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
Gorgeous photos.❤ Snow helps with the festive look!
Thank you. And we definitely have snow here, about eight inches.
Enchanting is a good word to describe this place. You’ve really captured the essence of the holiday season with your photographs!
Thank you.
I often consider how much effort, skill and craftsmanship it took to construct these buildings at Shattuck. I love that when I walk on the steps, I feel the dip in the middle of each stair from the years and years of people traversing these stairways. I feel history beneath my feet.
I do love the setting Shattuck provides with it’s historic buildings. We had our bike club Christmas party at The Inn at Shattuck’s this year. It was a great place to have an event.
I was just at The Inn the other evening packing boxes for deployed military personnel and also bags for veterans. It’s a beautiful setting and venue.
The craftsmanship is astounding! Love it! I think you have captured the cold of the season and the warmth and character of the coming Holidays!
Thank you, Gunny.
Gorgeous place! Beautiful photos!
Thank you.
Beautiful shots of those historic buildings at Shattuck. What a marvel.
Thank you. And, yes, Shattuck is a marvel.
Wow what a beautiful place.
That it is.