The Metro East Messenger 12.4.20 Issue

Local Events

2-12

Christmas Light Displays

5

Christmas Word Search

7

Coupons

8

Local Business Directory Where’s Santa?

Delectable Desserts

9-11 13 14-15

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, go to 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. Since 1970, the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate have invited one and all to make the Way of Lights a part of their family tradition. For more info, go to https://snows.org/wayoflights/.

Rockin’ Reindeer Bash, Dec. 5th, 5-8pm at EXO Lounge, 2 157 Center, Edwardsville, IL. Photos with Santa, live reindeer, outdoor holiday movie, hot chocolate bar, holiday market featuring local vendors, full cocktail & food menu available. www.visitexo.com

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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 your 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.

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). 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. Santa Claus Is Coming To The Bakery, Silly Grandma’s Sweet Creations, 2709 N. Center St. Maryville, IL. 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.

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Local Events Letters from the North Pole, Dec. 1-12th. Add to the excitement of Christmas for your little one with a letter from Santa Claus, straight from the North Pole. The Elves at Collinsville Parks and Recreation are helping Santa with correspondence this year! Register your child for "Letter from the North Pole" by calling 618.346.7529 or visiting https://bit.ly/3ohMk2P. Once you've registered for the program, please complete Santa's Parent Check list found on the website to help Santa's elves get your child a personalized letter from the jolly 'ol guy himself. Registration required.

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 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. www.visitexo.com

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. www.metroeastmessenger.com

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Lebanon’s Winter Wonderland, Horner Recreational Park, 11113 Widicus Road Lebanon, IL. Open Sun-Thur: 5 to 9pm. Fri-Sat 5 to 10pm. Weather permitting. Drive thru only.

Free, donations welcomed. For more info, go to hornerparklights.com.

Rock Springs Park Christmas Wonderland, 2116 College Ave, Alton, IL. Open Mon- Fri: 6 9 pm. Sat-Sun: 5 to 9 pm. Admission: $7 for cars and small vans, $1 per person for 10+ passenger vehicles. Tune your radios to 87.9 FM. For more info: (800)258-6645.

WonderLight’s Christmas in St. Louis 2020 at Worldwide Technology Raceway, 700 Raceway Blvd, Madison, IL. Open nightly 5pm-10pm. Over 1 million LED lights synchronized to Christmas music played through your own car stereo. $7 per person (3 and under free), carload $30 (up to 7 passengers). For tickets, go to www.showclix.com/event/christmas-in-st-louis.

Bethalto Christmas Village, E. Central St., Bethalto, IL. Open nightly 6-9pm. Celebrate Christmas with a stroll through the Arboretum in Bethalto, with lighted trees, glass cottages, wire art, nativity, and much more! Visitors are welcome to drive by the Village however for the best experience it is recommended to walk the 1/2-mile path. Free. For more info, call (618)377-8051.

Way Of Lights-Our Lady Of The Snows, Open nightly 5-9pm, 422 S De Mazenod Dr, Belleville, IL. Filled with more than 1.5 million shining bulbs and LEDs, this event is totally free for visitors (donations welcomed) and focuses on the religious background of Christmas, telling the story of the birth of Jesus. For more info, go to www.snows.org/wayoflights/.

Residential Light Displays In Madison and St. Clair Counties Ramblewood O’Fallon, IL Moye School Rd. O’Fallon, IL 1927 Llewellyn Road, Swansea IL 160 Pine Dale Drive, Swansea IL 53 & 57 Dianne Drive, Belleville IL 1420 Fairwood Drive, Belleville IL

421 John Henry Road, Belleville IL 9 Barbarotto Lane, Maryville IL 2036 Grandview Drive, Saint Jacob IL 119 Pebblebrook Lane, Troy, IL 55 Woodford Way, Collinsville, IL 1904 Pinehurst Ct., Collinsville IL

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Local Events A Very Merry Family Adventure: A COVID-safe Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt, Dec. 11th, 6pm, hosted

by Red Hill Church, Edwardsville, IL. Don't let COVID stop you from making memories this Christmas season! We have created a completely free, COVID-safe Christmas lights scavenger hunt for you and your family to enjoy. Sign up using our Google form and then swing through Liberty Middle School during your allotted time slot to pick up your clues. From the safety of your own car, you will enjoy laughter, music, stories, and CHRISTMAS LIGHTS! You will also have the chance to win gift cards from some of Edwardsville's most beloved local businesses. Sign up here: https://forms.gle/6CXjGdLgiiLEGKDb8

Drive-thru Cookies/Candy with Santa, Dec. 12th, 1-3pm at American Legion Post 365, 1022 Vandalia, St, Collinsville, IL. We will be hosting a drive thru style Santa sighting. The kids will get to see Santa and his Elves will be giving out treat bags with Cookies and Candy. Come out and join us!

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.

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Christmas Word Search

My ad

Sleigh, Presents, Toys, Bag, Hat, Gloves, Belt, Boots, Suit, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, Rudolph

Local Events 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.

Blood Drive, Dec. 16th, Edwardsville Knights of Columbus, 7132 Marine Rd, Edwardsville, IL. Masks and Appointments are required! To schedule an appointment, Contact Lynn Ripper at 618-799-9255 or go to www.bloodcenter.org. Use sponsor code 9920 to schedule online All donors will earn a gift card of longsleeved T-Shirt!

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. A petting zoo will be available between performances provided by ‘A Zoo for You’. Complimentary hot chocolate and smores will also be available. www.metroeastmessenger.com

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5LB Bag Excel Bacon

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

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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?

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Limit 10 LBS. Must present coupon.

Expires 12/20/20

www.bennysbnb.com (618) 344-4096

2330 South Center St. Maryville, IL

Local Events Breakfast with Santa, Dec. 19th, 9am-1pm at Edison’s Entertainment Complex 2477 S. St Rt, 157, Edwardsville, IL. Keep the traditions and joy of the season and join us for Breakfast with Santa. All socially distanced, with a NEW train ride this year! Get your annual photo with Santa and fill up with a delicious breakfast or lunch. $10 - breakfast and photo with Santa. Breakfast will be available for carryout or dine in at The Outlet in a heated, covered, open-air space. $18 - breakfast or lunch and a photo with Santa, plus an All-Access Pass. Call (618)307-9020 for reservations!

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.

Reindeer Bells Hunt @ Willoughby Farm, Dec. 21st-Jan. 3rd, Willoughby Heritage Farm Conservation Reserve, 631 Willoughby Ln, Collinsville, IL. Santa's reindeer accidentally knocked off their jingle bells while they were putting on their masks! Can you find their bells scattered around Willoughby Farm? Find all eight bells, then unscramble the letters that are attached to each of them to form a festive word. Send the correct word to the City of Collinsville Parks and Recreation Facebook Page by January 3 to be entered into a prize drawing! Winner will be announced and notified on January 4. Enjoy the festive lights and decorations at Willoughby Farm while you search for the reindeer bells! 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

Go to www.metroeastmessenger.com for coupons!

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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

www.xgreensynthetic.com 10

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 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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Rockin’ Reindeer Bash, Dec. 5th, 5-8pm at EXO Lounge, 2 157 Center, Edwardsville, IL. Photos with Santa, live reindeer, outdoor holiday movie, hot chocolate bar, holiday market featuring local vendors, full cocktail & food menu available. www.visitexo.com Driveway Dance Party, Dec. 5th, Collinsville, IL. Santa and the Grinch are going to be spreading holiday cheer throughout Collinsville starting at 5:30pm. They will bring music; all you have to do is join us on your driveway as they dance through your subdivision! To see Santa’s route, go to https://bit.ly/3qkZE8F. Santa’s Coming to Town, Dec. 5th at 11am, Maryville, IL. Santa will be getting an escort by the Maryville Fire Dept throughout Maryville. To see Santa’s routes, go to www.facebook.com/maryvillefire.

Santa Claus Is Coming To The Bakery, Silly Grandma’s Sweet Creations, 2709 N. Center St. Maryville, IL. 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. 50% of picture sales will be donated to Kellsie’s Hope Foundation as well as 100% of donations collecting from the Christmas giving box.

Drive-thru Cookies/Candy with Santa, Dec. 12th, 1-3pm at American Legion Post 365, 1022 Vandalia, St, Collinsville, IL. We will be hosting a drive thru style Santa sighting. The kids will get to see Santa and his Elves will be giving out treat bags with Cookies and Candy.

Santa’s Trip Around Highland, Dec. 13th, 3pm in Highland, IL. Highland Fire Dept. has been in communications with the North Pole and we are happy to announce that this year we will be bringing Santa to your neighborhood, while keeping everyone safe in a Covid Christmas world! To see Santa’s route, go to https://bit.ly/3mFyAP0.

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 will start in the high school parking lot and then follow the signs! Local Businesses will have a few small surprises along the way.

Santa’s House, Belleville, IL. Santa will not be at his house in Belleville this year, but he will be going live on his Facebook page to read stories and the children’s letters. Join in the fun at https://www.facebook.com/SantasHouseBelleville/. www.metroeastmessenger.com

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Creating sweet treats in the kitchen is great way to make holiday memories with family and friends. Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding provides a sweet, fruity, hearty dessert while Peppermint Cheesecake Brownies combine chocolatey goodness with creamy cheesecake and peppermint. Find more ways to celebrate the season with sweet eats at milkmeansmore.org.

(Family Features)

Peppermint Cheesecake Brownies Recipe courtesy of Sarah Bates of “The Chef Next Door� on behalf of Milk Means More Prep time: 10 minutes,Cook time: 30 minutes, Servings: 16 Cheesecake Batter and Topping: 8 ounces low-fat cream cheese, at room temperature 1/3 cup granulated sugar 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract 2 eggs 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 1/2 cup peppermint baking pieces Brownie Batter: Nonstick cooking spray 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup cocoa powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup granulated sugar 1/4 cup vegetable oil 1/4 cup milk 2 eggs 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 F. Coat 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.

To make cheesecake batter: Place cream cheese in bowl of stand mixer. Beat on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Add sugar and peppermint extract; beat well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add flour and beat mixture until blended.

To make brownie batter: In medium bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder and salt until combined. In separate bowl, whisk sugar, oil, milk, eggs and vanilla until well combined. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix until blended.

Pour brownie batter evenly into prepared pan.

Carefully pour cheesecake batter over top, spreading evenly. Carefully swirl layers together using knife tip. Bake 20 minutes.

Sprinkle top of brownies with peppermint baking pieces and bake 10 minutes until brownies are set. Cool brownies completely in pan on wire rack before cutting into 16 squares.

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Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding Recipe courtesy of Kirsten Kubert of “Comfortably Domestic� on behalf of Milk Means More Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 65 minutes Servings: 12 Pudding: 1 loaf Texas toast or day-old bread 1-2 tablespoons softened butter 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries 6 eggs 3/4 cup granulated sugar 3 1/2 cups 2% milk 1 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest 1/4 cup fresh orange juice 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 1/2 tablespoons coarse granulated sugar (optional)

(Family Features)

Orange Custard Sauce: 3 egg yolks 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1 cup half-and-half 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest

To make pudding: Cut bread into bite-sized cubes. If bread is soft and fresh, place cubes on half sheet pan and let stand at room temperature overnight to dry out.

Preheat oven to 375 F. Grease 13-by-9-by-2-inch baking dish with softened butter. Place bread cubes in prepared baking pan. Scatter cranberries over bread.

Beat eggs with sugar, milk, orange zest, orange juice, melted butter, vanilla and cinnamon until well blended. Pour evenly over bread and cranberries to coat. Sprinkle with coarse sugar, if desired. Bake 60-65 minutes, or until custard is set and edges of bread are browned.

To make orange custard sauce: In small saucepan, whisk egg yolks with sugar until lightened to pale yellow color, about 2 minutes. Stir half-and-half into mixture until combined. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, 15-20 minutes, or until sauce thickens enough to coat spoon. Stir orange zest into custard sauce. Serve bread pudding with warm custard sauce over top.

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