Festus WinterFest
Visitors can browse craft and food vendors, visit a petting zoo, take pony rides, and enjoy inflatables, face painting, and balloon twisting. Guests can meet Santa in the Santa House or attend Breakfast with Santa. Attendees can also view and vote on submissions for the Decorated Cookie Challenge at the library.
What to Expect
Holiday festival featuring Santa, pony rides, inflatables, and a cookie challenge.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Organizer
Festus Tourism
Food & Drink
Food vendors are available, and Breakfast with Santa at 1st United Methodist Church accepts freewill offerings rather than charging a set cost.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and family-friendly
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: Craft/food vendors, face painter, balloon twister and cookie voting: 10am-4pm; inflatables, petting zoo and pony rides: 10am-5pm; Santa in Santa House: 12-5pm.
Tips & Advice
- Visit the library from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to vote for the decorated-cookie entries; voting takes place there.
- Submit a decorated cookie with its completed entry form at the library by 9:30 a.m. Saturday if you want to compete.
- Arrive for Breakfast with Santa between 8 and 10:30 a.m.; freewill offerings are accepted instead of a set price.
- Plan Santa House visits for noon to 5 p.m., and schedule other activities around that window.
- Wear layers for browsing vendors and enjoying the inflatables, petting zoo, and pony rides in the outdoor event areas.
Special Events & Promotions
- Breakfast with Santa at 1st United Methodist Church starts the day early in the morning.
- Decorated Cookie Challenge: vote in the library for the best cookie, with a prize in each of the three age divisions.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there for kids?
Kids have inflatables, a petting zoo, pony rides, a face painter and a balloon twister. They can also visit Santa in the Santa House in the afternoon.
How do I enter the Decorated Cookie Challenge?
Read the rules, fill out an entry form and drop it off with your cookies at the Festus Public Library. The three age groups are 13 and under, 14 to 17, and 18 and over, and each division awards a prize.
Can visitors vote on the cookies?
Yes. Voting for the best decorated cookie happens inside the library during WinterFest.
Is there a breakfast with Santa?
Yes. Breakfast with Santa is held early in the morning at 1st United Methodist Church, before the vendors and activities open.
How can I sign up as a vendor or food truck?
Craft vendors can print the registration form and waiver and return them to City Hall, or sign up online under "WinterFest Vendors." Food trucks should contact Barb at 636-524-7022.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.