11th Christmas Tree Walk Brings Holiday Crowds to Maplewood

A joint effort of Maplewood businesses, schools, and city government, plus warm weather spelled success.

The crowd at the Citizens National Bank Park heard Maplewood Richmond Heights choirs and saw Santa arrive in a Maplewood fire truck. Bill Berthold and Jerry Gibbs of the Maplewood Chamber of Commerce, then MRH Superintendent of Schools Karen Hall, then Mayor James White warmed up the audience for Santa, who lit the Christmas tree. See more photos at Maplewood-Brentwood Patch Facebook (Like it!) After that, the hundreds dispersed to ride the horse-drawn carriage, shop or just enjoy the music or treats offered at Maplewood merchants. Also on Patch:

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Chamber Director: Maplewood Business Community is Thriving

Leaders from the Maplewood Chamber of Commerce talk about the organization's accomplishments this year.

On Thursday evening in the Maplewood Chamber of Commerce office, president Jerry Gibbs and executive director Jeannine Beck were able to relax over a conference table while reflecting on how positive 2011 was for the Maplewood business community. "I can look back at this year and say, 'Gosh, it's been a really great year,'" said Beck, who is set to begin her fourth year as executive director in 2012. In 2011, two chamber-run events, the Taste of Maplewood and the Maplewood Christmas Tree Walk, attracted more attendees than ever before. The great weather certainly helped, Gibbs said, but that's not the only thing that supported the high attendance. "There's a lot of good buzz about Maplewood," said Gibbs, who owns J&E's Office City in …

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Christmas Tree Walk Kicks Off Holiday Season in Maplewood

Carolers, shoppers and Santa Claus crowded downtown Maplewood on Friday night.

Downtown Maplewood stayed busy during the Christmas Tree Walk on Friday night. The Maplewood Chamber of Commerce-sponsored celebration, in its 10th year, drew shoppers and families to Maplewood businesses. The crowd enjoyed carriage rides, visits with Santa Claus and open houses at different shops around town. At Tigerlily Gifts and Monograms, longtime patrons visited the store to chat while new customers came to shop. Tigerlily witnessed a constant stream of 20 to 30 shoppers throughout the night, co-owner Helen Stewart said. "It was the best Christmas Tree Walk we've had," she said. The evening started with a tree-lighting ceremony at Citizens National Bank Park at 6 p.m. and continued until 9 p.m. An extensive photo gallery is available…

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Businesses Hold Open Houses During Christmas Tree Walk

The cold night didn't stop the shoppers and browsers from attending the ninth annual holiday showcase of downtown Maplewood shops.

Families gathered in downtown Maplewood to roam the shops and various open doors along Manchester Road, Sutton Boulevard and Big Bend Boulevard during the ninth annual Maplewood Christmas Tree Walk. Many shops showcased decorated storefronts and several business owners held open houses for the public, where they offered special treats for visiting. Airedale Antics offered hors d'oeuvres to its human visitors and treats to the canine counterparts. Las Palmas gave away free cups of hot punch on the street. Vom Fass offered a wine tasting for the evening, but folks came in to try sips of the vinegars and oils. Maven owner Kate Bethel, who recently moved to a new location on Manchester Road, said the day after is often busier than the …

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Holiday Season Begins With Christmas Tree Walk

Santa, carolers and a Christmas tree lighting will highlight this year's Christmas Tree Walk in downtown Maplewood. Here's a list of what's happening.

Downtown Maplewood will kick off the holiday season with its ninth annual Christmas Tree Walk tonight from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Several hundred people typically attend the event, said Jeannine Beck, executive director of the Maplewood Chamber of Commerce. The event, sponsored by the chamber, will feature a variety of community-based events. Here's a sampling of what's going on: Several businesses will host open houses that feature free beverages, snacks and gifts. A free shuttle will loop throughout the event. There will be live music and specials at Nosh, The Red Lion, Boogaloo and Maya Café, and drink specials at The Post Sports Bar & Grill after 9 p.m. Vom Fass will have a wine tasting. Visit the Folk School of St. Louis…

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Weekend in the 'Woods: Christmas Celebrations in Maplewood

Here's a roundup of what's going in Brentwood and Maplewood this weekend.

Turner Center for the Arts 2010 Holiday Exhibition Don't miss the opening reception of the Turner Center for the Arts 2010 Holiday Exhibition. The evening will include music, light hors d'ouevres, gift-buying opportunities and beautiful art. When: Friday, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. Where: Turner Center for The Arts Cost: Free Maplewood Christmas Tree Walk Downtown Maplewood will be transformed into a winter wonderland. Hitch a ride on a sleigh, visit with Santa and watch the tree-lighting ceremony. Businesses will hold open houses and Christmas carolers will sing on the streets. This free event is sponsored by the Maplewood Chamber of Commerce. When: Friday, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Where: downtown Maplewood Cost: Free Something Small for the Holidays 2010…

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Eye on Business

Local Stores Offer Unique Shopping Ideas

Local store owners in Maplewood share some of their thoughts on the holiday shopping season.

As Bilal Ali and his family strolled through Maplewood Tuesday afternoon, there was one thing on their mind: shopping. Venturing beyond their usual forays into malls and shopping centers, the Ali family wanted to get a taste of local St. Louis.  "We're here visiting my wife's family, and we wanted to go shopping where we didn't have to put up with parking lots and huge malls," Ali said.  Downtown Maplewood provided a welcome change of scenery for the family. Ali's wife particularly enjoyed Maven, a store specializing in handmade soaps and bath products. The store has attracted an increasingly larger client base according to Kate Bethel, owner of the specialty soap shop. "Lots of people have come in and specifically said they're looking …

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