The Metro East Messenger 11.20.20 Issue

Local Events

3-14 8

Coupons Local Business Directory

9-11

Local Business Spotlight

13

Holiday Spirits To Sip On

15

On Page 13

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Local Events

NOTE: Events are subject to change, cancel or be rescheduled due to Covid 19 restrictions.

LIVE MUSIC EVERY WEEKEND at EXO Lounge, 7pm on Fridays, 6pm on Saturdays at EXO Lounge, 2 157 Center, Edwardsville, IL. For more info and updates, follow their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/EXOLounge.

WonderLight’s Christmas in St. Louis 2020, Nov. 20th-Jan. 3rd @ Worldwide Technology Raceway, 700 Raceway Blvd, Madison, IL. This dazzling display of Christmas lights is synchronized to traditional and newer, rocking music, played through your car stereo. Come see shooting stars, floating snowflakes, dancing candy canes and lollipops, giant Christmas trees, and (a crowd favorite) enchanting tunnels of lights! Open night- rain, shine, or snow!!! For tickets: https://www.wonderlightschristmas.com/tickets.

Way of Lights at The National Shrine Our Lady Of The Snows, Nov. 20th -Dec. 31st, open nightly 5-9pm, 422 S De Mazenod Dr, Belleville, IL. Wintertime sparkles at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows as the Annual Way of Lights Christmas display illuminates the grounds. For more info, go to https://snows.org/wayoflights/.

Have An Upcoming Event? Tell Us About It!

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Local Events Looking For A Venue To Host A Private Event? EXO Lounge has a new 40’x40’ event tent! Inside you’ll find a well-heated lounge setting with TVs, high top seating, standing tables, turf, up lighting, string lighting, ceiling draping, and chandeliers. For more info, go to https://visitexo.com/ or email events@visitexo.com.

Black Friday Curbside Adoption Event, Nov. 27th, 10am-5pm, Metro East Humane Society, 8495 IL 143, Edwardsville, IL. Fee-waived adoptions November 27th by appointment only and with pre-approval.

Anyone interested in participating in the event should complete an adoption inquiry through our website, https://www.mehs.org/adoption-inquiry. An album of available animals for this event will be posted a week in advance. Cats, kitten, puppies and dogs will be featured. Watch our page for updates!

Live Reindeer 2020, Nov. 27th-Dec. 24th @Creative Landscapes & Garden Center, 5515 Old Collinsville Rd, Fairview Heights, IL. Stop by and visit Santa's live reindeer, feed the reindeer, picture opportunities, kids will receive a prepackaged reindeer food for Christmas night and Santa himself will be available on the weekends (from a distance of course). We’ll have gift cards for purchase, and plenty of great Christmas gifts for sale in our Indoor Garden Center showroom. Restrooms will not be available. Our hours will be: Wednesday & Thursday 10AM-5PM, Friday 10AM-7PM, Saturday 12PM-7PM, Sunday 12PM-6PM, Monday & Tuesday CLOSED. Santa Claus Hours: Friday 3-7, Saturday 12-7, Sunday 12-6. Reindeer Visiting Fees: Adults $3/person, Children between the ages 3-18 $2/person, Children 2 and under FREE.

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Local Events You’ve Been Elfed, hosted by City of Collinsville Parks and Recreation. The holidays are coming, and the Elves will help you get in the spirit! You can "Elf" friends or family members by sending them a special Holiday Box! Each box contains just what they need to jump into the holidays: a Holiday Book, Snowman Soup, a Holiday Ornament Craft, instructions to send a Letter to Santa and even food for Santa's Reindeer. Cost: $20 per box. Deliveries on November 30th, December 1st and December 2nd. To register, call the City of Collinsville Parks and Recreation Department at 618.346.7529 or visit www.collinsvilleil.org. Spaces are limited!

Lighted Christmas Parade, Nov. 27th 6:30-8pm, Lindendale Park. The Highland Chamber of Commerce, Highland Machine, Mosaic Church, and Brad & Tina Frank invite you to join us for the annual Lighted Christmas Parade in Highland, IL. This year the lighted parade will be stationary, allowing families and friends to drive past in the safety of their cars while still being able to enjoy this beloved tradition during uncertain times. Parade goers will enter the route from VFW road and follow Parkhill Drive to the beginning of the parade.

Holiday Wreath Decorating Class, Nov. 29th, 5pm, at EXO Lounge, 2 157 Center, Edwardsville, IL. Holiday Wreath Decorating class will be led by A Wildflower Shop. For more info and updates, follow their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/EXOLounge. www.metroeastmessenger.com

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Local Events Santa Claus Is Coming To The Bakery, Silly Grandma’s Sweet Creations, 2709 N. Center St. Maryville, IL. Nov. 29th 10am-2pm. Dec. 6th 1-4pm. Dec. 13th 8am-noon, Dec. 20th 11am-3pm. Event will be outside in Santa’s Cottage. 4x6 Keepsake photos available: 1 for $10 or 2 for $15. Free hot chocolate and marshmallows. Fur babies welcome, also. 50% of picture sales will be donated to Kellsie’s Hope Foundation as well as 100% of donations collecting from the Christmas giving box.

Calls From Santa, Presented by the Belleville Parks & Recreation. Phone calls made on Nov. 30, Dec. 1, & Dec. 2- you choose which date best works for you! November 25th is the last day to register for this FREE program! Also, if your wee one is a bit too shy to talk on the phone, Santa can send them a letter instead, call us to find out how. (618) 233-1416. For more info and form, go to https://www.facebook.com/BellevilleParks.

Letters from the North Pole, Dec. 1-12th. Add to the excitement of Christmas for your little one with a letter from the jolly guy himself, Santa Claus, straight from the North Pole. Register your child for "Letter from the North Pole" by calling 618.346.7529 or go to https://www.collinsvilleil.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/1483/159.

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Local Events Christmas In The Village! Dec. 4th 6-8:30pm. Join us on December 4th for a Christmas in the Village Drive-Thru! Members of the Board of Trustees and other volunteers will be posted up in front of Village Hall to provide our kiddos with stockings stuffed with surprises, hot chocolate kits, treats, and more! You are welcome to park your car and walk our lighted pathway to our Winter Wonderland so you can get your picture with Santa! Santa will be there if you choose to include him in your photo.

Gathering of Trees + Winter Market, Dec. 4th-5th @ Gateway Convention Center, 1 Gateway Dr, Collinsville, IL. VENDORS, SILENT AUCTION, AND HOLIDAY CHEER: Joyously celebrate the holidays by joining us at the 27th Anniversary of the Gathering of Trees held at the Collinsville Gateway Convention Center. The 40,000 square foot event space transforms into a holiday winter wonderland with beautifully decorated live trees, gorgeous wreaths, unique home décor, and vendors galore! Holiday magic abounds thanks to a generous community. An event benefiting KAHOKstrong. For more info and tickets, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gathering-of-trees-tickets-124169423087.

Rockin’ Reindeer Bash, Dec. 5th, 5pm at EXO Lounge, 2 157 Center, Edwardsville, IL. For this family friendly event, Edwardsville musician Mike Sonderegger will play all of your favorite holiday tunes and we will have Santa and his reindeer, live, for family photo opportunities. Kids will get scrumptious holiday cookies and have a delicious hot chocolate bar, and, for adults, a boozy hot chocolate bar will be available as well as the full menu of cocktails from EXO Lounge. EXO also will feature a Christmas movie on its Jumbotron. For more info and tickets, follow EXO’s social media pages. www.metroeastmessenger.com

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5LB Bag Excel Bacon

$3.99/LB 804 S. Main St. Troy, IL (618) 667-6268

CHELSEY REED

10% Off Any Merchandise In Our Store!

Hair Designer & Makeup Artist 2400 N. Center St, Maryville, IL (618) 410-0882

25% Off New Client Cut & Color Service *Must mention ad when booking

302 E. Main St, Collinsville, IL (618) 855-8855

www.Code3BBQSupply.com

Save 10% On Grooming, 1 Day of Lodging Or Day Camp !

Want To Advertise?

Call (618) 407-3097 metroeastmessenger@gmail.com www.metroeastmessenger.com

Limit 10 LBS. Must present coupon.

Expires 12/13/20

www.bennysbnb.com (618) 344-4096

2330 South Center St. Maryville, IL

Local Events Edwardsville Winter Market 2020, Dec. 5th, 9am-12p, Downtown Edwardsville, IL. Winter Market is a fabulous time to shop local for the holidays. Our Winter Market features items from our neighborhood and surrounding communities: artisans, baked goods, crafters, locally grown items, unique, boutique gifts and products. COVID-19 Considerations will be in effect. Plan on wearing a mask and being courteous of others with social distancing.

Elsa & Anna's Gingerbread Workshop, Dec. 5th, 9-10:30am or 11am-12:30pm, Collinsville Activity Center, 10 Gateway Dr, Collinsville, IL. Elsa and Anna are coming to the Collinsville Activity Center to help all the boys and girls get into the holiday spirit! Each registered participant will decorate a premade Gingerbread House and two cookies. Elsa will read her favorite story at the end of the Workshop! This is a parent/child class. $15 for Residents, $20 for Nonresidents. Advance registration required. Register by calling (618)3467529 or go to https://bit.ly/2IxyxpV. Santa's Mane Event - photos with Santa & his horse! Dec. 6th, 12-4pm, Equus Rescue, 8743 LePere School Rd, Millstadt, IL. We are proud to announce the 3rd Annual 'SANTA'S MANE EVENT' fundraiser in December! This will be our first event since mid-March due to COVID - so let's make it a great one! Bring the family! Photo booth with Santa and his horse! Baked goods/treats and hot beverages (sugar free options available!) Held indoors, with heating stations. Silent auction items and Christmas music. Cost: suggested donation of $5/person. NOTE: Mandatory COVID guidelines will be followed. Masks will be available to anyone without one. www.metroeastmessenger.com

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Restaurant Directory Restaurant Name

Address

Other Features

Website

American/Bar & Grill 1) 27 Jct Dr W, Glen Carbon, IL 62034, (618)659-1922 Classic American comfort food, Open 24 Denny's 2) 522 Ramada Blvd, Collinsville, IL 62234, www.dennys.com Hours (618) 345-8995 3) 737 W Hwy 50, O'Fallon, IL 62269, (618) 622-0471 Cajun Comfort Food/Fresh Gulf Shores Restaurant www.gulfshoresrestaura 215 Harvard Drive, Edwardsville, IL, (618) 650-9109 Seafood/Daily Specials/Weekly Live & Grill ntandgrill.com Music (see website for dates and times) IHOP

Kool Beanz Café

Lottie's Café

1028 W Hwy 50, O'Fallon, IL 62269, (618)632-5400

212 E State St, O Fallon, IL 62269, (618) 589-3843

Wide variety of pancakes, American breakfast and diner fare.

www.ihop.com

Specialty Coffee, Gourmet Tea, Handcrafted Smoothies, Breakfast and https://koolbeanzlife.co Lunch Served, Vegan/Vegetarian m/ Options Available. Baked Goods

1099 Belt Line Road, Suite D, Collinsville, IL 62234, Carryout/Catering/Daily www.facebook.com/Lotti (618) 223-8253 Specials/Gaming/Occasional Live Music es-Cafe

Mady's

623 Edwardsville Road, Troy, Illinois (618) 505-7188

Bar/Casino

Mady's Facebook Page

McDill's Irish Pub

334 Saint Louis Rd Collinsville, IL, 62234 (618) 344-9875

Daily Food Specials/Dine in or Carry Out/Pool Table/Gaming/UFC Fight Viewing

https://www.facebook.c om/McDills

Peel Wood Fired Pizza

The Command Post Bar and Grill The Wooden Nickel Pub & Grill

1) 921 S. Arbor Vitae, Edwardsville, IL 62025 Order (618)659-856 Online/Carryout/Patio/Brewery/Seasona www.peelpizza.com 2) 1104 S. Cherry St., O'Fallon, IL 62269, (618)726l Specials 2244 Video Gaming/Pool/Dart Leagues/Draft https://www.facebook.c and Craft Beer Selections/Daily 104 N Main St, Troy, IL 62294(618) 667-9892 om/TheCommandPost70 Specials/Children welcome with an 8/ adult. 18+ https://www.facebook.c 171 S. Main St, Glen Carbon, IL Patio/Carryout/Happy Hour/Daily om/WoodenNickelGlenC (618) 288-2141 Specials/Occasional Live Music arbon/

Time Out Sports Bar & Grill

111 W Market St, Troy, IL 62294 (618) 667-2221

Carryout/Daily Specials/Happy Hour/Gaming/Occasional Live Music

China King (Edwardsville)

1063 S State Rt. 157, Edwardsville, IL 62025, (618) 692-1888

Dine in/Carry Out/Order Online/Delivery

www.edwardsvillechinaki ng.com

China King (Troy)

535 Troy Ave #537, Troy, IL 62294, (618) 667-8886

Dine in/Carry Out

See Menu

www.timeoutsportsbargr ill.com

Asian

Mariachi's Mexican Restaurant

Zapata's Mexican Restaurant

Mexican 1) 400 S Illinois St, Belleville, IL 62220, (618) 236-9492 2) 2922 N Center St, Maryville, IL 62062, (618) 288-6300 3) 717 W Washington St, Millstadt, IL 62260, (618) 476-6223 1) 8 Eastport Plaza Drive, Collinsville, IL, (618) 343-1337 2) 4660 N Illinois Street, Fairview Heights, IL, (618) 277-5474

Carryout/Order Online/Catering/Daily www.mariachismexfood.

Specials/Gaming/Party Room com

Lunch Buffet/Carry Out/Catering/Daily www.zapatasmexican.co Specials/Party Room/Karaoke Every m Other Friday

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Business Directory Gas & Convenience 7900 N Illinois St, Caseyville, IL 62232

(618) 344-1286

2233 Vandalia St, Collinsville, IL 62234

(618) 344-1352

301 Salem Pl, Fairview Heights, IL 62208

(618) 624-6013

6559 IL-162, Maryville, IL 62062 826 W Hwy 50, O'Fallon, IL 62269 1242 Thouvenot Ln, Shiloh, IL 62269 536 Edwardsville Rd, Troy, IL 62294

(618) 288-7920 (618) 632-2177 (618) 622-2220 (618) 667-4581

Handee Mart

411 N Main St, Caseyville, IL 62232

(618) 344-3667

https://www.facebook.com/ handeemartcaseyville/

Huck's Convenient Food Store

1029 Lincoln Hwy, Fairview Heights, IL 62208

(618) 632-4807

www.hucks.com

702 Vandalia St, Collinsville, IL 62234

(618) 345-9777

Pilot Travel Center Shell

970 US-50, O'Fallon, IL 62269 820 Edwardsville Rd, Troy, IL 62294 1011 W US-50, O'Fallon, IL 62269

(618) 622-0630 (618) 667-0946 (618) 632-2787

pilotflyingj.com https://find.shell.com

TA

819 Edwardsville Rd, Troy, IL 62294

(618) 667-9931

www.ta-petro.com

Circle K

Moto Mart

www.circlek.com

www.shell.com

Retail & Services Bike Surgeon

201 E State St, O'Fallon, IL 62269

(618) 622-1693

https://bikesurgeon.com/

Chelsey Reed-Hair Designer & Makeup Artist

2400 N Center St Maryville, IL, 62062

(618) 410-0882

www.facebook.com/chereed hairstylist

Chiropractic Works

410 Regency Ctr, Collinsville, IL 62234

(618) 477-8364

www.chiropracticworkscollin sville.com

Code 3 Spices

302 E. Main St. Collinsville, IL 62234

(618) 855-8855

https://code3spices.com/

DogWatch Hidden Fences

Email: Alan@dogwatchofillinois.com

(618) 692-9131

www.dogwatchofillinois.com

Edward Jones-Financial Advisor: Denise Arendell

303 Fountains Parkway, Suite 210 Fairview Heights, Il 62208 denise.arendell@edwardjones.com

(618) 622-4977

www.edwardjones.com/deni se-arendell

Kelly's Butcher Shop & Deli

804 South Main St., Troy, IL 62294

(618) 667-6268

https://www.facebook.com/ KellysButcherShopDeli/

Lonnie's Liquors

2004 Vandalia St, Collinsville, IL 62234

(618) 344-3430

1150 St. Louis Road, Collinsville, IL 62234

(618) 345-0611

25 Commercial St, Millstadt, IL 62260

(618) 476-7490

7835 Ivory Ave. St. Louis, MO 63111

(314) 638-2710

Email: Alan@xgreensynthetic.com

(314) 241-8873

Mike's Automotive

Xtreme Green Synthetic Turf

www.metroeastmessenger.com

www.mikesautomotive.net

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Hotels Comfort Inn Collinsville

8 Commerce Dr, Collinsville, IL 62234

(480) 725-1637

www.wyndhamhotels.com

Days Inn Collinsville

12 Commerce Dr, Collinsville, IL 62234

(618) 803-4032

www.wyndhamhotels.com

4 Gateway Dr, Collinsville, IL 62234

(618) 346-0607

www.marriott.com

Fairfield Inn by Marriott St. LouisCollinsville La Quinta Inn & Suites Collinsville

6 Gateway Dr, Collinsville, IL 62234

(618) 855-8400

www.laquintacollinsville.com

(618) 223-5383

www.wyndhamhotels.com

(618) 624-3636

www.choicehotels.com

(618) 212-1300

www.ihg.com

(618) 688-2526

www.wyndhamhotels.com

(618) 398-7124

www.radisonhotels.com

Best Western- Troy

2 Gateway Drive, Collinsville, IL 62234 305 Salem Pl, Fairview Heights, IL 62208 313 Salem Pl, Fairview Heights, IL 62208 45 Ludwig Dr, Fairview Heights, IL 62208 140 Ludwig Dr, Fairview Heights, IL 62208 2020 Formosa Rd, Troy, IL 62294

(618) 667-9200

www.bestwestern.com

Red Roof Inn

2030 Formosa Rd, Troy, IL 62294

(618) 667-2222

www.redroof.com

Super 8-Troy

910 Edwardsville Rd, Troy, IL 62294

(618) 505-1189

www.wyndhamhotels.com

Super 8-Collinsville Econo Lodge Holiday Inn Super 8 by Wyndham Country Inn & Suites by Radisson

Best Western

116 Regency Park, O'Fallon, IL 62269

(618) 622-8600

www.bestwestern.com

Extended Stay America

154 Regency Park, O'Fallon, IL 62269

(618) 624-1757

www.extendedstayamerica.com

La Quinta Inn & Suites

136 Regency Park, O'Fallon, IL 62269

(618) 726-2323

www.wyndhamhotels.com

Sleep Inn

140 Venita Dr, O'Fallon, IL 62269

(618) 589-3999

www.choicehotels.com

TownePlace Suites by Marriott

445 Regency Park Drive, O'Fallon, IL 62269

(618) 624-4900

www.marriott.com

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Local Events National Gingerbread Day & Contest, Dec. 12th, 11am-8pm @ Bella Vista Winery, 6633 E. Main St, Maryville, IL. Join Bella Vista Winery, local businesses, and local organizations for our First Annual Gingerbread House Contest! Free to enter and to participate! Gingerbread Houses or creations will be on display on Saturday, December 12th. Voting is from 11am-6pm and the winner will be announced at 8pm at Bella Vista Winery and on Facebook Live on the Bella Vista Winery Facebook Page! If you are interested in participating, please email Tayler Reilmann at events@bellavistail.com for the registration form!

Vine Street Winter Market, Dec. 12th, 3:30-7:30pm, Vine Street Market at O’Fallon Station, 212 E. 1st Street, O’Fallon, IL. Back this year, in collaboration with the O'Fallon Downtown District Tinsel Around Town, is the Vine Street Winter Market! Come shop your favorite local market vendors and stock up on delicious foods and art during this fun and unique outdoor market! Carriage rides will leave from the O'Fallon Station during the market, reservations required, and there will be plenty of holiday cheer spread throughout the entire downtown district.

Blood Drive, Dec. 16th, 2-6pm, Glen Carbon Library, 198 S. Main St, Glen Carbon, IL. Donating blood is a simple thing to do, but it can make a big difference in the lives of others. If you can, please give. Look for the Red Cross Donor Bus in the parking lot. To register, go to www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/finddrive.

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At The Metro East Messenger, we love to tell our readers about new businesses that have opened in the area. In this issue, we want to tell you about EXO Lounge and Nail Bar in Edwardsville, IL. It’s a one of kind lounge and full-service nail bar that has been getting lots of attention since its launch in December. The owner, Gina Gamblin, and her team have managed to create a venue that caters to all the senses for everyone. This upscale, plush nail salon, with its clean EXO Lounge & Nail Bar white interiors, vaulted ceilings and gold finishes, will have you 2 157 Center, Edwardsville, IL feeling relaxed and pampered. When you’re finished with your nail (618)692-9696 services, you’ll want to visit the lounge on the other side of this www.VisitEXO.com 12,000 square foot complex. The lounge is the perfect place to meet friends and enjoy an organic cocktail or small bite made by Chef Rob Marbs, former chef of the Fabulous Fox Theatre. The 2,000 square foot all-weather outdoor lounge patio has a 7 ft. tall fire feature, water features and live music every Friday and Saturday night. Be sure to follow EXO’s social media pages for upcoming events and giveaways. There’s a lot going on at EXO Lounge & Nail Bar!

EXO Lounge Recently Opened Their 40’x40’ Event Tent!

This well heated lounge tent is the perfect spot to host your next party. Inside you’ll find TVs, high top seating, standing tables, turf, up lighting, string lighting, ceiling draping, and chandeliers. Email events@visitexo.com for more info.

You Could Win This Louis Vuitton Bag! Book an appointment for any nail service Monday thru Wednesday to enter.

Winner will be drawn on Dec. 17th.

Must be present to win.

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Local Events 2020 Reindeer Cruise, Dec. 17th, 5:30-8:30pm. Join the Six Mile Regional Library and the Granite City Park District for a drive thru reindeer and Santa Visit at Wilson Park. Drive thru to start in the high school parking lot and then follow the signs! Local Businesses will have a few small surprises along the way. Due to Covid restrictions all participants must remain in their cars. Walk up will not be allowed. Free of charge!

Christmas at the Manger: Outdoor Live Nativity, Dec. 18th and 19th, 6-8:30pm, Calvary Life Church, 4650 Maryville Rd, Granite City, IL. Experience ‘Christmas at the Manger’, an outdoor live nativity at Calvary Life Church. We will have a narration of the birth of Christ every 30 minutes. This is a free family friendly event, open to the community. Invite your family, friends, and neighbors to encounter the miracle birth of Christ and the true meaning of Christmas. A petting zoo will be available between performances provided by ‘A Zoo for You’. Complimentary hot chocolate and smores will also be available. Social distancing and masks are encouraged at this event.

Christmas Cake Decorating Class, Dec. 20th, 5pm at EXO Lounge, 2 157 Center, Edwardsville, IL. Christmas cake decorating class will be led by Ashly from A Sweet Life. Everything needed to create an adorable cake will be provided. Guests will learn cake decorating techniques and a full service of cocktails will be available for purchase from EXO Lounge. Tickets are available for the 2-hour class at EXO Lounge’s Facebook page.

Christmas Eve Live Nativity, Dec. 24th, 4:30-7:30pm, Mosaic Church, 1317 Pestalozzi St, Highland, IL. Start your Christmas weekend off right by attending this powerfully-immersive outdoor experience! See Mary, Joseph and the infant Jesus lying in the manger, surrounded by real camels, llamas, cows, sheep, goats, chickens and more! Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate around the campfire as Christmas songs are played live for you to sing along with. Come for a few minutes or stay for an hour...it's up to you. This is sure to be an event that your whole family will enjoy! For more info, go to their Facebook page.

All That Glitters New Year’s Eve Cocktail Party, Dec. 31st at EXO Lounge, 2 157 Center, Edwardsville, IL. Make plans now to attend this masquerade party at the exclusive EXO Lounge! No tickets or purchase required, adults only. For more info and updates, follow EXO’s social media pages!

New Year's Eve Speakeasy, Dec. 31st, 7pm-1am, Bella Vista Winery, 6633 E. Main St, Maryville, IL. Ring in the New Year at Bella Vista Winery with a Glamorous Roaring 20's Speakeasy! Enjoy prohibition era cocktails, live music by Dueling Pianos, a decadent dinner, delicious wine, and a photo booth all while dancing the night away in your Roaring 20's attire! Watch the Ball Drop live in New York City while toasting the New Year with a complimentary Champagne toast! Pre-purchased tickets required: https://bit.ly/35AOK6g.

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Cranberry Smash Moscow Mule Servings: 1 1 cup cranberries, plus additional for garnish (optional), divided 3/4-1 cup water, divided 2 ounces vodka 1-2 ounces fresh squeezed lime juice 4 ounces Zevia Ginger Beer Mixer Ice rosemary, lime slices, cinnamon sticks for garnish (optional)

Despite a holiday season that's practically guaranteed to feel different than any other, one constant will remain for many: enjoying the tastes of favorite foods and beverages while cozied up at home. Enhance the holiday spirit and complement the meal at your table with adult beverages that call for seasonal flavors to add to the festive vibe. To find more holiday cocktail ideas, visit Zevia.com/recipes/cocktails.

In saucepan, boil cranberries in 1/2 cup water until they burst. Use fork to smash cranberries. Boil 3-4 minutes. Keep mixture moist by adding water 1/4 cup at a time. Let mixture cool to room temperature.

In copper mug, combine vodka, lime juice, ginger beer and smashed cranberries over ice. Garnish with additional cranberries, rosemary, lime slices and cinnamon sticks, if desired.

Winter White Margarita Servings: 6 12 ounces coconut milk 12 ounces silver tequila 1 tablespoon orange extract 2 1/2 cups ice 1 1/2 cans Zevia Lemon Lime with Bitters Granulated stevia, for garnish (optional) Cranberries, for garnish (optional) Rosemary sprigs, for garnish (optional) In blender, blend coconut milk, tequila, orange extract, ice and bitters until smooth.

Rim six glasses with granulated stevia. Divide mixture among glasses and garnish each with cranberries and rosemary, if desired.

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