December Family Events Calendar

Rotary Holiday Lights • Through Sun, Dec. 31 • Riverside Park, La Crosse
• More than one million lights illuminate Riverside Park from 5-10 pm daily (5-9 pm on Dec. 24 & 25), including a 140-foot Christmas tree, drive-through tunnel of lights, live entertainment on select nights, hayrides, carriage rides, animated light displays, live Nativity scene, and Santa. More info: (800) 658-9424 or www.rotarylights.org

Old World Christmas • Weekends through Christmas, 8 am-5 pm • downtown Winona
• Wagon rides and visits with Santa, strolling carolers, Christmas decorations and lighting, sales. More info: 452-3722

Light Up Galesville • Daily, 5–10 pm, through Dec 31 • Trempealeau County fairgrounds, Galesville
• Lights display, Santa Claus, sleigh rides, free hot chocolate and coffee.

Holiday Lighted Parade • Sat, Dec. 1, 5:30 pm • Goodview
• Numerous lighted Christmas floats, elves, and Santa. Parade route follows 6th St., beginning at 40th Ave. Fireworks and refreshments to follow in Memorial Park. More info: 452-2618

Breakfast with Santa • Sat, Dec 1, 7 am – 11 am • Pickwick Fire Department
• Have breakfast with the department’s firefighter Santa Claus; kids can have pictures taken with Santa. $5. More info: 454-2263

Visit with Santa Claus • Wed, Dec. 5, 5–7 pm • Kryzko Commons, Winona State University
• Have your picture taken with Santa. Punch and cookies will be served.

Breastfeeding Class • Thu., Dec. 6, 1:30 pm • Community Memorial Hospital
• This class will help expecting mothers to prepare for breastfeeding their baby. Cost: $10 per participant/couple.

Gingerbread House Contest • Fri., Dec. 7 – Mon., Dec. 17 • Bank lobbies in downtown Winona
• The five banks located in downtown Winona will be sponsoring a gingerbread house contest; come see the houses on display in the banks’ lobbies. Vote on your favorites Dec. 7–13.

Breakfast with Santa • Sat., Dec. 8, 8 am – noon • Buffalo Town Hall, Buffalo
• Pancake breakfast, raffle, bake sale, and pictures with Santa. Adults $5.50, children $3.

Christmas for the Birds • Sat, Dec 8, 9:30 am • Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge
• Build a birdfeeder from recycled products to give our feathered friends a happy holiday. All supplies and materials, including seeds, will be provided. A short presentation about winter bird watching will take place during the activity. Meet at the refuge office. More info: (608) 539-2311

Christmas Toy Store • Sat., Dec. 8, 9 am – 1 pm • National Guard Amory, 1303 Homer Road
• All parents who are in need of some help providing a Christmas gift for their children are encouraged to attend the Christmas Toy Store, which is sponsored in conjunction with Hiawatha Valley Marines Toys for Tots. Toys are free; parents will be asked for the first names and ages of their children. New toys will be put out throughout the day. More info: Christine Bellock, 458-5203.

Drop ‘n’ Shop • Sat., Dec. 8, 10 am – 2 pm • Community Bible Church, 69 East Third Street
• Do your Christmas shopping while your kids enjoy games, coloring, crafts, and other fun activities. Cash or non-perishable food items will be collected for area food shelves in conjunction with the Ten Days of Giving.

Christmas Wonderland Parade of Lights • Sat., Dec. 8, 7 pm • Downtown Rushford
• The 12th annual Christmas Wonderland Parade of Lights includes visits with Santa, hot chocolate and cider, and cookies and caroling at the Rushford Fire Station. Monetary donations to the SEMCAC food shelf are encouraged.

Concert for the Hungry • Sun, Dec. 9, 2 pm • Winona State University Performing Arts Center
• WSU hosts the 7th Annual “Holiday Concert for the Hungry” with the WSU Symphonic Wind Ensemble and the WSU Chamber Orchestra. Admission is a non-perishable food item as part of the Ten Days of Giving. More info: 457-5257

CPR Holiday Train • Mon, Dec. 10, 5-6 pm • Amtrak Depot, Winona
• Live performance featuring Tracey Brown, Juno award-winner Colin Linden, and the critically acclaimed family duo Ennis from the lighted Canadian Pacific Railroad Holiday Train. “Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early and check the arrival time prior to attending as this schedule is subject to change.” Food items and cash donations will be collected to benefit Winona Volunteer Services. More info: www8.cpr.ca or 452-8612 (Amtrak station)

WCDCPA Holiday Fair • Sat., Dec. 15, 10 am – 2 pm • Winona Mall
• The Winona County Day Care Providers Association sponsor their annual Holiday Fair, including food, vendors, and visits with Santa.

The Nutcracker • Sat., Dec. 15, 2 pm; Sun., Dec. 16, 1 & 4 pm • Mayo Civic Center, Rochester
• The Rochester Dance Company will present The Nutcracker at Mayo Civic Center’s Presentation Hall. The production will include more than 75 talented young dancers from Rochester and the surrounding area, dancing alongside professional guest artists. After each performance, audience members will be invited to attend a Land of Sweets Party at the Civic Center (for an additional $6 cost), where they can enjoy holiday treats and capture memories by taking photos with the Sugar Plum Fairy, Clara and other Nutcracker characters. Cost: $15-$18. Reserve tickets through the Mayo Civic Center Box Office, 507-252-1010 or online at mayociviccenter.com

Big Family New Year’s Eve • Mon., Dec. 31, 5:30 – 10 pm • Central High School, La Crosse
• Food vendors, family board games, inflatables, live entertainment, dancing, open gym, toddlers’ area. Bonfire and fireworks at 6 pm. More info: thebigfamilynewyearseve.com

Did we forget your event? Add it in the comments section.