Minnesota Prairie Roots

An arch frames the entrance to the Shattuck-St. Mary’s School Upper Campus in Faribault. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo.

WHEN SHATTUCK-ST. MARY’S SCHOOL opens its doors for an annual Campus Christmas Walk each December, you can bet I am typically there to take in the festivities. It’s an opportunity to get in the holiday spirit and to tour this historic college prep school that seems more old school East Coast than Midwest.

The decorated entry of Shumway Hall. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo.

Set on Faribault’s east side, this school is known for its rigorous academics and its stellar hockey program. But I appreciate Shattuck also for its historic architecture. When decorated for the Christmas season, the setting is particularly stunning.

Skaters following a past holiday figure skating show. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo.

Campus Christmas Walk activities, which are free, begin with a Holiday Figure Skating Show at noon on Saturday, December 8, in the J.P. Parise Arena. (Yes, that J.P. Parise, former NHL player and director of hockey/coach at Shattuck.) The skill of the young figure skaters always impresses. This year they will perform a “Chronicles of Narnia” theme.

Cookie decorating during a past Campus Christmas Walk. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo.

Following that show, Walk guests can enjoy hot chocolate and cookies (decorate your own if you wish) and cookie ornament making in the Morgan Refectory from 1-3 p.m. Santa will be there at the same time in the Morgan Gallery. This is definitely a family-friendly event.

Shumway Hall on the Shattuck campus, decorated for the Campus Christmas Walk. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo 2009.

Horse-drawn sleigh rides are available from 1-3 p.m. outside Shumway Hall. That’s the hall with the signature clock tower.

Additionally, the school store is open from 1-2 p.m. and Beau Chant Choral rehearses in beautiful Newhall Auditorium at 2 p.m. Go ahead and listen.

Ornate stairway just outside the dining hall. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo.

If you’ve never been to this event on the Shattuck-St. Mary’s Upper School Campus, I’d encourage you to attend. Every time I step onto that campus, I feel like I’m in another place, in another time. And during the holiday season, this historic campus is even more enchanting.

© Copyright 2018 Audrey Kletscher Helbling