12 Christmas-Themed places to eat in the Twin Cities Perfect for Families with Kids
There’s something extra magical about enjoying a meal surrounded by twinkling lights, festive decorations, and a whole lot of Christmas cheer. Luckily, the Twin Cities has plenty of spots that go all out for the holidays!
Looking for over-the-top holiday decor? We’ve got that! How about Christmas-themed menus? Check! These Twin Cities restaurants make it easy to add a little extra magic to your family’s holiday season. We’ve compiled all the local favorites, including supper clubs, high teas, and igloo dining. Whether you’re looking for a fun night out with your kids or a new holiday tradition, these Twin Cities restaurants are all decorated for Christmas and worth a visit. Get ready for merry and bright holiday dining in Minnesota with your kids!
The Creekside Supper Club, Minneapolis
4820 Chicago Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55417
The Creekside Supper Club goes BIG on Christmas! This South Minneapolis favorite transforms into a holiday wonderland filled with plastic Santas, colorful baubles, and nostalgic décor. If you grew up in Wisconsin, this one will feel like coming home to Grandma’s. This year, you may even feel like you’re inside a wintry snow globe!
This is one of the Minneapolis restaurants that go all out for Christmas. The whole space, across three rooms, gets in on the fun. Bring your little ones in for dinner, where they can choose from a dedicated kids’ menu. Adults can enjoy a seasonal cocktail while everyone soaks up the holiday magic. Don’t miss the cheese curds or the pop-overs. The cozy supper club atmosphere makes it a fun spot for festive family dining. We recommend making a reservation for your crew.
Red Cow, 2 Twin Cities Locations
881 Lake St. N, Wayzata, MN 55391
Red Cow brings plenty of holiday cheer to the Twin Cities! While Red Cow has multiple locations, only the Wayzata restaurant gets a merry makeover. Expect dangling snowflakes, icicles, and sparkly decorations galore.
Known for their epic burgers, Red Cow puts a holiday spin on their handheld creations. Adults will delight in the Alpine Burger, smothered in raclette fondue. You can even pair it with a festive, specialty cocktail. Red Cow also offers a kids’ menu for young diners. Top off the meal with the Campfire S’Mores Tray! Plenty of photo-worthy moments and seasonal memories await you in Wayzata. This is a fun option for families looking for kid-friendly Christmas pop-ups in the western suburbs.
Nico’s Taco Bar, Minneapolis
2516 Hennepin Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN 55405
Nico’s Taco Bar is back with its extravagant Christmas Casa! The Uptown location transforms into a holiday wonderland with five themed rooms. Kids will delight in the life-sized Santa! Check out the courtyard while you wait for food. It’s filled with twinkling lights and cozy fire pits. Before you leave, grab something from the Candy Cane Bar.
As if that wasn’t enough, the food is pretty darn good, too! They have an extensive menu of tacos, nachos, and tostadas. Seasonal drinks even come in cute vessels, like Santa heads and Christmas trees. Nico’s is undoubtedly one of Minneapolis’s most kid-friendly and festive restaurants. We promise, there’s plenty of holiday magic to keep everyone smiling.
Holiday High Tea at The Mad Hatter Restaurant, Anoka
1632 S Ferry St., Anoka, MN 55303
Looking for something a little different than dinner out? Treat the family to Holiday High Tea at The Mad Hatter Restaurant in Anoka. Set inside a charming home along the Rum River, this whimsical tea room feels like stepping into a storybook. The house is more than 150 years old, and this time of year it is always decked out for the holidays. Expect decorated mantles and Christmas trees throughout this historic home.
The Annual Christmas Tea features four courses, including chicken wild rice hotdish, scones, tea sandwiches, and savory bites. The High Tea tower is also adorned with a beautiful gift box of sweets. Kids can even get their own Children’s Tea with kid-friendly finger foods and raspberry lemonade. Unlimited pots of tea are included, too. Reservations are required. It’s a lovely way for families to enjoy holiday dining in Minnesota. It may even inspire a new Christmas tradition!
Twin Cities Holiday Restaurant Centro, Minneapolis
1414 Quincy St. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
Yeehaw! Centro is trading traditional tinsel and garland for a Pink Country Christmas in Northeast Minneapolis. This pop-up brings a fresh twist to holiday decorating with a playful pink-and-western theme. The menu features tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. You can even pop in for a quick meal with their snack menu. A dedicated kids’ menu is also available.
Expect themed cocktails and honky-tonk music. You may even encounter bingo or kitschy crafts depending on when you go. The space is packed with personality and plenty of fun photo opportunities. It’s one of the more unexpected restaurants in the Twin Cities that decorate for Christmas. Seating is open and first-come, first-served, so grab your little cowboys and cowgirls and saddle up for some holiday fun!
Earl Giles Restaurant and Distillery, Minneapolis
1325 Quincy St. NE Ste F, Minneapolis, MN 55413
Jingle Giles is back at Earl Giles, and it’s bringing plenty of holiday magic to Northeast Minneapolis! Imagine a gorgeous, high-ceilinged space filled with more than 100,000 lights, garlands, and a towering 16-foot Christmas tree. And a menu to match!
The seasonal menu adds to the fun with creative drinks to match. When you’re ready to eat, the holiday menu features Swedish meatballs, roast beast sliders, and Christmas cookies. Pizza is also available for kids who want something a little more friendly. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are recommended. If you’re looking for kid-friendly Christmas pop-ups in Minneapolis, this full-on festive transformation is a fun spot to gather the family.
Lola’s Lakehouse, Waconia
318 E Lake St., Waconia, MN 55387
Lola’s Lakehouse in Waconia is getting into the holiday spirit with the return of Jingle Bar! The entire restaurant transforms into a Christmasy wonderland. The menu features seafood, handhelds, and pizza. Holiday cocktails, mocktails, and snacks are also available during November and December.
Families will have plenty of fun while dining here, too. Watch for live music, an ugly sweater contest, and special lunches with Santa. When the temperatures dip, head to the heated outdoor patio for a cozy spot to enjoy the seasonal atmosphere. With festive touches in every room, Lola’s is one of the most kid-friendly restaurants in the Twin Cities for the holidays. Reservations are not accepted, so plan for first-come, first-served seating!
Keep reading to discover more Twin Cities Holiday restaurants!
Afternoon Tea at Saint Paul Hotel, Saint Paul
350 Market St., Saint Paul, MN 55102
For a little holiday elegance, book Afternoon Tea at The Saint Paul Hotel. Located across from Rice Park in downtown Saint Paul, this historic hotel is especially charming during the Christmas season. Rice Park is beautifully illuminated during the holidays, adding a special touch to your experience downtown.
In the hotel, the grand lobby, live piano music, and festive decorations set the scene for a memorable family outing. Enjoy a traditional tiered tea service. The tower includes delicate tea sandwiches, warm scones, and sweet treats. Kids can sip hot chocolate (instead of tea), making it a fun introduction to this special tradition. Among the restaurants that decorate for Christmas in the Twin Cities, this one offers a particularly lovely way to celebrate the season.
Kids do not have a separate menu here. Review the Holiday Afternoon Tea menu before booking to ensure it meets their needs.
Igloo Dining at Duke’s on 7, Minnetonka
15600 MN-7, Minnetonka, MN 55345
Add a little winter magic to your next family dinner with igloo dining at Duke’s on 7 in Minnetonka! Gather your crew inside a cozy, private igloo tucked beneath sparkling patio lights. Each igloo seats 2–8 guests and includes a two-hour dining experience.
Bundle up with cozy blankets and enjoy shareable bites from the special igloo menu. Think charcuterie boards and meatballs with marinara. Save room for dessert! Kids will adore the mini donut s’mores dunkaroos! The regular restaurant menu is available, too. It’s a memorable way for families to enjoy holiday dining in Minnesota with a little extra sparkle. Reservations are required, so book your igloo in advance!
Hola Arepa, Minneapolis
3501 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55408
Trade the winter chill for a tropical vacation at Hola Arepa in South Minneapolis! Their Welcome to the Jingle pop-up gives the restaurant a holiday glow-up with colorful décor, a heated chalet, and a tropical twist on Christmas cheer.
Expect reggae and Afrobeat holiday tunes playing overhead, paired with playful seasonal drinks for adults. The best part? The full food menu is still available. Families can dig into arepas, sweet plantains, and other favorites. Your little ones can also order from a dedicated kids’ menu. If you’re looking for restaurants with Christmas decorations in Minneapolis, this lively spot brings a sunny spin to the holiday season!
The Fair on 4, Bloomington
Located on the 4th floor of the Mall of America
The Fair on 4 at the Mall of America is going all in on winter magic with its annual Jingle Bar! Expect a full-on Christmas fest with snow-dusted trees, sparkling snowflakes, and icicles. Plus, plenty of photo backdrops. The blue, silver, gold, and white décor brings all the Minnesota winter vibes.
Grab a bite from the fair-inspired menu. Then, let the kids burn off some energy with arcade games, electric go-karts, or interactive darts. Just be aware that some activities have age restrictions. It’s a fun option for kid-friendly restaurants in the Twin Cities, with festive decor and a little extra entertainment.
Salt & Flour Kitchen, Minneapolis
350 N 5th St., Minneapolis, MN 55401
If you love Christmas decorations, Salt & Flour Kitchen in Minneapolis is the place to be! This North Loop Green restaurant is decking the halls with thousands of twinkling lights and ornaments galore. The wonderfully excessive décor would make Clark Griswold proud!
Come for the festive atmosphere and stay for the new seasonal menu, holiday cocktails, and a great happy hour. Families can enjoy delicious pizzas and fresh pasta. And grown-ups can snag a cocktail, wine, or Peroni to pair with their meal. If you’re after restaurants that decorate for Christmas in the Twin Cities, this one’s worth checking out!
Enjoy These Twin Cities Restaurants with Christmas & holiday Decorations with Your Kids!
Holiday dining in Minnesota just got easier for families, thanks to this guide! Make your holiday season a little merrier with a festive meal out! From over-the-top decorations to cozy igloo dining, the Twin Cities has plenty of ways to make dining out with kids extra special this Christmas. We are confident you’ll find the perfect spot for your crew. Make a reservation and head out the door. These Twin Cities restaurants with Christmas decorations are worth adding to your holiday plans!
Antonia Grant is a Minnesota mom + freelance writer who loves encouraging parents to find ways to connect and make memories with their kids. She’s a firm believer in providing children with experiences over things. You can find more from Antonia and her family adventures on Instagram @knead.to.roam and on her website. She shares all things family travel, outdoor adventures, and their favorite foodie finds.
