Dozens of "Hometown for the Holidays" events in downtown Stillwater begin at 9:45 a.m. Friday, Nov. 28 on Main Street with the arrival of Santa Claus by fire truck, followed by live reindeer from 1-4 p.m. at the Pedestrian Plaza, 200 N. Main St.

Among the events and decorations are a children's Twinkle Parade, strolling Santa and Victorian Carolers along historic Main Street every weekend, Victorian teas at the Lowell Inn, free Victorian horse-drawn wagonette rides along the St. Croix River, Biercycle Caroling tours and more.

The annual Twinkle Parade begins at 4 p.m. Dec. 6. Cookies, coffee, and cocoa will be served outside the Dock Cafe, 425 Nelson St. E. The Teddy Bear Band will perform, followed by the parade and caroling along the river for the tree lighting ceremony at the Gazebo, a visit from Santa and kid-friendly fireworks.

For a schedule of events, go to: DiscoverStillwater.com/events.

Chamber Chorale to celebrate Christmas

Tickets are on sale for Valley Chamber Chorale's "I Sing the Birth: Sublime Music for a Sublime Season."

The Christmas concert will be performed five times from Dec. 12-14 at the Washington County Historic Courthouse, 101 Pine St. W., Stillwater.

Along with exquisite music and stunning décor, refreshments with seating at tables for 10 will be served.

Prices for non-season ticket holders are $40 for adults and $35 for seniors and students. To order, go to: www.valleychamberchorale.org.

Marine on St. Croix

Thompson performs a fundraiser finale

Jazz virtuoso and noted "Prairie Home Companion" performer Butch Thompson returns to the Marine Village Hall for his annual "Home for Christmas" concert at 2 p.m. Dec. 7. The annual tradition of more than 20 years that benefits the Marine Restoration Society will be the last.

In a career spanning more than 45 years, the pianist and clarinetist, who grew up in Marine on St. Croix, has earned a reputation as a traditional jazz and ragtime master.

Tickets are $25 and are available at the Marine General Store or by mail (enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope) at Marine Restoration Society, Box 131, Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047. For more information, call 651-433-2049.

Program offers tips for winter camping

A program offering advice on winter camping will be held at 10 a.m. Dec. 6 at William O'Brien State Park, 16821 O'Brien Trail N., Marine on St. Croix.

Bear Paulsen, general manager of Northstar Canoes, will teach how to camp comfortably in the winter. He will cover clothing, safety and how to sleep comfortably through the winter night. He'll discuss how to choose a campsite, shelter options and winter travel from backpacking to pulling a sled.

The free program takes place at the William O'Brien Visitor Center.

Forest Lake

Craft show to help veterans, children

The Ladies Auxiliary of the Forest Lake American Legion will hold its "Shop 'Til You Drop" craft show form 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 6 at the post, 355 W. Broadway Av.

There will be 30 crafters on hand at the event. Lunch will be available for a small fee and all proceeds will be used to benefit veterans programs and services for children in need.

Woodbury

Teams sought for broomball league

A fast-paced recreational adult broomball league is making its debut this winter on the new outdoor refrigerated ice rink at Bielenberg Sports Center.

Broomball, a sport similar to ice hockey, utilizes a ball instead of a puck and broom-shaped sticks in place of hockey sticks.

The Parks and Recreation Department is now taking registrations for teams made up of co-workers, friends, neighbors and anyone looking to stay active this winter. All members must be 18 years of age or older.

Men's league games will take place on Tuesday evenings with co-recreational competition on Thursday nights. All contests will begin at 6:15 p.m. at the outdoor refrigerated ice rink at the newly expanded Bielenberg Sports Center. Games will consist of two 20-minute running time halves with a five-minute intermission. Helmets are required for all participants.

For more information, contact Reed Smidt at rsmidt@ci.woodbury.mn.us or 651-714-3588.

St. Croix Valley

Lighting festival to brighten Taylors Falls

The Taylors Falls Lighting Festival, a full weekend of holiday events, begins at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, in downtown Taylors Falls with the grand lighting of Main Street and the Santa Parade. As part of the parade, the Royal Lady of the Village will be announced.

Stores and restaurants are open, holiday booya will be served, and Santa will greet the children at Santaland. Special activities for children include face painting, balloon animal making, free tractor and horse drawn wagon rides for caroling and more.

The festival also includes craft fairs, Christmas at the 1855 Folsom House Museum, an ecumenical Choral Vesper Service, family Bingo, and a wine tasting and appetizer fundraiser. A giant bonfire with snowman-making will cap off the weekend.

Most events are free. Several events have a small admission fee or a free will donation.

Jim Anderson