A Letter From Santa: Storybook Gifts in Hermann
Hello Friends,
I’ve been checking my list—twice, of course—and I noticed something extraordinary. So many of the gifts that people are asking for this year aren’t from the North Pole, but rather from another magical place: Hermann, Missouri!
From fine wines and chocolate treats, hand-poured candles and cozy quilts, this picture-perfect town in the heart of Missouri wine country is filled with Hermann-made treasures crafted by local artisans, bakers, and makers who must have a little elf magic in their veins.
Each shop glows with Christmas cheer, offering goods made with the kind of care you can’t find in department stores. Whether you’re strolling past the twinkling storefronts, sampling holiday sweets, or taking in the festive decorations all around town, you’ll find gift-giving inspiration at every turn – and maybe even a little treat for yourself. After all, you’ve been good this year!
Now I don’t want to give away too many Christmas surprises, but I thought I’d share just a few of the shops that made it onto my “Nice List” this year. You’ll find all of them in Hermann, stocked to the rafters with handcrafted gifts and delicious treats from some of the most talented “elves” south of the North Pole.
Handmade Gifts Crafted by Hermann’s Artisans
If you believe the best gifts come from the heart, Hermann’s artisans have you covered, pouring their creativity into every piece and transforming ordinary materials into keepsakes worthy of going onto Santa’s sleigh.
- Seasonal Treasures & Gifts offers a wide variety of locally-made gifts. Check out Pottery & Candles by Allie, Laughing Dog jewelry, hand-painted Christmas ornaments, honey & elderberry juices and Ken Richardson’s hand-made hunting knives.
- Time for Memories is filled with hand-crafted jewelry, baskets, and quilts, and original art by Karen Steiner – just the thing for anyone who enjoys something truly one-of-a-kind.
- Saleigh Mountain Leather Company offers a wide variety of leather goods made in-house, including purses, belts, wallets, pet leashes, and collars.
- Missouri’s Trading Post features products from over 65 Missouri makers from home decor to Missouri-made goods. While you’re there, you can enjoy a drink in their tasting room.
And if your list includes anyone who loves good food and drink, don’t worry, the Hermann elves have worked their magic there, too. From award-winning wines, beers, and spirits to handcrafted sweets, you’ll find flavors fit for Santa himself…
Sip, Savor, and Share: Gifts for Food and Drink Lovers
Even Santa’s helpers need a little something to sip after a long night of caroling, wrapping gifts, and trimming the tree. Hermann’s wineries, breweries, and specialty food shops are brimming with delicious gifts to spread good cheer.
It seems the Hermann elves aren’t just talented with tools and paintbrushes, they know their way around a kitchen and a wine cellar, too.
The perfect gift from Missouri wine country is, of course, wine. Curate your very own selection from Hermann’s own Adam Puchta Winery, offering the 2025 Governor’s Cup award-winner, the 2025 Dry Vignoles, among other reds, whites, rosés, and dessert wines. Then browse the gift shop at Stone Hill Winery, and pick up their Norton, Hellbender Red, or their 2024 Vignoles, a Gold-award winner at the 2025 Missouri Governor’s Cup Competition. Or, choose the sparkling Brut Reserve or a sweet Raspberry Rapture from Hermannhof Winery to set a festive tone for your holiday gatherings.
And because no Christmas celebration is complete without something delicious to share, you’ll discover that Hermann’s makers are as talented in the kitchen as they are in the workshop.
- Swiss Meat & Sausage Company offers in-store samples of their award-winning sausages – as if you needed any convincing that their sausages and smoked meats would make a great gift. In addition to their snack stix and jerky, they also offer gift packs and gift cards.
- Hermann Wurst Haus is situated right in the heart of the Downtown Historic District, and have over 65 varieties of award-winning bratwurst and German sausage as well as Grand Champion House-Smoked Bacons, gourmet foods, gifts and Wurst Haus craft beers and sodas.
- The Fancy Pheasant is a truly unique shop – filled with wine and spirits to-go (great for gift baskets!) Christmas nut crackers and ornaments, wooden toys, books, drinkware, t-shirts, and seasonal gifts galore.
- Sugar Momma’s is highly rated among Santa’s elves due to the large assortment of bulk candies and chocolates, Amish and German candies, and Hermann souvenirs – perfect stocking stuffers. There are also fresh-baked goods like Bavarian strudels (and cookies for Santa!) and plenty of gift merchandise – ideal for entertaining or hostess gifts.
- Back Home Again has a wonderful selection of gifts with a European flair, as well as teas, jellies, and salsas.
Storybook Gifts You’ll Only Find in Hermann
Looking for gifts to surprise and delight your loved ones? Discover unique home décor, books, and whimsical treasures you won’t see in the big-city stores. Every shop holds a little holiday wonder.
- Chapter 3 Toys, Books & Gifts – the name says a lot but hardly begins to describe the huge selection of gifts. From books, craft projects, games, puzzles, stuffed animals, and more, they truly have something for everyone.
- Espresso Laine –
- Market Street Boutiques is filled with beautiful Christmas décor, ornaments, and handmade personal care products.
- Lavendel Dame offers lavender products from their lavender farm, just a few miles south of Hermann. From home decor and fashion to oils and foods, your lavender loving friends will appreciate these fragrant and tasty gifts.
- Buy the Book Etc. is a treasure trove for book lovers, offering new, used, and collectible titles.
Give the Gift of Experiences
Not every present fits under the tree – some are meant to be enjoyed together. Treat that adventurous someone to a Hermann experience that creates lasting memories.
- Adam Puchta Winery’s Elevated Tasting Experiences are for the true wine devotees. Trained stewards lead guided tours, taking you on an educational journey through the history of the winery as well as the history of Missouri and Hermann winemaking industries.
- The Blank Canvas Gallery & Studio offers numerous classes for groups or couples of all ages, from painting and pottery to ceramics and seasonal crafts.
- Yoga at Hermann Hill is a wonderful way to start your Saturday mornings in Hermann—just the boost you need before diving into a day of holiday shopping.
- Copper Mule Distillery tours take you through their Rack house and new production facility, where you’ll learn how bourbon is made. Tours include tastings of several Copper Mule bourbons.
Hermann: Where Santa Shops (And You Should, Too!)
Interested in learning more about why Santa shops locally in Hermann? Hermann is a town full of merry-makers, and their artisanship and creativity shine in everything each one of our wonderful shops create.
Watch these videos of local makers who are on Santa’s nice list!
‘Tis the season to give gifts that tell a story of craftsmanship and creativity—one-of-a-kind treasures made right here in Hermann, Missouri. From handcrafted keepsakes to delicious holiday treats, you might just find everything on your list (and maybe a little something for yourself) in this magical town.
These are only a few of the places I’ve marked on my list—but there are plenty more shops throughout Hermann ready to help you wrap up your holiday gift-giving.
Looks like I’ll be spending a little less time at the North Pole and a little more time shopping local in Hermann this season.
