Celebrate an Old-Fashioned Christmas in Downtown Hopkins

Hopkins kicked off the holiday season Friday with , and the festivities continue from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 8 with the second-annual .

The event highlights the city’s historic feel while celebrating the holiday season, said event coordinator Deb Beckman.

Luminaries will line Mainstreet, and local businesses will compete in a window-decorating contest.

A pair of Percheron draft horses named Bob and Austin will take visitors on free horse horse-drawn wagon rides starting at 5 p.m. at the . There will be a roaring fire, hot apple cider, cookies and smoothie samples for people waiting in line.

Santa will arrive via Hopkins fire truck. His reindeer will pose for photos with visitors beneath the Clock Tower at Ninth Avenue and Mainstreet. Hot apple cider and cocoa will be served on the plaza.

The Albert Pike Masonic Lodge at 907 Mainstreet will have on display gingerbread houses created by Hopkins city employees. Attendees will be able to vote on their favorite houses by depositing coins in a container next to their choice. Money will be given to a nonprofit designated by the winner.

The Zuhrah Concert Band will wrap up the festivities at 7 p.m. with a holiday concert at the Albert Pike lodge.