Holiday happenings

The jolly old elf will be appearing daily at the St. Louis Galleria and Plaza Frontenac to listen to wish lists and pose for photos. You can even bring your pets to see Santa on select Monday evenings from Nov. 13 - Dec. 11. Go to saintlouisgalleria.com or plazafrontenac.com. Clayton's initiative for Small Business Saturday will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 25 throughout Clayton. Enjoy in-store specials, free carriage rides, free children's activities, photos with Santa and a reindeer and giveaways. Take a holiday tour of the historic Hanley House in Clayton to see how mid-19th century St. Louisans decorated for the season. Tours run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 2, 9 and 16, and admission is $2-$5. Kick off winter in style at Shaw Park Ice Rink from 6-10 p.m. on Dec. 8. Enjoy hot chocolate and discounted $3 admission which includes skate rental.

Grab a bite

Companion Cafe in Ladue is open daily, serving breakfast and lunch on its award-winning bread, companionbaking.com. If you're on the move, grab a slice and salad to go at Humble Pie, eatthehumblepie.com. In Clayton, 5 Star Burgers offers tasty specialty burgers and a fine list of beers. Top it all off with a $1 Ice Cream Shooter, 5starburgersstl.com

Stores to check out

The Service Bureau Fine Stationery and Gifts offers timeless gifts and a wide selection of in-stock and special order stationery. The shop has been donating profits to local charities since 1930, servicebureaushop.com. If you're in need of a toy or game for persons ages 0-99, the knowledgeable staff at Happy Up Inc. in Clayton has played it all. Not only do they offer sound advice, but they have many items on display for you (or your kids) to try, happyupinc.com.