7 Owatonna Events to Fill You With Holiday Cheer
The holidays are arriving with many of Owatonna's longtime favorite events on the calendar. From bright lights to a colorful parade, from art to toys and gifts to a different spin on the "Christmas Story" these activities should add some joy to this time of year.
HOLIDAY LIGHTS CRUISE
The Steele County Historical Society hosts the Holiday Lights Cruise beginning on Thanksgiving Day at 4:30 pm. A list of participating homes is available for $10 at the historical society and Kottke Jewelers in Owatonna, Prairie Home in Blooming Prairie and Lerberg's Foods in Ellendale.
LTO PRODUCTION
Little Theatre of Owatonna presents "Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)." Opening day is Friday, December 3 at the West Hills Auditorium at 7:30 pm. Other dates include December 4, 10, and 11 at 7:30 pm and December 5 and 12 at 2 pm.
LTO describes the premise as "three actors decide to perform every Christmas story every told - plus Christmas traditions from around the world, seasonal icons from ancient times to topical pop-culture, and every carol ever sung. A madcap romp through the holiday season!"
LIGHTED HOLIDAY PARADE
The Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism presents the Lighted Holiday Parade through downtown on Thursday, December 2. Units will line up at 5 pm on Front Street. The parade begins at 6 pm. How will Santa arrive this year?
CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE
The Steele County Historical Society's annual event features horse-drawn wagon rides, caroling, music, cookies, and Santa. It runs Friday and Saturday December 3 and 4 from 5 to 8 pm at the Village of Yesteryear.
SHOP WITH SANTA
Steele County 4-H hosts this gift-shopping event for children from four years old to sixth grade. 4-H students will assist the young shoppers in the fundraising event. Handmade items are priced from 50-cents to $5. Number distribution begins at 7 am. Shopping occurs from 8 am to noon.
There are a few changes in how Shop with Santa will be held. Visit the Steele County 4-H Facebook page for details. Organizer Sandy Jirele will be our guest on the AM 1390 KRFO Talk of the Town on Wednesday, December 1 at 9:40 am with full details.
OWATONNA ARTS CENTER
"It's the Holiday Season" is the name for the Owatonna Arts Center's holiday display, running December 5 - 29. "This year the gallery will feature Santa, Elf on the Shelf, and Nutcrackers. The young at hear are welcomed to stop in and visit to get in the spirit of the season," states their website.
TOYS FOR TOTS
Drop off toys for the local "Toys for Tots" campaign at the Owatonna VFW at 135 Oakdale Street on Saturday, December 4 from 10 am to 1 pm. Special guests will include Minnesota and Wisconsin royalty, plus Santa. Live music, photo ops and Christmas cookies will fill the hall, hosted by Southside Speed Shop.
LOOK: Owatonna Fills Streets With Holiday Cheer During Downtown Christmas Cruise
Ho Ho Ho: Christmas Lights in Owatonna's Central Park