Candlelight Event - Onamia

Enjoy snowshoeing (skiing or hiking if conditions permit) by the light the moon, with candle luminaries to help guide the way.

Trails start at the Interpretive/Visitor Center but will be determined closer to the event date.

Traditional snowshoes will be available for free use at the Visitor Center. Snowshoe and ski rental is also available at the Ranger Station for a fee. All is on a first-come, first-served basis.

After exploring the trails, visitors can warm up near a crackling bonfire while they enjoy hot cider and cookies at the Visitor Center.

Frontenac Candlelight Hike & Ski

Come enjoy an evening in the park by candlelight! Snowshoe, ski, or hike the trail along the bluff top with beautiful views of the Mississippi River Valley, lit by dozens of luminaries and the light of the full moon. Warm up at campfires at either end of the trail or enjoy some light refreshments by the wood stove in the warming shelter. Refreshments provided by the Frontenac State Park Association volunteer group.

Candlelight Hike

Discover the beauty of Minneopa State Park at night with a candlelight hike following the Minneopa Creek River Valley. The trails will be lit with hundreds of candle luminaries as well as the full moon to create a magical winter wonderland that takes you through some of the most scenic natural areas the park has to offer! The self-guided main loop is approximately 1-mile long and mostly flat. Weather and snow permitting, there may be additional illuminated trails to explore the state parks at night!

Luce Line Candlelight Walk

Candlelight Walk

Trail section between Vicksburg Lane and Hwy 101

Winter wonderland and flickering candles come together for a magical experience on the Luce Line State Trail during the candlelight hike! This self-guided, self-paced trail is two miles round trip, out and back. Refreshments will be at the east end of the candle lit portion near Vicksburg Lane.

Park at Wayzata Gleason Elementary School, 210 County Road 101 North, Plymouth.

Vinterlights (Gammelgarden Activities Only)

Enjoy the lighting ceremony at the Scandia Community Center where there will be two fire pits, cookies, and hot chocolate.

At 5 p.m., the lights at the Community Center, Gammelgården Museum, and Elim Lutheran Church as well as the snowflakes on the light posts along the streets will be lit.

Tomtes and Christmas (God Jul) Ornaments

On this day, we will be making tomtes and Christmas/God Jul ornaments and decorations.

Use a variety of felt, ric-rac, fake fur, and other decorative items to create your own personalized tomte.

Traditional and contemporary supplies will be provided to create Swedish decorations and ornaments for Christmas/God Jul.

$20 per person or $35 for an adult/child pair. (Children must be accompanied by an adult.)

Cancellation Policy: Up to 3 weeks before the event – 50% refund. Under 3 weeks before the event, no refunds.

Small Business Saturday

Check back to see what specials the gift shop (Butik) will be offering on Small Business Saturday! You may check here or on the museum's website.

Pollinator-theme Baking and Cooking Class (Demonstration/Lecture)

This pollinator-theme baking and cooking class focuses on pollinators – bees, insects, and butterflies. Nordic Ware has a wide variety of bee-, butterfly- and insect bakeware and cookware. This class shows participants the range of items available, and what food looks and tastes like that is made in the bakeware and cookware. (Note: this is a demonstration/lecture class. There is no hands-on baking or cooking.)

Museum Store Sunday

Museums foster appreciation and knowledge of history, art, culture, nature, and science. When you purchase an item from Gammelgården’s gift shop, you help to sustain the museum’s service to their community and the public.

Products found in museum stores are curated just like the works displayed in their respective institutions, with many items often developed exclusively by the museum, resulting in distinctive and unique offerings.

Be a patron on Museum Store Sunday and all year round.

Embroidered Christmas Ornament

Make an embroidered Christmas ornament with Alycen Brothen. This is a great opportunity to spend an afternoon doing needlework – whether you are an accomplished embroiderer or are just picking up a needle and floss for the first time.

More details, a picture of the project, and registration information will be available by Summer 2024.