Nov. 13, 2019
Contact: Nancy Lee Gomer, Marketing Coordinator, 636-949-7535, or 636-795-1137, ngomer@sccmo.org
St. Charles County, Missouri – ‘Tis the season to visit a St. Charles County Park for an extra dose of holiday cheer and family-friendly fun! The 2019 list of Holiday Happenings is available and the St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department has a wonderful lineup of festive events planned in November, December and January. Join us for these exciting holiday events and activities happening in the parks:
Letters to Santa
Friday, Nov. 15 through Friday, Dec. 13
Youth Activity Park, 7801 Highway N in Dardenne Prairie
Children ages 8 and under are invited to write a letter to Santa and bring it to the park along with a self-addressed, stamped envelope. They will receive a letter from Santa before Christmas! Park hours are from 12–8 p.m.; Sunday through Thursday; 12–10 p.m., Friday; 10 a.m.–10 p.m., Saturday. While you’re there, enjoy free play inside the complex and climb to the top of our 30-foot rock wall. Outside, if the pavement is dry, get your skateboard, scooter and BMX bike and ride the largest outdoor skate/bike course in the state of Missouri! Helmets and a parent-signed waiver are required to utilize our park’s extreme sports amenities. For more information, call the Youth Activity Park at 636-561-4964.
Christmas Tree Workshop
3 – 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 23
Indian Camp Creek Park, 2679 Dietrich Road in Foristell
Learn about the different evergreen species and the history of the Christmas Tree with St. Charles County Park Rangers. During this new program, Rangers will talk about the origin of these holiday trees that are native to Missouri. You’ll learn how to identify different conifers as you sip on hot beverages around the roaring campfire at the Group Camping area in the park. Be sure to stick around after the presentation for a drawing for one free Christmas Tree courtesy of Sullivan Farms! Registration is not required; guests must be present to win the tree.
Holiday Toy Train Display
Saturday, Nov. 30 through Thursday, Jan. 6
St. Charles County Heritage Museum, 1630 Heritage Landing in St. Peters
Bring the family out to marvel over the museum’s popular Holiday Toy Train Display during the months of November, December and January; admission is free! This year’s display features extended tracks and scenes that highlight landmark park buildings including the historic Boone Village, Hays Home, Heritage Museum and the 1860s homestead formerly known as the “Pink Plantation” at Towne Park. It also features a new North Pole scene with Mrs. Claus’ bake shop, Santa’s cabin and the Elf Toy Factory. We’ll celebrate the opening of the display with free hot chocolate and cookie decorating reception from 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 30. The museum will also serve as a donation site for the Toys for Tots, a program created by the United States Marine Corps Reserve, which collects new unwrapped toys and distributes them to less fortunate children at Christmas. If you’d like to spread some holiday cheer by donating, please bring new unwrapped toys to the museum through Dec. 13. The museum is open 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday; and
12– 5 p.m., Sunday. It will be closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Call the museum at 636-255-6000 for more information.
Christmas Candlelight Walks
Park entry times 6, 7 and 8 p.m., on Dec. 6-7 and 13-14
The Historic Daniel Boone Home, 1868 Highway F in Defiance
Experience a night of warmth and beauty this holiday season at The Boone Home. Step back in time to observe Christmas traditions of the past, while strolling through the enchanting village illuminated with thousands of lantern-lit candles. Along the way, visit with “Daniel and Rebecca Boone” inside the Boone Home as they reminisce about winters past. Enjoy holiday cookies, apple cider, and traditional carols inside the Old Peace Chapel. Tickets are limited; admission is $10 in advance and $15 at the park. Walk-in guests may be limited to village tours only. Call the park at 636-798-2005 for more information.
Pizza with Santa
10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 7
Youth Activity Park (YAP), 7801 Highway N in Dardenne Prairie
HO! HO! HO! Jolly Old Saint Nick is coming to the YAP to visit with all the good little boys and girls ages 10 and under this holiday season. Bring your Christmas wish list and camera to capture this special moment. Each child will be served pizza and soda and can play games and make crafts with Santa. Cost is $12; pre-registration required by Friday, Nov. 29. After the program, guests are welcome to stay and use the free
Crafting from Nature: Ornament Making
10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 7
St. Charles County Heritage Museum, 1630 Heritage Landing in St. Peters
Learn to make Christmas ornaments with materials from nature and the help of the talented St. Charles County Parks horticulture team! Just $5 includes all materials and a handmade ornament to take home. Pre-registration is requested. Call the museum at 636-255-6000 for more information. After the program, guests are welcome to stay and tour the museum’s displays and use the interactive digital hunting simulator.
Santa’s Search Party
From 7 a.m. – 4 p.m., Friday through Sunday, Dec. 13-15
Indian Camp Creek Park, 2679 Dietrich Road in Foristell
Join Santa's Search Party in the park! The object of this game is to find as many presents, elves, and other characters hidden along the trails as you can. We provide a park map with clues, but you will need your cell phone or camera to take a picture of each character when found. Children 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult. The program is free, but pre-registration is required to acquire the map.
Crafting from Nature: Holiday Centerpiece
5 – 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 14
St. Charles County Heritage Museum, 1630 Heritage Landing in St. Peters
Join us at the museum to learn how to make a beautiful, festive centerpiece for your dining table this year. No experience? No problem! Our talented Parks team teaches you step by step, using natural elements to create your one-of-a-kind Christmas centerpiece. The program is $20, which includes instruction, materials, and your own centerpiece to take home. Pre-registration is required. Call the museum at 636-255-6000 for more information. This program is designed for adults or mature teens. After he program, participants can stay and enjoy museum displays and the interactive digital hunting simulator.
For more information and to register for St. Charles County Parks Holiday Happenings, call 636-949-7535 or visit stccparks.org.