The festive season officially kicks off Thanksgiving weekend in Chisago Lakes. The five Chisago Lakes communities go all in for the holidays and you definitely don’t want to miss it!
As the last leaves let go and snowflakes start to fall, Chisago Lakes will soon be covered in a sparkling blanket of white. Signaling it’s time to enjoy all the holiday festivities and natural beauty as the season unfolds. From winter hiking and sculpture park adventures to shopping small for homemade holiday gifts and lighting festivals, there is something special this holiday season for everyone. So get ready to pull out your warm sweaters, gloves, and hats and explore Chisago Lakes! Let’s get cozy and plan your Thanksgiving weekend with family and friends.
Start in Chisago City and work your way through the 5 Chisago Lakes communities!
Chisago Lakes is approximately 35 miles northeast of downtown Minneapolis/Saint Paul—the perfect distance for a day trip, but we highly recommend staying for the weekend.
Chisago City is the Gateway to Chisago Lakes, located between the twin lakes of Chisago Lake and Green Lake.
Uncommon Loon Indoor Artisan Market is on Saturday, November 30th, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm located at 10825 Lake Blvd, Chisago City, MN
Shop while sipping a delicious craft beer or refreshing hard seltzer! Start your weekend at the Uncommon Loon Indoor Artisan Market and find one-of-a-kind gifts. The Loon Event Center transforms into an Artisan Market just in time for your holiday shopping. Handmade items are abundant! Sip, shop, and meet the community while supporting these talented artisan vendors:
Alter, Carlson Lake Farm, DogGoneIt Dog Treats, E&J Designs, Five Dog Sewing, Herban Alchemy Medicaments, Hidden Forest Homestead, JM Custom Crafts, Kitchen Witch, Mike Patten Photography, Nancy Pottery, Sara Tennis – Artisan, Shine Boutique, Sol Jewelry Design, Steve Crain Pottery, Swedish Almond Cakes, Sweetie Pie’s Pie Shop, Tailored Timber, The Wood Creations, Thistle Dew Acres, Trades of Hope, TwinFlower Books, Twisted Dreams, Wildflower Creations, and more!
Deutschland Meats will be onsite serving food inside. Yum!
For even more unique shopping, check out Sven’s Clogs Factory Outlet Store. Founded in 1974 and worn all over the world, these Scandinavian-style clogs are made on-site in Chisago City! This is another excellent stop for holiday shopping, including Scandinavian & leather handmade accessories and gifts. Sven’s is located at 10000 Lake Blvd, Chisago City, MN.
Dinner and Dueling Pianos at Winehaven Winery is on Friday, November 29th, 7:00 – 10:00 pm and is located at 10020 Deer Garden Lane, Chisago City, MN
Savor a delicious dinner while listening to a dueling piano show at Winehaven Winery and Vineyard! Hear an array of music from the 1970s up to your current favorites. The doors open at 6:30 pm, and dinner starts at 7:00 pm.
The menu includes: Caesar Salad, Tortellini Carbonara (featuring cheese tortellini, applewood smoked bacon, grilled chicken, and peas tossed in parmesan cream sauce), and Roasted Tomato and Basil Chicken. All entrees include a variety of roasted vegetables, including carrots, potatoes, peppers, squash, and onions tossed with olive oil and seasonings, served with thinly sliced Italian garlic bread. The dessert includes your choice of gelato served tableside.
The cost is $75.00 per person and includes one drink ticket for each guest!
Space is limited and tickets are required by booking online.
Lindström
As you continue your adventure down Minnesota Highway 8 and drive over the channel bridge between North and South Lindström Lake, you’ll find yourself on the cutest Main Street filled with Swedish heritage.
Shop Small and Local for Small Business Saturday
Lindström, Minnesota, is filled with charming shops for a well-rounded holiday shopping experience, including vintage, antiques, art galleries, boutiques, specialty stores, and Scandinavian shops. One of the best things about shopping in Lindström is the adorable Main Street and Coffee Pot Water Tower. You can park, walk, and shop. A bonus and added fun factor is watching for the Barn Quilts, a beautiful and distinctive community public art project. Keep looking up because you will also find a new “dog” in town! 😉
For your snack break, stop at our local Lindström Bakery, home to the Scandinavian donut! And, of course, any perfect shopping day is only complete with a coffee break. Northwoods Roasterie has got you covered in their extra cozy cabin atmosphere with delicious locally roasted coffee.
Vintage & Antiques
Art, Gifts, and Specialty
Boutique
Center City
The lake views are among the best things about the Chisago Lakes area. After a day of exploring, hiking, or shopping, Center City is the perfect spot to relax and take in the beautiful views of North and South Center Lakes.
Enjoy a truly Minnesota experience at Nordic Harbor. Now, you can unwind with a warm beverage and snack while taking in gorgeous views of South Center Lake from the new winterized Nordic Harbor rooftop! Located on South Center Lake, Nordic Harbor is a Scandinavian modern motel with a rooftop bar and market that is open to the public. It is located at 516 Grand Ave, Center City, MN 55012
*This is an adorable and convenient base camp where you can stay the whole weekend!
While in Center City, Alan Honn Glass is a must-stop! Handblown, sculptural, functional pieces made locally. Alan is a Minnesota native and creates incredible custom glass designs. Some of his many pieces include goblets, tumblers, vases, bowls, hats, drums, and fish.
Alan Honn Glass Showroom is located at 320 Summit Avenue, Center City, MN
Enjoy the river and trails at the FREE Entrance Day at Wild River State Park on Friday, November 29, 2024.
Center City fun fact: Center City was the location for the wedding scene in the movie Grumpy Old Men, filmed at Chisago Lake Lutheran Church.
Shafer
Next stop, Shafer! The landscape starts to change as you drive closer to Taylors Falls. Shafer offers wide open spaces and rolling hills. The variety in the landscape and natural beauty is one of our favorite things about Chisago Lakes.
Shafer is the ideal spot to get outside!
Take a walk in wide open spaces and get inspired at the artist-centered Franconia Sculpture Park located at 29836 St. Croix Trail, Shafer, MN. Franconia Sculpture Park offers 50 acres to explore and see art in this outdoor museum. The grounds of Franconia Sculpture Park are open 365 days a year from 8 am-8 pm. Franconia Sculpture Park has no admission fee, but visitors can donate any amount.
Taylors Falls
The charming and scenic Taylors Falls offers dramatic vistas, bluffs, high cliffs, and beautiful panoramic St. Croix River views.
Cap your weekend fun off at the Taylors Falls Lighting Festival! The 2024 Lighting Festival theme is Gem of the Valley. What a perfect theme! Santa Claus will be there along with Mrs. Claus, and there will be a grand lighting of the village, parade, shop crawl, flapjack breakfast, medallion hunt, and so much more.
The Lighting Festival in Taylors Falls, Minnesota, began in 1985. The quaintness of the downtown, nestled between the Dalles of the scenic St. Croix River and a wooded hill, gives it a Christmas card quality. – from the Lighting Festival website
You can download the 2024 schedule HERE.
Enjoy the river and trails at the FREE Entrance Day at Minnesota Interstate State Park on Friday, November 29, 2024.
Don’t forget while driving around Chisago Lakes to follow the Chisago Lakes Barn Quilt Trail and learn more about all of our Barn Quilts! And, check out our calendar of events for more things to do in Chisago Lakes!
GO! Let the festivities begin!
