Going to see the lights around town was one of my favorite Christmas traditions as a kid, and we’re lucky that STMA has several great holiday light displays, including a few with lights choreographed to music and several with fun, whimsical elements that appeal especially to kids!
We’ve expanded the STMA Holiday Lights Tour this year to include THREE fun new stops! So grab your kids and some hot cocoa, and follow this path for an evening of holiday de-LIGHT! 🙂
>> Click to access the Google map <<
Note: This tour stops at 8 locations and takes approximately 45 minutes to enjoy start-to-finish. If you’d prefer to hit only the highlights, click here to access the 4-location, 30-minute version.
Tour Locations:
Every Christmas season, my daughter looks forward to when we’ll put out our kid-friendly nativity set. And I look forward to watching her play out the story of Jesus’ birth, especially as she discovers more about its significance each year.
One great way to share the story of the first Christmas with kids is to take them to see a “live nativity”—a depiction of the story of Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, and their visitors using live actors and sometimes even animals. If you’re interested in sharing that experience with YOUR kids, here are a few opportunities you’ll find in our area this Christmas:
Click here to submit your event to the calendar!
Children’s Holiday Shopping Mall
Saturday, December 1 9am–1pm | STMA Middle School West
Children up through 5th grade can shop for inexpensive gifts (escorted by a Girl Scout) and have them gift-wrapped to bring home. Santa will also be available for kids to visit with.
More info: facebook.com/events/311574249640228
St. Michael Catholic School Christmas Market
Saturday, December 1 9am–2pm | St. Michael Catholic School
Shop from a variety of vendors and take the kids to meet Santa Claus.
More info: facebook.com/events/1884154361881254
Home Depot Kids Workshop
Saturday, December 1 9am–12pm | Home Depot (Monticello, Elk River, Maple Grove)
Dash through the snow in this hands-on workshop for kids ages 5–12. You and your child can build a model sleigh pulled by a reindeer and then decorate it with paint and stickers. (Free, registration required)
Info & Register: homedepot.com/workshops
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! And if you’re hoping to meet jolly old St. Nick and maybe even squeeze in a photo of him with your kids, check out this list of opportunities see Santa in and around the STMA community this December.
Santa Photos at Cabela’s
Every day through Dec. 24 (times vary) | Cabela’s, Rogers
Enjoy the Santa Wonderland Christmas experience and get a FREE 4×6 photo with Santa! Activities include crafts, toy demos, and an opportunity to write a letter to Santa. Arrive early to reserve your spot.
More info: facebook.com/pg/CabelasRogersMN/events
Santa Visits Corcoran
Saturday, December 1 9am–12pm | Corcoran City Hall
Join the Northwest Area Jaycees as Santa stops by to hear Christmas wishes and get photos taken with everyone. Each kid will get a present from under the Jaycee’s Christmas tree. A pancake breakfast will also be served. (Free, food shelf donation appreciated)
More info: facebook.com/events/290204088481456
Children’s Holiday Shopping Mall
Saturday, December 1 9am–1pm | STMA Middle School West
Children up through 5th grade can shop for inexpensive gifts (escorted by a Girl Scout) and have them gift-wrapped to bring home. Santa will also be available for kids to visit with.
More info: facebook.com/events/311574249640228
Click here to submit your event to the calendar!
ECFE Family Open Gym
Friday, November 2 6:30–7:15pm | Community Education Gym
Kids and their parents are invited to enjoy a night of games and activities in the gym. ECFE staff will be on hand and provide age-appropriate equipment for the little ones. (Free, but please pre-register)
Info & Register: stma.ce.eleyo.com/course/ecfe/3600/fall-winter-2018-19/family-open-gym
Home Depot Kids Workshop
Saturday, November 3 9am–12pm | Home Depot (Monticello, Elk River, Maple Grove)
Celebrate Veteran’s Day in this hands-on workshop where you and your child can build a custom military helicopter model to spark a conversation with a veteran. (Free; Ages 5–12)
Info & Register: homedepot.com/workshops
ECFE at the Library
Wednesday, November 7 10:30–11am | St. Michael Library
A free ECFE class, featuring crafts, games, songs, and of course—stories! (Ages 0–6)
More info: griver.org/events