Hometown for the Holidays-Stillwater, MN

07/16/2026

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT! This weekend, Santa will be celebrating Lumberjack Days while spreading the word about Hometown for the Holidays and supporting Community Thread's Holiday Hope program.

Let us know if you catch a glimpse of Santa or get to share a few laughs with him!

What: Santa spreading joy and hope!
Where: Downtown Stillwater at Lumberjack Days!
When: Saturday, July 18 from 2-5pm!

07/02/2026

💫THIS SATURDAY from 5 - 8 PM! Celebrate the Fourth of July downtown Stillwater and keep an eye out for a little early holiday magic! Can you find Santa in summer style?

Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Time: 5 - 8 PM
Location: All around Downtown Stillwater!

06/29/2026

💫Happening next weekend in Downtown Stillwater! As you’re out celebrating the Fourth of July, keep an eye out for a little early holiday magic—Santa Claus is coming to town in summer style. Stay tuned for his schedule so you don’t miss him! 🎅

Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Time: TBD - COMING SOON!
Location: All around Downtown Stillwater!

03/17/2026

Yesterday's snowstorm has us thinking back to the holiday season—in the best way!

Just a few months ago, Holiday Hope helped make the season brighter for so many in our community. Together, we provided gifts for 1,500 children and grocery support for nearly 70 older adults.

A heartfelt thank you to the donors, sponsors, collection sites, volunteers, and neighbors who made this possible. Your generosity truly made a difference. 💙

Stay tuned for the full Holiday Hope Impact Report coming soon!

Want to make an impact now? You don’t have to wait for the holidays. A donation to Community Thread any time of year helps keep neighbors engaged, connected, and enriched—providing services and support that bring greater peace of mind, autonomy, and confidence to individuals and families.

https://apps.communitythreadmn.org/donate-now

12/22/2025

With Hometown for the Holidays wrapping up, we want to extend a big THANK YOU to the local shops and businesses that donated gift cards for the Elf Takeovers earlier this season. We appreciate you and are so grateful for your community support!

Art & Soul, Betty June's, Brick & Linen, Candyland, Darn Knit Anyway, DJ Clam Shack
Gold & Eight, Local Makers Market & Boutique, Lolo, Matchstick, Melt, Minnesota Made, Modern Roots, No Neck Tony's, Rio 1854, Riverbank Gifts & Decor, Stillwater Proper, Toxyfree, Valleybook Sellers

12/21/2025

It was a chilly afternoon, but the joy felt was so warm! We love all of our four-legged friends. Thank you Cheryl Larson Team exp Realty, Stillwater for shifting gears a bit with the parade!

12/21/2025

Congratulations to the grand prize winner of the Gingerbread Man Hunt! What a fun week we all had exploring the shops downtown.

The winner of our Gingerbread Man Hunt has been called! Thank you SO much to everyone that donated to our grand prize- River Bank Gifts & Decor Stillwater , sota clothing, Katydids, Betty June's, and Black Letter Books! Of course a huge thank you to Hometown for the Holidays-Stillwater, MN and Community Thread for helping make it happen! And a HUGE shout out to everyone that participated in the hunt!! This was so much fun 🎄

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE 🫶

Explore Minnesota
Discover Stillwater
Mainstreet Stillwater MN

12/18/2025

The Gingerbread Man Hunt ends TOMORROW!

3 more days to complete our gingerbread man hunt! You get a prize just for finishing the sheet AND you’ll be entered into our raffle for the grand prize!

GINGERBREAD MAN HUNT DIRECTIONS: DECEMBER 12-19
Kick off your adventure at Art N Soul, where you’ll pick up your official worksheet. Then hunt for the gingerbread man in each participating business—no surprises, every stop is listed right on your sheet! Once you’ve found them all, return your completed worksheet to Art N Soul to claim your prize and be entered into the Grand Prize drawing.
You’ll have one week to complete your hunt: December 12–19!

*Grand prize is pick up only! We will not be shipping the grand prize. We will be calling our Winner the night of the 19th! 🎄

Explore Minnesota
Discover Stillwater
Mainstreet Stillwater MN
Hometown for the Holidays-Stillwater, MN
Community Thread

12/15/2025

Last, but certainly not least - Furry Friends Weekend is packed with festive fun!

Tuesday, December 16: Stillwater Christmas Cheer | 4–8 PM
Join us downtown for an outdoor Christmas celebration featuring “An Andy and Bing Christmas” and The St. Croix Valley Opera at the parking lots behind The Freight House.

Thursday, December 18: Luminary Thursdays | 5–7 PM
Stroll Main Street as it glows with luminaries, do some last-minute shopping and grab a bit to eat at one of the amazing local restaurants!

Saturday, December 20:
10 AM–6 PM: Donate new, unwrapped toys for Community Thread’s Holiday Hope Program at the Toy Trolley on Main Street or participating businesses.
12 PM: Pet Parade & Costume Contest with the Grinch (Grand prize: one-night stay at Lora Hotel)
2–4 PM: Victorian Carolers singing downtown
7 PM: "Home for the Holidays" by St. Croix Valley Opera featuring Minnesota Native, Broadway & Hallmark’s Own, Laura Osnes, at Trinity Lutheran Church. Details and ticket link can be found on our website: CommunityThreadMN.org/Hometown-Holidays.

✨ Note: The Gingerbread Man Hunt ends Friday, December 19. Please bring completed worksheets back to Art N Soul to receive your prize!

12/15/2025

Lastly, we're thrilled to share the People's Vote winners!

- People's Choice: Karen McDonald (Aamodt's Apple Farm)
- Best Use of Candy: Lula Kalt (Chimney Home)
- Best Local Theme: Thea Amundsen (Historic Courthouse)

Plus, checkout the city council's creations (last three photos).