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Experience the Magic of Lanesboro: Shop Small and Celebrate Big This Holiday Season

A promotional image for Small Business Saturday featuring the American Express Shop Small logo alongside a snowy winter street scene in downtown Lanesboro, Minnesota, with colorful storefronts and festive decorations.
This Small Business Saturday, shop small and make a big impact — explore Lanesboro’s charming downtown, filled with local shops, cozy cafés, and holiday cheer / Photo by Tyler Anderson

Twinkling lights, cozy shops, and small-town cheer — discover why the holidays shine brighter in Lanesboro.

There’s something truly special about the holiday season in Lanesboro, Minnesota — where the snow sparkles on historic Main Street, every storefront window glows with festive charm, and friendly hellos fill the air. This is where you’ll find a holiday experience straight from a Hallmark movie: genuine, joyful, and full of heart.

Whether you’re checking off your shopping list, celebrating with family, or just looking to soak in some small-town magic, Lanesboro & Whalan are ready to welcome you this holiday season.

A horse-drawn carriage makes its way down Lanesboro’s snow-covered main street, driven by two warmly dressed locals. The decorated wagon, holiday wreaths, and twinkling lights create a festive small-town winter scene.

🎉 Experience the Magic of Lanesboro — Small Business Saturday

Kick off the season with Experience the Magic of Lanesboro on Small Business Saturday (November 29) — a festive day celebrating all things local!

Stroll through downtown’s decorated streets and enjoy a full day of holiday shopping, local specials, giveaways, and family fun. Participating shops and galleries will be offering unique finds and warm welcomes — and you’ll even spot Santa making appearances around town.

It’s the perfect way to support small businesses, find thoughtful gifts, and experience that unmistakable Lanesboro holiday spirit.

A smiling woman in a winter hat and sweater holds a wrapped holiday gift beside a decorated Christmas tree inside a cozy shop in Lanesboro, Minnesota.
Warm smiles, local charm, and festive spirit — holiday shopping in Lanesboro feels as joyful as the season itself / Photo courtesy of Stone Mill Clothing & Gifts

🛍️ Shop Small, Find Big Joy

Shopping in Lanesboro feels less like a chore and more like a celebration. Each store and gallery invites you to slow down, linger, and discover something special — gifts that feel personal, meaningful, and made with care.

Wander into bright, welcoming spaces filled with handcrafted goods, artwork, books, cozy winterwear, home décor, gourmet treats, and local creations that capture the character of Bluff Country. You’ll find inspiration for everyone on your list — and maybe a little something for yourself, too.

Take your time exploring, chat with shop owners, and wrap up your day with a warm drink or sweet treat while the snow drifts by outside. It’s the kind of shopping day that reminds you what the season is really about — connection, creativity, and community.

Every purchase here supports the local dreamers and doers who keep our small town shining bright all year long.

Vendors and shoppers browse handmade crafts, baked goods, and local products at the indoor Winter Market held inside the Sons of Norway Hall in Lanesboro.
Handmade goods, local flavors, and friendly faces 🧣🛍️ — the Winter Market at Sons of Norway brings warmth and creativity to even the chilliest Lanesboro days / Photo courtesy Lanesboro Farmers Market

❄️ Winter Market at the Sons of Norway

Don’t miss the annual Winter Market at the Sons of Norway Hall, featuring local artisans, crafters, and food vendors from across the Bluff Country region. Held indoors from 9 a.m. to noon, this festive market is the perfect place to shop local while staying warm — with everything from handmade gifts and fiber arts to baked goods and seasonal décor.

🗓️ Upcoming Market Dates (every 2nd Saturday December - April):

  • December 13, 2025

  • January 10, 2026

  • February 14, 2026

  • March 14, 2026

  • April 11, 2026

Grab a treat, chat with local makers, and find that perfect something to take home — all while surrounded by cozy community spirit.

Four people stand beneath a glowing tunnel of colorful holiday lights at night in Lanesboro, Minnesota, surrounded by snow and festive cheer.
The Legion Lights in Lanesboro bring dazzling color and cozy joy to winter nights — a glowing reminder of small-town warmth and community spirit / Photo courtesy Legion Lights

🎄 Sparkling Lights & Festive Nights

When the sun sets, the glow begins. Sylvan Park transforms into a winter wonderland with the beloved Legion Lights, a dazzling display that lights up the entire valley. Stroll under the sparkling canopy, sip hot cocoa, and take in the beauty of Bluff Country in its brightest season.

Throughout the holidays, you’ll also find live theatre at the Commonweal, festive concerts, and community gatherings that bring the spirit of the season to life — including the Lanesboro Arts Holiday Sing-Along with Dan Chouinard and more.

Check the events calendar at lanesboro.com/events for the latest seasonal happenings.

A person relaxes by a fireplace holding a cup of coffee with a book titled “Lanesboro, Minnesota,” capturing a cozy moment during a quiet winter day.
Slow down and savor the season — grab a warm drink, a good book, and soak in the cozy charm of wintertime in Lanesboro

☕ Cozy Cafés & Warm Gatherings

Take a break from your holiday shopping and settle in at one of Lanesboro’s inviting cafés, bakeries, or restaurants. Enjoy a warm latte, a bowl of soup, or a slice of pie while you watch the snow fall outside the window.

Whether you’re catching up with old friends, enjoying a family meal, or savoring a quiet solo moment, every table in town comes with a side of small-town hospitality.

A cabin at Cedar Valley Resort in the winter
Area lodging takes on an extra magical quality in the winter / Photo courtesy of Cedar Valley Resort

🎁 Make a Weekend of It

Why rush home when you could stay the night? Lanesboro’s cozy inns, bed-and-breakfasts, and vacation rentals make it easy to turn your shopping day into a winter weekend escape. Wake up to the smell of coffee and homemade breakfast, watch the light rise over the bluffs, and step outside to a downtown that feels like it was made for strolling.

Bundle up, explore a few more shops, or take in a show at the theatre — and let the pace of small-town life remind you what the holidays are meant to feel like.

Downtown Lanesboro, Minnesota, lined with historic brick buildings and colorful storefronts beneath snow-covered bluffs on a peaceful winter day.
Historic downtown Lanesboro looks straight out of a postcard in winter — where snow-dusted bluffs, twinkling lights, and small-town charm create the perfect setting for a cozy getaway / Photo by Tyler Anderson

💫 Celebrate the Season, Lanesboro-Style

Here, the holidays aren’t about hustle — they’re about heart. They’re about slowing down, connecting with loved ones, and discovering the simple joys of community.

So this season, shop small, stay cozy, and celebrate big — right here in Lanesboro & Whalan.

Plan your holiday visit at lanesboro.com/winter and experience the magic for yourself. 🎄✨

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