Duluth Shines in December: Top Family Holiday Adventures

Katie Heruth

Duluth in December: A Family Guide to Bentleyville “Tour of Lights” & Beyond

Duluth in December is pure holiday cheer! Of course, the best of the holidays in Duluth starts with Bentleyville’s “Tour of Lights”! Imagine meandering lighted paths with your kids as you soak in the magic of the season together. This joyous holiday light event brings tourists from all over the region to Duluth. Visiting Bentleyville with kids is undoubtedly a Minnesota bucket list activity. Featuring massive light displays, free cocoa and cookies, and Santa himself, Bentleyville is one of the best holiday things to do in Minnesota with kids. 

But the fun doesn’t stop there. From snowy lakeside strolls and ice skating to cozy meals and fun indoor attractions, Duluth offers endless family-friendly activities all month long. If you’re planning a holiday getaway, this guide shares the top family things to do in Duluth in December. To help you plan a stress-free experience, we have started with specific tips for Bentleyville with kids. Then, we’ve included even more fun things to do in Duluth with kids, plus a few family favorite restaurants and hotels. Bundle up, grab your kids, and get ready for a festive Duluth adventure your family will never forget.

Bentleyville “Tour of Lights” with Kids

2025 Dates: November 22 – December 27

Event Address: 700 W Railroad St, Duluth, MN 55802

If you’re searching for unforgettable holiday things to do in Minnesota with kids, Duluth’s Bentleyville “Tour of Lights” tops the list. America’s Largest Free Walk-Through Lighting Display transforms Bayfront Festival Park into a glowing winter wonderland. There are more than five million twinkling lights. 

During the event, families can sip hot chocolate and coffee. Munch on cookies and popcorn. Or, roast marshmallows together at one of the many firepits scattered throughout the park. All complimentary throughout your visit! You can even make the visit extra special by adding your names to the Nice List!

Kids will love meeting Santa and Mrs. Claus. Children 12 and under even receive a free Bentleyville knit hat and a bag of cookies after their visit. With festive music, themed displays, and the beauty of Lake Superior as a backdrop, Bentleyville is a holiday tradition that genuinely captures the magic of the season. 

Best of all, admission is free (with on-site parking available for $10 per vehicle).

Tips for Visiting Bentleyville with Kids

Here are a few tips for visiting Bentleyville with kids this December:

  • Admission is free, but there is a cost for on-site parking. Stay at a hotel in Canal Park, and you can likely walk to the event with your kids! Or, take the shuttle.
  • Visits with Santa, hot cocoa and coffee, holiday cookies, popcorn, and marshmallows for roasting are also complimentary.
  • Have dinner before you. Complimentary snacks are nice, but full tummies will help make your visit more successful!
  • Check the Crowd-O-Meter to decide the best time for your family to visit (weekends are busiest). Plan to visit mid-week or arrive early for low crowds.
  • Bundle up and dress warmly for the weather conditions. Bentleyville is an outdoor experience.
  • Bring a stroller or wagon for toddlers and young kids. The paths are wide and stroller-friendly.
  • Plan ahead and add your child’s name to the Nice List!
  • Guests are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item or a new (unwrapped) toy to donate (donations go to the Salvation Army).
  • Visit the Bentleyville Gift Shop for unique merch and holiday gifts.

A Few More Fun December Things to Do in Duluth

Now that we’ve covered a few tips and tricks for experiencing Bentleyville with kids, let’s talk about a few other kid-friendly activities in Duluth this December. We’ve made sure to include fun holiday things to do in Duluth with kids, too, including even more lights, Santa meet and greets, and more.

Duluth Winter Village
Photo Courtesy of Duluth Winter Village

Duluth Winter Village 

2025 Dates: December 6 and 7

For one festive weekend each December, the Duluth Winter Village transforms the DECC waterfront into a holiday wonderland. Just steps away from Bentleyville, this Christmas market–style event is one of the most magical holiday things to do in Duluth with kids. Throughout the weekend, enjoy shopping, food, and fun in a cozy lakeside setting (with the Lift Bridge as your backdrop!).

Families can browse more than 40 local makers selling gifts from charming wooden booths. Then, warm up by fire pits with hot cocoa, cider, or coffee. Kids will love the live animals, marshmallow roasting, and indoor ice skating. Meanwhile, adults can sip craft beer or themed cocktails at the Yule Hall and Tinsel Tavern—carolers and festive foods round out the Duluth Winter Village experience.

Photo Courtesy of facebook.com/northshorescenicrailroad

Ride the Christmas City Express

2025 Dates: November 28 – December 21

After experiencing Bentleyville with kids, you’re probably still in the holiday spirit! All aboard the Christmas City Express! 

This storybook experience kicks off inside the Lake Superior Railroad Museum. Families are welcomed with festive carolers, a reading of the Christmas City Express story, and a visit from Santa himself. Kids are encouraged to bring letters for Santa—include a return address and they’ll even get a reply in the mail!

After the performance, climb aboard the train for a cozy 30-minute ride along Lake Superior. Sip hot chocolate, nibble cookies, and sing along to holiday tunes as you take in the twinkling lights outside your window. Designed with younger kids in mind, the show is perfect for families with little ones, but older siblings (and parents) will love the tradition too. 

Your ticket also includes museum admission, making this one of the sweetest holiday things to do in Duluth with kids.

Lake Superior Zoo + Zoo Lights

2025 Dates: December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21

For families searching for fun things to do in Duluth in December, the Lake Superior Zoo is a must-visit. During the holiday season, the zoo typically hosts Zoo Lights. This after-hours event features giant inflatable animals, sparkling light displays, festive photo backdrops, Santa, and more. Plus, the Grinch even visits on select Sundays. 

During the day, the zoo is home to 300 animals across 140 species. Kids will love finding their favorites, like red pandas, Egyptian fruit bats, African lions, cougars, and ring-tailed lemurs. On-site dining and free parking make it easy to spend a whole day exploring together.

Children 2 and under are free.

Glensheen Mansion

2025 Holiday Tour Dates: TBA

Visiting Bentleyville with kids is a must, and we recommend pairing it with a stop at Glensheen Mansion for one of the most magical holiday experiences in Duluth. 

Glensheen Mansion is a 39-room family estate that usually goes all out for the season! Nestled on the shores of Lake Superior, the Congdon estate offers stunning architecture and endless lake views. Plus, they typically have around 27 Christmas trees and 25 mischievous elves hidden throughout the house—perfect for a family scavenger hunt this Christmas! Talk about a magical highlight for families visiting Duluth in December.

During the holidays, tours are self-guided and focus on festive decorations rather than history. Clara Congdon’s Christmas shortbread recipe adds a sweet touch! Evening candlelight tours on Fridays and Saturdays create an extra-special atmosphere. When booking tickets, families can choose from grounds-only, classic, or full mansion tours depending on their kids’ ages and energy levels.

great lakes aquarium exterior of building

Great Lakes Aquarium

When winter winds blow, the Great Lakes Aquarium is one of the best family-friendly things to do in Duluth. With 15 engaging exhibits, kids of all ages can dive into hands-on fun. Highlights include North America’s largest sturgeon touch pool, Otter Cove, Raptor Ridge, and fascinating displays of local Great Lakes Basin habitats. Plus, a few faraway ecosystems, like the Amazon River!

Families will love exploring two floors of live animal displays, interactive exhibits, and kid-friendly nooks (like a bear’s den or treehouse!). Add in the stunning location next to Canal Park, complete with water views, and it’s a memorable stop on any Duluth holiday itinerary.

On-site parking is available for a fee, and children two and under are free. 

Hartley Nature Center

Families searching for a hidden gem in Duluth this December will love Hartley Nature Center. This nature refuge is just north of the University of Minnesota Duluth campus (“up the hill” from Canal Park). Hartley Nature Center offers trails for hiking and cross-country skiing (pending snow this season). Families can explore scenic ponds, spot wildlife, and enjoy warm early winter days outside together.

A little snow on the ground during your visit? No problem! Hartley Nature Center rents kicksleds, snowshoes, and cross-country skis. Check their website for equipment rental updates and hours. Inside, interactive exhibits engage children with the local ecosystem. Hartley Nature Center is a must-visit for families seeking outdoor adventure in Duluth. Not to mention, a great way to stay active while visiting Duluth for Bentleyville with your kids.

Spirit Mountain

2025 Dates: TBA, but ski and tubing hills are expected to open the first week of December.

Looking for exciting outdoor activities in Duluth this December? Spirit Mountain is a winter wonderland for families. Across the mountain, you’ll find slopes for skiing, snowboarding, and snowtubing. Not to mention, the Midwest’s largest terrain park!

Snow tubing is a highlight for kids ages three and up. Ride down snowy runs and glide effortlessly back to the top on the tubing lift, no uphill walking required. Then, Spirit Mountain’s groomed slopes provide endless fun for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts of all levels. Lessons are also available for kids and adults. A day on the mountain is the perfect way for families to get outside, enjoy the snow, and stay active during the winter season. 

With holiday-specific hours, including Christmas Eve and Day, it’s easy to plan a day of adventure all season long.

Duluth Children’s Museum

The Duluth Children’s Museum is a cozy, hands-on stop for kids (recommended for kids 0 – 10). Located in Lincoln Park, the museum offers a mix of rotating exhibits and permanent favorites. It’s one of our favorite kid-friendly things to do in Duluth!

Little explorers can climb and slide in the Adventure Climber. Pilot a real Cirrus airplane in the Aviation Exploration exhibit. Test STEM concepts using ramps, magnet tables, and daily programs. Then, toddlers have a nature-themed play area to practice gross and fine motor skills. Finally, families can also visit the Learning Lab to experiment with various science topics. Hands-on learning has never been so fun!

Lake Superior Railroad Museum

If you’re planning a family trip to Bentleyville with kids, make time for the Lake Superior Railroad Museum. The museum is located in Duluth’s historic Union Depot. It promises to be a hit with toddlers, young kids, and train-loving parents alike. Inside, you’ll find beautifully restored locomotives, rolling stock, and interactive exhibits that bring railroading history to life in the Lake Superior region.

During the holiday, families can add a train excursion to their visit, with rides that roll through downtown, Canal Park, and along Lake Superior. Like the Christmas City Express we talked about above! Even without an excursion, kids will love climbing aboard trains and exploring the museum’s immersive displays.

Admission is affordable (kids under 2 are free), and tickets also include access to other organizations housed in the Union Depot. With daily hours and plenty of parking nearby, this museum is a convenient, family-friendly stop.

Where to Eat in Duluth with Kids

Experiencing Bentleyville with kids means you’ll need plenty of good food to keep the fun going! If you’re wondering where to eat in Duluth with kids, this list highlights the best family-friendly spots—from cozy breakfasts before the lights to warm dinners afterward. You’ll find options on this list that fit every appetite. Plus, we’ve noted which restaurants offer dedicated kids’ menus to make mealtime even easier this December.

Breakfast in Duluth

  • Kitchen & Bar at Duluth Coffee Company is a fun neighborhood joint featuring a menu focused on farm-to-table food (and great coffee!).
  • The Social House is a new spot in Duluth. It offers a great location in Canal Park and features an extensive breakfast and lunch menu. They have a kids’ menu, too!
  • Uncle Loui’s Cafe has been a beloved community favorite since 1993 (and for good reason!). This vibrant breakfast and lunch spot offers homestyle options like massive pancakes, omelets, and burgers. It’s always worth the wait!
  • Positively 3rd Street Bakery is a colorful bakery that offers a wide range of scratch-made morning treats for the whole family.

Lunch & Dinner in Duluth

  • Grandma’s Saloon & Grill is a favorite amongst locals and travelers alike. It’s a fantastic option for meals in Canal Park. They have a kids’ menu.
  • Vitta Pizza is a casual eatery in Canal Park. It has a great menu of wood-fired, Neapolitan-style pizza (including a kids’ menu).
  • Pizza Lucé Duluth is a local pizza chain offering a low-key setting on Superior Street. Their extensive menu features fun pizza, pasta, and hoagies.
  • At Sara’s Table, Chester Creek Cafe features a farm-to-table menu with international flair. They also have a kids’ menu. 
  • Sir Benedicts Tavern on the Lake is a classic English-style eatery with great sandwiches and pub grub (including a kids’ menu).
  • Fitger’s Brewhouse offers pub grub with house-brewed beers in an inviting atmosphere. They have a kids’ menu.
  • Hungry Hippie Tacos, located in the Lincoln Park Craft District, serves fry bread tacos and other favorites. 
  • Tavern on the Hill has a relaxed, kid-friendly atmosphere. With a massive dining room and extensive menu, it’s a favorite for families with kids of all ages. They also have a kids’ menu.

fire by pier b and bentleyville in duluth provided by pier b

Where to Stay in Duluth this December

If you’re wondering where to stay during Bentleyville with your kids, these Duluth hotels put you close to all the holiday magic. Each hotel on this list also includes many kid-friendly amenities families love. From pools to easy access to Canal Park, you’re sure to find the right hotel for your December family getaway to Duluth on this list. We’ve divided the hotels into two categories to help you narrow down your selection even further.

Best Hotels in Canal Park with Kids

Want to be right in the middle of all the holiday magic? Then, Canal Park is the best place to book your stay. Many of these hotels are within walking distance of Bentleyville, too! Here are a few of our favorite kid-friendly hotels in Canal Park.

More Hotels in Duluth to Consider for Families

If you’re looking for even more options, including budget-friendly and quieter stays, here are a few more hotels in Duluth to consider for your upcoming family trip. Even though they are outside of Canal Park, they still offer quick access to Bentleyville and other holiday events in Duluth this December.

Have Fun Visiting Duluth this December

From the dazzling lights of Bentleyville with kids to train rides, zoo adventures, and cozy local eats, Duluth shines as a magical holiday destination for families in Minnesota. Whether you’re looking for classic holiday things to do with your kids or simply hoping to make new memories together, you’ll find plenty of festive fun waiting for you in Duluth. We hope your family enjoys experiencing the very best things to do in Duluth this December.

Your family adventure is sure to be filled with wonder, laughter, and plenty of holiday cheer!

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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.

Minnesota Parent may earn a small commission for our endorsement, recommendation, testimonial, and/or affiliate link to any products or services from this website.