make merry | A holiday pop-up is coming to the ART Bar at Angad Arts Hotel. Themed after National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Moose Mug Lounge includes nostalgic Christmas decorations and photo opportunities throughout the space marked by a light display in honor of the movie. The pop-up is open during regular bar hours through Dec. 31.

a christmas classic
No bah humbugs here! The Historic Sappington House is hosting a special abridged production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol on Dec. 20, 21 and 22. The one-hour, walk-through performances will welcome guests into five specially decorated rooms of the house, and they also will get to enjoy tea and a scone in The Barn restaurant. Tickets can be purchased at EventBrite.

winter fun
Kickoff the holiday season with the Contemporary Art Museum at a special Winter Wonderland First Friday event Dec. 6. Starting at 5 p.m., the free festivities include DIY gift wrap and snowflake-making stations, hot chocolate, holiday tunes from D.J. Spicy Party Mix and more.

light it up!
Citygarden is lit up for the holiday season. Through Feb.17, visitors can enjoy the display of 102 light fixtures as well as stars and ornaments.

Don’t miss out on the U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America annual “Spirit of the Season” holiday concerts! These family-friendly performances are free, but tickets are required. Reserve your tickets today at afbandtix.org. Several shows are already sold out, so don’t miss out on these dates:

  • Dec 5: Kirkwood Performing Arts Center, 10 a.m. – Open Rehearsal
  • Dec 6: Kirkwood Performing Arts Center, 10 a.m. – Student Show
  • Dec 7: Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center, 7 p.m.
  • Dec 10: Mascoutah High School Performing Arts Center, 7 p.m.
  • Dec 11: Mascoutah High School Performing Arts Center, 7 p.m.

music maverick
U. City is welcoming Grammy-nominated musician Christopher J. Thomas as its Returning Artist for 2024-25. The program invites University City High School grads who have achieved acclaim in the arts to tour schools in the district. A public reception for Thomas will be held Dec. 2 at the high school. Prior registration can be made at ucityschools.org/RA2024.

coming to town
Santa Claus is coming to The Hub STL at The District in Chesterfield! You can catch the big guy at the holiday vendor fair Dec. 7 at 5 p.m. Photos with Santa are free when you bring a toy donation for Toys for Tots, and festivities will include a digital tree lighting. Santa will return to The Hub STL for a How the Grinch Stole Christmas movie night Dec. 19 at 6:30 p.m.