Taylors Falls Lighting Festival
Visitors can watch the Grand Lighting of the Village and Santa parade, followed by visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The celebration features craft fairs, an Advent wreath-making activity, a medallion hunt, and live music and dance performances. Guests can also take tours of decorated historic homes and browse downtown shops.
What to Expect
Community holiday celebration featuring a village lighting and Santa parade.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Taylors Falls
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
TF Lighting Festival
Food & Drink
Friday downtown offerings include hot cocoa, cookies, cider, and food; chili, hot dogs, and hot beverages are also listed at St. Joseph’s Church, with booya at Romaynes while supplies last.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and small-town holiday festival fans
Vibe
Festive and community-minded
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: The page gives no overall festival admission price or ticket information. Listed activity charges include Carl Muller House admission ($5 adults, $1 ages 6–17), a $20 Family Bingo package, and donations or a free-will offering for some activities.
- Hours: Festival activities are scheduled at various times: the shuttle runs 3–9 pm Friday; downtown refreshments are 3–6 pm Friday; the Grand Lighting and Santa Parade are at 6 pm Friday. Saturday activities are listed from 9 am through 6 pm, with Family Bingo at 6:30 pm and Frosty A Musical Adventure at 7:30 pm. Sunday activities are listed from 1 pm through 4 pm, with Frosty at 2 pm and the Winter Concert at 3 pm.
- Parking: On Friday, park at TF Elementary School on West Street and take the shuttle downtown.
Tips & Advice
- Wear yellow to Friday’s Grand Lighting of the Village and Santa Parade on Bench Street, then head to the With August lot to visit Santa.
- On Friday, park at TF Elementary School on West Street and ride the Taylors Falls Canoe & Kayak shuttle downtown for no-hassle parking.
- Get to Romaynes early on Friday if you want booya, because it is only served until it is gone.
- Follow the festival on Facebook before Saturday’s Medallion Hunt, because that is where the clues for the prize are posted.
- Dress warmly for Friday evening, since the Grand Lighting and Santa Parade happen outdoors along Bench Street.
Special Events & Promotions
- Free Entrance Day at Minnesota Interstate Park on Friday, plus an all-day TF Shop Crawl with local businesses
- Free Advent wreath making on Saturday morning in the First Evangelical Lutheran Church basement
- Wassail Party Craft Fair on Saturday at the Memorial Community Center, with extra farmer’s market vendors at First Baptist Church
- Greenfire Irish Dancers on Sunday at the Community Center, followed by Irish social dancing
- Winter Concert by the St. Croix Valley Orchestra with a carol sing-along on Sunday
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there for kids to do?
On Friday, kids can see Mrs. Claus at the Library on Bench Street, visit Santa in the ‘With August’ parking lot after the parade, and get face painting and balloons at Schoony’s. Saturday brings Family Bingo at the Community Center, and St. Croix Festival Theatre puts on Frosty A Musical Adventure on Saturday and Sunday.
Where should I park on Friday?
Park at TF Elementary School on West Street and take the shuttle downtown. Taylors Falls Canoe & Kayak runs it on Friday afternoon and evening.
What food is available?
On Friday there's hot cocoa, cookies, cider and food downtown. St Joseph’s Church has chili, hot dogs and hot drinks at a Knights of Columbus fundraiser, and Romaynes serves booya until it runs out. On Saturday there's a free flapjack breakfast at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, plus sloppy joes and goodies at the 1861 Methodist Church.
Can I tour any historic homes?
Yes. Christmas at the 1855 Folsom House is open all three days, with donations welcome. The 1925 Carl Muller House on River Street charges admission. The Historic Taylors Falls Library is open on Saturday morning.
How does the Medallion Hunt work?
It starts on Saturday morning, and the clues are posted on Facebook. Whoever finds the medallion wins a prize.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
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