestnut St., St. Louis. “Path of the Past” tells the story of Sgt. Louis “Louch” Baczewski, who was part of a tank crew in the 3rd Armored Division (AD) that fought in all five major European campaigns, including the infamous Battle of the Bulge. The film focuses less on the American victory and more on the costs and European destruction of the war and is based on Lou Baczewski’s book “Louch.” Free and open to the public. facebook.com/events/444124499546119

Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ — 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17. Triad High School, 703 US-40, Troy. Performance by Triad High School’s Drama I class. Dramatization brief in its presentation, maintaining all the thrill and Christmas joy of the original story. Admission is free, but the cast is collecting non-perishable food items to be donated to Ministries Unlimited.

The Lindenwood Theater Touring Series: Martina McBride — 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21. The Lindenwood Theater, 2300 W. Clay St., St. Charles, Missouri. Celebrate the sounds of the season with Martina McBride, live at Lindenwood. Tickets start at $59.50. https://www.lindenwood.edu/j-scheidegger-center-for-the-arts/

Club News

Chicks with Sticks — 3-4:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12. Troy United Methodist Church, Room 241, 407 Edwardsville Road, Troy. Knit and crochet items for different charities and for fellowship. 618-667-7501.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Family Support Meeting — 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12. Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, 195 W. Country Lane, Collinsville. Support group for family members and other caregivers of individuals with mental illness. Street parking. Meetings every second Thursday of the month. 618-530-8558.

Gateway East Trails — 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12. Ron’s Lounge, 228 W. St. Louis St., Lebanon. New members welcome. 618-444-4481 or info@gatewayeasttrails.org

Stitchin’ in the Stacks — 2-4 p.m. Fridays. Glen Carbon Centennial Library, 198 S. Main, Glen Carbon. If you like to knit, crochet or embroider, gather and socialize with others who share your interest and pick up a few tips and tricks as you work your own creations. Bring your supplies. Self-directed program; no instructor. 618-288-1212 or glencarbonlibrary.org

American Association of University Women — 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. 4204 Main Street Brewing Company, 4204 W. Main St., Belleville. Program: Books for CASA Kids and lunch from menu. Bring one or more books to donate to CASA. RSVP 618-791-2220 or cryseff@gmail.com

Optimist Club of Belleville — Noon Tuesday, Dec. 17. Bellecourt Place, 120 N. Jackson St., Belleville. Luncheon and program. Speaker: Jeff Couch, editor of the BND, will speak on what’s ahead with the BND. Guests and new members always welcome.

Parents Without Partners — 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17. Bandana’s Bar-B-Q, 4608 N. Illinois St., Fairview Heights. General meeting at 5:30 p.m. with orientation for prospective members at 6:30 p.m. For information or directions, call Janet at 618-234-5937.

Marine Unit of Home and Community Education — 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17. Marine Senior Citizens Building, 101 W. Silver St., Marine. Christmas Party Potluck Dinner. Please bring a $5 gift exchange item and call Priscilla Plocher for reservations at 618-654-3627.

O’Fallon Sunrise Rotary Meeting — 6:45 a.m. Wednesdays. O’Fallon Township Building, 801 E. State St., O’Fallon. ofallonsunriserotary.org

IBEW #649 Retired Members Club — 9 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 19. Eagles Nest Restaurant, 117 Bethalto Drive, Bethalto. Monthly breakfast meeting. Join us for a morning of food and friendship. For more information, call Marlin Wagner at 618-656-7593.

Fairview Heights Woman’s Club — 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19. Caseyville Township Building, 10001 Bunkum Road, Fairview Heights. Christmas “Crack-Up” Party. Fun – Fun – Fun. Chairman: Pam Bierman, Tina Friederich, Kathy Frawley, Nancy Radar and Syndi Kalinowski.

Food

Millstadt Fish Fry and Jam Session — 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4-8 p.m. Fridays, Millstadt VFW Post, 200 Veterans Drive, Millstadt. 618-476-1180.

Waterloo VFW Fish Fry — 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays. Metzger Crook Post 6504, 406 Veterans Drive, Waterloo. Sold by the pound, sandwich or plate. Cod, catfish, walleye, salmon and shrimp. Carry-outs. 618-939-7999.

Swansea Fish Stand – 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. 216 Service St., Swansea. Cod, walleye, catfish, shrimp and more. Saturday: fried chicken. 618-222-7171.

Collinsville Fish Fry — 3-8 p.m. Fridays, Collinsville American Legion, 1022 Vandalia St., Collinsville. North Atlantic cod, whole catfish, sides, desserts. 618-345-2508.

Caseyville Fish Fry — 4-7 p.m. Fridays, Caseyville VFW Post 1117, 415 N. Long, Caseyville. Fish plates, desserts, sandwiches, burgers and more. Bingo at 7 p.m.

St. Joseph Church Fish Bake & Fry — 4-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13. St. Joseph’s Parish Center, 6 N. Alton St., Freeburg. Baked cod, fried cod loins (plate, sandwich or pound), shrimp, grilled cheese, spaghetti, baked potato, green beans, fries, homemade slaw, mac and cheese, stewed tomatoes, desserts and refreshments. Eat-in or carry-out. 618-539-4720.

Troy VFW Fish Fry — 4-7 p.m. Fridays. Troy VFW Post 976 and Auxiliary, 123-A W. Market St., Troy. Cod, catfish, jack salmon, baked fish, chicken strips, shrimp. Dine in or carry out. 618-667-8387.

Collinsville Fish Fry — 4-7:30 p.m. Fridays. Knights of Columbus Hall, 1 Columbus Plaza, Collinsville. Eat in or carry out. Fried/baked cod, catfish, sides. 618-345-1492.

Highland Fish Fry — 4-7:30 p.m. Fridays. VFW Post 5694, 1900 VFW Road, Highland. Eat in or carry out. 618-654-6367.

O’Fallon Fish Fry — 4-8 p.m. Fridays. Knights of Columbus Hall, 402 E. U.S. 50, O’Fallon. Cod and tilapia, hamburgers, hot dogs, pork steaks, pizza and additional side dishes. Eat in or carry out. Now accepting credit cards. 618-632-6229.

Aviston Legion Fish Fry — 4:30-7 p.m. Fridays. American Legion Post 1239, 601 S. Clinton, Aviston. Fried and baked cod, catfish, shrimp, chicken strips, sides. Eat in or carry out. 618-228-7311 or avistonlegion.com

Mascoutah Fish Fry — 5-8 p.m. Fridays. Mascoutah VFW Post 7682, 620 Donaphan St., Mascoutah. Dine in or carry out. 618-566-2288.

O’Fallon Fish and Chicken Fry — 5-8 p.m. Fridays. O’Fallon American Legion, 109 N. Penn, O’Fallon. Carry-outs available. 618-632-8879.

Shiloh Fish Fry — 5-8 p.m. Fridays. 100 Eagle Drive, Shiloh. Cod, walleye, catfish, shrimp, chicken wings. Eat in or carry out. Auxiliary bake sale for charity. 618-624-5412.

Chili Dinner Fundraiser — 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13. Calvary Lutheran Church, 6606 W. Main St., Belleville. Chili with all the fixings, cheese, macaroni, sour cream, onions, corn bread, Fritos, crackers, dessert and drink of your choice. Pay at the door. Adults $10, children $3. 618-397-4989 or calvarybelleville.org

All-You-Can-Eat Fried Chicken — 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18. Millstadt VFW Post, 200 Veterans Drive, Millstadt. 618-476-1180.

Reservations Required

Medicare Q&A — 6-7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16. Glen Carbon Centennial Library, 198 S. Main, Glen Carbon. If you are looking to sign up for Medicare and have questions on how to register or what is covered, this will be a great time to ask. Bring your questions and learn what to expect when you join Medicare. Registration is required. 618-288-1212 or glencarbonlibrary.org

Worth the Drive

Arrival at Camp River Dubois — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, and Sunday, Dec. 15. Lewis and Clark State Historic Site, One Lewis and Clark Trail, Hartford. Reenactors and demonstrators will interpret what life was like for the Lewis and Clark Expedition while wintering at Camp River Dubois from December 1803 to May 1804. Free and open to the public. campdubois.com

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