Family Arena could soon get a new name: At a recent St. Charles County Council meeting, officials reviewed a projected 2025 deficit at the Family Arena, with about $10.4 million in expected revenue against approximately $11.6 million in expenses. Bob Schnur, the county's intermittent assistant director of administration, said at the November 24 meeting that the county will push harder to secure naming rights for the arena and is working on an RFP to hire a firm to market them.
New liquor licenses granted: St. Charles City Council members have approved liquor licenses for two local restaurants. Old Trading Post, a new restaurant and bakery moving into the front of the Driftwood Music building (321 Boones Lick), is now cleared to serve mimosas and similar brunch drinks. Do Shaggies Burgers (1981 Zumbehl) also received approval to offer beer and boozy milkshakes.
Indie movie theatre opens in O’Fallon: Independent-cinema veteran Tristan Ratterman has opened Ratterman Theatres in O’Fallon, offering first-run films and cult favorites with an affordable “Reel Deal” ticket-and-snack combo for $15. Ratterman believes that small, community-focused theaters are poised for a comeback as megaplex chains decline. Read more in our online story.
A MESSAGE FROM ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Ring in the New Year with the SLSO’s Sparkling Celebration
Break out the bubbly as Stéphane Denève and the SLSO welcome 2026 with Bernstein, Bizet, and Gershwin—including the iconic Rhapsody in Blue. A festive, unforgettable New Year’s Eve.
St. Charles Christmas Traditions (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through Christmas Eve, historic Main Street): The beloved annual celebration features holiday décor, themed characters, music, and Old World seasonal charm. Free.
Christmas in Taylorville (December 12, Family Arena): This Taylor Swift tribute show blends her biggest hits with a celebration of the holiday season. 7 p.m. Ticket prices vary.
Ugly Sweater Bingo (December 12, Memorial Hall in Blanchette Park): Don your ugliest holiday sweater, and head out for a few rounds of bingo. Admission includes games, beer, and soda. Check-in starts at 6:30 p.m. Registration required. $25 for one person and $180 for a table of eight.
Lightwire Theater’s A Very Electric Christmas(December 14, J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts): Experience this holiday story of hope, featuring holiday hits from Nat King Cole, Mariah Carey, and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. 3 p.m. $29–$40.
Chanukah on Main Street (December 21, Berthold Square Park): Enjoy holiday music, a menorah lighting, hot latkes, and more. 5–6 p.m. Free.
Courtesy of Ryan Cooper
⭐️ COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Ryan Cooper helps bring Christmas Traditions to life
What began as a high school acting gig has grown into a role helping to steer one of St. Charles’ most beloved traditions. As the signature events producer for the Greater Saint Charles Convention & Visitors Bureau, Ryan Cooper still steps into character as Jack Frost while overseeing Christmas Traditions and its Halloween counterpart, Legends & Lanterns. Cooper says the joy of the work comes from seeing visitors catch the holiday spirit year after year, as well as supporting the performers who keep people coming back.
A new QuikTrip (3801 Harry S. Truman) is planned for St. Charles. It will feature a 6,445-square-foot store, six fuel pumps, a coffee bar, and a walk-up pickup window.
HGTV named St. Charles one of its 50 favorite small towns to visit for Christmas.
Voting is open through Sunday for City Lights 2025. To find out more about the light displays that are in the running this year, click here.
St. Charles Parks & Recreation will open 2026 shelter reservations on January 2 for rentals between April 15 and October 31. Booking will be on a first-come, first-served basis, with full payment at reservation and permits required for entertainment vendors at least three weeks in advance.
An open house will be held Sunday. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Select
🏠 HOME OF THE WEEK
Three-bed St. Charles home hits the market
Classic layout: This 1,440-square-foot house includes a vaulted great room with a wood-burning fireplace and wood flooring.
Updated kitchen: Granite countertops, wood cabinetry, stainless-steel appliances, and a breakfast area anchor the main-level living space.
