Holidays in Ste. Gen

What would you expect to find walking the streets of the oldest town in Missouri? Perhaps historic homes, charming shops, or a glimpse into colonial life. But a working pewter foundry? That might raise a quizzical brow. If you know what pewter is—that lustrous tin-based alloy that graced the tables of our nation’s founding families—you understand just how rare the practice of pewter-making has become in modern America. If the term “pewter” itself is unfamiliar, well, that only confirms its rarity. Either way, discovering ASL Pewter Foundry in Ste. Genevieve is like stumbling upon a living museum where ancient craft traditions are still practiced with passion and expertise. Masters of an Ancient Craft For nearly 40 years, Pat and Tom Hooper have been keeping this centuries-old metalworking tradition alive, creating museum-quality pewter pieces that honor historical designs while meeting contemporary standards of craftsmanship. Their dedication to the craft goes beyond mere production—they are true artisans who understand the history, chemistry, and artistry that goes into every piece. The Hoopers spent years traveling the Renaissance Faire circuit, where discerning collectors and history enthusiasts quickly recognized the exceptional quality of their work. Unlike cheaper pewter products that may contain lead, ASL Pewter Read more...

282 Market Street Ste. Genevieve, MO 63670 Hours Open Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Call us at 573-271-7004 Because the Christmas Store and Collectibles is open year-round, get your Christmas fix any weekend by dropping by to see what has been donated. Christmas decor and special items are available at great prices! Treasured collectibles are for sale too. Glassware, dishes, needlework, and more are waiting for you to add to your collection! Read more...

Sainte Geneviève Holiday Christmas Festival Two Days of Music, History, and Celebration in Missouri’s Oldest Town Every first weekend of December, Sainte Geneviève transforms into what AAA Magazine has recognized as one of the top two Christmas celebrations in the entire Midwest. The annual Holiday Christmas Festival fills Missouri’s oldest town with a remarkable two-day program that spans more than 700 years of holiday music—from Renaissance sacred works to contemporary jazz—all performed in historic churches, galleries, and gathering spaces throughout the downtown district. With one of the state’s largest parades, elegant historical receptions, hands-on craft experiences, and French colonial holiday traditions, this free community celebration has grown over four decades into an event that draws visitors from across the region while remaining authentically rooted in Sainte Geneviève’s unique cultural heritage. A Festival Built on Generosity and Community Spirit Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the Holiday Christmas Festival is what it costs to attend: nothing. Nearly every event across the entire weekend—from world-class musical performances to craft workshops, from the parade to Santa photos, from historical programming to art exhibitions—is completely free. This generosity reflects Sainte Geneviève’s community values and the festival’s purpose: sharing the town’s historic character and holiday Read more...

December 31 “Bonsoir le maître et la maîtresse, and everyone who lives here too. Now for the last day of the year, la guignolée vous nous devez.” So begins the song chanted every New Year’s Eve in Ste. Genevieve for well over 250 years! Ste. Genevieve’s La Guignolèe singing troupe will again run their circuit of the Ste. Genevieve historic district in their centuries old New Year’s tradition. Dressed in bizarre and somewhat archaic costumes, the revelers wander from place to place on New Year’s Eve, singing a beggars’ song for favors. Make a dinner reservation at The Anvil, Old Brick, or Audubon’s to see the troupe from a single perspective as they make their rounds, watch them perform in the Valle gym at 7:00pm   Read more...

173 North Main Street Ste. Geneviève, MO 63670 Call us at 573-535-9056 Hours Thursday thru Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Rust Artisans’ Shop is a gallery of unique hand-crafted items by several local artists. They also carry clothing from Thailand. Most importantly, luminaries and lights made of old corrugated tin utilize the surplus of corrugated tin in Missouri. Read more...