The Willmar Lakes Area is a great place to shop no matter what time of year it is. But the holidays bring out the many amazingly bright and cheery displays in storefronts throughout the county.

Let’s start with the many boutiques and shops in the New London Area. Just outside of town is Three Sisters Furnishings. An amazing store where you can find home décor, unique gift items and clothing, children’s décor and gift items, delicious pantry items, beautiful art, and custom made Amish furniture. Their seasonal displays are sure to inspire some festive decorating at your home and office. They’ll even gift wrap your purchases if you’d like. Struggling to refresh your home décor? They can provide design tips and decorating advice for your home.

As we head into town and drive down the main street of New London, you’ll see a variety of shops eager to help you find that perfect gift! Lucky Duck is a shop for all ages with so many toys, games, puzzles and sweet treats to choose from that’s it’s hard to walk away without finding something you want. It’s definitely a must see on your next shopping trip! Their holiday displays will brighten your day and inspire you to take some holiday cheer home to the family. Need more holiday inspiration? New London has many other shops and boutiques to help you find a unique gift for that special someone including Ali J Boutique, Camille’s Closet, Paisley Threads, and The Happy Sol.

Traveling just a few miles south you’ll find Spicer, the town known for their spectacular 4th of July Celebration and their Winterfest Celebration. As you drive into town from the north on Highway 23, you’ll see a giant wooden bear outside of an antique shop on your left. Make sure to stop into Bell Tower Antiques and step back into time as you peruse through the many antiques and vintage items that are sure to bring sentimental feelings of the good ol’ days. As you continue on in Spicer not only will you find many delicious restaurants, but you’ll also find a unique shop that draws in people from all over the county…Urban Escape. This boutique features an eclectic mix of women’s apparel, accessories, and gifts! Too many great options to choose from? Then purchase a gift card and let your recipient choose what they want!

Let’s continue south on Highway 23 to Willmar, the largest town in the county, which boasts a wide variety of grocery stores, coffee shops, restaurants, retail stores, and small businesses all showcasing holiday décor and lights in their windows. You’ll find a variety of specialty, antique and cultural shops to help with your holiday shopping. Other than the larger retail chains, Willmar is home to Chosen, Glow by J Boutique, Mr. B’s Chocolates, Shoppe 14, Stacy’s Nursery & Floral, The Fan Zone, West Central RockHounds and Three Fingers Sawmill. You’re sure to find unique gifts at these adorable shops.

If you do your research and choose the right weekend to visit the Willmar Lakes Area shops, you’ll be able to enjoy the many unique occasional shops that are open only a handful of times each month. The locals love these shops for their handmade, restored and repurposed items that are truly one of a kind. These shops are sprinkled throughout the county and include Dancing Goat Studio, Kultur Hus, The Red Poppy, and The Vintage Hub.

The festive holiday décor can be found not only in the retail shops, but also along the streets in the form of potted spruce plants, holiday flags on city streets and the many Christmas lights throughout the county. And don’t forget to enjoy the drive-thru Christmas light display at Robbins Island Park called Celebrate the Light of the World. What a perfect way to end a relaxing weekend of holiday shopping in the Willmar Lakes Area!

Celebrate the Light of the World at Robbins Island Regional Park