Winona does a wonderful job of bringing the holiday season to life. In previous years, WSU students missed out on many of the Winona holiday celebrations because they would leave at the beginning of December for winter break. Although many students weren’t too keen on the idea of fall semester ending a week later this year, we get to be here to celebrate the holidays in Winona!
With an array of holiday events happening around Winona, there will be no excuse to miss out on the opportunity to get in the holiday spirit! If you enjoy stage-life, get together with all of your friends, or a significant other, and catch a showing of the Nutcracker. If watching ballet isn’t your jam, maybe you would enjoy riding on a trolley through town to see the beautiful Christmas light displays, or shopping around at local craft fairs. There is sure to be something for all to enjoy.
Photo by Kelsa Katzfey ’21
Here are the dates and times of seven holiday events going on in Winona in the coming weeks (before you leave for winter break):
The Dance Repertory Company is putting on various showings of The Nutcracker.
Nov. 28, 29 and 30 at 6:30 at Page Theater located at 700 Terrace Heights.
The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts and Saint Mary’s Department of Theatre and Dance are collaborating to bring the 10th annual showing of the Nutcracker to the stage. This is a perfect opportunity to view a classic Christmas show.
The Trester Trolley Christmas Light Tour is a favorite holiday event in Winona.
There are two tours on the night of Nov 28, Dec. 5, 12 and 19 at 6:30pm and 8pm.
This trolley ride takes an hour to tour around Winona to view the best light displays around town. The trolley departs from the Trolley Depot at 956 Mankato Avenue. Call 507.429.9101 to make reservations. Enjoy your time on the trolley and take in the outstanding light displays.
100 Miles of Christmas
This is taking place on Dec. 1-2 and happening along the Mississippi River.
This is a great opportunity to experience an “old fashioned country Christmas”. There will be a holiday décor sale, Christmas House tour, and more Christmas themed events happening.
A Christmas House Tour
This is taking place on Dec. 2 from 3-8pm at the Winona County History Center.
This is a self-led tour featuring six homes and the First Baptist Church where there will be a collection of 500 nativity scenes, live music from a piano performance, and refreshments.
CP Holiday Train with the Trews and Willy Porter
The Canadian Pacific Train will reach Winona on December 9 at 4-5pm at the Amtrak Depot located at 65 East 11th St.
For the past 20 years this train has set out to entertain thousands of people with live music and collect non-perishable items for the food shelf, in hopes of supporting food banks around the U.S. The Trews and Willy Porter will come to various locations in Winona to put on a concert that you will not want to miss out on.
Holiday Open House at the Winona Public Library
This celebration will take place on Dec. 13 from 4-6pm at the Winona Public Library.
Swing on by to visit Santa and make crafts designed for both children and adults. Enjoy some Christmas music and holiday food too!
Winona Holiday Market
Dec. 15 at Levee Park from 12pm-8pm.
Spend time experiencing this unique craft market filled with holiday goodies. There will be several artists, different food selections, fire pits, winter games, and ice skating. Enjoy singing carols with fellow community members or even build a gingerbread house in a competitive contest. Santa will also make a special appearance!
Hopefully at least one of these holiday traditions and experiences will be of interest to you and your friends so that you may be enriched by the holiday spirit here in Winona. Take a break from studying for your finals and spend some time socializing with friends, meeting new people, and celebrating this time of year in new and unique ways.
Happy Holidays from the WSU bloggers!
