Local businesses and restaurants will offer unique goodies at O’Fallon holiday event
‘Tis the season to eat, drink, shop and be merry in O’Fallon’s Downtown District Saturday for the halls will be decked at the annual “Home for the Holidays” event.
With the intent to promote good cheer and community camaraderie while creating more foot traffic at local businesses, restaurants and shops, the special festivities run from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Vine Street Market at O’Fallon Station, and many participating merchants and vendors have planned activities throughout the day.
Special Events Manager Samantha Sorrick said there will be 70-plus vendors specializing in unique gifts, food and drinks for sale, and cozy fire pits (free S’mores, anyone?) at the market.
“Whether you’re here to shop, sip, snack, or simply soak in the holiday vibes, this is where you’ll want to be,” she said. “Downtown businesses are joining in with holiday treats and specials.”
Live music will be performed by the O’Fallon Township High School Band, Madrigal Singers and Jazz Tonite. And there will be a special visit from Santa.
Participating businesses with their own activities include:
Art Gecko
Owner Cory Hollerbach said they will be open then and have six vendors in the studio, which is at 102 S. Vine St., across from the market.
“Five of the six are female-owned businesses, and they will be selling their products from artisan chocolates to organic safe cleaners,” she said. “The vendors will have something for everyone – guitar refurbishing, repairs and sales, plus art-inspired jewelry, original matted watercolor art, lip balms, home décor, and unique, quirky and cute ornaments.”
Their annual Kids Holiday Workshop will take place also from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.“We will try to do two projects if time allows. We will also be providing hot cocoa/cider and cookies to the participants. Pre-registration is required and the deadline in Saturday morning by 8 a.m.,” she said.
To register, call 618-206-6222 or email artgeckostudio@gmail.com.
Boarding House Bistro
Owner Chrissy Johnson said they will open at 10 a.m., serving a brunch charcuterie board, bagel sandwiches and a happy hour until noon with half off brunch cocktails.
Adam Harbison will play music live from 5 to 8 p.m. They are located at 212 E. State St.
They will be selling gift cards, wine and retail gifts.
Courage & Grace
Owner Jennifer Adank said they will be down by the Market area in the place they have designated for the ‘far away’ downtown businesses (she is at 300 West State Street).
“We will have our Ornament Bar that we launched this year, which is like a ‘creative buffet’. They will be able to pick the ornament, with all the pieces, their ribbon, bead, and paint colors. It comes with a bag with all the supplies needed, including glue and paintbrushes as well as instructions with photographs. Because everything is in a bag, it also makes a great hostess gift or stocking stuffer,” she said. “We launched it at the OTHS Band Parents Craft Fair and we had a really good response to it.”
“We will have some signs and other things for sale as well. We have many talented employees, our Master Makers, and Jaby will be with us spotlighting her beautiful bags that she makes. She is the owner of Sew 1980’s and has been a part of our team for five years,” she said.
Fezziwig’s Marketplace
Fezziwig’s will be sampling cocoas, cranberry reindeer sangria, mulled cider and mulled cider wine.
The shop, located at 225 W. First St., has many Christmas gifts, ornaments, décor, gourmet food, coffee, tea, wine, beer, and spirits. They have pre-packaged holiday gifts sets as well, from breakfast treats to chocolate indulgences. Those must be ordered by Dec. 17 for delivery.
Furchild
The specialty pet boutique at 105 E. First St., has pre-made holiday bundles that include enrichment toys to tasty treats.
Owner Julie Hughes said their holiday cookie collection is a big seller this year. They are open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Refinery Salon
“The Refinery really is a special place during the holiday season,” said owner Whitney Leidner. “Our retail collection has expanded. We have a small, curated selection of fun women’s clothing, accessories, and indulgent self-care essentials,” she said. “From bath and body products to must-have grand lash sets and the perfect piece for your upcoming special occasion, there’s something perfect waiting for you.”
They are located at 115 E. State St. and will be open until 8 p.m. on Saturday.
Seasons of Spice
Whitney Wisnasky-Bettorf’s new gift shop at 121 E. State St. specializes in big flavors – seasonings, spices, coffee, tea, candy and more. Local honey, and locally produced condiments, sauces, beverages and more line shelves along with global foods.
She said they had merry magical elves wrap up gift baskets, and they can also customize gift baskets for friends, family, teachers, caregivers and coworkers.
She will be open on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sweet Katie Bee’s Sustainable Bakery-Café
“We have cranberry surprise, hot cocoa, spiked cocoa and Fireball to spike your hot cider, and we have cocoa bombs and baked goods galore,” owner Jeana Santos said.
Three Sisters Crafts
Owner April Barnes said she will be open at her shop, 129 State St., from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“I will have free hot chocolate, you can make a free Christmas “Swiftie” bracelet, and all Christmas items will be 15 % off.
Toast and Table
Owner Stacy Fangmeyer said they are participating in the Wing Walk and will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. One of the newest shops, they are in the former Birch Market space at 227 W. First St.
“Kitchen supplies make great functional Christmas gifts — we have tons of small tools, gadgets and linens that make perfect stocking stuffers. We also offer gift cards that can also be redeemed for hands-on cooking classes for anyone looking to give the gift of experience,” she said.
Wing Walk
In the spirit of celebrating art, community and connection, the Shiloh-O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce is hosting this contest for the second year.
Saturday is the final day to enter the Wing Walk Photo Contest. Snap a selfie with the wings at any of the 16 participating businesses and then upload it to the O’Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.
For every selfie you submit, you get an entry to win one of three cash prizes - $200, $100, or $50. The more wings you visit, the more chances you have to win. Only one selfie per location is allowed.
The contest began Nov. 23 and ends Dec. 14. Winners will be announced Dec. 17.
Chamber Director Debbie Arell-Martinez started the event last year.
The Chamber has a list of businesses, with their hours listed, and a photo of the wings, indicating where they are indoors or out, on their website: https://ofallonchamber.com/wingwalk2024/.
The 16 participants include Cecena’s Jewely, Christian Brothers Automotive Shiloh, Fezziwig’s, Fiber and Threads Needlecrafts, Maids My Way, O’Fallon Fire Station #4, O’Fallon YMCA, O’Fallon Public Library, O’Fallon Public Safety Building, O’Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce, Refinery Salon, Revela at O’Fallon, Simplifying Beauty, The Coffeehouse Company, The Yankee Scone, and Toast & Table.