The Winsted Winter Festival has brought the early arrival of the holiday spirit to Winsted, for the last 23 years. The event, which is sponsored by the Winsted Area Chamber of Commerce, takes place the first weekend in December, and is a celebration of all that the coming season has to offer.

A lighted Christmas parade, snowmobile show, train display, hayrides, concert, contests, and a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus were part of the 2011 celebration.

The winter festival typically starts with the annual holiday outdoor lighting contest. Judges are residents of St. Mary’s Care Center and members of the Winsted Area Chamber of Commerce. Last year’s winners were Leah and Brad Mallak at 616 Hunter Circle, first place; Amy and Colin Botner at 141 Fairlawn Avenue, second place; and Laura and Anthony Laxen at 461 2nd St. N., third place.

Festivities continue into the weekend with the annual Christmas dinner concert at St. John’s Lutheran Church. For 2011, the concert on Friday evening featured the North Star Boys Choir, under the direction of Francis Stockwell.

The Vintage Snowmobile show, outdoors in the Blue Note parking lot on Saturday, is a popular event for antique sled collectors who can display, view, and talk about snowmobiles.

Also at the Blue Note on Saturday, the St. Paul Railroad Club model trains are on display, and Santa Claus is there to listen to the children’s Christmas wishes. Last year the children were lucky to have the opportunity to meet Mrs. Claus, as well.

Everyone attending has the opportunity to have free hayrides around town, leaving from the Blue Note, offered by Carlson Orchards and Fleischacker Landscaping.

The festival ends Saturday evening with a lighted Christmas parade and a dessert social at Holy Trinity Church’s social hall.

Plans are already in the making for the 2012 festival, set for Friday and Saturday, Dec. 7 and 8.