There are lots of interesting places to explore in the St. Louis region. But why drive so far when there are a host of things happening in your backyard?

Friday:

• Warm up around the bonfire near the Daniel Boone statue at 800 South Main Street after you stroll past the shops decked out for the holidays.  The bonfire and marshmallow roast are a new addition to Christmas Traditions festivities. The fire starts around 7:30 p.m.
• Listen to Erin Bode perform classic Christmas songs and some new favorites with David Halen on Friday from 8-10 p.m. at the Foundry Art Centre. Bode is a St. Louis native who last year published her own Christmas CD. I watched her perform Christmas songs last year at the Sheldon Concert Hall – it was a highlight of my holiday season.

Saturday:

• See the man in the sleigh at Blanchette Memorial Hall. Word is Santa will be hanging out from 9-11 a.m. Dec. 11. Kids ages 1 to 10 are welcome to enjoy snacks and meeting Santa. Cost is $8 a person. Call the St. Charles Parks Department at 696-949-3372 for more information.
• Take a stroll through "Bethlehem" at the time of Christ's birth. Park at Faith United Methodist Church, 2950 Droste Road, and you'll be transported back in time. You'll walk through a textile shop, scribe shop, sample bakery items and sweets, visit the stable with live animals and finally, meet Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus. The event will be from 5-8 p.m. Dec. 11 and 12 and is free of charge. Contact Rev. Kim Blackwood at disciple_kim@hotmail.com for more information.

Sunday:

• Secure your gift for the hockey-lover in your life today. Step one, buy Blues merchandise. Step two, glide over to the St. Peters Rec-Plex early in the morning, merchandise in hand. Step three, wait in line to meet Blues players Brad Winchester, Dave Scatchard, Gino Cavallini and Mike Zuke, who will be signing autographs there from 11 a.m. to noon. Step four, congratulate yourself for securing an excellent gift and take yourself out for hot chocolate.