Who wants to meet Santa in the antiseptic environs of the local mall? Fake scenery, grumpy people dressed as elves (talkin' 'bout you, Krumpet) and long lines yeah, that's a good time with the kids, all right. How about a comfortable, lodge-type setting, with a pot-bellied stove, good eats close at hand and a free-roaming Santa does that interest you? From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. today, Santa Claus gets his Kringle on at the Boathouse Annex (6101 Government Drive in Forest Park; 314-961-7588), the tasty little cottage located right on the lake. You can, of course, have your photo taken with Mr. Claus; a portion of the $15 fee goes to help Forest Park Forever ensure that Forest Park lasts, um, forever. Just like Santa.
Sun., Dec. 3