See Santa This Weekend in Owatonna

Even with under a week to go until Christmas, Santa has found time to spend in Owatonna this week. He will make a return appearance in the Owatonna Shoe holiday display from 10 am to 2 pm Saturday, December 19. The Steele County Historical Society (SCHS) will host him Saturday 5 to 8 pm and Sunday, December 20 from 5 to 8 pm.

While downtown check out the Christmas displays in many business storefronts. The Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism (OACCT) and the Owatonna Business Partners are holding the Downtown Owatonna Holiday Window Contest.

The historical society invites people to tour the luminary-lit Village of Yesteryear. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in the General Store. Visitors can look into the store and watch the two at work. A news release from the SCHS also says, "Children may look for the decorated tree by the General Store to find free take home craft activities with a special postcard to send to Santa."

SCHS has previously announced that their gift shop is open for holiday-giving ideas and unique, hand-crafted items.

The chamber recently announced some of the winner's in the Takeout Challenge to support local restaurants. On the OACCT Facebook page, Mark Wilson, Lyssa Zimmerman, Shannon Wetzel, Jen O'Connor, Nicole Fonstad Padget, and Leah McCarthy are listed as recipients of $50 in Chamber Bucks.