Saint Charles Christmas Traditions

Schedule:

Oh christmas tree: the evolution of an icon - 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm

Location: the historic katy depot in frontier park*

Perhaps no image is as associated with the holiday season as the christmas tree. For centuries these festive evergreens have not only provided a fitting place for santa to deposit gifts but have stood as a global symbol for the hope and meaning of christmas.

Journey to the historic katy depot in frontier park to experience “oh, christmas tree: the evolution of an icon,” an exhibit that will lead visitors on a gentle winding path through history as a forest of tannenbaums illustrate how trends and fashions affected the stylings of trees over generations. From the first illumination introduced onto pine trees by martin luther, to the mid-century modern flair of aluminum trees in the 1950s and 1960s, discover interesting trivia as you view international variations of this holiday icon, while celebrating famous depictions in popular culture (from charlie brown’s sad sapling to seinfeld’s “festivus pole”).

Krampus karnival: the bizarre, odd, and curious traditions of christmas - 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm

Location: the historic katy depot in frontier park

You’d better watch out  Krampus is coming to town  On friday nights, be prepared to experience some of the wonderfully weird holiday customs from around the globe as krampus (the furry, punitive partner of saint nicholas in bavarian and austrian culture) has arrived in saint charles with his notorious batch of kooky (but friendly) ne’er-do-wells: gryla (the quirky icelandic ogress), mari lwyd (the whimsical singing skeletal horse from welsh culture), and those whacky mischievous greek trolls, the kallikantzaroi. They have transformed the deck of the katy depot into a turn-of-the-century carnival midway. Step right up as these madcap carnival barkers share their stories in the form of “krampus-fied” carnival games. Continue inside the depot where you will see that krampus himself has decided to re-decorate santa’s home-away-from-home. With eerie lighting and the sound of macabre christmas carols floating through the air, enter santa’s parlor that has been reimagined as krampus’ lair. Have a laugh at krampus’ comical antics, and don’t forget to snap a photo with him (guaranteeing you the most unique christmas cards on the block this year ). Create lasting memories as you discover the peculiar holiday traditions from around the world during this curious experience that is certainly more “merry” than “scary”.

Holiday food hall of fame - all festival hours

Location: old post office plaza (100 block of south main)

Get ready for an education that is simply delicious as you learn the fascinating history and surprising facts about some of the most iconic holiday sweets and treats. From eggnog and candy cants to gingerbread houses and the ever-controversial fruitcake, you'll never look at your favorite yuletide refreshments the same way again.

Old fashioned hot roasted chestnuts - 6:00 pm - 7:45  pm

Location: the daniel boone statue (between the 700 and 800 blocks of south main)

Jack frost nipping at your nose? Travel to the daniel boone statue to enjoy the warm and toasty treat of fresh chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Revel at the entertaining antics and witty banter of our victorian chestnut vendors as they demonstrate the fine art of roasting their favorite holiday snack. For a nominal fee, you can enjoy one yourself—either as a tasty treat or as an old-fashioned hand warmer.

8 maids wassail tavern - 6:00 pm - 7:45 pm

Location: berthold square (200 block of south main)

Famous for their role in the never-ending “12 days of christmas” tune, these merry milkmaids have stepped away from their milking stools to open up a traveling tavern specializing in the traditional spiced cider known as wassail. Their tavern also serves as a mini-museum of holiday artifacts. Gaze upon their displayed curios and you may see some familiar items (such as drumsticks from the 12 drummers drumming…or a pear from the partridge’s infamous pear tree )

Piccadilly peddlers - purveyors of merry merchandise (festival souvenirs*) - 6:00 pm - 7:45  pm

Location: berthold square (200 block of south main)
Festival souvenirs also available at the tourism center (230 south main)

Looking for that special stocking stuffer or memento to help commemorate your visit to saint charles christmas traditions®? The festival offers a wide array of unique souvenirs and apparel that will help keep the christmas spirit going all year long  T-shirts, full decks of christmas traditions® character cards, festive pins and buttons, the piccadilly peddlers can help you select the perfect trinket for everyone on your shopping list.

Candlelight procession - 8:00 pm

Procession route: 900 block of south main street to the 100 block of south main street (old post office)

As each festival day comes to a close, join all of your favorite global gift givers, legends of christmas, and carolers as they journey to the iconic old post office for a musical finale where you are encouraged to sing along.

Gingerbread village - festival hours

Location: main street church (116 north main)

Each year, talented individuals of all ages submit creative confectionary creations. Stop by main street church (116 north main) to see the dozens of entries that reflect this year's theme: "Game night." don't forget to vote for your favorite