December in Lake County has been a whirlwind of holiday cheer, bringing the community together through a rich blend of Finnish heritage and North Shore charm. The festivities kicked off on December 4th in Finland, MN with Pikku Joulu, or “Little Christmas.” Hosted by the Finland Historical Society at the Clair Nelson Center, this annual celebration marks the start of the season with music, food, and a visit from Joulupukki (the Finnish Santa, traditionally known as the “Christmas Goat”).
The momentum continued on December 21st at the Winter Finland Farmers Market. Shoppers found unique holiday gifts, including festive tamales from Baptism River BBQ Co. The Finland Youth Program also hosted a bake sale to help fund their upcoming trip to Laskiainen. Held every February in Aurora. This “sliding festival” is a beloved Finnish tradition where the community celebrates the coming of spring with sledding, hearty food, and outdoor fun.
The holiday spirit extended well beyond Finland. In Silver Bay, Carefree Living organized a cozy bus tour for residents to admire the town’s holiday lights. The simple joy of the glowing displays filled the bus with laughter and smiles, creating a truly magical night for everyone on board.
Meanwhile, the Finland Co-op kept traditions alive with their annual Christmas Potluck. As always, the highlight for local families was to get together, visit and create memories. It is always fun for the kids to see Santa and take photos.
Two Harbors was a hub of activity this month. Anderson’s Greenhouse hosted a successful Holiday Market and a series of popular seasonal classes. If you missed their events, be sure to follow their Facebook page for future workshops and upcoming events.
For those still seeking the perfect tree, Herb Sellin—better known as “Herb the Christmas Tree Guy”—remains a local legend. Operating his farm on Homestead Road, Herb has become a vital part of the holiday tradition for families across the region.
Along the Northshore throughout December, there were a wide variety of holiday markets. They provided a variety of special, unique gifts for people to purchase.
If you aren’t ready for the season to end, there is still time to catch the Vintage Christmas at Burlington Station, which runs through December 31st.
From the historic Finnish celebrations to the simple joy of a light tour, this December has been defined by the memories made along the North Shore. These moments of connection and community are truly what the season is all about.
