Happy Christmas Eve! No holiday season is complete without seeing some festive Christmas light displays. I have 4 on my Show-Me List: Candy Cane Lane, Missouri Botantical Garden Glow, Winter Wonderland at Tilles Park, and Santa’s Magical Kingdom at Jellystone Park.

Matt and Colleen, knowledgable Christmas light display observers, escorted us on a snowy Friday night to lights in South City, Affton and Webster Groves. And after our wanderings, our oohs and aahs, we found our way to one of St. Louis’s better known farm-to-table restaurants, Farmhaus.

We went to Candy Cane Lane in the St. Louis Hills neighborhood near Ted Drewes. Neighbors coordinate their elaborate displays for several blocks; they create light tunnels across the street and even dress in a Christmas tree suit to greet the cars. What these neighbors started for fun is now also a fundraiser. They certainly embrace the true spirit of Christmas on Candy Cane Lane.

We also went to Santa’s Workshop – or at least that’s what we called it. The owner of this house took great care in recreating the North Pole in their garage, with reindeer up on the roof and lights across the lawn. Finally we went to the Santa Bear house, another elaborately decorated house, but this one done with all kinds of bears.

Our hearts filled with cheer, we made our way to Farmhaus to fill our bellies with a delicious meal. We started with the Farmhaus Butcher’s Plate – house-made meats, cheeses and spreads it was perfect for sharing. We also decided to order 4 entrees and share those as well. We had the famous Farmhaus bacon-wrapped meatloaf, a New York strip steak, turkey ballotine, and triggerfish. Each dish was fresh and flavorful as well as filled with unique flavor. The smashed potatoes, the roasted root vegetables, the gravies and steak sauces were not just accompaniments to the main dishes but tasty recipes on their own. For dessert we had a peanut butter cup, a delectable peanut butter and chocolate dessert. I must stop at Farmhaus again, if for no other reason to have the peanut butter cup one more time before I move.

Farmhaus was an excellent complement to the Christmas light tour. Both were inviting, fun and a great way to spend a chilly night in St. Louis.