Waconia, MN December 2025

Making the Holidays Bright

The holiday season is here, bringing with it the sights, sounds, and traditions that make this time of year so magical. For many of us, the holidays are a chance to recreate the joy we felt as children. The traditions we created for our own families often resemble the ones we had when we were younger, whether it’s through the twinkle of festive lights, the aroma of holiday baking, or cherished family traditions.

In my family, one not-so-original but long-lasting tradition we started when our kids were young was to have Santa deliver the gifts in our lower level. When the kids woke up on Christmas morning, the rule was that they had to finish their breakfast first. Even though the warm, homemade cinnamon rolls were another Holiday favorite, you can imagine how fast our kids devoured those rolls so they could sprint downstairs to see what Santa had delivered. We also had the standard plate of cookie crumbs and half glass of milk by the window to authenticate that Santa had actually been there. Even though they figured out Santa maybe wasn’t real soon enough, the tradition remains today, even as they are grown adults. The best part is that they have now passed that same tradition down to their kids. These simple memories and lasting traditions remind me of the magic of the season and the importance of creating joyful memories with loved ones, no matter how simple.

This month, we wanted to highlight the magic of the season and the multitude of things our area has to offer to help spread Holiday cheer.  Our community is so close-knit and vibrant, there is certainly no shortage of things to enjoy. We’ve compiled a list of activities and entertainment, shopping guides, places to enjoy a special Holiday concoction, or maybe just an ice-cold beer or a warm glass of wine. And of course, a list of places to enjoy an ever-so-special meal with family and friends.

While this season can be amazing for some, it can be difficult for others - especially for those who have lost a loved one or are fighting through a particularly tough time. Let’s all promise to do our part in taking care of those who are not as fortunate. Whether it’s donating to a local charity, volunteering your time, or simply checking in on a neighbor, every act of generosity makes a difference.

May your holidays be filled with love, peace, and the joy of giving.

Cheers!

MATT SHAEFFER, PUBLISHER

December 2025

PUBLISHER

Matt Shaeffer | matt.shaeffer@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Lauren Beaubaire | lauren.beaubaire@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Emily McKeever, Alison Lee

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Trevor Jager, Social Construct Media & Design, Dawn Sandness

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Zach Miller

LAYOUT DESIGNER Meredith Wilson

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle Learn

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inside the issue

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1-7: The community came out in their best Halloween costumes for the 4th Annual Fall Festival hosted by Heather Reichenberger with RE/MAX Results. The event raised funds to benefit the Gather & Grow Waconia Foodshelf as festival-goers enjoyed face painting, henna, a bouncy house, good food, costume contest, and raffle!

business

Your Vision, Their Craft: Building Beautiful Spaces with Your Remodeling Partner Lee Lyn Construction

From new builds to cozy porch additions, kitchen remodels, and beyond, Lee Lyn Construction brings your vision to life. Every detail matters—and every project is crafted with care and precision. The Lee Lyn team listens, creates, and delivers results that inspire. Exciting news! Lee Lyn Construction is now remodeling the iconic Watertown clinic, transforming it into something new again. Peruse some of their amazing projects or get started on your dream remodel by visiting https://leelynconstruction.com/index.html

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Nagomi Massage Opens in Waconia!

In October, Nagomi Massage celebrated its grand opening! You’ll find this wellness boutique at 584 Cherry Street in Waconia, where licensed massage therapists are skilled in deep-tissue Asian massage. Each session brings balance, happiness, and healing to their customers and includes a full-body hot oil massage and a complimentary hot stone massage. Learn how they can help you feel revitalized on your wellness journey. https://nagomimassage.carrd.co/

Waconia Wins Retail Community of the Year

Congratulations to Waconia for being named the 2025-2026 Retail Community of the Year by the MN Retailers Association! This award is shared by local leaders, supportive neighbors, and our hard-working business owners. Bruce Nustad, President of Minnesota Retailers, said, "Waconia has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to its local businesses, residents, and visitors." Just one more reason that it’s great to call vibrant, welcoming Waconia home.

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ARTICLE BY EMILY MCKEEVER

Something for Everyone

THOUGHTFUL GIFTS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES FOR EVERY VIBE ON YOUR LIST

Cabin Fever Sporting Goods

If you have a hunter, fisherman, or archer in your circle, you’ve found their holy grail. From bait to ladder stands, you’ll find all the gear to make their holiday bright. cabinfevermn.com

For someone whose skin is often exposed to the elements, their natural soaps are gentle, nourishing, and smell amazing. carverjunkcompany.com

Launchpad Golf

Summer temperatures aren’t needed for your favorite golfer to yell Fore! Buy a gift card or book a suite for a day of play and more at this year-round entertainment hub. launchpadgolf.com

Maria Claire Photography

Celebrate your cherished family member with an outdoor photo session, highlighting what they love to do. Or hire Maria and her team to follow along on their vacation, documenting every special moment. mariaclairemedia.com

Camping? Spectating winter sports? Reading by the fire? Whatever the passion, you know it’ll be cold. That’s why a stadium blanket from this quaint boutique is a must-have under the tree. niceshirtco.com

The Grater Good

Curate a personalized bag of treats for your lucky recipient in their cute Cheese Barn. Fill a logo-stamped bag with cheese wedges, jams, honey, crackers, cheese knife sets, and more foodie bliss. thegratergoodmn.com

Fresh oysters, gouda potatoes, clam chowder–the gift list goes on and on with their expansive menu of seafood-inspired cuisine. Plus, every bite and sip is elevated by the lakeside view. lolaslakehouse.com

OMNI Brewery & Taproom

Here you can indulge in coffee flights in the morning, and handmade pizza and beer in the evening. Merry Christmas, indeed! omnibrewing. com/location/victoria

Ruby’s Roost Coffee and Bakery

Nothing says “Happy holidays and I think you’re amazing” like delicious baked goods and coffee from this local gem. rubysroostbakeryandcoffee.com

Winchester & Rye

This refined restaurant and whiskey lounge has a rich history paired with exceptional food and cocktails. Gift a night together at this cozy, inviting spot in the heart of Victoria. winchesterandrye.com

Blendid

For the writer and reader on your list, this curated space that blends fashion with professional services, offers a wide variety of books and journals to keep any homebody relaxed and fulfilled. blendidcollective.com

Mocha Monkey Coffeehouse & Roastery

A morning snowfall from the couch for your coziest friend needs a hot cup of coffee and a gorgeous hand-potted mug. You can get both at this neighborhood coffee hangout. themochamonkey.com

Mystic Fortress Games

Staying home is loads of fun with a few board games to gather around. Stop in to your local game store and bring home something for your love’s next quiet- or heated–night in. mysticfortressgames.com

Schram Vineyards

Grab a pencil! Add wine, a cute hoodie, membership to the wine club, or elegant wine glasses to your list. This is your one-stop shop for a holiday they’ll warmly enjoy. schramvineyards.com

The Stash

World’s Softest Socks (they live up to their name!) and their comfy sweaters will have you snuggle-ready. And if you run out for a quick coffee refill, you’ll be stylish too. thestashstyle.com

Dynamic Drips

Bring more zen to your zen friend with an IV infusion from this caring team. From basic hydration to immunity boosts, there are 12 options available to promote total wellness. dynamicdrips.com

A chilly afternoon, a mug in hand, and a hand-poured, soy candle (that smells decadent) are the makings of a perfect winter ambiance. Warning: it’ll be hard to pick just one. thelakehousecandleco.com

Minne Organix

The specially curated products you’ll find on these shining shelves are crafted for wellness, balance, and relief. Gifts that everyone could use a little more of this time of year. minneorganix.com

Something to Crow About Health Clinic

A confidence booster is a beautiful gift to give–and that’s this clinic’s specialty. You can’t go wrong with choosing one or more experiences from their long list of self-care services. somethingtocrowabouthealth.com

This full-service salon makes pampering gift-giving easy. With massages, nails, lashes, facials, and more wrapped up and tied with a bow, you’re sure to be the favorite elf this year. salonspatoria.com

Get Your Jingle On

Visit holiday pop-up bars decking the halls — and the cocktail menus

ARTICLE BY EMILY MCKEEVER | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF LOLA’S LAKEHOUSE, SOCIAL CONSTRUCT MEDIA & DESIGN

Some over-the-top ambiance here, and a sip of something merry there–now there’s even more to love this season, with beloved establishments shifting into full holiday mode. Add them to your calendar, and start celebrating like the North Pole VIP we all know you are.

BRASS HAT CHRISTMAS MOVIE BAR

Tucked below Bode Gray’s, you’ll find the Brass Hat Speakeasy, which, during the holidays, magically transforms into something your inner elf will love. The Brass Hat Christmas Movie Bar combines two things that go hand in hand this time of year: Christmassy food and drink, and your favorite holiday movies. Just look for the red light–we’ll say it’s Rudloph’s nose–and you’ll know you’ve arrived.  bodegrays.com/the-brass-hat

GETAWAY MOTOR CAFE

Yes, there’s a special holiday coffee menu offered during the day at this craft coffee and cocktail hangout, but on select evenings, the coziness hits an all-time high when they trade lattes for mistletoe and jolly cocktails take center stage. getawaymotorcafe.com

LOLA’S LAKEHOUSE JINGLE BAR

Lights! Music! Ornaments! Animatronic reindeer! The Lola’s Lakehouse Jingle Bar has next-level food,

holiday-themed drinks, and a festive spirit that will have you asking yourself, “Am I at a bar or in a Hallmark movie?” lolaslakehouse.com

THE O.G.COFFEE & WINE BAR POP-UP JINGLE BAR

This quaint coffee and wine bar will get even cuter this season with the promise of a 4-day cheer-filled pop-up jingle bar–the perfect excuse to bundle up and head out for a dose of seasonal magic. ogcoffeewine.com

SOVEREIGN ESTATES’ NUTCRACKER SUITE

Elevate your holidays in the Nutcracker Suite, located inside Sovereign Estates’ Spirit of Winter: Festival of Lights. In this winter wonderland, you’ll find an elegant holiday cocktail bar that offers festive drinks and fun decor. Ugly Christmas sweaters welcome, but not required.  sovereignestatewine.com

WINTER LIGHTS AT THE MINNESOTA LANDSCAPE ARBORETUM

Experience the wonder of nature at Winter Lights, an immersive indoor and outdoor nighttime experience, then indulge in some hot chocolate, snacks, or adult beverages at the Warming House outdoor bar.  arb.umn.edu/winterlights

ARTICLE BY EMILY MCKEEVER

Dynamic Drips’ IV infusions are here to help beat the winter blues from the inside out

Flu Season, We’re

Coming For You

Short days and nasty illnesses call for relaxation, a comfortable ambiance, and a team of trained individuals who care deeply about well-being and what ails you. The services Dynamic Drips offer blend strong core values with vitamin-rich boosts that’ll renew your spirits and nourish you from within. Imagine therapy, hydration, and happiness — rolled into one visit — and leave knowing restoration is on its way. Owner and CEO, Lisseth DeGracia, delivers the details.

Lisseth DeGracia, owner & CEO of Dynamic Drips

WHAT IS IV INFUSION THERAPY,

AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

IV infusion therapy is the administration of fluids and vitamins into the bloodstream through an intravenous catheter. The base of our IVs is Sodium Chloride, which is standard for medical administration. We then add different blends of vitamins and nutrients depending on our clients’ goals or ailments. The vitamin ingredients in our infusions are either made naturally in your body or are obtained through the foods that you eat. We help our clients with things like low energy levels, mental clarity, mild illnesses, athletic performance, stress, and so much more!

WHAT KINDS OF INFUSIONS DO YOU OFFER, AND WHICH ONES ARE MOST POPULAR DURING THE WINTER MONTHS?

We offer twelve infusions, each with its own individual recipe, geared towards different ailments. We have a basic blend of all the elements your body needs to simply function at its best, as well as blends geared

towards immunity, stress, discomfort, and aches and pains. We have two blends formulated for athletic performance and recovery, as well as one that helps your hair, skin, and nails stay healthy and strong. The ‘Queen D’ is formulated for women and is a favorite among them. It has all the things their bodies and hormones go through. We also offer medications administered for pain, nausea, and inflammation.

During the winter months, our most popular infusion is our ‘Immuni-Tea,’ and we also do many ‘Hippy Drippy’ infusions this time of year. With flu season here, along with the long dark winter months, helping people with stress levels as well as flu symptoms makes for a busy winter.

HOW DOES IV THERAPY DIFFER FROM TAKING VITAMINS OR SUPPLEMENTS?

When IV infusions are administered, your body can absorb 100% of the vitamins and fluids, as opposed to the 30-50% that is absorbed with oral consumption. Everything we’re giving you bypasses your GI system and is absorbed directly into your bloodstream. Vitamins administered through an IV allow them to enter your cells more easily, helping your body use them more effectively.

HOW CAN IV INFUSION THERAPY HELP COMBAT LOW ENERGY OR MOOD DURING THE WINTER?

We have an IV for that! Our ‘Hippy Drippy’ is formulated to help you beat the winter blues and give your body all the elements it needs to navigate stressful situations with ease. We can also administer Vitamin D3 through an injection. D3 is known as the sunshine vitamin because one of its main functions is to boost your mood and ability to stay calm under stress.

HOW QUICKLY DO CLIENTS TEND TO FEEL RESULTS AFTER TREATMENT?

How soon clients feel results is mostly situational. If someone is mildly ill or recovering from an athletic performance, the results can be instant. When used before travel, for example, you may feel much less jet lag than you normally would. Some people notice a few days after their infusion that they have more energy or handle stressful days with greater ease. The benefits can even have a residual effect. Results vary from person to person, but most people feel great soon after their infusion.

HOW DO YOU TAILOR TREATMENTS TO AN INDIVIDUAL’S NEEDS OR HEALTH GOALS?

We take the time to walk our clients through all the options, helping them understand which ones best fit their needs. Each vitamin is added to the infusion individually during a visit, giving us the ability to tailor things.

BESIDES IV THERAPY, WHAT OTHER TIPS WOULD YOU GIVE PEOPLE TO BOOST MOOD AND ENERGY DURING THE WINTER?

Staying hydrated is a great way to stay healthy in the winter. Coffee and tea, which can be appealing because of their warmth, can dehydrate you more. If you’re a hot beverage drinker, be sure to add as much water as you can to your routine.

HOW OFTEN DO YOU RECOMMEND CLIENTS GET INFUSIONS?

We have a lot of clients who do weekly infusions, and others who do them biweekly or monthly. The effects of the infusions stay in the system anywhere from 3 days to 3 weeks, depending on how depleted you are and how active or busy your lifestyle is. Consistency is key to feeling your best. We have a Dripped Club Membership program in place that many of our regular clients are a part of. This is a great way to stay on top of hydration and be committed to wellness.

HOW DO YOU MAKE THE EXPERIENCE RELAXING OR ENJOYABLE FOR CLIENTS DURING THEIR VISIT?

During a client visit, we are fully present to make things convenient and comfortable. Our core values spell C.A.R.E. (Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence), because we care so deeply about our clients. When you book with Dynamic Drips, hospitality is blended with healthcare. Our nurses get to know clients on a personal level and understand their preferences well. We care in every way—we’ve even been known to play with kiddos and let pets outside for our patients! We’re here to make your appointment feel as smooth as possible. dynamicdrips.com

Santa Claus and The Grinch are Coming to Town!

HOLIDAY MAGIC AND A LITTLE MISCHIEF

AWAIT AT YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL SPOTS

ARTICLE BY EMILY MCKEEVER

Before Santa drops down your chimney, or The Grinch replaces all of your candy canes with vegetables, pay a visit to one of the local businesses spreading cheer this season. These two iconic personalities will be popping up in town to fill your holidays with wonder and laughter… or if The Grinch has his way, a few tangled lights and playful pranks.

1. Waconia’s Famous Santa Claus will be parking his sleigh at Light Up Victoria on December 4th, and Waconia Brewing Company before the month is out. victoriamn.gov/index. php, waconiabrewing.com

2. Get a picture with Jolly Old St. Nicholas, and take home a candy cane, at the Waconia Fire Station during Homespun Holidays on November 29th. facebook.com/ waconiafirereliefassociation

3. Bakery on Main will host the ultimate holiday match-up: Santa and The Grinch. Christmas cheer and tasty treats, with a side of mischief, are in store. bakeryonmainmn.com

4. Brunch or breakfast with Santa in style at Winchester & Rye on November 29th. The French toast will be hot, the juice fresh, and Santa's joy spreading from table to table. winchesterandrye.com/events

5. December 6th at Mackenthun’s Fine Foods, fill your cart with holiday favorites and your heart with merry memories as you share your wish list the The Big Man in Red. mackenthuns.com

6. Who can say they’ve brunched with a silly fur-covered Scrooge? The Grinch will be at Bode Gray’s this month stirring up trouble and sneaking in some Grinchesque fun. bodegrays.com

7. Eggs and bacon taste even better when you’re enjoying them alongside Santa. At the Waconia Legion this holiday season, North Pole’s Finest will be joining families for a morning of joy and festive spirit. facebook.com/ AmericanLegionPost150WaconiaMN

Game on in Waconia

A look at boys’ and girls’ basketball and the passion and spirit that fuels every game

Things are heating up this winter as the boys and girls basketball teams ignite the court. When you join the crowd, you’ll not only witness fast breaks, slick passes, and quick steals, but you’ll also feel the tight camaraderie and fierce drive that only Waconia High School and Southwest Christian High School teams embody. Learn a little more about these two powerhouse groups, then show up to pack the stands for a season of thrills.

WACONIA HIGH SCHOOL TEAMS Ready to Compete

Dusty Neibauer, head coach of the girls’ basketball team, says they’re coming to the floor with experienced, hard-working seniors, along with younger players who offer shooting, physicality, speed, and energy. “We need our experienced seniors to continue the upward trajectory and positive tone that we established last year, and turn it into competing at the highest level every night.” Dusty also explains that the team aspires to compete for a share of the Metro West conference championship and would also like to make a run in the 2AAAA section playoffs, which is perhaps the toughest section in the state of Minnesota.

To help motivate each other, they’ve observed one D1 college practice and will attend another this year. Last year, it was St. Thomas; this year, they’ll head to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. “Many of our players dream of playing at that level,” Dusty shares. In addition to practice visits, the group builds unity by sharing team meals, bagging groceries as a team activity, and doing post-game Taco Bell runs. “The girls spend a ton of time together, because they’re genuine friends who want to see each other succeed.” To build on that success, these dedicated players would love even more support in the stands. “Waconians need to know how hard our girls play. We’re an underdog program, new to AAAA hoops, but win-or-lose, we compete the right way — for each other. Come and see for yourself this winter.”  https://www. waconiaactivities.org/gbasketball

Game On

“We have a hungry group! From day one, we’re going to hit the ground running, preparing to compete in a tough section,” says Nick Perrin, head coach of the Waconia High School boys’ basketball team. For Nick, the team’s main goal is simple: learn and improve each day. “Progress isn’t linear and there will be some bumps in the road along the way, but if we look at each day as an opportunity to get better, we will be playing our best basketball come sections.”

As the new coach this year, Nick describes the team’s culture as evolving, admits there will be some changes that come along with the transition, and says the team is excited and ready. “We’ll work on becoming tough-minded athletes who care more about our teammates than ourselves. If we can take steps toward that, the X’s and O’s will come easily.”

On the court, Nick believes that creating a positive environment and treating the boys with respect goes a long way. He shares that their play style lends itself to creating a fun atmosphere that the guys enjoy. He says they’ll be using basketball as a tool to instill values that will extend beyond the court and help prepare the players for what comes next in life. Off the court, Nick believes chemistry is best built organically. “We’ll work on putting them in situations (without their phones!) to get them interacting.”

When it comes to the community and its role in the team’s success, Nick can already tell they have tremendous support. “Our booster club is only a couple of years old, but they’ve worked extremely hard and, with the help of many generous local businesses, community members, and family and friends, have been able to provide us with great financial support.” Nick notes that the school spirit in Waconia is strong, and he hopes to showcase a team on the court that people will be excited to watch — while winning some games along the way.  https://www. waconiaactivities.org/bbasketball

SOUTHWEST CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL TEAMS

Building Character

David Flom is charging into his 3rd year as head coach of the boys’ basketball team at Southwest Christian High School and is excited about where the program is from a cultural standpoint.

“Our guys are working hard on their own and are playing a selfless brand of basketball. We’ve loaded up our schedule again to challenge ourselves to compete for a section championship.” The team will rely on several returning players who contributed to last year’s conference title, along with the continued growth they’ve made over the past year. David says this year the guys are powerful and will match up size-wise with most schools they play, including all the top-tier AAAA teams on their schedule.

The group is starting the season by tackling the question, ‘What do we want to be known for?’ David says he expects the team to talk about their selflessness and modeling Jesus’ love for others, as well as their goal of winning the conference and the section championship. “I loved my 16 years in Eden Prairie. We had a lot of success, but I cannot describe how great a place Southwest Christian is. It’s so fun to be part of an amazing community that really supports our students and helps athletes excel.”

New Season. New Energy.

“I am personally honored to have the opportunity to lead this program.” Those are the sentiments of Randy Olson, head coach of the girls’ basketball team at Southwest Christian High School. Randy believes they have a thrilling season ahead, with strong senior and junior leadership combined with a talented group of freshmen and sophomore athletes.

“This program has great, positive energy. We’ve set our expectations for the season—that we will play fast, fun, and free—and I’m very excited to be working with this team and program!”

While this year’s roster is less experienced than in previous years, Randy is confident that their quality depth will be a strength. “As a program, we understand that we don’t have complete control of the outcome, but we do have complete control over how we approach each game and situation.” Through ups and downs, Randy says, they’re focused on team and individual growth.

If you’d like to show your support for these hard-working athletes, the team would love to see you at a game or two. Additional participation is always welcomed through supporting their fundraising activities or volunteering to help at Southwest Christian High School’s girls’ basketball events.

Making Spirits Bright

7 ways to donate your time, talents, and treasures

There are numerous ways to give back to your community and serve those in need, but here are 7 meaningful and local opportunities that will hopefully fill your calendar (and your heart) this holiday season.

1. Bountiful Basket Food Shelf

This local food shelf has a mission to nourish neighbors, inspire hope, and support families. As a volunteer, you can sort and organize donations, help pack mobile orders, or be a friendly face as you greet shoppers.

2. Auburn Homes

Are you musically gifted? Do you enjoy playing cards or table games? Connect with residents at Auburn Homes in Waconia or Chaska. Spend an afternoon calling Bingo, assist with arts and crafts, play an instrument during meal time, or simply sit and visit.

3. WeCAB Driver

This organization provides safe, affordable, and reliable transportation to individuals in Carver County and the Westonka communities who need to get to a medical appointment, food shelf, or the grocery store, run an errand, or attend a worship service. Its success relies on volunteer drivers and dispatchers.

4. Love INC

Love INC of Carver County bridges a gap by mobilizing 30 local churches that collaboratively address the community’s spiritual, physical, emotional, relational, and material needs of those facing hardship. Help by transporting donations from collection sites, sorting, assembling, and labeling items into care packages, answering the helpline, and connecting individuals to the appropriate resources.

5. Surprise and Delight

If you listen to KTIS, you’re probably familiar with the drive-thru difference. Whether you’re in line getting a morning coffee or swinging through after practice, pay for the person behind you. Chances are, your small act may be the catalyst that creates a bigger ripple.

6. Carver Scott Humane Society

Are you a cat-lover? The local Humane Society welcomes cat care volunteers to assist with daily cleaning, feeding, medication, socialization, and snuggles.

7. Be an Elf

Did you know you can answer a child’s letter to Santa? Through the USPS Operation Santa, letters written by underprivileged children get answered by volunteers. You can adopt a letter from the website, then shop, package, pay, and ship.

Ridgeview

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

DECEMBER 3RD

Winter Lights: Adults’ Night Out

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum | 4:30 PM

It’s the perfect night out, whether you’re on a date, with friends, or just looking for a one-of-a-kind evening under the lights. Stroll through the glowing outdoor displays, then warm up inside with a night full of music, tastings, and games. This adults-only event offers wine, beer, and mocktail tasting stations, puzzle challenge and trivia, plus dinner available from 5-8 pm—no reservation needed. https://arb.umn.edu/winterlights/adults-night

DECEMBER 4TH

Light Up Victoria

Downtown Victoria | 5:30 PM

Get in on the holiday cheer at Light Up Victoria! Start the night by joining in with carolers on Bayfront Plaza and move down to the bandstand for the official lighting of Bayfront Park. Enjoy dance performances and free winter activities, including holiday crafts, themed photo ops, winter games, hot apple cider, holiday treats, and all the lights around downtown Victoria!

DECEMBER 4TH

Waconia Choirs Annual Yuletide Festival

Waconia High School | 7:00 PM

Featuring the Waconia High School Bands and Choirs of nearly 500 students, this two-night event is a treasured, annual performance of holiday music that welcomes the spirit of the holiday season! Before each night’s performance, carolers will be singing in the lobby, and the Jazz band will perform on stage while guests find their seats. The festival is free and open to the public!

DECEMBER 5TH

Christkindlsmarkt in Waconia

City Square Park in Waconia | 12:00 PM

Inspired by the traditional German, open-air Christmas markets, Christkindlsmarkt is coming to Waconia. Enjoy German holiday foods, gifts, and entertainment for the entire family with live reindeer, llamas, Christkind, Saint Nicolas, live music, a magic show, Children’s light show parade, and storytelling by Princesses. It is the family event of the season and free and open to the public. Dates are: December 5, 6, 7 and 12, 13, 14.

DECEMBER 13TH

Victoria Holiday Craft & Gift Show

Victoria Recreation Center | 10:00 AM

Finish checking off that holiday shopping list at the Victoria Holiday Craft & Gift Show from 10am-4pm on Saturday, December 14, in the gymnasium at the Victoria Recreation Center. Discover unique, handcrafted gifts, crafts, and treasures from the best local artisans, where you're sure to find something special for that special someone. The first 50 shoppers will receive a special swag bag filled with surprises!

DECEMBER 14TH

A Nashville Christmas Concert Series

Schram Vineyards | 5:00 PM

Waconia's hometown sweetheart, Jenn Bostic, has performed countless Christmas concerts at Schram Vineyards over the years, and she is once again joined by the talented singer-songwriters, Emily Shackelton and Sarah Darling for a very special Nashville-style Christmas Concert. This incredibly talented trio will be performing songs in the round and blending their beautiful vocal harmonies, creating a magical holiday evening for the whole family.

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