Red Wing, MN Lines Up Holiday and Winter Activities

Red Wing, MN, September 22, 2009: There is perhaps no more picturesque town for winter activities than Red Wing, Minnesota. Located about an hour from the Twin Cities and Rochester along the bluffs of the Mississippi River, Red Wing offers outdoor sports such as downhill and cross country skiing, hiking and birding as well as indoor activities such as antique and specialty gift shopping, cultural entertainment and traditional holiday events such as tree lightings, parades, teas and caroling. 

A favorite event to kick off the season is Red Wing’s Holiday Stroll held the day after Thanksgiving, November 27 from 2-8 pm. A pancake breakfast kicks off the day as area merchants welcome holiday shoppers. The evening includes Santa and Mrs. Claus, a live nativity scene, chili tasting, St. Brigid’s Festival of Trees at the St. James Hotel, a 6 pm parade, a 6:45 pm tree lighting ceremony and 7 pm fireworks as live musicians, carolers and horse-drawn wagon rides entertain the crowds. This year, hop on board the new Red Wing Trolleys to experience traveling the town in vintage style. Free holiday snacks and incredible prizes from area merchants make this small town holiday celebration a truly memorable event. Visit www.redwingholidaystroll.com.

Holiday performances at the historic Sheldon Theatre include Branson Country Christmas November 10-11, Pianist Lorie Line November 16, the Sheldon Brass Band Holiday Concert November 28-29, Little Women December 10-13, The Nutcracker featuring the Continental Ballet Company and the Cannon Valley Regional Orchestra on December 18-19, the Girl Singers of the Hit Parade Christmas Show December 23 and Monroe Crossing’s Bluegrass New Year’s Eve with Monroe Crossing on December 31. Call 651-385-3667 or 800-899-5759 or visit www.sheldontheatre.com.

The town’s major landmark hotel, the historic St. James Hotel, also offers a variety of holiday events ranging from holiday buffets on the elegant Summit on Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve to special holiday menus in the Port and fantastic lodging specials. Visit www.st-james-hotel.com or call 651-388-2846 or 800-252-1875.

Welch Village also will offer ski/lodging packages with four area hotels including overnight accommodations and all-day lift tickets starting at $139. Also take advantage of New Year’s Eve fireworks and Family Fare Specials. On Nov 28, Dec 12, Dec 31 as well as on all non-holiday Tuesdays and Thursdays families can learn to ski or snowboard from 1-9 pm for just $49 per person, which includes lift tickets, lessons at 1 or 6 pm and rental equipment. Individual learn to ski packages are available for $59 for one day or $99 for a three day pass. Group discounts are offered for groups of 15 or more. Visit www.welchvillage.com for details.

Red Wing will also be bringing back its popular Eagle Spot weekends from February 2 – March 21, 2010. Colvill Park will have spotting scopes and provide helpful tips courtesy of the Environmental Learning Center. For details on Eagle Spot weekends or a list of all activities and attractions, contact the Red Wing Visitors and Convention Bureau at 651-385-5934, 800-498-3444 or visit www.redwing.org.