As someone who’s lived in Hudson for years and helped many of you find your homes here, I can tell you—there’s nothing quite like Hudson during the holidays! The downtown area is all decked out, the shops are full of festive cheer, and the atmosphere is pure magic. Whether you’re spending the day browsing the local shops with friends or cozying up for a show and dinner, Hudson is the place to be. I love this time of year, and I wanted to share some of my favorite things to do right here in town.
- LIGHT UP HUDSON! - November 29th, 7-8:30 p.m.
Kick off the holiday season in our charming, historic Hudson! Light Up Hudson is a beloved local event, and it’s all about the magic of the season. Santa arrives at Lakefront Park, and with a wave of his wand, he lights up the beautiful holiday display along the St. Croix River. It’s truly a magical evening, no matter your age!
If you haven’t been to this event before, I highly recommend it—it’s one of the best ways to feel that holiday spirit. And don’t forget, the Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce will be capturing photos throughout the night for use in future promotions, so if you’d rather not be in them, you can swing by the Chamber office ahead of time to let them know.
- The Candlelight Stroll- Friday, December 6th, 6-8:00 p.m.
Another must-do on my holiday calendar is the Candlelight Stroll—Friday, December 6th, from 6-8 p.m. If you’re looking for a little romance or just want to soak in the magic of the season, this event is perfect.
I remember the first time I went, years ago. It was lightly snowing, and I ended up on one of the wagon rides through Lakefront Park. The whole area was glowing with luminaries, and it felt like we were stepping into a scene from a classic holiday movie. It’s one of those nights where Hudson truly shines—literally and figuratively! The shops and bistros are all decked out, the smell of holiday treats fills the air, and there’s something festive around every corner.
One of the highlights for me is seeing Helmer Dance Studio’s Holly Doll dancers posing as live mannequins in the storefront windows. It’s so much fun to walk by and watch—they’re incredibly talented and bring such a creative touch to downtown.
A big thank you to the amazing sponsors who help make this event happen, including Black Rooster Bistro, Festival Foods, Nicolet Law, eCycling, Grande Fete, Hudson Home & Garden Club, Post - American Eatery, RJ’s Meats, Valley Companies, Willow River Company and so many others.
Trust me, if you haven’t experienced the Candlelight Stroll yet, make this year your first. It’s the kind of evening that will leave you smiling long after the event is over.
- Santa and His Critters - Saturday, December 7th, from 3-6 p.m.
We can’t forget about the little ones during the holiday season! Santa and His Critters is the perfect event for kids (and kids at heart). Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 7th, from 3-6 p.m., because Santa is making his way to Lakefront Park!
Parents, don’t forget to bring your cameras because this is a memory-maker for sure. Your kiddos can hand-deliver their wish lists to Santa while you snap those priceless photos. And it’s not just Santa—there will be sled dogs, a petting zoo, sweet treats, and plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained.
One year, my kids could not get enough of the petting zoo, and I’m pretty sure they spent more time with the sled dogs than Santa himself! It’s just one of those events where there’s something fun for everyone. Plus, you can pop into the downtown shops for some holiday specials or grab a cozy meal after.
A big shoutout to the sponsors who help make this event extra special—Angel’s Pet World, Fleet Farm, and St. Croix Kidds Pediatric Dentistry, just to name a few.
And just a quick note—there will be photos taken throughout the event, so if you prefer not to be photographed, be sure to let the Chamber know ahead of time.
This is one of those family-friendly events that really captures the magic of the holidays, so I hope to see you there!
- Prancer at The Phipps Center for the Arts - November 22 through December 15th
Looking for a little holiday entertainment? Well, you’re in luck because Prancer is coming to town! This heartwarming show, sponsored by Hudson Neighbors Magazine, runs from November 22 through December 15, 2024, at the John H. Potter Theater. It’s the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit, and whether you’re coming with family or friends, this one is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
If you’re a fan of the beloved film, you’ll love this live adaptation. The story follows young Jessica, who’s holding on to her belief in Santa Claus and the possibility of miracles, even though her family has hit tough times. When an injured reindeer shows up in her backyard, she’s convinced it’s Prancer. The show uses breathtaking puppetry to bring the magic of the story to life, making it a beautiful experience for all ages.
Shows are Fridays at 7:00 p.m., Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. (Note: there are no 7:00 p.m. shows on November 23 and 30). Tickets are super reasonable, with prices ranging from $25–32 for adults and $20 for youth, so it’s a great outing for the whole family.
This show is recommended for ages 5 and up, making it a wonderful holiday tradition to start with your little ones—or to simply enjoy as a feel-good night out. Prancer’s message of hope and believing in miracles is just what we all need this time of year, so grab your tickets and settle in for a magical performance
- Bon Fire Anyone? A Winter Solstice Bonfire - Friday, December 20th, starting at 5 p.m.
And to wrap up this list of holiday happenings, I’ve got one more special event for you—the Winter Solstice Bonfire, happening just across the river. This celebration takes place on Friday, December 20th, starting at 5 p.m. at Belwin’s Lucy Winton Bell Athletic Fields, and it’s the perfect way to embrace the longest night of the year with some warmth and community spirit.
Even though it’s not in Hudson, this event is worth the short drive. There’s nothing quite like standing around a roaring bonfire with friends and neighbors while live music fills the air. And if you’ve got little ones, they’ll love the storytelling hikes designed just for kids 5 and under, along with guided night hikes led by Belwin’s naturalists for all ages. The prairie labyrinth will also be lit up for you to explore, adding an extra bit of magic to the evening.
One year, I took my family, and the combination of the crackling fire, the cold winter air, and the warmth of cider in hand made it an unforgettable experience. It’s become one of those yearly traditions we look forward to. The live music is a huge highlight—this year, we’ll be treated to the Imniza Ska Dakota Drum Group, whose drumming and singing are powerful and moving. And then, Vladimir Garrido-Biagetti will bring South American folk music and dance to the stage, with plenty of chances for the audience to join in.
If you need to warm up, there’s a cozy tent with cookies and cider waiting for you. And, of course, it wouldn’t be complete without that giant bonfire built from downed trees collected throughout the year.
If you’re looking for something a little different, the Winter Solstice Bonfire is the perfect way to step into the beauty of nature and the magic of winter with friends, family, and the wider community. It’s become a beloved tradition since it started in 2016, and I hope it becomes one of yours too!
Here’s to making new Holiday memories for you and yours!
Photo credit: Bucklew Photography