The Best Place to Celebrate Christmas in the Midwest

Blame it on Hallmark movies, but there is something undeniably dreamy about spending the holidays in a small town that’s big on community and big on Christmas. In the Midwest, Stillwater, Minnesota, is that town. 

Located along the scenic Saint Croix River just outside Minneapolis-St. Paul, this historic community even rebranded Black Friday as “Plaid Friday,” encouraging visitors to skip the early-morning retail frenzy and shop at the independently owned shops along Main Street instead. 

“I really feel as though it’s the collective experience,” says Kelly Nygaard, president of Discover Stillwater, the town’s convention and visitors bureau. She says the secret of Stillwater’s holiday charm is how the community is able to coordinate a month-long celebration without it feeling forced or losing its authentic atmosphere.

The town’s Christmas festivities revolve around four themed weekends. Nov. 28-30 is Shop Small Weekend, December 4-7 is Twinkle Weekend, December 11-14 is Candy Town Weekend, and December 18-21 is Furry Friends Weekend.

The town also puts on a traditional Christmas Market at Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter, complete with glühwein (mulled wine) and goulash, with other Christmas market popups around town featuring live music, delicious bites, and handcrafted gifts. While you’re exploring town, there’s no way to miss the illuminated historic Stillwater Lift Bridge.

“Seeing the downtown and the historic lift bridge with fresh snow looks like it belongs in a snowglobe,” Nygaard says. You’ll also hear Victorian carolers strolling through Main Street, and there are even horse-drawn wagon rides on weekends that you can ride for free. When the Christmas tree lighting happens, elves take over the streets with gift cards for local shops. You don’t want to miss the annual gingerbread house contest either, and if you’re lucky, you may be able to catch Santa out and about.

“It’s an incredibly walkable community, and it sparkles during the holidays,” Nygaard says.

If you arrive early and want to do some shopping, Stillwater is home to the only Käthe Wohlfahrt location in the United States, which sells handcrafted Christmas ornaments from Germany. Visit independent bookshops at Valley Bookseller or satisfy your sweet tooth at Tremblay’s Sweet Shop. It doesn’t hurt that Minnesota’s no-sales-tax-on-clothing policy adds extra incentive to going on a shopping spree. 

The Zephyr Theatre is performing its own version of “A Christmas Carol,” specifically rewritten for World War I-era Stillwater, running from December 18-23 at the Grand Banquet Hall. The St. Croix Valley Opera brings Broadway actress and two-time Tony nominee Laura Osnes for “Home for the Holidays,” and “The Big Stillwater Holiday Sing” is where you want to be if you love singing Christmas carols with the community. 

With nine hotels (four located downtown), plus bed and breakfasts and 50 short-term rentals, there’s no shortage of cozy places to stay. The Lora Hotel still features historic details from the 1868 Joseph Wolf Brewery, including exposed stone walls. Hotel Crosby has a rooftop hot tub and one of the Midwest’s largest whiskey collections. Water Street Inn even has a free outdoor ice-skating rink overlooking the lift bridge—just bring your own skates.

There are also plenty of holiday-themed food events. The Outing Lodge hosts a Downton Abbey-themed Christmas dinner complete with beef bourguignon, and the historic Lowell Inn serves Holiday Tea on weekends throughout December. Want to dine with Santa? Water Street Inn hosts breakfast buffets with Santa.

Even if you can’t make it during the holidays, Stillwater’s winter magic extends into January with the World Snow Celebration. 16 teams from five continents compete by transforming massive snow blocks into art along the riverfront. The event is free to attend, and weather permitting, the sculptures stay up for up to two weeks after the competition ends.