The holiday season is upon us, and there's no shortage of festive cheer in the Twin Cities!
From twinkling lights to winter wonderlands, the Land of 10,000 Lakes is aglow with family-friendly community events and light displays this season!
Whether you're in the heart of the Twin Cities or exploring beautiful areas a stone’s throw from Minneapolis or Saint Paul, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
In this guide, we've compiled a comprehensive list of holiday events in various Minnesota communities, complete with names, dates, locations, and handy links to make your planning seamless.
Minneapolis
Holiday of Lights
Minneapolis is one of the best places to be during the holidays. Besides the amazing shopping and dining you’ll find downtown this time of year, there are some special family-friendly community events to take in.
Every Friday, now through the end of December, you can enjoy a Holiday Trolley Ride taking you on a tour of holiday lights and festive decorations – enjoy from the cozy comfort of a city trolley.
Gray Line Holiday Lights Tour
Pick up and drop off at the MOA on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in December.
This 2 ½ hour tour of city lights takes you through some of the most amazingly adorned areas of the Twin Cities, where you’ll find decked-out city sidewalks, twinkling lights, historic buildings, and residential homes adorned in the spirit of the season. See it all while riding high in comfort aboard a warm deluxe motorcoach.
Tickets start at $45 for adults, $30 for children and include a fabulous MOA gift bag!
- Weekends (6P – 8:30P) through the end of December.
- More information and tickets.
St. Paul
Holiday Events in our Capital City
The City of Saint Paul is packed with amazing seasonal events to appeal to the kids in us all. From a celebration of city lights to a celebration of the cold, theater nights to Christmas concerts, ice castles, and skating rinks, plus a whole lot more.
- Various events now through February 2024
- Location: St. Paul
- Holiday Event Picks
Roseville
Cookies and Cocoa with Kris Kringle
Come out to see Santa with the kids and enjoy cookies and hot cocoa. Bring your camera and capture the special day with your family.
Kids can decorate a cookie and create a festive craft. There’s a small fee, and pre-registration is advised but not required.
- Start Date: December 2, 2023
- Location: Cedarholm Golf Course
- Register Now
Robbinsdale
Annual Holiday Portrait Party
A family fun-filled event that includes a professional family photo taken by Britleigh Photography, food, one beer or mocktail, live music, and more.
$40 per adult, $50 per couple, Free for kids
- Date: December 3rd, 2023, 12 PM – 4 PM
- Location: Wicked Wort Brewing Company
- Event Details and Tickets
New Brighton
Fire & Ice Festival
Embrace the magic of winter at New Brighton's Fire & Ice Festival, an enchanting event that combines the warmth of community spirit with the frosty delights of the season.
Taking place amidst the scenic backdrop of Long Lake Regional Park, this festival is a highlight of the seasonal calendar, offering a unique blend of fiery entertainment and icy attractions.
- Date: December 9, 2023
- Location: 610 3rd Avenue New Brighton
- City Calendar
Elk River and Otsego
Holiday in Lights
Enjoy the magic of the season at Lions Park in Elk River, where Holiday in Lights brings the community together with dazzling light displays, entertainment, and holiday cheer.
Elk River's Holiday in Lights is a volunteer-led event showcasing the community's dedication to spreading holiday cheer through creative light displays and family-friendly activities.
- Date: Starting December 1st
- Location: Registered locations throughout Elk River
- City Calendar
Anoka
Anoka Christmas Tree Lighting
Anoka's 33rd annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony is taking place this Saturday, December 2nd. This has been a tradition since the 1930s, marking the beginning of the holiday season with the illumination of a majestic tree at City Hall Plaza.
Kick off the holiday season at Anoka's Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at City Hall Plaza, featuring festive lights, music, and the joyous community spirit.
- Date: December 2nd, 2023
- Location: Anoka City Hall Plaza
- City Events
Andover
Hometown Holiday
Andover's Hometown Holiday at the Community Center is organized by local volunteers, showcasing the community's commitment to creating a festive atmosphere for residents and visitors.
Experience the warmth of the season at Andover's Hometown Holiday, held at the Community Center, with holiday-themed activities, entertainment, and a joyful community atmosphere.
- Date: December 14, 2023
- Location: Andover Community Center
- City Calendar
Chaska
Winter Lights 2023
Enjoy a wonderland of lights and sounds this season at The Arboretum in Chaska. Stroll through a one-mile self-guided tour of the holiday-lit gardens.
Take in sights like the all-new color-changing tunnel, a Winter Village on Scarecrow Hill, walk through a giant apple, and revisit the impressive 16-foot Weeping Willow in a whole new space.
Visitors can purchase S’more kits, hear holiday tunes performed by local musicians, take in special theme nights, and so much more!
- Date: Now through December 31st, 2023
- Location: The Arboretum
- Event Details
Shakopee
Sever's Holiday Lights
Experience the magic of Sever's Holiday Lights in Shakopee, where a drive-through light display brings the holiday spirit to life, creating a memorable experience for families.
Sever's Holiday Lights in Shakopee is a family-owned event that has been delighting visitors for over a decade, featuring a mile-long drive-through light display and festive attractions.
- Date: November – January 1, 2024
- Location: Sever's Meadow
- Event Info
This is just a glimpse into the unique events and traditions that make holiday celebrations in Minnesota truly special.
From the bustling streets of Minneapolis to charming communities like Anoka, these festivities promise to create lasting memories for the entire family.
Be sure to check the provided links for more detailed information and secure your reservations or tickets where necessary to make this holiday season truly magical.
