🍦 Things to do in Hastings Dec 22nd - Dec 30th

Good morning, Hastings!

As we wrap up the final Scoop of 2024, thank you for an amazing first year!

Wishing you a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, a Blessed Kwanzaa, and a Happy New Year.

See you in 2025!

In today’s Scoop:

• Local Lowdown 📖 

• Events Around Town 🎼 

• Raiders Sports Wrap-up 🏅 

Let’s get into it.

— Brady Greenbush

@HASTINGSSCOOP

📸 @bobuptonstudio | Below Vermillion Falls

Tag @HastingsScoop to get your photos in the Scoop!

📣 LOCAL LOWDOWN

Explore the Hastings Holiday Lights Tour!

This festive Holiday Lightsguide is now ready for you to enjoy with family and friends.

Choose from four magical routes:

• Reindeer Road

• Tinsel Trail

• Winter Wonderland Way

• Downtown Lights Display

Each route is packed with dazzling displays of holiday cheer, perfect for a self-guided tour.

Simply open the map legend to view detailed routes and addresses. Use your mobile phone or GPS to navigate and experience the joy of Hastings' brightest homes and displays.

A huge thank you to everyone who participated in making this year's Holiday Lights Tour so spectacular.

Don’t forget to download and print the 2024 Holiday Lights Addresses and Routes List to make the most of your adventure!

THE DIGEST

2025 Fees Approved, Including Water Rate Increase

At its Dec. 16 meeting, the City Council approved the 2025 Fee Schedule, which includes updates to utilities, public works fees, and ice rental rates.

Notably, the council approved a 10% increase in the water portion of utility fees to help fund the city’s first water treatment plant, designed to address PFAS and nitrate contamination in the water supply.

Part of the increase also accounts for annual inflationary adjustments.

Newest Edition to Westview Center

Connect with Flowers is the newest addition to the Westview Center!

Connect With Flowers is proud to be the go-to florist in Hastings, MN.

Known for their exceptional service, unwavering commitment, and stunning floral designs, they aim to exceed expectations with every order.

When you need some flowers for your loved one, check out Connect with Flowers in the center.

Groundbreaking Ceremony for New Facilities

Hastings Mayor Mary Fasbender joined United Heroes League (UHL) President Shane Hudella and other key partners on November 9 for the ceremonial groundbreaking of a $4 million locker room and bleacher project at the SCHEELS Rink on the Tradition Veterans Complex.

The project will feature four world-class locker rooms, a Zamboni garage, public restrooms, and seating for 1,200 fans, with completion expected by August 2025.

The ceremony was part of UHL’s annual Veterans Jamboree, a day packed with hockey games, food trucks, and community spirit.

Despite some unexpected challenges—including 50-degree weather and a power outage impacting the ice chiller—the event went off successfully.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN

⛸️ Holiday Skate
Celebrate the season with a festive skate at the Cottage Grove Ice Arena on Monday, December 23rd! Bring the whole family for a fun-filled, holiday-themed event on our West Rink, complete with festive music and cosmic lights in cheerful holiday colors. We encourage everyone to dress up in their favorite holiday attire and join us for a memorable time on the ice!

🎄 Christmas Together
Join Rise Up Recovery for an evening of joy, connection, and holiday cheer! Don’t spend Christmas alone, come together to share food, fun, and fellowship as we create new memories this Christmas season on December 25th.

🗣️ Black Dirt Improv
Get ready to laugh out loud as Black Dirt Theater presents Black Dirt Improv on December 28th! Watch as talented local performers turn audience suggestions into original scenes and games right on the spot. Featuring two fantastic teams of amateur talent, it’s a night of spontaneous comedy you won’t want to miss! Doors open at 6 PM, so arrive early to enjoy dinner and drinks before the show.

🥳 New Year's Eve Party at The Confluence
Ring in 2025 on December 31st, with a dazzling 1920s-themed New Year’s Eve celebration at The Confluence Hotel! Dress in your finest Roaring '20s or cocktail attire and enjoy an unforgettable evening featuring live music from the 8-piece band Shirts and Skins, a DJ, dancing, and a midnight champagne toast. Your ticket includes delicious appetizers, desserts, party favors, and exclusive access to the Speakeasy. It’s the perfect way to ROAR into the new year! Get tickets.

🎣 Lake Rebecca Ice Fishing
On Saturday, January 4th—no equipment or experience needed! Everything is provided, including poles, bait, tackle, pre-drilled holes, and underwater cameras, along with expert instruction to guide you. Plus, there are fishing gear giveaways, and no fishing license is required under our DNR waiver. Free public parking is available, making it easy to join in the fun. Register here.

❄️ Snowshoe Guided Hike
Join a FREE guided snowshoe hike led by a park naturalist and explore the beauty of floodplain forests and prairie lands. Snowshoes and expert instruction are provided—perfect for all experience levels on Sunday, January 5th. Register here.

🤠 Hat Making Workshop
Unleash your creativity and design your own one-of-a-kind hat at our fun-filled Hat Making Bar event at 2nd Street Depot Bar & Grill on January 5th! In the first 30 minutes, I'll guide you through using all the tools—torch, spray paint, wood burning tools, paint, stencils, and more—so you’ll feel confident creating your masterpiece. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged to secure your spot. Don’t miss out on this afternoon of creativity and fun! Grab your spot.

Raider Sports

Upcoming Raiders Games

Boys

Varsity Basketball
12/27 vs. Multiple Schools @ Hastings High School | 3:30 PM or 7:00 PM | Tickets
12/28 vs. Multiple Schools @ Hastings High School | TBD | Tickets

JV Basketball
12/27 vs. Multiple Schools @ Hastings High School | 10:30 AM | Tickets
12/28 vs. Multiple Schools @ Hastings High School | 12:00 PM | Tickets

Varsity/JV Wrestling
12/27 vs. Holmen @ Lax-La Crosse Center | 9:00 AM
12/28 vs. Holmen @ Lax-La Crosse Center | 9:15 AM

Girls

Varsity Basketball
12/27 vs. Multiple Schools @ Hastings High School | 1:45 PM or 5:15 PM | Tickets
12/28 vs. TBD @ New Hope Ice Arena | TBD | Tickets

JV Basketball
12/27 vs. Multiple Schools @ Hastings High School | 12:00 PM | Tickets

Varsity Hockey
12/26 vs. Armstrong Cooper @ New Hope Ice Arena | 7:15 PM
12/27 vs. TBD @ New Hope Ice Arena | 5:00 PM
12/28 vs. TBD @ New Hope Ice Arena | 12:45 AM

JV Hockey
12/26 vs. Armstrong Cooper @ New Hope Ice Arena | 1:00 PM
12/27 vs. TBD @ New Hope Ice Arena | 1:00 PM
12/28 vs. TBD @ New Hope Ice Arena | 9:00 AM

Varsity/JV Wrestling
12/27 vs. Multiple Schools @ Champlin Park HS Fieldhouse | 9:00 AM

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❄️ Weather Watch

As of Sun, Dec 22nd 8 PM.

Mon 23rd 32°/27° Snow showers 🌨️ | 💧25%

Tue 24th 32°/28° Snow showers 🌨️ | 💧20%

🎄 Wed 25th 33°/32° Snow showers 🌨️ | 💧10% 🎄 

Thu 26th 36°/35° Cloudy ☁️ | 💧20%

Fri 27th 41°/37° Rain and snow 🌨️ | 💧20%

Sat 28th 43°/33° Rain and snow 🌨️ | 💧45%

Sun 29th 38°/32° Mostly cloudy 🌥️ | 💧10%

Thank you!

Thanks for reading Hastings Scoop today. Have a happy holidays!