Hometown for the Holidays 2024

SHOP SMALL SATURDAY
We invite you to join us for Small Business Weekend in Stillwater ~ Celebrate independent businesses and support local! This weekend will highlight Black/Plaid Friday and Small Business Saturday Specials & Deals!

DATES: Friday, November 29 - Sunday, December 1

TIME: ALL DAY

LOCATION: Stillwater, Minnesota

Enjoy a festive atmosphere as you explore our local shops and support small businesses.

Saturday 1-3 pm: A special treat, Santa will be walking up and down Main Street handing out candy canes and spreading holiday cheer and taking photos with families.

Sunday 1-3 pm: Victorian Carolers joyfully singing throughout downtown while you shop.

TWINKLE PARTY WEEKEND
Light the way to the Holidays! This weekend will bring a twinkle to your eye as we light up the Christmas trees and Fireworks in the sky!
DATES: Thursday, December 5 - Saturday, December 7th
TIME: 4:00 PM
LOCATION: Chestnut Plaza

Thursday, December 5: Luminary Thursdays! Stroll into the evening along Main Street Stillwater, illuminated by the warm glow of luminaries, as you explore charming shops and dine at our fabulous restaurants.

Saturday, December 7: Twinkle Party & Tree Lighting with Holiday Fireworks!
2-4 pm Victorian Carolers joyfully singing throughtout downtown while you shop
5:00 pm Join us for a magical Twinkle Party Celebration at Chestnut Plaza, right next to the historic Lightbridge, starting at 4:00 p.m.! Bring your family and immerse yourselves in the festive spirit as we hand out twinkle lights—don’t hesitate to don your own for an extra sparkle!
As the excitement builds, keep your eyes peeled for the enchanting arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus around 5:00 p.m. by fire truck!
At 5:30 p.m., gather 'round as we light up the City of Stillwater's Christmas Tree in a heartwarming ceremony featuring cheerful music and a special presentation by Mayor Ted Kozlowski and Fireworks! After the tree shines bright, stroll through our charming town to enjoy delightful shopping and savor a delicious dinner at the many shops and restaurants nearby.

CANDY TOWN WEEKEND
Sugar + Spice + Everything Nice! This weekend features how "sweet" historic downtown Stillwater truly is!

DATES: Thursday, December 12th - Sunday, December 15th

TIME: Various times - see below

LOCATION: Mainstreet Stillwater, Minnesota

Thursday, December 12: Luminary Thursdays! Stroll into the evening along Main Street Stillwater, illuminated by the warm glow of luminaries, as you explore charming shops and dine at our fabulous restaurants.

Friday, December 13: Gingerbread Man Scavengar Hunt! Can you find the gingerbread men ornaments around town? Ornaments are hidden in participating stores downtown. Event runs from December 13 -December 20. Complete your stamp card to be entered for a grand prize drawing at Art N Soul!

Saturday, December 14: Gingerbread Building Contest, Water Street Inn / 10:00 am - NOON

Don't miss out on this Festive Family Event! View & vote for your favorite gingerbread house, decorate Christmas cookies and things are about to get even more magical for the little ones, fans of Frozen. Queen Elsa, Olaf and Sven will be on hand to meet and greet children and pose for photos. Enjoy the entertainment and treats where you can decorate your own Christmas cookie. The winners of the gingerbread house making competition will be voted on and announced at 2 pm. The gingerbread houses will be on display after the event in downtown Stillwater businesses for everyone to enjoy!

2 categories; Kids 15 and under, Adults 16 and over

Don't Miss from 2:00 until 4:00 pm ~ Victorian Carolers joyfully singing around town and

Santa will be roaming mainstreet/side streets and spreading holiday cheer and handing out candy canes

Sunday, December 15

Santa roaming mainstreet/side streets and spreading holiday cheer and handing out candy canes / 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

FURRY FRIEND WEEKEND
Get in the holiday spirit and dress up with your pet! This weekend highlights our favorite furry friends!

DATE: Thursday, December 19 - Saturday, December 21
TIME: 10:00 AM - NOON Pet Parade + Costume Contest
LOCATION: Starts and ends at the Lumberjack

Thursday, December 19: Luminary Thursdays! Stroll into the evening along Main Street Stillwater, illuminated by the warm glow of luminaries, as you explore charming shops and dine at our fabulous restaurants.

Saturday, December 21: Pet Parade + Costume Contest! Join us for whimsical pet parade on historic Main Street! Bring your furry friends dressed in their festive best as we celebrate the holiday season with a parade led by none other than the Grinch. Watch as pets of all shapes and sizes strut their stuff, showcasing their holiday spirit and creativity! Prizes for best dressed and most unique costumes! Each participant will receive a special swag bag filled with goodies for both pets & their humans. Grand Prize Winner receives a one-night stay at Lora Hotel!

After the parade, head into the Lumberjack Axe Throwing Bar to capture the magic with our festive photo booth, where you can snap adorable pictures with your pets. Bring your family, friends, and, of course, your pets for a delightful day of holiday cheer, community spirit, and unforgettable memories! Don’t miss out on this paws-itively enchanting event!

Victorian Carolers joyfully singing around town / 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm