• Take a stroll through the streets of Stillwater and be taken to a picturesque Hallmark movie "Christmas Village" right here in the Birthplace of Minnesota! Mainstreet Stillwater and the St. Croix Riverfront will be alive with holiday spirit, featuring seasonal lights, decorations, and festive themed events! Experience the holidays of old while making new memories.

    Downtown Stillwater's independently owned boutiques, shops and restaurants WELCOME YOU to Hometown for the Holidays - the first 3 weekends in December! Find joy in shopping and dining during the holiday season with family friendly events happening each weekend, see below for more details!

    Sponsorship Opportunities AVAILABLE NOW! ~ Reserve Sponsorship online HERE!

    Friday, December 1
    This weekend lights the way to the Holidays! Stillwater's Mainstreet and side streets feature a vast array of shops & restaurants of all flavors.
    6:30-8:30 p.m - Enjoy holiday lights, sights & the sounds of Victorian Carolers strolling down mainstreet Stillwater. 
     
    Saturday, December 2 - Twinkle Party & City of Stillwater Tree Lighting
    4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. - Enjoy holiday lights, sights & the sounds of Victorian Carolers strolling down mainstreet Stillwater. 
    4:00 p.m - Bring your family and join the fun on Chestnut Plaza (adjacent to the historic Liftbridge) for our Twinkle Party Celebration ~ Twinkle lights will be given out and feel free to wear your own lights to add to the fun!
    Around 5:00 p.m. - Watch for Santa and Mrs. Claus to arrive!
    5:30 p.m - Celebrate the official lighting of the City of Stillwater's Christmas Tree on Chestnut Plaza  with music and Mayor Kozlowski presenting. Enjoy shopping & dinner at many of the shops and restaurants around town.
     
    Sunday, December 3
    2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. - Horse-drawn Wagonette Carriage - FREE to ride!
    Pick up and Drop off on Water Street by public restrooms, riverside
     
    Additional Events and Santa Sightings happening around town on Saturday, December 2: 
    Taps and Toys with Santa at River Siren Brewing Co.
    Crafting Cheers, Sharing Toys, and Santa Smiles! -     Free Admission
    ✨ Visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus (1-4 PM)
    ✨ Bring your family for a fun festive family photo!
    ✨ Complimentary Cocoa, Cookies, and Treats in the Taproom
    🎁 Toy Drive

    Breakfast with Santa at the Afton House Inn
    9:00 am - 11:00 am One of Santa’s first stops this year is at the HISTORIC AFTON HOUSE INN
    Santa will be here again in order to enjoy our delicious breakfast buffet in the Winter Wonderfully Decorated Wheel Room & Pennington Room
    CALL 651-436-8883 for Reservations

     

    Friday, December 8
    This weekend features sugar & spice and everything nice!
    6:30-8:30 p.m - Enjoy holiday lights, sights & the sounds of Victorian Carolers strolling down mainstreet Stillwater. 
     
    Saturday, December 9 - Gingerbread House Building Contest at Water Street Inn
    10:00 a.m.-NOON - The community is invited to pull out their rolling pins, grab a frosting bag and build gingerbread houses for submission in our Gingerbread Building Contest! The contest is open to all ages and skill levels! $20 application fee to participate and you will receive a $20 ChamberBucks certificate onsite at the event, as a Thank You! ChamberBucks can be used at over 90 local businesses and don't expire!
    9:00 a.m. - Bring your ginger bread house creation fully assembled to the Water Street Inn.
    10:00 a.m. until Noon - OPEN TO THE PUBLIC to View and Vote on creative home made gingerbread houses in the ballroom at Water Street Inn; Enjoy a holiday movie and fun!
    Watch our local City councils build their gingerbread houses on site--they are in it to win it!
    REGISTER HERE for the Gingerbread Building Contest!
     
    THANK YOU to our Supporting Sponsor for the Gingerbread Building Contest:
    Saturday, December 9
    11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. - Enjoy holiday lights, sights & the sounds of Victorian Carolers strolling down mainstreet Stillwater. 
     
    2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. - Horse-drawn Wagonette Carriage - FREE to ride!
    Pick up and Drop off on Water Street by public restrooms, riverside
     
    Additional Events and Santa Sightings happening around town on this weekend: 
    Downtown Stillwater Scavenger Hunt on Saturday, December 9th, 10-11 am at Lowell Park Pavillion
    FREE - (no pre-registration required)
    Join us in singing some songs as we go on a scavenger hunt and see the gingerbread houses that are part of the Gingerbread Building Contest through the Hometown for the Holidays. Come dressed to be outside. ALL families with children ages 5 and under are welcome! This event is hosted in partnership with Stillwater Early Childhood Family Education and the Greater Stillwater Chamber Foundation, Hometown for the Holidays Steering Committee.
     
    Vintage Santa strolling down mainstreet Stillwater on Saturday, December 9th, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
    Water Street Inn Santa Breakfast on Sunday, December 10 at 9:00 am - Noon
    Celebrate the magic of the holiday season with the Water Street Inn's Santa Breakfast! Join us for a festive Breakfast Buffet with Santa. Indulge in delightful treats and enjoy the excitement of a Santa Workshop! Capture the moment with free photos with Santa. Reservations are required. To secure your spot, call us at 651-439-6000.

    Friday, December 15 
    This weekend highlights our favorite furry friends! 
    6:30-8:30 p.m -     Enjoy holiday lights, sights & the sounds of Victorian Carolers strolling down mainstreet Stillwater. 

    Saturday, December 16 - Pet Costume Parade
    Bark your calendars!     All animals lovers are invited to dress up with their pets and enjoy all that mainstreet has to offer! FREE to participate!
    11:00 a.m - Meet at Union Art Alley and join the fun - parade down mainstreet Stillwater and end back at Union Art Alley at Noon! Enjoy goodies at The Lumberjack afterwards!

    PRIZES awarded to Most Original and Creative Pet; Smallest Pet; Biggest Pet and Family or Group Costume including a One Night Stay at Lora Hotel + Gift Certificates for Mad Capper, The Lumberjack & more!

    THANK YOU to our Supporting Sponsors:
     

    Additional Events and Santa Sightings happening around town on this weekend: 
    PET SANTA PARTY at The Freight House on Saturday, December 16, 1-4 pm
    Enjoy an afternoon of pictures with Santa with your furry friends.
    Firepits and Heaters will warm the space as you sip on hot cocoa and other delicious beverages.

    Vintage Santa strolling down mainstreet Stillwater on Saturday, December 16th, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

    FOLLOW the Hometown for the Holidays-Stillwater, MN Facebook PAGE for ongoing details & updates!

    Brought to you in Partnership

           

    2023 EVENT SPONSORS 

           

                         

    2023 TOURISM SPONSOR

    2023 EVENT DONORS

     

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