Are you afraid of the dark? Join us for a unique experience as we walk the halls of the Historic Courthouse at night by candlelight. Explore the areas typically closed to the public, including the basement, sheriff's residence and the old 1900's county jail. Learn the history behind this historic site and listen to some fun, slightly spooky stories along the way. 

Tours recommended for ages 16 and older. All minors must be accompanied by an adult. Please note that there will be dim lighting, low-hanging objects and uneven terrain. Due to the nature of the tour, it is not handicapped accessible. 

$10.00 per person. Advance reservations required. Reservations are nonrefundable within 14 days of the program date. Reservations open August 2.

Experience the splendor of the holiday season with the 27th Annual Christmas at the Historic Courthouse! This 3-day event is full of holiday spirit and merry memories. All proceeds raised from this event benefit the Historic Courthouse Restoration Fund and help preserve this historic landmark.

 Whether you're looking for a special date night or fun the whole family can enjoy, Christmas at the Historic Courthouse has memorable experiences for all!
   
Friday, November 22, 6:00-8:30 p.m. 
Gala Preview Fundraiser  - $25.00 in advance/$30 at the door 

Indulge the senses at the Friday evening Gala Preview event. Guests are invited to sample local beer and wine, delicious hors d'oeuvres from local vendors and enjoy live music while getting a sneak peek into the holiday bazaar featuring unique goods from local craftsmen and vendors.

Saturday, November 23, 10:00 - 4:00 p.m. 
Sunday, November 24, 11:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Holiday Bazaar  - FREE to attend!
 
 Wander into a winter wonderland on Saturday and Sunday. Take in the sights of the season with the Historic Courthouse decorated for the holidays inside and out, enjoy live music, shop for the perfect gift at the holiday bazaar, purchase locally made treats at the Holiday Bake Shop or bring your camera to take FREE photos with Santa Claus in his workshop from 12:00-3:00p.m.

 Interested in becoming a vendor at the 2019 Christmas at the Historic Courthouse event? We especially seek out local vendors with a variety of handcrafted and/or local goods. Applications will be available starting in April 2019. 

 Almost 2,000 visitors begin the season at the Historic Courthouse! This is a juried event and we accept approximately 30 vendors each year. To be eligible, please submit the vendor application, check payment, and photos of your product and booth setup for review by the deadline listed in the application. A sample of your product is not required, however it is encouraged in order to assist our jury in making their final decisions. Vendors will be notified by e-mail of their status in the event after the application deadline. 

2019 Christmas at the Courthouse Vendor Application

2018 Gala Fundraiser Food & Beverage Sponsors:

St. Croix Vineyards
Lift Bridge Brewery
Acapulco Restaurante Mexicano
Brine's Market & Deli
Chowgirls Killer Catering
Grand Catering of Stillwater
Kowalski's Markets
Scheel's Catering
and more!

A special thank you to our décor sponsors Krueger's Christmas Trees for providing the beautiful outdoor décor at the Historic Courthouse, our fabulous musicians who performed throughout the event, and our wonderful volunteers.

Without you this event would not be possible. Thank you for supporting this historic landmark!

Sip and savor a catered multi-course tea and enjoy an education program in the elegant and historic courtroom.

Arrive early and stay late to shop beautiful quilted items by the Courthouse Quilters. Tour the exhibits and 1900's county jail or view displays of the Historic Courthouse China Collection in the courtroom.
   
The cost is $40 per person. All proceeds benefit the Historic Courthouse Restoration Fund. Enjoy a scrumptious tea while helping to preserve this historic landmark! 

Held outdoors on the grounds of the Historic Courthouse, the Ice Cream Social is a perennial community favorite and the official kick-off to Stillwater’s Lumberjack Days. Featured fun includes:

• Live music
• Children’s games and activities
• Fantasy Corral petting zoo
• Spin-Art 
• Historic medallion button sales and the first medallion clue reading 
• History Exhibits, 1900's County Jail Tours 
• Old-fashioned candy booth 
• Root beer floats, Brats / hot dogs, chips, etc. available for purchase.  
• Bike giveaway

Proceeds from the root beer floats, candy booth and Historic Courthouse merchandise go towards the Historic Courthouse Restoration Fund.

The ice cream social is free to attend and open to the public. Bring a blanket and enjoy live music on the lawn. In the event of rain, the event will adapt and move indoors. 

Live Entertainment Line-Up 

5:30 p.m. - Queen Jeanne - Rhythmic Indie Rock - Queen Jeanne’s music explores an eclectic mix of covers and originals across genre, but generally feels at home somewhere in the sonic landscape of dirty rhythmic blues-rock with occasional soul-funks. More than bandmates, this group of friends has a great time making music together, and invite you to join the party.

7:00 p.m. - Sawyer's Dream - Minneapolis based Sawyer’s Dream is an all original band with amazing 4-part vocal harmonies. The name “Sawyer’s Dream” emanates from the book The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, where in the 18th Chapter “Tom’s Dream,” the boy’s dream was to go home to be with his family. Laden with the outdoors, adventure and family, Mark Twain’s writings really resonated with the band. These inspirations combined with vocal harmonies similar to those of groups such as the Mamas & the Papas, ABBA and Bread, create a unique cross-blending of Americana, Folk, Soul, Pop and Rock. These genres formulate into an adventurous and whimsical music creation, offering the listener a modern take on the classic rock of the ’60s and ’70s.  

2019 Sponsors 

Thank you to our local event sponsors Candyland, Edina Realty, Lift Bridge Brewing Co., Lumberjack Days, and Washington County.

 Have questions? 651-275-7075 or historiccourthouse@co.washington.mn.us