course, the little ones have a chance to sit
on Santa’s lap and share what’s on this
year’s Christmas list. Over at the public
library, kids love to practice their choo-
choos as the conductor talks about the
model train exhibit, and don’t forget to gid-
dyup, giddyup, giddyup and go to the
Northfield Historical Society where you
can have your photo taken with the James-
Younger Gang and Defeat of Jesse James
Days Royalty.
Joyce Hoogenakker, storeowner of
Women and Kids on Division, said out-of-
town groups enjoy coming back year after
year as a way to kickoff their holiday sea-
son. Many stores have refreshing holiday
drinks and treats to offer. There’s storytell-
ing by local authors and a chance to warm
up by an open fire and roast marshmallows
if you like.
But there’s more than that. Christmas is
found in the joy of those around you and
fond memories being made. It’s about tak-
ing time for the things that really matter,
like visiting the little church nearby that
welcomes children to take part in their
interactive, live nativity scene, or stopping
by the VFW to sign a holiday card for sol-
diers overseas. Maybe you will want to
adopt an animal through the Rice County
Humane Society. Through giving and shar-
ing we can truly experience the fullness of
the season.
The festive music is worth the trip alone.
Spirits soar and resonate with the harmony
of harpists, classic guitar, trombones, jazz
and band ensembles, to mention a few.
Various caroling groups sing at Bridge
Square and stroll in and out of the shops.
Come taste test an old-fashioned Swedish
favorite called krumkake, made from
scratch at a demonstration by store own-
ers, Eleanor and Al Croone and their family
at Paper Petalum, who celebrate ethnic
cooking traditions.
Shopping is at its best. You’ll find sea-
sonal sales that continue all weekend long
from the many specialty retail shops that
make Northfield so unique. Take advantage
of all Northfield has to offer and make a
weekend out of it — dine at fine restaurants
and stay at one of the many hotels, inns
and B&B’s in town. Go to www.visiting-
northfield.com.
Mark your calendars for 5-9 p.m. Dec. 3,
grab a stocking cap or two, load up the
family and head due North; it’s not too far
— destination Northfield — as it turns into a
merry wonderland.
It’s sure to leave you with visions of sug-
arplums dancing in your head. 
Northfield artist David Allen captures
Northfield’s Winter Walk scene.
Winter 2009 ♦ Southern Minnesota Magazine ♦ 21
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