Festivals & Holidays

How do you celebrate Christmas? For many people, Christmas means attending performances of Handel's Messiah or The Nutcracker ballet or visiting Santa at Macy's 8th floor Holiday Display. These are only a few of the special events available this month in and around the Twin Cities.

There's nothing like a steaming mug of hot chocolate accompanied by yuletide carols to spread the Spirit of Christmas.  And that's what you and your families will find at this year's Winter Walk in Northfield.

At least it is in Red Wing.  Once again, the day after Thanksgiving, November 25, Red Wing will host their annual Holiday Stroll, a special day full of activities old and new.  Horse-drawn wagon rides, downtown storefront window dressing contests, Santa and Mrs. Claus capping the holiday parade, and the downtown Lighting Ceremony - all this and more for the entire family.

Parades, turkeys, pilgrims, thankful hearts, and football--these have each taken their place in the celebration of Thanksgiving Day on the last Thursday of November. But how did this come to be? George Washington, our nation's first president, proclaimed a day of national thanksgiving on 3 October 1789 but the practice was not celebrated on the same day in all of the states in the years following his presidency.

Every year the athletic department at Carleton College puts on a community Halloween event. From 3-5pm on October 30th, 2016 you'll find members of several athletic teams hosting carnival games for scores of youngsters in the Rec Center. Bring your little ones in costume and come prepared to kick a ball, leap the hurdles and collect some candy.

Northfield has many festivals throughout the year, several featuring music performances by highly sought after bands and ensembles. Happening this week at sites around town is the Bridge Chamber Music Festival.

For a complete schedule and information about this year's musicians, see the organization's website:
http://bridgechamberfestival.org/about/

This week 30 bands will give 100 concerts in 4 days in Northfield and surrounding towns. My family looks forward to this event since we all love outdoor concerts. There's something really nice about getting out and about during the summer months to create family memories with timeless music. Northfield does a very good job of presenting history in a personal way through many events all year round.

The St Paul Winter Carnival hosts a variety of events from parades to ice sculptures to royal court, there's a lot to see. There are many events for the month long celebration, beginning in December and continuing into January. 

This festive occasion includes a BBQ and home brew competition, live music, children's play area and more.

Traditionally held the 2nd Saturday of August.

A winter tradition in northfield, come out to Bridge Square and make yoiur way up and down Division Street amid lights and special booths stocked with warm goodies. Visit with Santa Claus, local shop owners and support local business in a festive atmosphere with carolers and street performances by citizens of all ages.