Ask any Saint Paul-area resident during your search for Saint Paul homes for sale about holiday traditions, and the Christmas lights at Rice Park will surely top his or her list. With a holiday tree as bright – and tall – as NYC's Rockefeller Center tree, it's easy to see why!

Each year, Downtown Saint Paul's Rice Park is transformed into a glittering holiday wonderland, starting with a Christmas tree lighting ceremony that boasts thousands of blue lights. But with Rice Park undergoing a $2.42 million construction project that includes new walkways, grass, and landscaping, many residents wondered if the annual festivities would go on as planned.

Construction Changes

Despite concerns that area residents wouldn't be able to enjoy the holiday light display this year, the Visit St. Paul Foundation, in conjunction with the event producer, found a way for the show to go on. The Rice Park Powered by Xcel Energy Tree Lighting Ceremony was held as planned Nov. 18 – with a few modifications.

New sod in Rice Park meant heavy trucks couldn't be driven to place the lights on any interior trees. The solution? Lights were strung on the street side of the park's trees, lining the perimeter for a similar effect. Additional lighting on inside branches also helped showcase the traditional twinkle lights that usually encircle each tree.

No matter how you celebrate, you'll see homes in Saint Paul decorated with holiday lights throughout the winter season. Many homeowners here love to get into the festive spirit and contribute their delightful spin on the holidays.

Whether you're the kind of person who enjoys climbing up to string lights or you'd rather sit back and enjoy what others come up with, you're sure to bask in the beauty St. Paul has to offer. It's the home of some of the most stunning Christmas light displays in the nation.

You'll want to visit our amazing displays all throughout the city: 

• Rice Park
  Rice Park is already well-known for the WinterSkate skating rink that opens in mid-November every year. The park's annual ribbon-cutting ceremony kicks off the light-watching season as visitors gaze in wonder at the huge Christmas tree festooned with lights. Displays will continue this year, even though parts of Rice Park are still in the midst of an intensive renovation.
  
  

Thanksgiving foodies have a great reason to love homes in Minneapolis. The city features a number of restaurants open on Thanksgiving, offering specialized menus, complete with turkey and all of the trimmings.

This year, if you'd rather enjoy the holiday with your family and friends instead of slaving in the kitchen all day, consider dining at one of these amazing Minneapolis restaurants with their tantalizing feasts.

1. Buca di Beppo - 1204 Harmon Place Minneapolis, MN 5540
   Buca di Beppo is offering a traditional Italian Thanksgiving feast with all the trimming, including white meat turkey, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, stuffing with spicy Italian sausage, and homemade pumpkin pie. They will also feature offerings from their Italian menu. Reservations are encouraged.
   
   

Winter will be here soon, but the market for homes in Saint Paul is heating up! 

At Counselor Realty, we're hard at work in all seasons to help buyers like you find your dream home here in St. Paul. You'll discover that though the winter weather can sometimes be "frightful" for those not used to snow, the people and amenities in this city are always delightful.

St. Paul is a city with plenty of history and a vibrant community. It's no surprise, then, that it has several fun traditions to enjoy throughout the year. One of our very favorites is the Wells Fargo WinterSkate, and it's returning to St. Paul yet again this November.

Winter isn't the same without at least one visit to WinterSkate, which offers fun for the whole family. From November to February right in downtown's beautiful Rice Park, this outdoor ice skating rink serves as a wonderland welcoming St. Paul locals and guests alike.