St. Cloud Shines Bright: Christmas Tree Lighting and Winter Market Kick Off!
St. Cloud is all set to kick off the holiday season with its 12th annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony and the festive Weihnachtsmarkt on December 5. The event promises a magical evening of holiday cheer outside the River’s Edge Convention Center in downtown St. Cloud.
Festivities will begin at 4:45 p.m. with the lighting of the Christmas tree, located between doors B and C of the convention center. Attendees will be treated to joyful holiday music performed by the Minnesota Center Chorale, adding a warm and festive ambiance to the occasion.
Once the tree lighting concludes, visitors can head to the River’s Edge Ramp, level 3, for the much-anticipated Weihnachtsmarkt or winter market. Running from 5 to 8 p.m., the market will feature a curated selection of items from local vendors, offering a unique shopping experience.
According to Mayor’s Office Executive Assistant Alisa Schmidt, the event provides a great opportunity to enjoy local products and get a head start on holiday shopping.
Kinder Coffee Lab will serve hot chocolate, while Olde Brick House will offer traditional German foods such as sausage, sauerkraut, and pretzels. Beaver Island Brewing will add to the festive atmosphere with hot wine available for purchase.
Shoppers can explore various handcrafted items, including home décor, ornaments, and jewelry. Vendors such as Pflueger Farms will showcase ceramics and jams, and Cloud Nine Creations will present crocheted items and unique holiday ornaments.
Additional offerings include baked goods, kitchen products, and bath and body items from sellers like Warm Hearts and The Hippie Life.
One of the event’s highlights is the collectible coffee mug, which features a unique design each year. This year’s mug is particularly special, as it commemorates Mayor Dave Kleis’s final year in office with his image on the design, making it a meaningful keepsake.
The market will include heaters and a warming station to ensure visitors’ comfort. Schmidt encourages the community to embrace the chilly weather and come out to support local businesses. She described the event as a charming way to start the holiday season, offering a chance to enjoy festive food and discover unique vendors not commonly found elsewhere.
In addition to the December 5 festivities, the city of St. Cloud will host another holiday event on November 26. Beginning at 4 p.m., new holiday lights will illuminate E. St. Germain Street. Visitors can join the celebration at Iron Street Distillery as the city and the St. Cloud East End Community light up the area for the season.
These events mark the beginning of a joyful holiday season in St. Cloud, inviting residents and visitors to experience the community’s warmth and spirit while supporting local businesses.
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