Experience the splendor of the holiday season with the 26th Annual Christmas at the 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 Courthouse has memorable experiences for all!
   
Friday, November 16, 6:30-9:00 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 17 - Sunday, November 18, 10:00 - 4:00 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 2018 Christmas at the Courthouse event? We especially seek out local vendors with a variety of handcrafted goods. Applications are now available! 

2018 Vendor Application - Christmas at the Courthouse

This is a juried event and we accept 28-33 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 of August 23, 2018. 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. 

2017 Participating Vendors

A special thanks to all of our 2017 Gala Fundraiser Food & Beverage Sponsors:

Lift Bridge Brewery
Northern Vineyards
Acapulco Restaurante Mexicano
Brine's Market
Chowgirls Killer Catering
Gladys' Dazzling Desserts
Kowalski's Markets
Lake Elmo Inn & Event Center
Scheel's Catering

as well as a special thank you to Krueger's Christmas Tree Farm 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 a program by the Minnesota Historical Society in the stately historic courtroom.

Arrive early and 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 historical 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
• Historic medallion button sales and the first medallion clue reading 
• History Exhibits, 1900's County Jail Tours 
• Old-fashioned candy booth 
• 50-cent root beer floats, Brats / hot dogs, chips, etc. available for purchase.  

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 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. In the event of inclement weather, the Ice Cream Social will be cancelled.

Live Entertainment Line-Up 

5:30 - 6:30 p.m. The Toonies: Nominated for the MINNESOTA MUSIC AWARD, Tricia & The Toonies is a unique mixture of music, puppets, skits and laughter, which has made it one of the most talked about family stage shows in the Midwest.

7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Sawyer's Dream Minneapolis-based Sawyer’s Dream is an all original band with amazing 4-part vocal harmonies similar to those of groups such as the Mamas & the Papas, ABBA and Bread with 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. 

Sponsors 

Thank you to our local event sponsors Candyland, Edina Realty, Leo’s Grill and Malt Shop, Lift Bridge Brewing Co., Lumberjack Days, the Washington County Historical Society and Washington County.

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