Hometown Holidays Passport
Expiration: Dec 15th 2024
Owatonna, with all its charm, has done its best once again to let tradition reign. Which means all the stops have been pulled to make certain there is no other place to be than our Hometown for the Holidays. Keep track of all the amazing holiday events and attractions right from your device with the Hometown Holidays passport!
Join the challenge of exploring all Owatonna has to offer during the Holiday Season! Simply sign up and start the adventure by visiting any of the listed attractions. Remember to check in on your device at each location to collect points and redeem prizes! Earn Extra points by inviting family and friends to participate too! Pick up your prizes at the Owatonna Chamber of Commerce- 120 South Oak Ave. Prizes can be shipped outside 45 miles of Owatonna. Don’t wait any longer- it’s time to get started on your holiday adventure!
Included Venues
See locations on an interactive map.
Lighted Holiday Parade & Lighting of the Lights (12/6, 6pm)
The parade is held Friday night 12/6 at 6pm on Cedar Avenue and moves towards Central Park for the Lighting of the Lights.
This unique parade is the official launch of Hometown Holiday Weekend! From firetrucks to bicycles, there are always surprises at this family tradition-worthy parade. The excitement continues after the parade as the switch to light up the trees in the park is flipped, the Owatonna High School Carolers perform, and cider is passed out freely to all who come. Nothing says “Welcome” to the holiday season quite like this beloved town tradition.
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This unique parade is the official launch of Hometown Holiday Weekend! From firetrucks to bicycles, there are always surprises at this family tradition-worthy parade. The excitement continues after the parade as the switch to light up the trees in the park is flipped, the Owatonna High School Carolers perform, and cider is passed out freely to all who come. Nothing says “Welcome” to the holiday season quite like this beloved town tradition.
Dunnell House Holiday Tours (12/4 - 12/6)
We've decked the halls for the holidays! On December 4,5, & 6 from 1:30-3:30 pm you can tour the Dunnell House at the Village of Yesteryear for free. Each room is decorated by area organizations and local volunteers.
Vino & Vendors (11/30)
Join Grapeful Wine Bar on Small Business Saturday, November 30, for Vino & Vendors! They will be hosting local vendors to display and sell their products in the wine bar. Enjoy a glass of wine, charcuterie and snacks while getting a jump on your holiday shopping in a relaxed and fun atmosphere!
Hours: Open at 9:00 am and shop until until 5:00 pm. The wine bar is open until 10:00 pm!
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Hours: Open at 9:00 am and shop until until 5:00 pm. The wine bar is open until 10:00 pm!
Cocoa with Santa – Make & Take Ornament (11/23)
Everyone young at heart wants to tell Santa their wishes at Christmas. Don’t forget your camera! Date: November 23 (9am-noon)
Gingerbread House Competition & Display (11/23- 12/8)
Stop by the Owatonna Arts Center and vote for your favorite Gingerbread House!
Give Hope Concert- OHS Auditorium (12/7 & 12/8)
December 7 at 7pm & December 8 at 2pm.
Enjoy an evening of music to raise funds and give HOPE to those in need. Free will donations and funds go to Transitional Housing of Steele County!
Enjoy an evening of music to raise funds and give HOPE to those in need. Free will donations and funds go to Transitional Housing of Steele County!
Annual Chili Supper (12/6, 4:30-6 pm)
Redemption Church will continue the annual tradition of the Chili Feed that was started by First Baptist Church at the same location of 123 E Main Street. Once the purchase of the church was completed, the recipe was handed over to Redemption Church to use year after year, the same night as the lighted parade.
Vintage Holiday Gift Market (12/7 - 12/8)
A Vintage Holiday Gift Market you won’t want to miss!!
Saturday, December 7th (8am-3pm)
Sunday, December 8th (8am-12pm)
~ fresh greens bundles & swags ~ vintage decor ~ Myra Bags ~ holiday decor ~ WillowBrooke Handcrafted Jewelry ~ Mason’s Masterpieces ~ unique gift items ~ Sorensen Honey Farm ~ repurposed furniture ~ scarves ~ handcrafted wood items ~ home decor ~ and more!!
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Saturday, December 7th (8am-3pm)
Sunday, December 8th (8am-12pm)
~ fresh greens bundles & swags ~ vintage decor ~ Myra Bags ~ holiday decor ~ WillowBrooke Handcrafted Jewelry ~ Mason’s Masterpieces ~ unique gift items ~ Sorensen Honey Farm ~ repurposed furniture ~ scarves ~ handcrafted wood items ~ home decor ~ and more!!
Souba's Greenhouse Christmas on the Farm (11/30)
Christmas on the Farm: Visit Santa, take a hayride, visit our farm animals, pick out your Minnesota Grown Christmas Tree, and visit Shop our Local Vendors! Free Cider & Popcorn all day!!
Hours: 9am-6pm
Santa: 10am-1pm
HayRides: 10am-2pm
Local Vendors: 9am-2pm
Tree Lot: 9am-6pm
Local Vendors: Karen VonRuden Lefsa & Candy, Blind Date with a Book, Hair Tinsel by Mindy, Belina Baking Decorated Cookies, maker.inspired handcrafted decor
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Hours: 9am-6pm
Santa: 10am-1pm
HayRides: 10am-2pm
Local Vendors: 9am-2pm
Tree Lot: 9am-6pm
Local Vendors: Karen VonRuden Lefsa & Candy, Blind Date with a Book, Hair Tinsel by Mindy, Belina Baking Decorated Cookies, maker.inspired handcrafted decor
Shop with Santa (12/7)
December 7, 8am-Noon (doors open at 7am)
Open to kids 4 years old through 6th grade, this community service event gives kids the chance to buy presents for family and friends and experience the excitement of giving during the holidays.
All gifts are made and donated by Steele County 4-H members, leaders, friends, and grandparents. All proceeds from Shop with Santa support youth programming in Steele County.
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Open to kids 4 years old through 6th grade, this community service event gives kids the chance to buy presents for family and friends and experience the excitement of giving during the holidays.
All gifts are made and donated by Steele County 4-H members, leaders, friends, and grandparents. All proceeds from Shop with Santa support youth programming in Steele County.
Cookie Sale (12/4 & 12/5)
The bakers are ready, the ovens are heating up, and the ingredients are prepped. That’s right, the Steele County Historical Society’s Annual Cookie Sale is almost here! Stop by to pick up your cookies for that special person in your life, or pick up a dozen or two just for yourself. We won’t tell!
The Cookie Sale starts Wednesday, December 4 from 3:00 - 7:00 pm and will continue on Thursday, December 5, starting at 10:00 am. These sweet treats are made by local volunteer bakers. Nut-free and gluten-free options will be available. Come and get some of the delicious treats while supplies last!
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The Cookie Sale starts Wednesday, December 4 from 3:00 - 7:00 pm and will continue on Thursday, December 5, starting at 10:00 am. These sweet treats are made by local volunteer bakers. Nut-free and gluten-free options will be available. Come and get some of the delicious treats while supplies last!
Frosting the Holidays (12/6, 3-5pm)
Enjoy frosting a Christmas cookie at The Kitchen’s Cookie Frosting party! This is open to the public and is held right before the Lighted Parade. Cookies and supplies are provided.
Trinity Women’s Bake Sale (12/7)
December 7, 9-11 am
There will be home-baked goodies for sale including fresh lefse! Trinity friends, bake your best treats, breads, cakes, pies, and Christmas cookies to donate to the sale! Baked goods for the sale may be delivered to the Narthex at Trinity on Friday, December 6, 8am-4pm.
There will be home-baked goodies for sale including fresh lefse! Trinity friends, bake your best treats, breads, cakes, pies, and Christmas cookies to donate to the sale! Baked goods for the sale may be delivered to the Narthex at Trinity on Friday, December 6, 8am-4pm.
Christmas in the Village (12/7)
The Steele County Historical Society’s Christmas in the Village is an annual event designed to bring out the child in all of us. Luminary walk (Saturday), take-home crafts, horse-drawn wagon rides, carolers, live music, craft sales, lefse-making demonstrations, and of course Santa Claus!
Noon-4:00pm
Contributing Sponsors: Climate by Design and HyVee.
Steele County History Center (1700 Austin Road)
Village of Yesteryear (1448 Austin Road)
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Noon-4:00pm
Contributing Sponsors: Climate by Design and HyVee.
Steele County History Center (1700 Austin Road)
Village of Yesteryear (1448 Austin Road)