12 Days Of Cheer In Stillwater: Making This A December To Remember

The holiday season is officially here, and there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the magic in and around Stillwater. To help get you in the spirit, we’ve rounded up a dozen festive ideas you can enjoy throughout the month — each one a fun, joyful way to celebrate the season close to home.

From twinkling light displays and holiday markets to cozy treats, local shopping spots, winter activities and seasonal shows, these 12 picks highlight what makes Stillwater feel especially merry this time of year. Whether you check off one or all twelve, it’s all about slowing down, supporting local businesses and making memories.

1. Explore a million lights at the GLOW Holiday Festival.

Just a 25-minute drive from Stillwater, the GLOW Holiday Festival transforms CHS Field into a winter wonderland featuring over a million dazzling lights. Running from late November through January 4, this walk-through experience includes returning favorites like the Snowy Slide and Vixen’s Zip Line, alongside a brand-new Merry Carousel. Tickets must be purchased online in advance, and since this is a cashless event, be sure to bring a card to grab a hot beverage while you wander the glowing exhibits.

2. Catch a festive performance with The Zephyr Theatre.

This December, The Zephyr Theatre brings holiday magic to The Grand Banquet Hall with a local twist on a classic in A Stillwater Christmas Carol. Running from December 17-23, the show reimagines the Dickens tale in World War I-era Stillwater, complete with a cash bar and food available for purchase before the curtain rises. For a more casual evening, you can also join the free “Big Stillwater Holiday Sing” on December 21 to belt out seasonal favorites with the community.

3. Lace up your skates at the St. Croix Valley Recreation Center.

Whether you prefer open skating or themed fun, the St. Croix Valley Recreation Center is the local hub for getting on the ice. In addition to their standard open skate hours, the center hosts special holiday events, including an “Ugly Sweater Skate” on December 20 and a glow-in-the-dark “Cosmic Skate” on select Friday nights. If you are looking for an active way to ring in 2026, check their calendar for the annual New Year’s Eve Glow Skate.

4. Warm up with scratch-made pastries at Mon Petit Cheri.

Located in the heart of downtown, Mon Petit Cheri offers the perfect respite from the cold with its warm atmosphere and full espresso bar. This bakery and kitchen prides itself on community connection, serving up scratch-made breakfasts, lunches and award-winning pastries that are perfect for a cozy holiday brunch. Whether you stop in for a full meal or just a cinnamon roll and coffee, it is a delightful spot to refuel while shopping on Main Street.

5. Experience an authentic European Christmas Market.

For a taste of Old World tradition, take a short drive to St. Paul’s Union Depot for the European Christmas Market, a free event running weekends through December 21. The open-air market features 60 kiosks selling handmade gifts like nutcrackers and wool mittens, all accompanied by the scent of roasted nuts and sizzling sausages. It’s a charming, sensory-filled experience where you can sip warm Glühwein while shopping for unique holiday treasures.

6. Unwind with a glass of wine at Domaćin Restaurant & Wine Bar.

Known for its intimate atmosphere and extensive wine list, Domaćin Restaurant & Wine Bar is an ideal spot for a relaxed holiday date night or a special dinner with friends. The menu features New American cuisine with Mediterranean flair, and the staff are experts at helping you navigate their impressive wine selection. Be sure to ask for a table in the beautiful all-season porch, which offers a cozy setting to watch the snow fall while you dine, and check for events during the holiday season.

7. Find the perfect tree at Krueger’s Christmas Tree Farm.

Celebrate a classic winter tradition at Krueger’s Christmas Tree Farm, a family-run operation that has been serving the area for over 70 years. You can choose to cut your own tree or select a fresh pre-cut pine, and every purchase includes complimentary shaking, baling and a custom annualized ornament. Reservations are required to visit, so book your slot online before heading out to enjoy the bonfire and free hot cider.

8. Get crafty with holiday DIY projects at AR Workshop.

Tap into your creative side at AR Workshop Stillwater, a boutique studio that offers hands-on classes perfect for making personalized gifts or holiday decor. Throughout December, their schedule is packed with festive workshops where you can create everything from chunky knit blankets to light-up signs and mosaic ornaments. It’s a great indoor activity for groups, allowing you to escape the cold and leave with a finished project you can display at home.

9. Browse for cozy winter reads at Valley Bookseller.

Tucked away on Main Street, Valley Bookseller is a “small but mighty” independent shop perfect for finding your next winter read or a thoughtful gift. The women-owned store is known for its welcoming vibe and a staff that personally curates every title on the shelves, ensuring a high-quality selection of books. Stop in to chat with a bookseller for a recommendation, or simply browse the shelves to find a story to curl up with by the fire.

10. Shop small and local at Locale Makers Market & Boutique.

Discover unique treasures at Locale Makers Market & Boutique, a collaborative shop featuring goods from over 60 artisans across Minnesota and Wisconsin. Their mission is to support small businesses, resulting in an eclectic mix of handmade jewelry, home decor and apparel that you won’t find in big-box stores. It is an excellent destination for holiday shopping when you want to give a gift that carries a personal touch and supports the local creative community.

11. Treat yourself to the famous Chicago Mix at Candyland.

No trip to downtown Stillwater is complete without visiting Candyland, a sweet staple since 1932 known for its air-popped corn cooking in copper kettles. While the shop offers hundreds of varieties of nostalgic candies and hand-dipped chocolates, the absolute must-have is their world-famous Chicago Mix popcorn. The old-fashioned counter service and smell of fresh caramel corn make this a nostalgic stop for visitors of all ages.

12. Admire fine art and find unique gifts at Galeria Saro.

Explore a blend of fine art and handcrafted gifts at Galeria Saro, where you can find everything from original paintings and pottery to goat milk lotions. The gallery specializes in framing and features works from both local and international artists, including the popular “An Evening in Stillwater” print, which makes for a beautiful keepsake. It’s a sophisticated spot to browse for high-quality, artistic gifts or to pick out a new piece of decor for your home.

Stay warm, shop local and enjoy every twinkling moment — happy holidays, Stillwater!

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