Hometown for the Holidays – Stillwater

Celebrating the joyful holiday season on Stillwater, Minnesota’s Historic Main Street to benefit Community Thread’s Holiday Hope program.

Take a stroll through the streets of Stillwater and enjoy the picturesque “Christmas Village” right here in the Birthplace of Minnesota! With FOUR weekends packed with fun, you’re bound to find something for everyone in your family during Hometown for the Holidays.

Additional details and event weekend updates can be found on our Facebook page.

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Volunteer Opportunities: Coming Soon!

Donate to Holiday Hope

MAIN EVENT WEEKEND INFORMATION

SMALL BUSINESS WEEKEND: NOVEMBER 27-29

Celebrate independent businesses and support local! This weekend will highlight Black/Plaid Friday and Small Business Saturday specials and deals.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26
- 8:30 AM: Fox Trot 5K with Wild River Running. Learn more here.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27
- ALL DAY: Donate new, unwrapped toys to Community Thread’s Holiday Hope Program at participating businesses. View Collection Site list here.
- ALL DAY: Celebrate local shops and creativity by purchasing holiday gifts from locally owned businesses.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28
- ALL DAY: Donate new, unwrapped toys to Community Thread’s Holiday Hope Program at participating businesses. View Collection Site list here.
- ALL DAY: Small Business Saturday: Shop for your holiday gifts, support local businesses
- 2:00 – 4:00 PM: Santa will be strolling through downtown, greeting visitors, and spreading festive cheer!
- 12:00 – 5 PM: Elf Takover – Elves will be out around town, offering games, chances to win gift cards, and free Shop Small gift bags for visitors.
- 3:00 – 5:00 PM: Victorian carolers will be out and about, filling downtown with holiday music.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29
- ALL DAY: Spread cheer and make the holidays brighter by dropping off toy donations at participating businesses Downtown Stillwater! Collection sites here.
- 1:00 – 3:00 PM: Victorian carolers will return to Main Street
- 2:00 – 4:00 PM: Santa will return to greet families and continue spreading holiday joy.

Candy town weekend: December 10-13

Sugar, spice, and everything nice! This weekend showcases just how “sweet” Historic Downtown Stillwater truly is. The Gingerbread house contest will be held on Saturday!

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10
- 4:00 PM: Second Luminary Thursday
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11
- ALL DAY: Donate new, unwrapped toys to Community Thread’s Holiday Hope Program at participating businesses. View Collection Site list here.
- ALL DAY: The Great Gingerbread Man Hunt – Search for hidden gingerbread ornaments in shops around town! Start at one of the participating businesses to grab your stamp card. Find them all between Monday, November 30 to Sunday, December 20. Completed sheets can be dropped off at River Bank Gift & Decor.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12
- ALL DAY: Donate new, unwrapped toys to Community Thread’s Holiday Hope Program at participating businesses. View Collection Site list here.
- 12 – 12 PM: Visit the Darn Knit Anyway’s Makers’ Lounge to view and vote on the Gingerbread House Contest, decorate cookies, and a surprise visit from Santa!
- 12 – 2 PM: Santa strolls downtown to spread holiday cheer.

TWINKLE WEEKEND: December 3-6

Twinkle into the holidays this weekend with the Christmas tree lighting on Saturday evening followed by fireworks over the river!

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3
- 4:00 PM: First Luminary Thursday
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4
- ALL DAY: Donate new, unwrapped toys to Community Thread’s Holiday Hope Program at participating businesses. View Collection Site list here.
- ALL DAY: The Great Gingerbread Man Hunt – Search for hidden gingerbread ornaments in shops around town! Start at one of the participating businesses to grab your stamp card. Find them all between Monday, November 30 to Sunday, December 20. Completed sheets can be dropped off at River Bank Gift & Decor.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5
- ALL DAY: Donate new, unwrapped toys to Community Thread’s Holiday Hope Program at participating businesses. View Collection Site list here.
- 4:30 – 6:30 PM: TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY at Chestnut Plaza. Meet Elsa and Olaf, enjoy Victorian carolers, and let the kids grab free twinkle lights. Don’t forget to bring a new, unwrapped toy for Community Thread’s Holiday Hope Program and get a photo with Santa! At 5:00 PM, Santa will arrive on the fire truck, ready for the kids. At 5:30 PM, the Chestnut Plaza Christmas Tree will be lit, followed by a holiday fireworks show over the river.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6
- ALL DAY: Spread cheer and make the holidays brighter by dropping off toy donations at participating businesses Downtown Stillwater! Collection sites here.

Paws & Claus Weekend: December 17-20

Celebrate Paws and Claus Weekend with a festive Pet Parade and Costume Contest featuring four-legged friends and their humans.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17
- 4:00 PM: Final Luminary Thursday
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19
- 12 PM: Pet Parade & Costume Contest – Begin at LORA Event Center and follow Santa Claus down Main Street. Each participant receives a swag bag with goodies for both pets + their humans. Enjoy a holiday photo booth, face painting, and vendor tables. Grand Prize receives a one night stay at Lora Hotel, plus many other prizes awarded to partcipants!
- 3 – 5 PM: Victorian carolers singing throughout downtown
- 7 PM: Home for the Holidays at Trinity Lutheran Church presented by St. Croix Valley Opera featuring Aria Nouveau, the classical crossover duo of soprano Laura Auer and tenor Jay Dref. Join us for an evening of holiday music for the whole community. Learn more here.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20
- Time TBD: Puppy Yoga with French Bulldogs – Join us at the LORA Event Center for a relaxing and heartwarming Puppy Yoga session featuring adorable French Bulldogs! Wrap up the season with joy, laughter, and maybe a wagging tail or two.

LUMINARY THURSDAYS

Enjoy an evening of glowing luminaries along Main Street as you explore charming shops and enjoy local eats. Keep an eye out for special offers and events from local businesses downtown.

Luminary Thursday #1: December 3, 2026

Luminary Thursday #2: December 10, 2026

Luminary Thursday #3: December 17, 2026