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Roundabout: Out & About
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Theo Franz
December 09, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes
Good morning!
The holiday season is underway in Woodbury, marked this week by the city’s inaugural Christmas tree lighting at Central Park. Interestingly enough, my hometown recently celebrated their 100th Christmas tree lighting; however, they braved the cold and snow and hosted it outside. But if they were given free hot chocolate and an opportunity to spend the evening in a building like Central Park, I can’t imagine any of them would turn it down.
Anyways, we got a calendar full of reasons to bundle up and get out: community celebrations, cultural events, family activities and plenty of festive fun. Enjoy!
Editor: Theo Franz
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Top Story
The tree was chosen by the Parks and Forestry department, according to Parks and Recreation Director Michelle Okada. (Credit/Theo Franz)
Woodbury Rings in the Season With Inaugural Christmas Tree Lighting at Central Park
By: Theo Franz
With temperatures nearing zero degrees on Thursday, Mayor Anne Burt, dressed in red and green, stood and addressed the crowd inside the newly renovated Central Park.
She then began to count down starting from ten. At the end, the tree outside on the south patio was brightly lit with warm white lights, marking Woodbury’s first of hopefully many Christmas tree lightings.
Highlighted Events
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Events Calendar
Let’s Make Lefse
Tuesday, Dec. 9, and Friday, Dec. 12, 6–8 p.m. | Sara’s Bake Shop, 823 4th St. S., Stillwater
Make, eat and bring home this holiday treat. Registration required. $65.
Elf
Wednesday, Dec. 10, multiple showings | Woodbury 10 Theatre, 1470 Queens Drive
Eat popcorn while watching Buddy the Elf. Ticket prices vary by day and age.
Santa’s Train Shop and Caboose Rides
Weekends, Dec. 6–21, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | Jackson Street Roundhouse, 193 Pennsylvania Ave. E., St. Paul
Ticketed caboose rides run on the half hour as the train museum transforms into the North Pole. Pictures with Santa, treats, a Lego village and storytime. Advance tickets $10–$25 by age.
Memory Cafe
Tuesday, Dec. 9, 1–2 p.m. | R.H. Stafford Library
Hosted by Family Means, this is a welcoming place for those with memory loss, such as Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, and their caregivers. Register by calling Jenny West at Family Means, 651-789-4015.
Moms Demand Action Woodbury/Stillwater Potluck
Thursday, Dec. 11, 6 p.m. | Legacy at North Star community room, 10901 39th St. N., Lake Elmo
Meet fellow members and plan ahead. Feel free to bring an appetizer, dessert or drink. Please RSVP.
JoyAnn Parker Duo
Friday, Dec. 12, 6 p.m. | 1550 Wild Ridge Court N., Newport
Presented by Musicians Corner House Concerts with a potluck dinner at the home of Kathy and Dan Mathews. Holiday evening with an ugly sweater contest and a “special” guest, followed by a passionate singer and a talented guitarist. RSVP appreciated. Basket passed for musicians.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Friday, Dec. 12–Thursday, Dec. 18, multiple showings | Woodbury 10 Theatre, 1470 Queens Drive
Celebrate the 25th anniversary of Jim Carrey’s version of the Grinch on the big screen. Ticket prices vary by day and age.
Bird Hike at Pine Point Regional Park
Saturday, Dec. 13, 9 a.m. | 11900 Norell Ave. N., Stillwater
Put on your winter hiking boots, meet at the trailhead kiosk, and prepare to be a citizen scientist by participating in a bird count. Free, but bring your own binoculars.
Union Depot Holiday Bake Sale
Saturday, Dec. 13, 11 a.m.–7 p.m. | 240 Kellogg Blvd. E., St. Paul
Shop 40+ local bakeries and food vendors while listening to live music. Free.
Pet Photo Shoot
Saturday, Dec. 13, noon–4 p.m. | Pet Wants Woodbury, 2110 Eagle Creek Lane
Sign up for a slot with a professional photographer. Framed photos will be available for pickup. $20 donation to Humble Hounds Dog Rescue.
Sparklin’ Dazzlin’ Holiday Spectacular
Saturday, Dec. 13, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. | Woodbury Middle School, 1425 School Drive
Family-friendly holiday show with dessert, hot chocolate and coffee. Advance tickets $12. Children under 5 free.
Santa at Bridgeman’s Ice Cream
Saturday, Dec. 13, 3–5 p.m. | 2110 Eagle Creek Lane
Bring your own camera for photos. No purchase necessary.
Fun & Games
Fun Fact
The little white house at the corner of Radio Drive and Lake Road was built in 1870 and is now maintained by the Woodbury Heritage Society.
Frederick and Sophia Raths immigrated from Germany in 1853 and came to Woodbury in 1864. They purchased their one hundred and sixty acre farm at that corner in 1866 for $1,280 (equivalent to roughly $26,000 today).
The Heritage House was built in 1870 as an addition to the original log cabin.
Every year on the day after Thanksgiving, Frederick and Sophia’s descendants gather to decorate the house for the holidays.
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