ArtReach Events Calendar

We Are Water MN is a traveling exhibit and community engagement initiative that explores the science, history, story, culture, and relationships of water in Minnesota, and, in this case, the lower St. Croix River Valley. The exhibit will be on view at Stillwater Public Library from October 12 through December 3, 2023, and will include stories from local perspectives:

•           Astoria Jespersen – Houseboat resident

•           Emily Tweed – Pumpkin Regatta Winner 2022, local business owner

•           Fred Grieco

•           Greg Seitz - St. Croix 360, writer/blogger

•           Pam Carlson – Volunteer water monitor

•           Rosie Peters – Brookside Bar & Grill, co-owner, Dakota

•           Amy Frischmon – Business owner, Taylor’s Falls Scenic Boat Tours

•           Andy Veu – Local angler

•           Kami Mendlik – Artist, St. Croix River School of Painting

•           Daniel Bruber – MnDOT, Lift Bridge Operator

•           Mark Edlund – Scientist with St. Croix Watershed Research Station

•           Paul Red Elk – NAPAC elder, herbalist

We Are Water MN is led by the Minnesota Humanities Center in partnership with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; Board of Water and Soil Resources; the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources; the Minnesota Historical Society; and the University of Minnesota Extension. We Are Water MN is funded in part with money from the Clean Water, Land, & Legacy Fund and by the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Wait did that rock just move? No, it’s a mussel! Over 50 species of mussels call Minnesota’s waters home, but most of these species are threatened or even endangered. Join Park Naturalist Elizabeth as she explores these little-known creatures that have a big impact on water quality. They are simply marvelous. Stop by the lower level any time between 2:00 and 3:30 to learn about mussels.

(Note: The program was originally scheduled for Saturday, December 2 but was moved to Thursday, November 30).

This event is part of We Are Water MN, a traveling exhibit and community engagement initiative that explores the science, history, story, culture, and relationships of water in Minnesota, and, in this case, the lower St. Croix River Valley. The exhibit will be on view at Stillwater Public Library from October 12 through December 3, 2023. We Are Water MN is led by the Minnesota Humanities Center in partnership with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; Board of Water and Soil Resources; the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources; the Minnesota Historical Society; and the University of Minnesota Extension. We Are Water MN is funded in part with money from the Clean Water, Land, & Legacy Fund and by the National Endowment for the Humanities.

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!
Below is a "work in progress" schedule for 2023! Check back often for updates!

• Black Friday/Plaid Friday - Nov. 24
• Shop Small Business Saturday - Nov. 25
• Costumed Victorian Carolers - Strolling Historic Main Street - Friday/Saturdays, Dec. 1 - Dec. 16
• Caroling tours on the BierCycle - Saturdays, Nov. 25 - Dec. 30
• Holiday Tea at Historic Lowell Inn - Weekends, Dec. 1-23
• Twinkle Party and City Tree Lighting - Dec. 2
• FREE Horse-Drawn Wagonette Rides along the River - Dec. 3 & 9
• Gingerbread House Making Contest - Dec. 9
• Downtown Stillwater Scavenger Hunt - Dec. 9
• Holiday Beertique Makers Market at Lift Bridge Brewery - Dec. 9
• Downton Abbey Christmas Dinner - Dec. 9
• Breakfast with Santa at Water Street Inn - Dec. 10 & Dec.16
• Come Paint with Santa @ Kari’s Create & Paint Studio - Dec. 15
• Holiday Pet Parade - Dec. 16
• Christmas Eve Dinner or Day brunch at Historic Lowell Inn - Dec. 24 & 25
• Stay in Stillwater for New Year's Eve dining, live music, and unique lodging.

Click on each event to find details on the location, dates, times, etc. 

Just like the popular Christmas carol, Denise's oil paintings evoke bright images of nature, light and radiance. Inspired by travels to Barcelona, Spain, Denise has created a style she calls "Crystal Impressionism", reminiscent of colorful mosaics and stained-glass windows. Opening reception: Friday, December 8th, 5:30-8:30 pm.

This weekend lights the way to the Holidays! Stroll down Mainstreet and enjoy shops, restaurants and Hometown for the Holidays events!

Friday, December 1
6:30 - 8:30 p.m - Enjoy holiday lights, sights & the sounds of Victorian Carolers strolling down Mainstreet Stillwater.

Saturday, December 2 - Twinkle Party & City of Stillwater Tree Lighting
4:00 - 6:00 p.m. - Enjoy holiday lights, sights & the sounds of Victorian Carolers strolling down Mainstreet Stillwater.
4:00 p.m - Bring your family and join the fun on Pedestrian Plaza (adjacent to the historic Lift Bridge) for our Twinkle Party Celebration ~ Twinkle lights will be given out and feel free to wear your own lights to add to the fun!
Around 5:00 p.m. - Watch for Santa and Mrs. Claus to arrive!
5:30 p.m - Celebrate the official lighting of the City of Stillwater's Christmas Tree on Pedestrian Plaza  with music and more. Enjoy shopping & dinner at many of the shops and restaurants around town.

Sunday, December 3
2:00 - 4:00 p.m. - Horse-drawn Wagonette Carriage - FREE to ride!

Feel the festive nature of shopping and dining in downtown historic Stillwater by listening to the holiday melodies of the strolling costumed Victorian carolers on Main Street. Let us welcome you with song!

Friday, Dec. 1, 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Saturday, Dec. 2, 4:00pm - 6:00pm

Friday, Dec. 8, 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Saturday, Dec. 9, 11:30am - 1:30pm

Friday, Dec. 15, 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Saturday, Dec. 16, 11:30am - 1:30pm

For a complete list of boutiques and restaurants downtown, visit DiscoverStillwater.com.

Santa is coming to Lift Bridge Brewery on Saturday, December 2 from 10:30 AM - 3 PM! Join us for our annual Cheers With Santa Charity Photo event.

Make memories with your family while giving back to a local non-profit AND taking the little ones to tell Santa their wishes...sounds like Cheers all around!

Professional Photos taken by Boost Mode Photography by Andi with proceeds going to Valley Friendship Club.

Featured Food: Saigon DeLicious Food Truck (10:30 AM - 6 PM)

Only $10 per picture, and all photos will be emailed directly to you. Enjoy a fresh Beer, Hard Seltzer, Slushie, Bloody Larry or our tasty Root Beer or Sodas!

(Santa gets a cookie break from 12:30-1:00 pm)

Join us and experience the historic Hudson Octagon House at its seasonal best. The home welcomes you, in true seasonal splendor with wreaths dressing the windows, a tree festooned with timeless decorations, beautiful gifts and mysterious packages ready for eager exchanges. Music dances merrily in the air, games wait ready for enjoyment while the dining sits prepared for a fine holiday feast. Come relish this season's warmth and traditions with the Moffat-Hughes Family.

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CHRISTKINDLMARKT IS BACK!

Enjoy gluhwein, sausage pieces, and goulash as you peruse around an open fire and plenty of crafters in the Gasthaus meadow.

Vendors
A Pawfect Look - Pet bandanas.
Infusion Gardens - Bloody Mary mix, lemonade concentrates, pickles, pickled vegetables, taco sauces, braised red and green cabbage, Bohemian pickles, bloody olives.
Kate Q.uilts - Handmade quilted goods.
Rockweiler Jewelry - Over 1,000 natural stone pendants from all over the world.
Sara's Tipsy Pies - Sweet and savory frozen and baked pies and other holiday treats (lefse, Krumkake, rosettes).
Sauce North LLC - Artisan fermented hot sauces made in Stillwater.
Sunshine Barkery - Dog accessories, smoked bones, dog cookies, and cat toys.

Come to the Pedestrian Plaza in Historic Downtown Stillwater for FREE horse-drawn Victorian Wagonette rides! Experience the joy of the season with a family ride along the St. Croix River in the crisp air. Wagonette rides are just one of the many holiday traditions downtown Stillwater as part of the month-long Hometown for the Holidays events.

Sunday, December 3rd, 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Saturday, December 9th, 2:00 - 4:00 pm

In intro to pole you will experience a new way to use your body to gain strength! Learn the fundamentals of pole fitness as we work through walks, transitions, spins, climbs, and beginner pole tricks.
This intro COURSE is designed for someone who has never experienced pole fitness and wants to learn the art of pole in a fun and welcoming environment.

- All participants within this class must be 14 years or older.**Ages 14-17 must have a parent or guardian sign a waiver before your 1st class.**

AERIAL SILKS *6 week INTRO course:

Dreaming of life in the circus? This 6 week series is designed for beginners. In this series, students will be introduced to aerial fitness and provided with a foundation of key movements. Throughout our time together, students will begin to master beginner moves and unique poses that will work together. Students will learn tricks, poses, spins, climbs, while also building muscle, endurance, and flexibility.

This class is designed for anyone 14+ years of age.

**Ages 14-17 Must have parent or guardian sign a waiver prior to your 1st class.

Marine Film Society, in conjunction with the Marine Community Library, has been hosting documentary films in the Marine Village Hall for 9 years. This free event brings films and their creators to a venue far outside the urban core.

40 Below tells the story of extreme athletes who run, bike and ski 135 miles in northern Minnesota in January. A special meal of a grilled cheese sandwich and chili or chili fries is on offer at the Brookside Bar & Grill in Marine to prep you to watch the athleticism on film and for a discussion afterwards.

Another fun weekend in downtown Stillwater as part of the month-long Hometown for the Holidays!

Friday, December 8
6:30-8:30 p.m. - Enjoy holiday lights, sights & the sounds of Victorian Carolers strolling down Mainstreet Stillwater.

Saturday, December 9 - Gingerbread House Building Contest
The community is invited to pull out their rolling pins, grab a frosting bag and build gingerbread houses for submission in our Gingerbread Building Contest!
10:00 a.m. - Noon - View and Vote on creative home made gingerbread houses at Water Street Inn

Saturday, December 9
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. - Enjoy holiday lights, sights & the sounds of Victorian Carolers strolling down Mainstreet Stillwater.
2:00 - 4:00 p.m. - Horse-drawn Wagonette Carriage - FREE to ride!

Additional Events happening around town on this weekend:
Downtown Stillwater Scavenger Hunt on Saturday, December 9th, 10 -11 a.m. at Lowell Park Pavilion
FREE - (no pre-registration required)

Winter is COLD but our Winter Wonderland workshop is HOT!

Stef is going to show you some slinky, sexy moves that will spice up any ordinary Holiday! Don't worry, you'll slither around the chair and get comfortable on how to move for your special someone!

Come for the Fun, Stay for the Spice!

Learn a fun Pole Dance routine and take an amazing Winter wonderland photo with our photo backdrop! Dress in your best holiday attire.

This holiday we will have a fun Pole Dance class designed for Beginners, all levels are welcome, No experience is needed.

NO REFUNDS * If you can't attend please let us know, although all sales are final.

Celebrate Christmas with The Valley Chamber Chorale as we share a festive and sparkling array of traditional, popular and new holiday favorites. The memories of Christmas past can inspire us to reach inward and share our special moments with those we hold dear. We are delighted to share Christmas carols and songs that have been cherished through the years and are still treasured today. Many will likely be as familiar as that “special ornament” hanging on the tree; a few may be new ornaments, that with time, become a tradition too.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE VENUE FOR THESE CONCERTS HAS CHANGED FROM PAST YEARS DUE TO RENOVATIONS AT THE HISTORIC WASHINGTON COUNTY COURTHOUSE.

Shop local, drink local at our Holiday Beertique Makers Market!
Lift Bridge is once again proud to host this makers event - showcasing amazing local talents and businesses! Shop dozens of local makers and artisans with a craft beer in hand.

Join us for many of our customers' favorite event of the year!
It is not a requirement to dress up, but many attendees dress up in the spirit of late 1800's - 1920's attire. We look forward to seeing you to celebrate the 2023 holiday season!

6pm: Bar Opens & hors d'oeuvres:
Caviar Canapes, Artisan Fruit & Cheese Platter, Spanakopita

7pm: Plated Dinner
Composed Salad: Fresh Greens, Candied Walnuts, Fresh Apple & House Vinaigrette (Gluten Free & Vegan)
Entrée: Beef Bourguignon & House Potato Puree
Dessert: Vanilla Crème Brûlée (gluten free)

Hosted Apple Cider Mimosas, House Red & White Wine are included in your evening.
Cash/Card Bar available for beers & liquors.

If you need an alternate entrée and/or dessert, please email us as soon you book your tickets (at least 5 days before the event date).
Alternate Entrée: Polenta and Seasonal Vegetable Ragu (gluten free and vegetarian)
Alternate Dessert: Poached Pear (gluten free, dairy free, vegan)

Worship will include a reading, message, and songs.
Dress warmly — the church dates back to 1856 and has no heat.
Following worship, coffee and Lucia Buns will be served by Lucia in the classroom at the Valkommen Hus.
Cost is a free-will offering.

Reservations Required
There is a limit of 60 people per service.

6:00 A.M. WORSHIP

The worship at 6:00 a.m. includes Swedish reading, message, and songs.
Following worship, join in the classroom for coffee and Lucia buns, hosted by Lucia.
Please note: The first coffee and fellowship time following the 6:00 a.m. worship time is for that service’s participants only.

8:30 A.M. WORSHIP

The worship at 8:30 a.m. includes Swedish reading, message, and songs.
Following worship, join in the classroom for coffee and Lucia buns, hosted by Lucia.
Please note: The second coffee and fellowship time following the 8:30 a.m. worship time is for that service’s participants only.

Indulge in the delights of Santa's Breakfast, treat yourself to Elf's Desserts, and participate in engaging activities—all while creating cherished memories in Santa's workshop!

Come and join us for a festive Breakfast Buffet with Santa, happening from 9 am to 12 pm. Immerse yourself in the enchantment of a Santa Workshop and capture the magic with complimentary photos alongside Santa. Secure your spot by making a reservation. We eagerly await the pleasure of celebrating the festive season with you!

An evening of wind trio music performed by Minnesota Orchestra musicians Chris Marshall (bassoon), Patrick Tsuji (flute), Julie Gramolini Williams (oboe).

The trio will perform works by Antonio Vivaldi, Eduardo Grau, and Alyssa Morris.
Paintings that inspired the piece by Morris will be shown during the performance.

Doors open at 4:00pm. Seating is general admission.

Join us for a reception and conversation with the artists after the concert.