When the first snowflakes begin to fall over the St. Croix River Valley, something magical happens in Stillwater, Minnesota. This charming river town transforms into a scene from a Hallmark movie, offering visitors and locals alike an unforgettable experience for celebrating Thanksgiving or Christmas in Stillwater. From Thanksgiving festivities through the end of the year, this historic community along the St. Croix River embraces the holiday spirit with strolling Victorian carolers on Main Street and horse drawn wagon rides through town.
Thanksgiving in Stillwater: Where Gratitude Meets Tradition
The holiday season kicks off in earnest with Thanksgiving in Stillwater, a time when this close-knit community comes together to celebrate gratitude, wellness, and togetherness. For those who prefer to leave the cooking to the professionals, Charlie’s Restaurant and Irish Pub at the Water Street Inn offers a spectacular Thanksgiving feast from 11 am to 4 pm on November 27th. Their holiday menu features everything from savory starters to classic favorites and indulgent desserts, allowing families to relax and enjoy the day without the stress of meal preparation. Make reservations early for this popular Thanksgiving Day meal.
For the more active members of the community, Thanksgiving morning brings the Fox Trot Thanksgiving 5K, starting at 8:30 am. This beloved community event, organized by Wild River Running, brings walkers and runners together in the spirit of wellness and giving back. Participants can work up an appetite for their holiday meal while supporting Valley Outreach through a unique partnership with Sneakers4Good. Runners are encouraged to donate old running shoes and athletic apparel, with $2 from every pair of shoes going directly to this vital local organization.
The Thanksgiving weekend continues with cultural enrichment as the St. Croix Ballet presents The Stillwater Nutcracker from November 28-30. Now celebrating its 34th year, this family-friendly version of the classic ballet has become a cherished tradition that introduces new generations to the magic of holiday performances.
The final day of November brings one of the most enchanting events for the holidays in Stillwater and the surrounding St. Croix Valley: VinterLights! in nearby Scandia. November 30th offers not one but two coordinated celebrations that illuminate the Scandinavian heritage of the region. Starting at 1 pm, the Vinterlights Celebration at Gammelgården Museum invites visitors to enjoy holiday exhibits in the Welcome House, shop for unique items in the Butik with special discounts on select merchandise, and a lighting of the candelabras at 4 pm.
As afternoon turns to evening, the celebration shifts to the Scandia Community Center for VinterLights! Artisan Market and Tree Lighting. More than 30 artisans showcase their handmade crafts, including gluten-free baked items, Swedish baked goods, and a variety of gift items perfect for holiday shopping. At 5:30 pm everyone gathers for the countdown to the tree lighting, capturing the pure joy of the season.
Shopping for the Holidays in Minnesota
Christmas shopping in Stillwater begins before Thanksgiving and extends far into December providing a full month of unique shopping experiences. The Merry Market at the Church of St. Michael and St. Mary on November 15th launches the season early with their annual holiday market and festive activities.
The Alternative Gift Market, held November 22-23 at First Presbyterian Church, offers fair-trade gifts and food from organizations working to alleviate poverty locally and worldwide. Now in its 29th year, this market features handicrafts, foods, toys, clothing, and gifts of donations to nonprofits, with all proceeds benefiting local and global charities.
The 32nd annual Christmas at the Courthouse on November 22-23 continues the tradition of holiday shopping in historic settings. This beloved bazaar, held in the beautifully decorated Historic Courthouse, features handcrafted goods from various vendors, with all proceeds benefiting the Historic Courthouse Restoration Fund.
While much of the nation rushes to big-box stores in the pre-dawn hours of Black Friday, Stillwater offers a refreshingly civilized alternative. Black Friday in Minnesota takes on a distinctly local character here, reimagined as “Plaid Friday” on November 28th. This creative approach to holiday shopping celebrates the diversity and creativity of local and independent businesses, offering a fun and enjoyable alternative to the corporate consumer frenzy.
Plaid Friday encourages shoppers to sleep in, no one needs to be shopping at 6 am, and spend the day discovering unique finds in Stillwater’s 100+ independently owned shops including a special antique jewelry shop. The celebration includes special deals throughout downtown, and as an added bonus, visitors can watch the historic lift bridge get lit up on both sides to ring in the holiday season. The tradition extends beyond shopping; it’s a way to show support for the local economy, and participants are encouraged to wear plaid in solidarity with independent businesses.
The weekend shopping continues with Shop Small Saturday on November 29th, further emphasizing the community’s commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs. Downtown Stillwater’s historic main street becomes a festive wonderland where visitors can find fashion and gift boutiques, art galleries, culinary shops, restaurants, salons, and vintage dealers, all within walking distance in this beautiful Aurora Staples Inn.
Nearby venues like Tattersall Distillery (November 29-30 and December 13-14) and Norway House’s Winter Solstice Weekend (December 19-21) offer additional shopping opportunities paired with seasonal food and beverages.
Events for the Holidays in Stillwater: A December to Remember
As November transitions into December, the calendar of events for the holidays in Stillwater becomes truly extraordinary. The month opens with the authentic Christkindlmarkt at Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter on December 6th. From noon to 4 pm, visitors can immerse themselves in German holiday traditions, enjoying gluhwein (mulled wine) with sausage and goulash. If you want to do something that is truly authentic to Stillwater, try your hand at Hammer-Schlagen®. This famous nail driving game originated right here in Stillwater. The Peterson 6 Band provides musical entertainment as guests browse crafters’ wares around an open fire in the Gasthaus meadow.
Typically held the first Saturday of the month, Stillwater welcomes the season with a Twinkle Party, Tree Lighting, and fireworks. Arrive late afternoon at Chestnut Plaza to receive your own twinkle lights to be part of the celebration. Revelers are encouraged to add extra lights to their attire. The lightshow reaches its peak as the City of Stillwater’s Christmas Tree is lit for the season around 5:30 pm.
The Water Street Inn hosts a riverside ice skating rink during the season. Picture skating hand-in-hand with your loved one as snowflakes gently surround you in a scene suitable for a picture-perfect postcard.
Gammelgården Museum in Scandia hosts Annie’s Jul-Themed Coffee Party on December 6, 13, and 20, offering a three-course Scandinavian experience complete with cardamom bread, meats, cheeses, rice pudding, and assorted cookies in the beautifully decorated Welcome House. Different performers will be there each week. Reservations are required for this event.
The Historic Lowell Inn is known for their leisurely paced afternoon tea in the historic George Washington Room. The inn hosts special Holiday Tea on Saturdays throughout December, combining refined dining with seasonal ambiance in one of Stillwater’s most iconic establishments.
Visit The Freight House on December 12 for an 80s Christmas Show that redefines the holiday with an all-star cast of 80s ladies. Bring your dancing shoes and sing along to a show that is “totally awesome.”
The second weekend of December also brings the Downton Abbey Christmas Dinner on December 13th at the Outing Lodge at Pine Point. This authentic English Christmas meal, set in a European-style estate, offers an aristocratic dining experience that transports guests across the Atlantic to experience Victorian-era elegance.
Put your design skills to the test at the Gingerbread Building Contest on December 13 at the Water Street Inn. Take time to marvel at the creativity of this treasured (and delicious) holiday tradition.
December 14th is particularly special for the Aurora Staples Inn. The inn is hosting a Christmas Open House from 5-8 pm, featuring a harpist, delicious food, and activities for children who can search for snowflakes to receive small gifts. Visitors can take advantage of gift certificates offered at 20% off (available that day only) and enter a drawing for a free night’s stay.
For the young and young-at-heart, Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter presents its Santa Buffet, on December 14 where families can enjoy an all-you-can-eat Christmas feast for $30 per person, with seatings from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm and an accordionist strolling through the dining rooms.
For theater enthusiasts, the Zephyr Theatre offers exceptional entertainment throughout December. “A Stillwater Christmas Carol,” adapted and directed by Michael Dufault, sets the classic Dickens tale in hometown Stillwater during World War I. Evening performances run on December 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, and 23, with a matinee on December 20th. This locally-adapted version brings fresh relevance to the timeless story of Ebenezer Scrooge’s redemption.
December 20th also features “Home for the Holidays” starring Laura Osnes at the Trinity Lutheran Church, presented by St. Croix Valley Opera. The two-time Tony Award nominee and Broadway leading lady returns to her home state for one dazzling night of holiday magic and musical brilliance.
Watch student and staff performances, then join in the social dancing, at the annual Candyland Christmas Showcase on December 20. Tickets to the event include appetizers and treats along with the performances.
The holiday celebrations culminate with “The Big Stillwater Holiday Sing” on December 21st at The Grand Banquet Hall. This free admission event, presented by Zephyr Theatre, brings the community together for an afternoon of simpler holiday traditions. Dan Chouinard leads from the piano, with lyrics displayed on screens and mobile devices, featuring surprise local guests.
Conclusion: A Season Unlike Any Other
Celebrating the holiday season in Stillwater offers something that shopping malls and online retailers simply cannot replicate: authentic community spirit, historic charm, and meaningful traditions. Whether you’re searching for unique gifts at Plaid Friday sales, enjoying Thanksgiving dinner overlooking the St. Croix River, witnessing the magical tree lighting at VinterLights!, attending world-class performances, or simply strolling the decorated streets of this Victorian-era river town, Stillwater provides an antidote to the commercialized chaos that often characterizes modern holidays.
This season, consider making Stillwater your destination for creating lasting holiday memories. From mid-November through December, this remarkable Minnesota community demonstrates that the best gifts cannot be wrapped. They’re the experiences we share, the traditions we honor, and the connections we make with our neighbors and loved ones. In Stillwater, the holiday season isn’t just celebrated; it’s treasured, one magical moment at a time.
