Patch Holiday Photo Contest Winners

Check out the favorite photos chosen by Patch readers in the first Patch Holiday Photo Contest! They're so cute!

NORAD Tracks Santa's Journey Tonight

Follow Santa and see when he will hit West St. Louis County.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is charged with keeping the United States and Canada safe from dangers originating from the sky or space. (For instant updates follow Patch on Facebook and Twitter.) Tonight, however, the Colorado-based government agency adds one more important task to its daily list of duties. The agency will again provide its Official Santa Tracker that marks the Big Man's every move as he makes his way throughout both hemispheres. Local families will be able to see Santa's progress and be prepared for his arrival in Wentzville.  Included on the site is a countdown and activity page and a flight tracking system. Kids and adults can enjoy this very entertaining site that will have sugar plums dancing …

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Watch Santa's Official Reindeer Live Feed

Check out Santa's reindeer in the days before they head out to deliver presents.

Kids can take a peek at Santa's reindeer via a live feed at reindeercam.com.  (For instant news updates follow Patch on Facebook and Twitter.) The live camera shows several of Santa's reindeer grazing and hanging out at the North Pole. The reindeer are both male and female. Santa comes out to feed the reindeer everyday at 10 a.m., 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. CST until Dec. 24.  In addition, a sign shows a list of children who are on the "Nice" list. Learn more about how to get your name on the nice list here. 

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Where to Visit Santa Claus in West County

The holiday patriarch will make visits to malls in the West County area up until Christmas Eve.

Santa Claus will be making peroidic stops in Chesterfield and the West County area up until Christmas Eve at the Chesterfield Mall and West County Center.  (For instant news updates follow Patch on Facebook and Twitter.) Families can find Santa from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday in the lower level of Chesterfield Mall in the Dillard's Court. At West County Center, the jolly old elf will be in lower level in the north court.  West Newsmagazine is reporting that Santa Claus will also be going high tech this year. Shoppers with smart phones can download the Santa's Fun App, which allows children to write letters to Santa and read his responses. It can also be used to organize gift lists and track Santa's journey on…

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Santa Visits West County EMS & Fire

Santa visits the West County EMS & Fire Protection District to meet area families and collect donations for the annual toy drive.

Families flocked to the West County EMS & Fire Protection District firehouse one at 223 Henry Avenue in Manchester Saturday to meet Santa and share their Christmas wishes. Attendees were also invited to bring toys to donate to the West County Firefighters' toy drive. This is the fourth year Santa has visited kids at the firehouse and coordinators said attendance was larger than ever. You can view the event in the slideshow below. "All I know is people are smiling and walking away happy. That's what matters," said Eric Heimos, one of the organizers. The toy drive lasts until December 15. Donations can be dropped off at any West County EMS & Fire Protection District station.

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Santa Claus Makes a Special Visit to Manchester

Dozens of children enjoyed breakfast with Santa and updated him on their holiday wish lists Saturday.

 Dozens of children enjoyed Breakfast With Santa at the American Legion Hall in Manchester on Saturday. The Manchester Parks and Recreation Department has offered the popular holiday event for families for 24 years and the 250 tickets sold out long before the event. The children, their parents, and even some grandparents enjoyed a pancake and sausage breakfast and then the children got to do what they had eagerly been anticipating. They talked to Santa about what they hoped he would bring them this year. Some brought their wish lists and carefully went over them with him. Others said they had mailed him their lists already but still wanted to see him and remind him about what they hope to find under the tree during the holidays. Check out …

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Weekend Preview

Here's a sneak peek at what's happening around the area this weekend.

If you are looking for something to do this weekend, other than shop, there are quite a few events taking place. Get the kids ready because Santa will be making his way around Manchester!   Breakfast with Santa- The Manchester Parks and Recreation Department is holding it's annual Breakfast with Santa at 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m Saturday. The event is sold out so if you don't have tickets already, it's too late for the breakfast, however Patch will be there so you can check back here Saturday evening for photos of the event. Plus, there are plenty of other opportunities to see Santa! Santa on the Firetruck- West County EMS and Fire Protection District will drive Santa around on a firetruck this Saturday. You can catch Santa riding along …

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