MORE THAN A DAYTRIP
Plan a Holiday Getaway!
PHOTO © NOAH HEDLUND
Make this year a Holiday Season to remember!
Create a "Holiday Getaway" Tradition to our charming towns.
Imagine spending a weekend during the holiday season immersed in small-town, festive activities; shopping the cute downtown areas, hopping on the freshly powdered ski slopes, taking in a holiday theater show, visiting a winery or brewery, and delighting in a cozy dinner.
Nestled right along the wild and scenic St. Croix River are the twin towns of Taylors Falls, MN and St. Croix Falls, WI, and the many communities surrounding these two charming small villages. In just an hour’s drive from the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, you can be at your holiday getaway destination.
Holiday vacations offer a great chance to reconnect with your family or friends, try new activities, or visit unique shops to find that perfect gift for the special people in your life. We’ve pulled together a list of things to do this holiday season that will bring you joy that will last all of next year!
You may have heard that we have an amazing event in our area : “Miracle at Big Rock.” This third annual holiday event is a Christmas Light Display and a huge collection of the best family-friendly festivities running from November 24 – December 31 at the 1,000 acre Big Rock Creek property just north of St. Croix Falls. The folks at Big Rock Creek are going all-out to bring you holiday fun and create family memories to last forever. You can expect all the following:
- Christmas Lights
- Food Trucks
- Artisans
- Sledding
- S’mores
- Fireworks
- Cocktails
- and More!
- FREE PARKING
DRIVE OR WALK THROUGH!
The festive fun continues as you visit each of our charming towns too. The Taylors Falls Lighting Festival will take place from November 24 – November 26, with the beloved Santa Parade kicking off the 39th annual event on the Friday after Thanksgiving at 6 PM. The Rivertown Holiday in St. Croix Falls, WI, will be held on Saturday, December 2 this year, and will host an entire day of activities at the beautiful overlook in downtown St. Croix Falls. This year, we’ve made a picture-perfect spot for you, with the backdrop of a giant Christmas tree and the view of the powerful dam that spans the St. Croix River between the twin towns of Taylors Falls and St. Croix Falls. Don’t miss the WINTER’S FARMERS MARKET at Abrahamson’s Nursery this year! Shop for local produce, meats, jam, honey, gifts and more. Stay for the coffee, treats, and live music set in a festive holiday scene!
Learn more about our holiday festivals around town and check out the full schedule of events!
HOLIDAY SHOPPING
Whether you’re scouting for antiques, boutiques, or a unique piece of local art, our downtown areas are a perfect place to stroll and shop. Here are a few places to try.
Boutiques
Antiques & Upcycled Goods
Jewelry
Local Art
Gifts
CATCH A SHOW!
We have our very own professional theatre right here in St. Croix Falls. Currently housed in the Franklin Square Black Box, the Festival Theatre will be performing ” The Game’s Afoot or Holmes for the Holidays ” through the holiday season.
For showtimes and tickets, visit: www.festivaltheatre.com
If a day of hiking or skiing has got you ready to cozy in for a movie, head to St. Croix Cinema, where they have the latest blockbusters and yummy movie theater popcorn waiting for you.
Explore the Outdoors!
Ski & Snowboard
The ski resorts are OPEN and it’s time to hit that fresh powder! If you haven’t been to Trollhaugen or Wild Mountain in a while, this is your year. Both resorts have undergone major upgrades and renovations, and they are unveiling their new looks and equipment this ski season! If snow tubing is more your thing, both resorts have a tubing hill that will thrill people of all ages!
Winter Hiking
A calm winter hike can do wonders for the soul. Step out in the frosty air and see nature’s beauty under a fresh blanket of snow. Try out one of the trails listed on our trails resource. Be sure to keep clear of the trails designated for groomed XC ski or fat bikes.
Snowshoeing
If you can hike it, you can probably snowshoe a trail! Break out those snowshoes and get an extra adventure (and workout!) in. Plan ahead for January and February for candlelight hike season!
Fat Biking
As soon as the trail is covered with snow, the fat bikes can come out to play! The Woolly Trails turn into a wooded winter wonderland, and the trails offer a sweet course to ride all day. Plan to ride your fat bike on the winter trails at Brookside in Osceola, WI. Be sure to check conditions before you go and get your bike tires set up for a snow ride!
Winter Waterfalls and River Views
The Severson Memorial Overlook in St. Croix Falls is one of the best spots to take in a view of the dam that spans across the St. Croix River in between Taylors Falls and St. Croix Falls. This year, the Overlook is trimmed with holiday cheer!
WALK THE BRIDGE: To get the classic view of the river, park in either St. Croix Falls or Taylors Falls, and take the pedestrian path across the bridge. Take a memorable photo here as you’ll be in two towns, two states, two state parks, and one national park all at the same time
EATS AND TREATS!
Treats
Valley Sweets in St. Croix Falls is ready to serve you all your favorite sweet treats this holiday season. You can even pre-order Christmas cookies to go. Perfect for that snack to bring home (or back to your hotel room!) Fine Acres is an ideal place to pick up a few things right in downtown St. Croix Falls if you need a few staples. Or, try Schoony’s Malt Shop and Pizzeria right on Bench Street in downtown Taylors Falls for an ice cream cone and a slice of pizza.
Coffee and Lunch
If you’re looking to grab a cozy cup of coffee or yummy lunch, try one of these delightful stops:
3 Arrows Coffee Company: St. Croix Falls
Dinner and Appetizers
And we know holiday shopping and outdoor adventures can work up an appetite! When you want a hearty meal or cozy in for dinner, try these favorites:
Dalles House Restaurant & Lounge
Craft Brews and Fine Wines
Indulge with a local craft brew, or visit one of our area wineries. There is always a selection of live music or special holiday events happening each weekend to make the stop even more memorable.
Try these:
Trap Rock Brewing Company: St. Croix Falls
Food Trucks
We have regular food trucks in the area that will serve up a variety of food types! Check out their websites or social for scheduled stops.
Try these:
Slumber: Settle in for a long winter's nap
Don’t rush off just yet! The best part of the holiday getaway is having the extra time to explore and experience. Leave the holiday stress at home and tuck yourself away for a good night’s sleep at one of our area hotels or AirBNB’s.
Try these:
This article was written by Linda Shober and produced by Linda Shober Marketing + Design, a marketing firm located in the St. Croix Valley specializing in providing content, strategy, management, design, and creative for digital and traditional marketing projects.