THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN STILLWATER THIS WINTERÂ
The charming town of Stillwater is lovely any of time of year, but simply magical in the winter. Cresting the hill before a descent to the river, my kids have their faces pressed to the car windows to see a downtown strung with twinkling lights and glittering icicles.
Stillwater adopts an attitude of good cheer when it comes to the winter season. Instead of shutting its doors tight against the cold, the city beckons families, kids and couples to enjoy the elements. Weekends are reserved for spirited festivals. The riverfront becomes an outdoor studio dotted with sculptures of ice and snow. Come along as we guide you through the best things to do in Stillwater this winter with your favorite people.
Make some more plans! We also feature a list of the BEST THINGS TO DO IN STILLWATER IN THE SUMMER WITH KIDS & FAMILY.
Tips for visiting with kids & family: Most of the fun winter events in Stillwater are located within easy walking distance of LOWELL PARK, a slim slice of lovely along the St Croix River. Some ideas to have in mind to keep things jolly:
- There are are multiple public parking lots that border both the north and south portions of Lowell Park so little legs shouldn’t tire quickly. If there is good snow cover on the ground, we’ve seen families pulling sleds to explore the snow and ice sculptures. *Thank you to reader and Stillwater resident, Rachel, who informed us that many of the formally free parking lots are now pay lots. Use this map to find where you can and can’t park and how much it will cost.
- Pick up a box of inexpensive hand warmers to slip in gloves and/or toes of boots.
STILLWATER HOLIDAY EVENTS
Stillwater Christmas at the Courthouse
The historic courthouse is traditionally decked for the holiday season and features a craft and gift market typically the weekend before Thanksgiving. Santa has been known to make appearances.
Hometown for the Holidays events in Stillwater
Stillwater’s annual holiday season runs Saturdays in December. Highlights usually include a Twinkle Party (lighting of the community holiday tree), downtown lights show, a gingerbread contest, roving Victorian carolers, Santa sightings and more. Please see the link for our most up-to-date schedule of events.
Stillwater ranks among our favorite Minnesota Christmas towns! See the full list here.
Wintertime in Stillwater Lights Display
Chestnut Street in historic downtown Stillwater becomes a pedestrian winter wonderland where our family had the free LED light show set to music all to ourselves one magical Friday night!Â
MORE WINTER EVENTS IN STILLWATER
World Snow Sculpting ChampionshipÂ
The public is invited to come out in mid-January and watch the sculptors whittle the giant blocks of snow into art. Throughout the event, visitors can stop by the Indoor Market & Warming House to shop and thaw out. The awards ceremony typically wraps up with family activities in the park, and the sculptures remain on display until the elements decides to call the season quits.Â
Water Inn’s free ice skating rink
Located behind 101 Water St S, Stillwater, MN 55082
Not a large rink, but well maintained and close to downtown and free public parking lots. It’s located right behind the Water Street Inn and next to the lights display on Chestnut Street so you can enjoy the show while you skate. Note that the rink is free, but there are no skate rentals available. There is also no warming house and we found only a single bench to lace up on. The ice rink is available in January and February as weather allows.Â
Historic Winter Ice Cream Social
Enjoy free ice cream from Leo’s Malt Shop at this annual Stillwater winter tradition sponsored by the Washington County Historical Society. Located at Chestnut Street Plaza.Â
It’s true, there’s only one day a year in Stillwater when you can score free frozen treats in the park. But the good news is, Leo’s Malt Shop is open year-round and not only can you get that root beer float, you can choose from yummy malts, burgers and fries, too. The throwback shop is located on the corner of Water & Chestnut streets, just a hop from the lights displays and other winter attractions.
Stillwater Winterfest
If you haven’t gotten your fill of winter towards the end of February, we guess you and Stillwater deserve each other. The city shows no sign of slowing down its tribute to all things frosty and fun – hallmarks of its annual Winterfest celebration. It’s geared somewhat for the adult crowd, but there are activities for families and kids to enjoy as well including fireworks and a kids dance party. See the link for the complete schedule.Â
Find more family-friendly Twin Cities winter festivals here.
