There’s No Place Like My Hometown of Stillwater, Minnesota for the Holidays

For nearly a decade, I called the charming and historic St. Croix River town of Stillwater, Minnesota, my home. It's still the place that I've lived the longest in my 30-plus years in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, and even though I now live a whopping 45 minutes away, I still get back to visit as often as I can. And one of my favorite times of year to visit is the holidays, because I don't think there's a town that does them quote like my hometown of Stillwater.

Stillwater is one of the oldest cities in Minnesota and, in fact, was the political birthplace of the state. Its historic downtown, with its many brick buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries and independent businesses looks like something out of a Norman Rockwell painting - perhaps no more so than when all the holiday decorations festoon the town's streets and buildings. You'd be forgiven if you thought you'd found yourself in some kind of holiday fairytale.

Especially when the whole town turns out to celebrate. Stillwater's annual "Hometown for the Holidays" celebration kicks off in early December with the lighting of the town Christmas tree, accompanied by the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus and a "twinkle party" - the Chamber of Commerce hands out lights so everyone can feel festive at the event. The celebration continues through the month fun, family-friendly events like a candy scavenger hunt and a pet parade.

Merchants and many other groups go all-in for the holidays. You may be sitting and enjoying your breakfast at the Main Cafe one morning only to look up and see the Big Man himself - Santa! - stroll in and start greeting customers. I nearly choked on my omelet! Or folks enjoying a drink or a meal at one of downtown Stillwater's many eating and drinking establishments, like The Velveteen or Lolo American Kitchen and Craft Bar, may find themselves being serenaded by a group of wandering carolers.

If you're a lover of the holidays who's never visited Stillwater during the season, what are you waiting for? Book a room at the historic Lowell Inn - which always goes all-out with its decor - and make a holiday weekend of it. You will not be disappointed. Have you visited Stillwater during the holidays? Do you have another favorite Christmas town in Minnesota? Be sure to tell us all about it!