A snippet of Division Street in downtown Northfield shortly before Christmas.
NORTHFIELD, IN MY OPINION, rates as one of southern Minnesota’s most visually appealing and charming river towns.
Nestled along the banks of the Cannon River, this college community of some 20,000 is historically-known as the place where the James-Younger Gang met its defeat during a failed bank robbery.
Merchandise displayed outside of an antique store.
The draw for many to Northfield, though, are the one-of-a-kind artsy shops and eateries dotting Division Street, the main downtown route bordered by primarily historic buildings.
Santa wasn’t in when I stopped at Bridge Square. But kids can meet with the Jolly Old Man in his very own holiday shack.
On a recent Sunday afternoon before Christmas, I strolled along a portion of one block over to the town center, Bridge Square, to capture the holiday scene.
Detailed holiday signage draws shoppers into businesses.
Northfield merchants know how to do Christmas right. It’s in the details—the words and colors and designs and ambiance—creating an aesthetically-pleasing set that draws you into the scene.
A scene in the bakery window.
Another view of that bakery window with historic buildings reflected.
The front window and door of the Eclectic Goat and Glass Garden Beaads.
Back to the antique store…
© Copyright 2013 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Great Captures! I loved hanging out in Northfield/Dundas growing up – brings back memories for sure:) Happy Thursday!
Ah, yes, Dundas. The two blend almost seamlessly together now.
I have always loved Northfield! I (and my pocketbook) am quite content to have all those neat little shops the distance they are away from me!!!!!! The appeal is wa-a-a-a-ay too appealing!!!!! LOL!
I hear ya. I didn’t open my pocketbook in Northfield. Lots of “pretties,” though, that I’d love to have.
Always……….
It’s all very cute and gorgeous. I love Santa’s temporary home and that bakery looks like it’s well worth a tour xx
Northfield is such a quaint and charming town, year-round.
I agree it is a great little town, love all the Christmasy photo’s, dont think I’ve ever been there in December.
You’re right. Northfield is a fun town any time of year.
Beautiful & peaceful town!
That Northfield is.
So many of the child-to-Santa relationships are based on fear. I was amazed to read this in my nieces’ Facebook stories – I tried to count, but of my 8 nieces with children all have at least 1 or 2 children (and 1 has 3) who are petrified of Santa. My own gd (first grader) overcomes her fear of Santa by reminding everyone within earshot, “It’s just a man dressed up in a red suit and a beard.” A Santa visited the first grade classes at her school – not a well-thought idea me thought! GD’s best friend held her hand and shouted out to the whole group, “We don’t want any Santas coming to our house. Our Daddies and Grandmas get us our pressies.”
What smart kids to give those responses.
I hear the Holiday festival they hold here is definitely something worth checking out.
I’ve not been to the Winter Walk. But I’ve heard likewise.