The Lighting Festival in Taylors Falls, Minnesota began in 1985. The quaintness of the downtown, nestled between the Dalles of the scenic St. Croix River and a wooded hill, gives it a Christmas card quality, and just the right size for a winter festival. The Lighting Festival is held each Thanksgiving weekend when families are home for the beginning of the holiday season. The official opening is the grand lighting of main street on Friday night at 6pm and Santa Parade including floats, Arnold ... view more »
The Lighting Festival in Taylors Falls, Minnesota began in 1985. The quaintness of the downtown, nestled between the Dalles of the scenic St. Croix River and a wooded hill, gives it a Christmas card quality, and just the right size for a winter festival. The Lighting Festival is held each Thanksgiving weekend when families are home for the beginning of the holiday season. The official opening is the grand lighting of main street on Friday night at 6pm and Santa Parade including floats, Arnold the large walking puppet, school children, music and more, with Santa arriving in the last unit of the 25 minute parade. The Royal Lady of the Village is announced at the parade.
The Friday, Saturday and Sunday Festival includes craft fairs, Christmas at the 1855 Folsom House Museum, a private historic home, several different displays, a performance of A Christmas Quilt by Marilyn Mays and Jim Walker who stitch together holiday stories and poems for the entire family, an ecumenical Choral Vesper Service, family Bingo, an appetizer and wine tasting fundraiser for the Lighting Festival and a giant bonfire and snowman making.
Friday, Nov 27:
- 1-8pm Holiday at the Depot Arts & Crafts Sale; Memorial Community Center – memorable holiday gifts – and local!
- 4-8pm Christmas at the 1855 Folsom House; $3 or kids 6-17 $1
- 4-8pm 3rd Grade Exhibit at the Town School House – FREE
- 5pm Chili, hot dogs and bonfire at St. Joseph’s Church
- 5pm Booya at Romaynes – $5
- 5:30 Pleasant Valley Cloggers at The Timber Box (formally the She Shop)
- 6pm Grand Lighting of Village & Santa Parade; Visit Santa at Santa Land; facepainting & balloons – free, Mrs. Claus reads to children at the library – free, tractor and horse drawn wagon rides – free
Saturday, Nov 28
- 9-3pm Wassail Party Craft Fair and the Swedish Circle serving Swedish Meatballs, Potatoes On-A-Stick, Swedish Egg at the Community Center & Town House School
- 10-3pm Taylors Falls Historical Society will be selling Christmas decor, both new and antique at the Visitor Center (lower level of the community center)
- 9:30-12:30 Visit the historic Taylors Falls Library
- 10am Medallion Hunt – clues every half hour! Clues will be posted on the town board on Bench Street and Facebook
- 10-7pm Bazaar and Bake Sale at the 1861 Methodist Church
- 11-4pm Christmas at the Folsom House; $3 or kids 6-17 $1
- 1pm “A Christmas Quilt” at the 1861 Methodist Church
- 4:30pm Ecumenical Vespers for all at the 1861 Methodist Church
- 6:30pm Family Bingo for cash and prizes!! Community Center
- 6:30pm Prohibition Flapper 20s Party at The Eye. Shows at 7 and 8. $5 with 30% to benefit the LF
Sunday, Nov 30
- 1-4pm Christmas at the 1855 Folsom House; $3, kids 6-17 $1
- 3 pm winter concert by the St. Croix Valley Orchestra
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