WELCOME!
UNWRAP THE MAGIC OF THE SEASON!
Explore, collect, and celebrate! Join us as we uncover Dutchtown’s holiday magic together.
Welcome to the Discover Dutchtown Adventure! This holiday season, embark on a festive journey to support local businesses, collect stamps, and uncover surprises all around Dutchtown. Ready to unwrap the magic?
This Pop-Up is more than just an event—it’s an opportunity to celebrate the Discover Dutchtown Campaign and be part of a vibrant community that boosts holiday sales while telling the unique stories of our neighborhood.
Dutchtown Bells Holiday Light Show
November 29, 2025 – January 10, 2026
5PM–8PM daily, on the hour
St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Dutchtown
✨ Make the holiday light show at St. Anthony of Padua your new family holiday tradition! ✨Starting November 29, a dazzling holiday light show will be projected each evening onto the historic St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Dutchtown. Established in 1863, this iconic church sits at one of the highest points in St. Louis and boasts 175-foot twin spires that light up the skyline throughout the season.
Warm up at the Sugar & Spice Station with hot Dutch apple cider and Dad’s Original Scotch Oatmeal Cookies — a St. Louis favorite since 1927 — while enjoying the free lights and music.
Each Saturday, the show will be accompanied by a pop-up market at the nearby Neighborhood Innovation Center parking lot, featuring local merchants, artisans, and sweet treats. It’s the perfect place to get something for everyone on your list!
Dutchtown's Winter Wonderland Holiday Gala 2025
It’s time for our annual Winter Wonderland Holiday Gala—a festive evening where we come together to support NICstl, celebrate Dutchtown, and raise essential funds to keep our neighborhood thriving. This year, the gala has even more magic, as it’s also the milestone celebration of the Discover Dutchtown Adventure!
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✨ Looking for a magical way to start the holidays? ✨
Dutchtown St. Louis is ready to sparkle with holiday lights, pop-up markets, and merriment all season long! Here are three can’t-miss events to kick things off.
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✨ 10 Dutchtown Businesses worth loving this Holiday Season ✨
10 Dutchtown businesses worth loving this holiday season—from creative makers and indie boutiques to neighborhood restaurants offering unforgettable gifts and experiences. As you shop, dine, and explore, keep an eye out for the Discover Dutchtown Adventure decals to collect points and win local prizes!
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Dutchtown Small Business Saturday Guide
Small Business Saturday is almost here and Dutchtown is the perfect place to celebrate. On November 29, explore a neighborhood full of holiday magic—where every storefront has a story, every purchase supports a dream, and every dollar strengthens the community we call home.
✨ Looking for a magical way to start the holidays? ✨
Dutchtown St. Louis is ready to sparkle with holiday lights, pop-up markets, and merriment all season long! Here are three can’t-miss events to kick things off.
The Discover Dutchtown Adventure
November 29 - December 31
Join the Nov 15 kickoff at The Wink! - 3302 Meramec St.Or get started here!
This holiday season, embark on a playful neighborhood-wide scavenger hunt!
The Discover Dutchtown Adventure is a holiday-long celebration inviting you to explore Dutchtown’s unique local businesses, gather stamps in your Passport, and uncover holiday surprises along the way. By exploring Dutchtown's hidden gems you get a chance to win prizes — including cash!Discover Dutchtown is the perfect way to support Dutchtown’s small businesses while creating memories with family and friends. Get your passport today!
Dutchtown Bells Holiday Light Show
at St. Anthony of Padua
November 29 - January 10
5pm - 8pm daily | Free show on each hour
3140 Meramec Street
St. Louis, MO 63118
Built in 1863 and standing tall among St. Louis’s most treasured landmarks, St. Anthony’s has long been a symbol of faith and community. Now it’s your family’s new holiday tradition. Watch the historic twin spires come alive with a dazzling holiday light show all season long!Visit the Sugar & Spice Station to sip hot Dutch apple cider and enjoy Dad’s Original Scotch Oatmeal Cookies, a beloved St. Louis classic since 1927, while taking in the lights.Each Saturday, a night market at the nearby Neighborhood Innovation Center will feature local artisans, merchants, and sweet treats — something for everyone on your holiday list!
Shop Small to Make a Big Impact on Small Business SaturdayNovember 29
Celebrate the spirit of Dutchtown by exploring the locally owned shops that give our neighborhood its heart!
Skip the mall lines and discover thoughtful, one-of-a-kind presents instead. From vintage treasures and handcrafted gifts to cozy cafés and sweet shops, there’s something for everyone in Dutchtown's commercial districts.Shop holiday deals on Small Business Saturday and don’t forget to stop by the pop-up market at the Neighborhood Innovation Center and catch the Dutchtown Bells Holiday Light Show at St. Anthony of Padua. Warm up with cider and cookies as you enjoy the festive glow of one of St. Louis’s most beautiful historic landmarks.Because when you shop small, you’re doing more than buying gifts — you’re helping local merchants thrive and keeping our neighborhood vibrant all year long.
✨ Discover the holiday magic in Dutchtown.✨
Shop local, celebrate community, and make the season shine!
✨ 10 Dutchtown Businesses worth loving this Holiday Season ✨
10 Dutchtown businesses worth loving this holiday season—from creative makers and indie boutiques to neighborhood restaurants offering unforgettable gifts and experiences. As you shop, dine, and explore, keep an eye out for the Discover Dutchtown Adventure decals to collect points and win local prizes!
1. Read A Book STL3125 Meramec St
Read A Book STL is one of Dutchtown’s most heartfelt small businesses—a community-driven bookstore specializing in salvaging books and keeping literature affordable.Their store is a cozy, hospitality-minded space where you can browse, sip free coffee, and discover something unexpected. The owners thoughtfully curate their shelves while giving away many of the donated books they receive via a free cart out front, plus Little Free Library drop-offs around the city.Read A Book STL hosts an impressive lineup of neighborhood book clubs and political education groups, making it a hub for conversation, connection, and collective learning. Whether you’re hunting for a hidden gem, joining a book club, or simply settling in for a quiet browse, Read A Book STL embodies what a neighborhood bookstore should be.
2. Creative Expressions Custom Designs
3218 Meramec St
Looking for a gift that’s as unique as it is local? At Creative Expressions Custom Designs, you don’t just pick up something special—you co-create it.Founded and run by designer-entrepreneur Jordette Barnes in the heart of Dutchtown, this shop offers everything from custom-printed T-shirts and tumblers to personalized jewelry boxes and greeting cards—perfect for thoughtful holiday gifting. What makes it even more meaningful? With each purchase, Creative Expressions gives back through the local based Noah Nation Foundation and emphasizes creative collaboration.
3. Habitat ReStore
3830 S Grand Ave
Looking to shop with purpose this season? Visit the
Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis ReStore!A local favorite that does double duty for the community, with deep discounts on home-improvement treasures, from furniture, cabinetry and lighting to appliances and DIY essentials, it’s the perfect spot for creative holiday gifting or refreshing your space. And every purchase directly supports affordable housing and reduces waste in St. Louis, making your holiday shopping a win-win for you and the community.
4. Jenilyn's Boutique
at The Wink! | 3302 Meramec St
Jenilyn’s is your go-to destination for festive fashion this holiday season. Discover charming Christmas sweaters, cozy knitted matching sets, and elegant holiday formalwear—each piece thoughtfully curated to help you shine at every gathering. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect party outfit, a cozy gift, or a little seasonal sparkle for yourself, Jenilyn’s Boutique makes holiday shopping easy, fun, and beautifully stylish.
5. Intertwine Wine Bar
4710 Virginia Ave
Intertwine Wine Bar adds a touch of sophistication to your Dutchtown holiday shopping experience. While you're out supporting local businesses and checking off your holiday shopping list, make Intertwine your seasonal stop. Enjoy a festive mocktail, refreshing cocktail, or a cozy glass of wine, and don’t forget to grab a bottle of your favorite wine as a gift for someone special this season.
6. Kismet Records
at The Wink! | 3302 Meramec St
Kismet Records is South City's go-to spot for music lovers and collectors.Tucked inside The Wink!, the shop offers a curated mix of rare and hard-to-find vinyl alongside vintage band T-shirts and music memorabilia. Owner Tom Maher brings years of expertise from his Cherokee Street record stores, making Kismet a treasure hunt for anyone who loves discovering something unexpected. Whether you're crate-digging for a special pressing or looking for the perfect retro tee, Kismet Records brings authentic music culture right into the heart of St. Louis.And if you’re into punk, noise, or experimental sounds, don’t miss their BOGO Small Press Cassettes—a stash curated by local musicians. It’s the perfect chance to try something new. You can’t go wrong when the second one’s free!
7. Gallery 7 Auctions
3309 Meramec St
A treasure hunter’s dream right in the heart of Dutchtown, this charming boutique is filled with thoughtfully curated vintage pieces, antique furniture, unique décor, collectibles, and one-of-a-kind finds that make unforgettable holiday gifts. Whether you’re browsing for something nostalgic, hunting for the perfect statement piece, or simply love exploring beautifully preserved items with history, Gallery 7 offers a welcoming space to slow down and discover something special. It’s an ideal stop during your holiday shopping route, because sometimes the best gifts are the ones with a story.
8. Your Place Diner
5510 Virginia Ave
Your Place Diner is a St. Louis soul food spot known for its casual, community-centered atmosphere and signature dishes like lemon pepper wings, oxtails, and mac and cheese.Family-owned and operated, the diner was born during the challenges of 2020–2021, inspired by the warmth of family gatherings—especially Mom’s legendary Thanksgiving dinners. With daily featured menu specials, a full bar, and live entertainment ranging from music to comedy, Your Place Diner prides itself on making every guest feel welcome, comfortable, and right at home.
✨ Holiday Highlight:✨
November 22 at 8pm — 1970s, 1980s & 1990s Throwback Party!
Dress to impress in your favorite decade’s style and join the fun!
9. Urban Eats
3207 Meramec St
Food entrepreneurs and hungry neighbors meet under one roof in this South City gem. Since 2020, the kitchen and food incubator has been home to some of St. Louis’s most creative culinary startups—think Tacos La Jefa, Nicky Slices Pizza Club, Mylk and Hummus, Sugarwitch and more. With multiple independent eateries sharing the same space, Urban Eats offers a one-of-a-kind tasting experience you won’t find anywhere else.This holiday season, make sure to stop by Straight Outta Plants, serving a $3 holiday veggie slider special plus sweet potato fries that are absolutely to die for. And don't miss Sample Saturday at HERbachi, where you can try dessert egg rolls and other menu items.It’s the perfect stop while you’re out holiday shopping. Warm up with something delicious, and support a whole ecosystem of local food makers in one visit. Whether you’re craving unique flavors or looking to fuel up between boutiques, Urban Eats brings big creativity—and even bigger taste—to the neighborhood.
10. Deb Dragonfly Studios
at The Wink! | 3302 Meramec St
DebDragonfly Studio is a bright, joy-filled stop on your Dutchtown holiday shopping route. Artist and founder Debbie creates whimsical, inspirational, and abstract artwork that radiates positivity—along with charming stationery, handmade trinkets, and colorful mixed-media pieces that make heartfelt gifts.What began as her creative escape from the corporate world has grown into a mission to spread encouragement and remind others they’re not alone. Her personal mantra, “Be strong in your roots, grow with the wind,” weaves through much of her work, bringing light and uplift to every piece. Whether you're shopping for art lovers, stocking-stuffer seekers, or anyone who could use a little extra joy this season, DebDragonfly Studio is a must-visit.
✨ Discover the holiday magic in Dutchtown.✨
Shop local, celebrate community, and make the season shine!
Dutchtown Small Business Saturday Guide
Small Business Saturday is almost here and Dutchtown is the perfect place to celebrate. On November 29, explore a neighborhood full of holiday magic—where every storefront has a story, every purchase supports a dream, and every dollar strengthens the community we call home.
Dutchtown Bells Holiday Light Show Kickoff
This year, Small Business Saturday also marks the kickoff of the Dutchtown Bells Holiday Light Show projected across the historic façade of St. Anthony of Padua. Starting at 5 pm, bells toll and shows start at the top of each hour. It's a stunning backdrop for an evening of shopping and neighborhood cheer.
Shopping Small Matters — According to American Express, 68 cents of every dollar spent at a small business stays local,helping owners reinvest in their business, hire neighbors, improve storefronts, and keep our corridors active and welcoming. When you walk into a Dutchtown shop, you’re not just buying something, you’re supporting the people who make our neighborhood vibrant.
Discover Gifts You Won’t Find Anywhere Else — Dutchtown is home to an incredible mix of indie boutiques, handmade goods, global eats, vintage treasures, and sweet treats. Whether you’re searching for a unique holiday gift or treating yourself, our merchants offer something special for everyone.Right next door to the light show, the Neighborhood Innovation Center’s Night Market adds even more sparkle with rotating local makers, every Saturday through the holidays. Grab a warm cup of cider at the Sugar & Spice Shack and discover gifts that come with a story.
After you’ve soaked in the lights and browsed the Night Market, make your way across Dutchtown to explore the people and places that make it shine. Every storefront has a story and every purchase supports a neighbor.
And don’t forget to look for the Discover Dutchtown Adventure decals. Each shop earns you points and brings you closer to wining gift cards from your favorite local merchants.
It’s an easy (and fun!) way to support small businesses while discovering new favorites along Grand, Virginia, and beyond.
✨ Discover the holiday magic in Dutchtown.✨
Shop local, celebrate community, and make the season shine!
Your Adventure Starts Here!
Ready? Let's go!
What is the Discover Dutchtown Adventure?
A holiday journey filled with exploration, celebration, and community spirit!
Discover Dutchtown Adventure is a holiday-long celebration inviting you to explore Dutchtown’s unique local businesses, gather stamps in your Passport, and uncover holiday surprises along the way. Grab your Passport, check in at participating locations, and discover the hidden gems of Dutchtown!
Get Your Discover Dutchtown Passport
Your ticket to explore, collect, and win!
Start your adventure by picking up a Discover Dutchtown Passport at The Wink! or from any participating location. Download it also using the button below. Use your Passport to check in at local businesses, complete fun photo challenges, and gather stamps. The more stops you visit, the more points you collect—and the closer you are to winning amazing prizes, including a laptop and Ray-Ban smart glasses. Ready to start unwrapping the magic?
How to Earn Points and Win PrizesStep 1: Pick up a Passport booklet at participating businesses.
Step 2: Visit participating businesses, collect stamps, and complete challenges to earn points.
Step 3: Drop your passport into the mail slot at the Neighborhood Innovation Center at 3207 Meramec St. to enter one of the two prize drawings on Dec 10 and Jan 10.
Step 4: The more points you collect, the better your chances to win prizes announced on December 10 and Jan 10.
Explore Dutchtown’s Hidden Treasures
Find participating shops and more on our Discover Dutchtown Adventure Map!
Holiday Event Calendar
Plan your Discover Dutchtown Adventure with our event calendar
Check out the Holiday Event Calendar for key dates and events across Dutchtown Discover campaign-wide events like Winter Wonderland Gala, as well as special dates hosted by participating businesses. Don’t miss out on all the festive happenings!
Downloadables
- Business Owner Guide
- Discover Dutchtown Passport
- Discover Dutchtown FAQS
- Hi-Res Logos
- Promotional Graphics
Small Business Saturday Materials (c/o AMEX)
Having trouble accessing the files? Email us at [email protected]
LET'S GET IN TOUCH!
FAQs
Q: What is the Discover Dutchtown Adventure?
A: It’s a community-wide holiday journey to explore Dutchtown’s unique businesses, collect points in your Passport, and discover hidden treasures—all while supporting local entrepreneurs and having fun!
Q: How do I participate?
A: Pick up a Passport booklet at participating businesses or the Kickoff event on November 15th. Look for Discover Dutchtown signs and decals to spot locations. Use your Passport to complete challenges, check in, and earn points your way!
Q: Where can I get a Passport?
A: Passports are available at The Wink!’s Kickoff event on Nov. 15, or at participating Dutchtown businesses. Start exploring to uncover new favorite spots!Or you can download it here.
Q: How do I earn points and win prizes?
A: Visit businesses and complete challenges to earn points. The more you explore, the more chance you have to win! Drop your passport into the mail slot at the Neighborhood Innovation Center at 3207 Meramec St. to enter one of the two prize drawings on Dec 10 and Jan 10.
Q: What prizes can I win?
A: Win gift cards to some of Dutchtown’s local businesses! Major prizes are given at the Holiday Gala on Dec. 10, with more holiday surprises drawn online in January. Keep discovering to increase your chances!
Q: When does the adventure end?
A: The adventure runs until December 31, but the best prizes are awarded at the gala on December 10. Start early to collect points and make the most of your journey!
Q: Do I have to pay to join?
A: No, it’s free! Grab a Passport and start exploring. You’ll find unique gifts, tasty treats, and special deals. Drop your passport into the mail slot at 3207 Meramec St. to enter the prize drawing.
Q: How does this help the community?
A: By participating, you support Dutchtown’s small businesses and community growth. Plus, you’ll discover amazing places, win prizes, and find unique holiday gifts—making it a win for everyone!
Check out the Participating Locations:
MERAMEC
• Kismet Records
• Straight Outta Plants
• HERbachi
• Creative Expressions Custom Designs
• Winklemann Rx
• Twice Blessed Resale Shop
• Dutchtown Bells Sugar & Spice Station
• Southern Bank
• Intertwine Wine Bar
VIRGINIA
• Your Place Diner
• Dutchtown South Community Corporation
Downloadables
- Business Owner Guide
- Discover Dutchtown Passport
- Discover Dutchtown FAQS
- Hi-Res Logos
- Promotional Graphics
Small Business Saturday Materials (c/o AMEX)
Having trouble accessing the files? Email us at [email protected]
Dutchtown's Winter Wonderland Holiday Gala 2025
Hello, fellow visionaries, builders, and changemakers! 👋
It’s time for our annual Winter Wonderland Holiday Gala—a festive evening where we come together to support NICstl, celebrate Dutchtown, and raise essential funds to keep our neighborhood thriving. This year, the gala has even more magic, as it’s also the milestone celebration of the Discover Dutchtown Adventure!
What out for the:
Announcement of the Winners of the Inaugural "Discover Dutchtown Adventure" Campaign!
The wait is over! After an incredible journey of exploration, discovery, and adventure, we're thrilled to unveil the winners of our very first "Discover Dutchtown Adventure" campaign!
What's Happening?
🎁 Exclusive Prizes for Discover Dutchtown Adventurers: We’ll be awarding special prizes to top Passport participants who have explored Dutchtown’s businesses this holiday season.
🐴 Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides: Hop on for a cozy carriage ride through Downtown Dutchtown, and cast your vote for the best holiday window display along the way!
🌮 Food and Flavor from Around the World:
Silent Auction: Bid on one-of-a-kind treasures and experiences donated by Dutchtown businesses—all proceeds support NICstl’s community programs.
🎵 Live Music by Kingdom Brothers: Enjoy soulful holiday tunes and local favorites that bring warmth and cheer to the night.
💰 Get your One of a Kind T-shirt Printed & Customized on site: Your choice of 3 designs on an upcycled T-shirt, or bring your own T and The Rockin' Redhead will give you a custom design!
Hosted by:
She is a weekend morning anchor and multi-skilled journalist at KSDK 5 On Your Side. She anchors Today in St. Louis, Weekend Edition on Saturdays and Sundays at 6 and 9 a.m., and also reports during the week, covering various stories across Missouri and Illinois. Since joining KSDK in June 2022, she was promoted to weekend morning anchor after her first year. Mercedes previously worked at TEGNA’s station in Little Rock, Arkansas, and graduated from the University of Missouri’s Journalism School.
Celebrating Dutchtown’s Best: Help us honor the incredible local businesses that keep Dutchtown strong with the Legacy Business Award and Immigrant Business Award.
But wait... there's more!
The Discover Dutchtown Adventure continues through December 31, so keep exploring! Collect more points in your Passport for a chance to win additional prizes in our drawing on December 10 and Jan 10.
Be part of Dutchtown's Story
Every ticket, every T shirt, every donation supports NICstl’s work to empower local entrepreneurs and uplift our community. By joining us at the Winter Wonderland Holiday Gala, you’re making a real difference in Dutchtown’s future.
Why your presence matter?
Your participation lights another candle in the legacy of Dutchtown's century-old entrepreneurial spirit. Each ticket and collaboration at the Gala has impact. It supports the Neighborhood Innovation Center's Microbusiness Incubator (Mbi) program and Capital improvement at our facility, at 3207 Meramec St.
For the Aspiring, the Established, and the Supporters: Whether you're an up- and-coming entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or a believer in the power of small businesses to uplift communities, this Gala is the place to be!
Don’t miss this unforgettable night of holiday joy and community spirit. Reserve your spot, join the adventure, and let’s unwrap the magic of Dutchtown—together!For sponsorship details or questions, light up our inbox at [email protected]. Join us in this enchanting evening. Be part of something bigger, bolder, and brighter. Let’s celebrate Dutchtown’s story and invest in its unwritten chapters.
Join us for a fun day at The Wink! We’ve got Makers, food, music, and a whole lot of fun! Plus, we’re kicking off Discover Dutchtown, a holiday event full of surprises. Don’t miss it!
Start Your Discover Dutchtown Adventure This Small Business Saturday!
Small Business Saturday: Discover Dutchtown Edition is happening next Saturday, November 30th, as part of our ongoing Discover Dutchtown Adventure! 🤝💼
Kick off the Discover Dutchtown Adventure on November 9th!
Celebrate the start of the Discover Dutchtown Adventure with The Wink! Expansion Celebration on Saturday, November 9th, from 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Dive into a day filled with festive shopping, live music, holiday treats, and local vendors. Pick up your Passport, start collecting stamps, and get bonus points just for joining us at the kickoff!
Get ready for a fun-filled day of discovery with these activities:
Start Your Adventure:
Grab a Discover Dutchtown Passport, collect stamps, earn prizes, and explore local gems!
Explore The Wink!’s Newly Expanded Spaces:
Discover local makers at The Wink!'s expanded space, featuring Kismet Records, 100% Gae Haberdashery, by MicheleMohr, and more!
Shop Downtown:
Stop by Read A Book STL, Winkelmann Drug, and other stores for unique gifts and essentials around Downtown Dutchtown.
Enjoy Live Entertainment:
Dance to live music, hear open mic poetry, get a tarot reading, and try Laughter Yoga.
Taste Local Bites:
Treat yourself to delicious food from Urban Eats, Tacos La Jefa, Da Picky Vegan, and more.
Happy Hour & Fire Pit:
Relax with drinks, snacks, and live tunes from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM.
‼️ WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING FORMS ‼️
For Dutchtown Businesses: Join the Discover Dutchtown Adventure!
Are you a local business? Join the adventure!
Are you a Dutchtown business owner? Join us in making this holiday season special! Sign up to be part of the Discover Dutchtown Adventure and connect with the community while increasing your visibility. Simply fill out our application form, and we’ll be in touch with details on how to participate.