Winter Walk

The first Thursday evening in December the city of Northfield blocks off Division Street (our main street) to traffic and puts out luminaries, brings in horses and sleighs for rides, has carolers singing, hosts Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus and the stores offer yummy treats and cider. It’s very festive and very popular – even with folks from the cities who come down to enjoy the special event. This year was Northfield’s 19th Winter Walk.

It was a bit cold this year which seemed to keep the crowds to a manageable size (for me anyways) and there was a touch of snow on the ground which added some extra Christmas spirit.

Outside the Antiques of Northfield store.

Each year we enjoy walking around and make a few regular stops to certain places we like, including the Downtown Bicycles shop where I put my name in a drawing.

Downtown Bicycles

The library always hosts the Model Train Club and hobbyists set up their old model trains for a fun exhibit.

Quality Bakery

Stores along Division Street decorate their storefront windows with holiday displays so its fun to window shop too.

Rare Pair

I wear a Santa hat to the winter walk every year. At the first Winter Walk, in 1999, I bought my Santa hat from Jacobsen’s Department Store and I have worn it to the Winter Walk every year since. Jacobsen’s Department was an “old-fashioned” department store with wonderful, old wooden floors, distinctive but pleasant smells emanating from years being in the same place, and unbelievable inventory. We were sorry to see it close in 2007.

My Santa hat from Jacobsen’s Department Store.

I was notified the day after the Winter Walk that I had won the drawing at the bike shop. When I went to claim my prize I was hoping I won the water bottle instead of the t-shirt, but my to my delight both the water bottle and a t-shirt were included in the prize so I was given both. That made me smile.

My generous prize!

8 thoughts on “Winter Walk”

  1. Seens like so much fun Valerie🤶🎅🎄👍👏 congrats on your win👏👏 At the tv the other day I watched a christmas movie and it was from Northfield🤣, I could recognise the stores, streets and the area😁 So fun🤣 Of course now I dont remember the name of it🙄

    1. How fun for you to see photos of Northfield in the movie. The movie’s title is Love Always, Santa. I missed my opportunity to become a star (HA!) but a lot of town folk got to be in the background scenes.

  2. I’ve heard a lot about the Christmas Walk, but never been to it, mostly because of the crowds. Randy always updates me on the craziness downtown as his work place sits right off Division.

    I love seeing those festive window displays. Thanks for showcasing them.

    And congrats on your win at the bike shop.

    1. It might be worth coming early in the evening sometime…just to see it. It’s special.
      And who knows…maybe you’ll win a prize!

  3. Yea! Thanks for all the photos of the Winter Walk. Kim and I enjoyed it together a few years back….

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