Hometown for the Holidays-Gingerbread House Contest 2024

Celebrating the joyful holiday season on Stillwater, Minnesota's Historic Mainstreet!

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, CLICK HERE for more details!

Let’s create unforgettable memories together this holiday season! This weekend will provide treats and fun for the whole family while helping support our local businesses!

DATE: December 13th-15th

TIME: Various times - see below

LOCATION: Mainstreet Stillwater, Minnesota

Friday, December 13

Where’s Waldo Scavenger Hunt / 10 am - 5 pm in downtown Stillwater

Saturday, December 14

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

Register HERE to enter the Gingerbread Contest ~ deadline is December 10th!

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

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

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

Sunday, December 15

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

Downtown Stillwater will be having a Where's Waldo style scavenger hunt featuring hidden gingerbread ornaments spread out across participating Main Street businesses. Sign-off sheets will be passed out from these participating businesses and the hunt will begin the morning of Friday, December 13th lasting until 5:00pm on Sunday, December 15th. Scavenger hunters will get a prize from Art N Soul once their sheets have been entirely filled in by participating businesses.

Along with the scavenger hunt, there will be a gingerbread house making competition at the Water Street Inn on Saturday, December 14th from 10:00am-12:00pm.

Don't miss out on this Festive Family Event! View & vote for your favorite gingerbread house 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!