This weekend, Owatonna celebrates its Hometown Holiday Weekend with many seasonal activities. The event kicked off yesterday with a holiday parade and lighting of the lights and runs through December 5.
The fifth annual celebration continues this weekend with events such as An Orphanage Christmas, which shows what it was like at Minnesota’s only state-run orphanage for the holidays (Friday and Saturday). Christmas in the Village also runs Friday and Saturday. Activities include horse-drawn sleigh rides, strolling carolers, visits with Santa, cookie decorating and more. The Historic Holiday House Tour on Saturday (noon-5 p.m.) showcases unique homes in Steele County, all decorated for the holidays and ready to share their stories.
Another must see event: a visit from the Holiday Train. Each year, a Canadian Pacific train, decorated with thousands of lights, collects food and money for food banks. The train stops in Owatonna on Monday at 5:30 p.m. to collect donations and provide live musical entertainment.
Peruse the calendar of events for more information on these and other events, like Breakfast with Santa at the VFW (Saturday). The city offers extended shopping hours for the holiday celebration.
Owatonna also is the home of Cabela’s, Minnesota’s second largest tourist attraction, which holds its Ice Fishing Classic on Saturday and Sunday. Events include a meet and greet with Ron Schara, a lesson on the care and processing of venison, ice fishing seminars and ice fishing lessons for kids.
Learn more about where to eat and stay from the Owatonna Chamber of Commerce and Tourism.
