Feeling festive about the upcoming holidays? Chaska, Chanhassen, Victoria and Carver are ready to help you celebrate. They’ll soon kick-off the holiday season with tree lightings, craft and gift fairs, Small Business Saturday promotions and other special events.
Consider shopping local for the upcoming holiday season on Saturday, Nov. 30, during the Small Business Saturday event. This nationwide event happens once a year as a way to celebrate and support local small businesses.
Tree Lighting Ceremonies
Victoria
Light Up Victoria is Thursday, Dec. 5, from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. in Bayfront Park in Victoria. Join in with the carolers on Bayfront Plaza and move down to the bandstand for the official lighting of Victoria. Activities throughout the evening include dance performances and free winter activities like meeting Santa, visiting llamas, roasting marshmallows, walking along the luminary trails, taking a hayride around downtown, and making a holiday craft. Food, treats and beverages will be available for purchase throughout the event. If the weather turns sour, the make-up date for the event is Dec. 12. For more information, follow this link.
Carver
Carver’s tree lighting event is Saturday, Dec. 7, from 2 to 6 p.m. in Gazebo Park. It includes a fire pit, s’mores and hot beverages, and Christmas music in the gazebo. “Historic Carver on the Minnesota River” author John von Walter will sign books from 2 to 5 p.m. in the Broadway conference room at City Hall. Free horse-drawn wagon rides will be available from 4 to 6 p.m., and the tree lighting is at 6 p.m. Follow this link for more information.
Chanhassen
Chanhassen’s tree lighting ceremony is Saturday, Dec. 7, from 5 to 9 p.m. at City Center Park. The event includes live reindeer, treats, bonfires, s’mores, carolers, and a special visit from Santa. Participants are asked to bring a nonperishable food item or a cash donation to help support Bountiful Basket Food Shelf. Follow this link for more information.
Chaska
Chaska’s tree lighting is Sunday, Dec. 8, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in Firemen’s Park. The lighting of the 50-foot holiday tree is sponsored by the Chaska 100 Club. Visitors can enjoy bonfires, s’mores (available while supplies last), and a special visit from Santa. For more information, follow this link.
Holiday Markets
Chanhassen
Chanhassen’s Holiday Boutique is Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Chanhassen Recreation Center, and features a variety of arts and crafts, jewelry, collectibles, food items, home décor, toys and trinkets. Admission is free, but the city asks that visitors bring a nonperishable food item to donate to an area food shelf.
Carver
The SW Metro Chamber of Commerce Holiday Market is Sunday, Dec. 8, from 12 to 4 p.m. in the Carver Village Hall and offers local art, crafts, food and more.
Other city events
Tour of Lights
Homes displaying holiday lights are invited to sign up to help create a residential light tour through Chanhassen. Beginning Saturday, Dec. 7, an interactive map will be available at the City of Chanhassen website (https://www.chanhassenmn.gov/departments/parks-recreation/community-events/holiday-events) to help guide residents through the city-wide tour. All homes registered by Dec. 7 will be entered to win a holiday prize pack. The tour of lights is scheduled to run from Dec. 7 to Dec. 31, from 5 to 9 p.m.
Gingerbread House Contest
Chanhassen is also sponsoring a gingerbread house decorating contest. Submissions will be accepted Dec. 3 through Dec. 5 at Chanhassen City Hall (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily). The contest is open to all ages, and cost is $5 per submission. Prizes will be awarded for the most creative and most difficult builds. All entries will be displayed at the Tree Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 7.
Chaska Santa Parade
A Santa Parade throughout Chaska is set for Wednesday, Dec. 18, starting at 4:30 p.m. See chaskamn.gov for route information or follow the City of Chaska on social media for more information and parade routes.
