Perfect Day Itineraries

Winter Wonderland

There is no other place to start out the Holiday Season than Owatonna - filled with the Christmas spirit and activities for all to enjoy!

Day One - Thursday

Held the first weekend in December, Hometown Holiday Weekend is a terrific event to start off the Holiday Season! A weekend filled with events and activities the whole family can enjoy! Bundle up and make your next stop in downtown Owatonna to line the sidewalks for the Hometown Holiday Lighted Parade on Thursday night- Owatonna's hometown version of the popular Minnesota Holidazzle Parade! Window shop or pop into some of the stores for their holiday open houses.

Day Two - Friday

On Friday, step back in time for a Victorian Christmas in the Village! Horse-drawn sleigh rides, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, fancy cookie sale, Christmas carolers, stroll along the boardwalk lit by luminaries and more! Children can decorate cookies & wassail is served in the General Store. See the Dunnell House lavishly decorated for the holidays. Free admission!

Finish up your last minute holiday shopping at the Medford Outlet Center. Shop at great stores like GAP, Old Navy, Nike Clearance Store, The Children's Place, Bass, Levi's, Bath and Body Works and many more unique retail stores at outlet prices.

Day Three - Saturday

Santa Claus will be around for Breakfast with Santa to start out your Saturday. Visit unique homes in Steele County on the Historic Holiday Home Tour on Saturday afternoon. All houses are decorated for the holidays and have a story to tell. Admission charged. Advance tickets are available at the Steele County Historical Society, Kottke Jewelers, or at the homes on the day of the tour.

In the evening stop by the West Hills Campus to see the winter decorations of the Minnesota State School Orphanage and Owatonna Arts Center. Enjoy a Christmas production from the Little Theatre of Owatonna

Don't forget about those stocking stuffers? The Russell Stover Candies store features a full selection of Russell Stover boxed candies and chocolates! The candy kitchen offer handmade specialties, cookies, brittle, caramel apples and more. The ice cream parlor serves delicious Blue Bell ice cream, sundaes, floats and shakes. 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.