Step Into a Holiday Movie in Minnesota's Charming Towns
If you’re looking for small town charm or would like to be transported into your favorite made-for-TV holiday movie, plan a trip to these towns and join their holiday celebrations.
The Nutcracker, Presented by Prairie Dance Alliance
Prairie Dance Alliance presents The Nutcracker this holiday season. Come enjoy one of four performances throughout the weekend at the Schwan Community Center for the Performing Arts located at the Marshall High School. We will have over 75 local dancers and actors, and more than 50 behind-the-scenes volunteers. Performances will be..
Friday, December 13 at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 14 at 1:00 p.m. and at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 15 at 1:00 p.m.
Tioga Beach
Tioga Beach is a public sandy beach along the shores of Pokegama Lake. Tioga beach offers a beautiful setting for swimming, picnicking, and fishing off of the pier, all of which are handicap accessible. In addition Tioga Beach has two pavilions (which may be rented or used first-come first-served), a playground, grills, bathrooms, water, and electric hook ups. Nearby multi use trails and a boat access offer additional recreational activities. No lifeguard on duty; swim at your own risk.
Blackwater Environmental Area
The Blackwater Environmental Area is owned by Minnesota Power and is managed for outdoor recreation use by both MN Power and the City of Cohasset. The area is open year-round and offers lighted ski trails in the winter.
Holiday Craft & Vendor Show
Join us for the biggest and best Holiday show in Mankato!!
Over 65 crafters and direct sales vendors!
We will have lunch for sale on site!
CatPAC Series: Duelly Noted
New London-Spicer Community Education is excited to announce our 2025-26 CatPAC Series!
All showtimes will be held in the NLS Performing Arts Center with a 7PM start time.
European Christmas Market
The European Christmas Market in St. Paul is the most authentic traditional holiday market of its kind in Minnesota, offering a unique shopping experience, family-friendly entertainment & intercultural activities. It is an admission-free public event based on the festive open-air Christkindl Markets that spring up in Germany, Austria, and other European countries during the Advent season.
Downtown Marshall Holiday Kickoff
Come support local businesses by shopping Downtown Marshall on Small Business Saturday!
- Saturday, November 29th, 2025
- Downtown Marshall
- All day long! Check the store pages for deals & hours that day!
Annual Holiday Santa & Friends Meet & Greet Event:
- Meet Santa & his friends!
We can't wait to see you there!
By Special Request Concert
By Special Request 2022 is the 2nd annual, first-of-its-kind fundraising concert. St. Croix Valley Opera's co-founders Obed Floan and Megan Wagner will be joined by pianist Andrew Sun. In addition, there will be special appearances by Stillwater favorites, Clark Weyrauch and Laurann Kirschner, along with Jennifer Eckes (SCVO's Cabaret Impressario), and Thomas Glass from Opera on the River 2022.
The event will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 12, 2022, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Stillwater, MN.
Kiwanis Holiday Lights Opening Night Parade
Join us to kick off this season of Kiwanis Holiday Lights at the Kiwanis Holiday Lights Opening Night parade presented by Girl Scout Troops 34494 and 37938!
Opening Night Schedule
6 pm - Parade Begins
7 pm - Lighting Ceremony (approx.)
8 pm - Driving Traffic Opens