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Waconia Chamber Holiday Social
Monday, December 8 | 5-8:00PM
Schram Vineyards
8785 Airport Rd, Waconia
Celebrate the season with your Chamber friends at the beautiful Schram Vineyards! Enjoy an evening filled with holiday cheer, great company, delicious food, and local wine. This is a wonderful opportunity to relax, connect, and celebrate another successful year together. Guests and spouses are welcome to join in the festivities!
Cost: $50/person
Includes: drink ticket, pizza & salad, and games
RSVP by Monday, December 1.
Help us make the night even merrier—bring a door prize to showcase your business. We can't wait to celebrate with you!
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Help Us Celebrate Excellence in Our Business Community!
It’s that time of year to recognize the incredible talent, dedication, and leadership that make our business community thrive. The Waconia Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting & Business Excellence Awards are just around the corner, and we need your help!
We invite you to nominate outstanding businesspeople who exemplify excellence in their industry and demonstrate a commitment to our community.
Categories:
- Community Impact Award - creating a significant and positive impact on the community through acts of social responsibility and community service.
- Golden Apple Award - for exceptional efforts in promoting and building business and educational partnerships.
- Business Person/Business of the Year - for leadership, innovation, and commitment to excellence in the business community.
The business excellence awards will be presented at the Waconia Chamber of Commerce
Annual Meeting on Thursday, January 22, 2026
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Promote Your Business in the 2026 Waconia Chamber Membership & Visitors Directory!
We’re gearing up for the 2026 Waconia Membership & Visitors Directory! This annual publication highlights Chamber members and our vibrant community, serving as both a trusted local resource and a guide for visitors. This is not only a great way to promote your business, but also a chance to showcase the value of your Chamber membership to residents, newcomers, and visitors alike.
Important: Review Your Member Profile
As a member of the Waconia Chamber, your business will be in the directory listing. Please take a moment to review your member profile to ensure all your business information is up-to-date. This will ensure accurate representation in both the print and online versions of the directory. Click here for instructions.
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We Want to Hear from You! Take Our Annual Survey
Your experience and insights are incredibly valuable to us! As we plan for 2026, we want to ensure that the Waconia Chamber programs, events, and initiatives align with the needs and goals of of your business. That’s why we’re inviting you to take a few moments to complete our Annual Membership Satisfaction Survey.
What’s in it for you? Your feedback will help to form the future of the Waconia Chamber efforts to enhance current programming and events, and explore new ways to support your business. Whether it’s networking opportunities, community events, workforce development, tourism initiatives, partnerships with schools, this is your chance to let us know what matters most to you.
As a thank you, you'll be entered into a drawing to win tickets to the Waconia Chamber Holiday Social on Monday, December 8 from 5-8:00PM at Schram Vineyards. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Deadline: Please complete the survey by Friday, November 21
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Alaskan Cruise with Travel Easy
August 17-28, 2026
Have you ever dreamed of going to Alaska? Join Travel Easy on a fully guided tour. All you have to do is show up! We will take care of the rest! It is 4 days on land and 7 day cruise Aug 17-28, 2026. We have included all of the highlights from Fairbanks to Vancouver. We meet in Waconia and bring you back to Waconia. Sit back relax and enjoy the beauty of Alaska!
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Pink Friday
Friday, November 21 | 10:00AM-2:00PM
Nice Shirt Co.
17 W 1st Street, Waconia
Celebrate Pink Friday-the day to shop small, support local, and get a head start on your holiday shopping! Join Nice Shirt Co. for one of our favorite days of the year, filled with free product drawings, exclusive discounts, and special deals. Find the perfect gifts while showing love to your local boutiques before the Black Friday rush!
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Spirit of Winter: Festival of Lights
November 21 thru December 31
The Winery at Sovereign Estate
9950 N Shore Rd, Waconia
The Winery at Sovereign Estate invites you to step into the magic of the season with its Spirit of Winter: Festival of Lights, where over twenty miles of dazzling, synchronized lights transform the lakeshore into a sparkling holiday wonderland. Guests can explore festive attractions like Candy Cane Lane, winter llamas, Santa’s nightly visits, a snow maze, and tons of cozy treats—plus hop aboard the Holly Trolley for an extra-special tour. Adults can sip and celebrate inside the whimsical Nutcracker Suite, a Christmas-themed cocktail lounge serving creative holiday drinks and delicious appetizers. With discounted nights, season passes, and private Christmas Cabanas, this unforgettable holiday experience is the perfect way to make memories with family and friends.
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Waconia Community Thanksgiving Service
Monday, November 24 | 7:00PM
Faith Lutheran Church
800 Waconia Pkwy N, Waconia
Join us for a meaningful Community Thanksgiving Service as we come together in gratitude and celebration. This special service is open to all and hosted by local Waconia-area churches. After the service, stay for pie and fellowship with friends and neighbors! The evenings offering will support Gather & Grow, our local food shelf. Please also consider bringing a non-perishable food item to share with those in need this season. Let’s gather in thanksgiving and community—everyone is welcome!
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Thanksgiving Lunch Buffet
November 26 & 27 | 11:00AM - 2:00PM
Sizzle Street
813 Marketplace Dr, Waconia
Celebrate Thanksgiving with a Flavorful Twist! Join us at Sizzle Street for a special Thanksgiving Lunch Buffet on November 26 & 27, 2025 — featuring Indian street snacks, homestyle curries, and sweet bites!
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Trinity Turkey Trot
Thursday, November 27 | 8:00AM - 11:00AM
Trinity Lutheran Church
601 E 2nd Street, Waconia
Start your Thanksgiving morning with the 5th Annual Trinity Turkey Trot! This family-friendly event
welcomes runners and walkers of all ages to come dressed in their best turkey-themed attire for
a fun and festive race that benefits Love INC, supporting local families in need. The morning
kicks off with the 1/2 Mile Drumstick Run for kids (8:10 AM) followed by the 5K Turkey Trot (8:30
AM). Stick around afterward for music, snacks, awards, and plenty of community cheer before
joining Trinity's Thanksgiving worship at 10 AM. Early bird pricing runs through October 15, and t-
shirts are guaranteed for registrations before November 3. Registration now open!
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Customer Appreciation and Meet Santa
Saturday, November 29 | 9:00AM - 1:00PM
Journey 2 Wellness
255 Ash Ave N, Mayer
Santa is coming to Journey, and we’re celebrating with a full day of festive fun! Families can reserve a time slot to meet Santa and receive a FREE photo with a food shelf donation, plus enjoy Customer Appreciation Day perks. We’ll be serving protein waffles, holiday drinks, and specials all day, with our full menu still available—and Snap Fitness will be joining us with even more festive deals. Bundle up and stop by to share the joy, fuel up, and make merry memories together!
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December Coffee Connection
Thursday, December 4 | 7:30-9AM
New Perspective Senior Living
500 Cherry St, Waconia
Network and connect! We'd love to hear what's new with you and your business. Coffee Connection offers a perfect opportunity to explore the benefits of Waconia Chamber membership and connect with local professionals before becoming a member. We'd love to meet you!
Entrance: Use the main entrance and check in at the front desk.
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Women of Waconia Toy Drive
Friday, December 5 | 9:00AM-6:30PM
Freshwater Community Church
138 W 1st St, Waconia
Need Help This Holiday Season? Families in the Waconia area (School District 110) are welcome to attend the 2025 Women of Waconia Toy Drive – Gift Choosing Day to select gifts for children from infancy through age 18. Please bring proof of address and, if applicable, documentation showing legal guardianship. No reservation is required—just stop by! For more information, contact women_of_waconia@yahoo.com or visit the Waconia Toy Drive Facebook page.
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Christkindlmarkt in Waconia
Friday, December 5 | 9:00AM-6:30PM
City Square Park
S Spruce St, Waconia
A family winter festival that for over 20 years has drawn 20,000 to 35,000 annually. Two 3-day weekends in charming downtown Waconia at City Park, 101 E. Main Street. Support your community, share the joy of the holiday season! Featuring; Alpacas, Reindeer, Christkind, Gluhwein, Krampus, Narren from New Ulm, Music and Carollers, Free Entry! If you're intersted in sponsoring the event, email Myrle for details.
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Holiday Survival Puppy Workshop
Monday, December 9 | 6:00-7:30PM
Paws Inn Pet Essentials
120 S Vine St, Waconia
Paws Inn is hosting a one-night Holiday Survival Puppy Workshop, designed for puppies 5 months and under. This quick, effective session helps new puppy parents navigate the busy season with tips for reducing biting and jumping, building simple training skills, creating holiday-friendly routines, and managing guests, travel, and overstimulation. It’s the perfect pre-holiday boost to keep your puppy safe, calm, and happy.
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Puppy & Level Training Classes Begin in January!
January
Paws Inn Pet Essentials
120 S Vine St, Waconia
Full training classes return in January at Paws Inn, including AKC STAR Puppy, Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. These structured sessions offer step-by-step skill building, confidence development, and ongoing support for puppies and dogs of all ages. Registration will open soon—making it a great time to kick off the New Year with a strong training foundation.
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Sip 'N Shop Holiday Boutique
Friday, December 12 | 5:00-8:30PM
J. Carver Distillery
1320 Mill Ln, Waconia
The J. Carver Sip ‘N Shop Holiday Boutique is back for another festive evening of sipping and shopping! Guests can enjoy handcrafted J. Carver cocktails in the cozy cocktail room while browsing a curated selection of local Minnesota craft vendors and small businesses. Admission is just $5 and can be redeemed toward a cocktail or bottle purchase during the event. Gather your friends and join us for a fun, relaxed night of holiday shopping!
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The Nutcracker Suite
December 19, 20 & 21
Mayer Lutheran High School
306 7th St NE, Mayer
Enjoy the magic of the season with The Nutcracker Suite 2025, a festive holiday performance perfect for audiences of all ages. This cherished Christmas classic brings dancers, music, and storytelling together to create a timeless family tradition. Tickets are $15 per person and available online, by email, or at the door starting November 1. Come celebrate the holidays with a performance you won’t want to miss!
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Creating in Carver County
thru December 31
Carver County Historical Society
555 W 1st Street, Waconia
The Carver County Historical Society and the Arts Consortium of Carver County are proud to bring you Creating in Carver County, a brand new art display hosted at the CCHS from now through December!
Enjoy original art brought to you in partnership with the Arts Consortium of Carver County. Join us upstairs in our large exhibit room for walls of local artwork - some of which is available for purchase! This art show will be up through the holidays, so be sure to drop by and see what the talented artists of Carver County create!
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Western OB/GYN 50th Anniversary
Western OB/GYN, a Division of Ridgeview Clinics, is proudly celebrating 50 years of compassionate, community-centered care. Since opening in 1975, the practice has grown alongside the Waconia area and its providers have delivered more than 30,000 babies. Today, the all-female team serves patients across five clinic locations, continuing a long-standing tradition of excellence, education, and multigenerational care. Western OB/GYN looks forward to serving the community for the next 50 years and beyond.
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Carver County Public Health: SHIP Workplace Funding Opportunity
Proposals Due January 9, 2026 | 4:30PM
Carver County Public Health is looking for motivated employers that are interested in strengthening their workplace culture and offering opportunities to make the healthy choice the easy choice. Any size workplace in Carver County is invited to submit a project proposal for Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) funding to assist in implementing sustainable changes in healthy eating, movement throughout the day, breastfeeding support, commercial tobacco-free workplaces and/or mental wellbeing.
If you are interested in applying for funding, please complete the SHIP Workplace Project Proposal. Limited funds are available and completing a project proposal is required. SHIP Workplace Project Proposals are due by January 9, 2026, by 4:30 pm CST.
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Waconia Works
Waconia Chamber members are hiring! Check out current job postings on DestinationWaconia.org and share them through your network to help support local businesses.
Current openings:
- Infant Teacher Aide, Cadence Academy Preschool
- CMA & LPN positions, Lakeview Clinic
Post your job openings on DestinationWaconia.org and Waconia Works Facebook group.
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Follow the Waconia Chamber on LinkedIn
The Waconia Chamber is on LinkedIn.
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🎄FIRE PITS NEEDED🎄
Waconia Tree Lighting
Friday, November 28 | 6:00-6:30PM
City Square Park, Waconia
We are in need of a few cheerful volunteers to bring a fire pit to City Square Park on Friday, November 28. The time commitment is minimal, but the impact is merry and bright.
🎄 Can you help spread holiday cheer? Click the button below to sign up.
- Bring your fire pit to City Square Park by 5PM on Friday 11/28 and pick it up after the Tree Lighting
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Thank you to Tree Lighting North Pole Sponsor:
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Save the Dates!
Career Exploration Fair
& Waconia Community Expo
April 10-11, 2026
Waconia High School
Interested in joining the planning committee for the Career Exploration Fair or the Community Expo? Reply to this email to let us know!
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Connect with us!
@DestinationWaconia
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