Welcome to the holiday season! Everyone’s busy this time of year, but hopefully you can find some time to share with your neighbors. There’s plenty of holiday fun to be had in Dutchtown!
Especially during the holiday shopping season, make sure to support your local small businesses! The variety of unique shops throughout the Dutchtown area are sure to offer great gift ideas.
And on Tuesday, December 3rd, support your neighborhood non-profits for Giving Tuesday! We recently published the Dutchtown Guide to Giving, featuring some of the great organizations in our neighborhood. It’s a great resource for your Giving Tuesday or end-of-year donations.
Check out the DutchtownSTL calendar and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to keep up with neighborhood news and events.
Downtown Dutchtown Holiday Shop Hop
The annual Holiday Shop Hop in Downtown Dutchtown is on Saturday, December 14th. Over a dozen businesses on and off Meramec Street offer sales and special deals! Visit six or more shops and have your entry form stamped for a chance at a cash prize.
In addition to great deals for shoppers, kids can get their photo taken with Santa Claus for just $1 at Twice Blessed Resale Shop from 11am to 2pm.
DT2 Holiday Party
Downtown Dutchtown hosts their annual Holiday Party on Wednesday, December 18th at the Liermann Loft above Urban Eats Café. It’s always a fantastic party!
Bring a dish for potluck dinner if you can. DT2 will supply the beer, wine, and entertainment. Salt of the Earth will provide live music through the evening. Fish Eye Fun’s photo booth is always a great time. And we’ll be visited by Santa, Snowy Chloe the Christmas Chihuahua, Spicy Elves, and Holiday Hunks.
You’ll also have an opportunity to make a donation to the annual Empty Bowls campaign by Urban Eats. In exchange for your donation to benefit St. Anthony’s Food Pantry, you’ll receive a handcrafted ceramic bowl. Later in the month you’ll be able to bring your bowl to Urban Eats for a free filling of soup.
And last but not least, the Holiday Party is a great time to make your annual contribution and renew your membership with DT2. Volunteers will be on hand to help register or renew your membership. You can also go ahead and make your donation now.
Please RSVP on the Facebook event page by December 13th.
Neighborhood and CID Meetings
While most neighborhood organizations are forgoing their monthly meetings in December, local community improvement districts still provide neighbors opportunities to get involved.
The Dutchtown CID holds their monthly Board of Directors meeting on an adjusted schedule. The meeting is Monday, December 23rd, 5:30pm at the Neighborhood Innovation Center.
The CID’s committees hold their quarterly meetings in December as well. The Maintenance and Beautification Committee meets Thursday, December 5th, 5:30pm at Tony Duncan’s studio at 4527 Virginia. The Marketing and Development Committee meets Thursday, December 12th, 6pm at Patrick McKeane’s Pub (attached to Original Crusoe’s). And finally, the Safety and Security Committee meets on Thursday, December 19th, 5:30pm upstairs at Crusoe’s.
The Dutchtown CID just released their 2019 annual report. Read about what’s been accomplished and what’s to come, then come to a meeting to get involved!
The Cherokee Street CID also hosts their monthly public meeting in December, on Thursday the 19th. The meeting is at 5:30pm at Artist Art. Property owners, business owners, residents, or anyone with an interest in Cherokee Street is encouraged to attend.
Thomas Dunn Learning Center
The South Side Youth Council meets every Monday at 4pm at Thomas Dunn Learning Center. The South Side Youth Council aims to contribute to the South Side community by creating and organizing youth led programs and events.
Thomas Dunn’s Art Lab has new hours and new projects! The studio is open on Monday and Wednesday evenings, 6pm to 8pm. Monday nights, learn card making and papercrafting using the Art Lab’s extensive supply of repurposed and upcycled materials. On Wednesday nights, the focus is on drawing and painting.
Sip ‘n Sketch is on Wednesday, December 11th. All skill levels are welcome to this life drawing class. Learn the basics, experiment with multiple media, and take a turn modeling. Feel free to bring an adult beverage and a snack to share.
Tablet trouble? Laptop lagging? Phone on the fritz? Come to the Tech Support Café at Thomas Dunn on Thursday, December 19th for free technical assistance and peer mentorship. Volunteer IT professionals are available to help in a welcoming, accessible workshop atmosphere.
More Dutchtown Events
The Cherokee Street Theater Company presents a live theatrical parody of Gremlins just in time for the holidays! Tickets are available for eleven performances over seven dates between December 4th and 14th. The shows are at Treffpunkt.
The annual Cherokee Print Bazaar is Saturday, December 7th from 10am to 6pm all along Cherokee Street. Over a hundred local artists at dozens of shops and spaces will have one-of-a-kind prints for sale. Find great, unique gifts while supporting local artists and shops.
Also on the 7th, on the other end of Cherokee, is the 36th annual Cherokee Antique Row Cookie Spree. In addition to baked goods and other holiday treats, there will be a petting zoo, photo booth, carolers, and more.
Dutchtown South Community Corporation‘s Community Empowerment Committee meets on Wednesday, December 18th. Help direct and implement DSCC‘s programs in the neighborhood. The meeting is at 6pm at Thomas Dunn Learning Center. Dinner and child care are provided.
The Gravois Park Neighborhood Association continues their annual holiday caroling tradition on Sunday, December 22nd. Gather at the Gravois Park pavilion at 1pm to sing or to listen.
Stay tuned to the DutchtownSTL calendar and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram so we can let you know about all the holiday action in Dutchtown! Happy holidays!
Top photo by Tom Lampe.
