There is no other place to start the Holiday Season than Owatonna!

Hometown Holiday Weekend, held the first weekend in December,  is a terrific event to kick off the Holiday Season! A weekend filled with events and activities the whole family can enjoy!

Day One – Thursday

6 PM: Bundle up and head downtown Owatonna for the Hometown Holiday Lighted Parade – Owatonna’s hometown version of the once popular Minnesota Holidazzle Parade! Grab a cup of hot chocolate at Central Park Coffee and shop Historic Downtown businesses during their holiday open houses!

Day Two – Friday

10 AM: Find that perfect present at the Medford Outlet Center. Shop at great stores like GAP, Old Navy, Nike Clearance Store, Naturalizer, Gymboree, Bass, Eddie Bauer, Bath and Body Works and many more unique retail stores at outlet prices.

12 PM:  Need to refuel after all that shopping?  Grab lunch at The Kitchen for a homemade meal. After lunch, satisfy your sweet tooth with a treat from Curly Girlz Candy, featuring handmade indulgences.

4:30-8:30 PM: Step back in time for a Victorian Christmas in the Village of Yesteryear! Stroll through the luminary lit Village and enjoy the carolers, a visit with Mrs. Claus, buy homemade cookies at the fancy cookie sale! There will be crafts for children and demonstrations throughout the village. See the Dunnell House lavishly decorated for the holidays. Free admission!

Day Three – Saturday

10 AM:  Enjoy breakfast and a cup of coffee at Old Town Bagel. Complete the morning by taking a brisk walk in Mineral Springs Park to visit “Princess Owatonna“.

12 PM: A hot cup of soup and a sandwich will hit the spot after hike in the park! Stop by Costas’ Candies & Restaurant to see what the “soup du jour” is!

2 PM: Spend the afternoon visiting West Hills Campus to enjoy the Christmas decorations at the Minnesota State Public School Orphanage Museum and Owatonna Arts Center.

4 PM: Don’t forget about those stocking stuffers? Russell Stover Chocolates features a full selection of boxed candies and chocolates! The candy kitchen offer handmade fudge, cookies, brittle, caramel apples and more. The ice cream parlor serves delicious Simply Perfect Ice Cream Sundaes featuring fresh made hot fudge. Build a box of your favorite chocolates or select from one of the many gift baskets. Kids Zone filled with fun treats for kids and adults of all ages.

For more itineraries and activities in Owatonna, contact the Tourism Department 800-423-6466.