Your Family’s Guide to the Holidays in Minnesota

Thanks to the Miracle at Big Rock for sponsoring our Family Guide to the Holidays.

Miracle at Big Rock: Where Christmas Lives.

-Mile Long Christmas Light Festival
-Santa and Christmas character sightings
-Cookies with Santa Photo Experience
-Sledding hill and wagon rides
-Fireworks, Live Entertainment, and more!

WHEN: Friday, November 24th through December 31st in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin

Find out more at www.miracleatbigrock.com

The Holidays in Minnesota Magic Awaits…

Minnesota offers a winter wonderland of holiday activities. The state becomes a picturesque setting with snow-covered landscapes and a myriad of festive events. In essence, Minnesota offers a blend of festive traditions, light displays, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences that make for an enchanting holiday season.

We have packed all your Minnesota holiday family fun into one simple guide. Weather you are looking for a holiday show to see, the magic of winter lights, a time to give back and volunteer or all of the things that happen during the holiday we have you covered. Thanks for checking out our Family Guide to the Holidays in Minnesota. We love celebrating the holidays in Minnesota. Enjoy!

Holiday Light Displays

The holiday light displays located around Minnesota create a magical atmosphere that are sure to bring cherished moments for families. As you wander through the intricate arrangements of sparkling lights, there’s a sense of wonder that transcends generations. The shared experience of admiring the dazzling displays fosters a feeling of togetherness and unity among family members.

Heading to The Arb or across to the river to Miracle at Big Rock in St Croix Falls are chances to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, allowing families to revel in the simple joy of being together. The sense of community and festive spirit further enriches the experience, bringing a sense of belonging and warmth. A new light show in town is in Eagan at Viking Lakes called the Magic of Lights. This is a drive thru light display is taking place alongside the Winter Skolstice events.

Guide to Minnesota Holiday Shows

Minnesota offers a variety of family holiday shows that cater to different tastes and preferences. In Minneapolis, you might enjoy the classic “A Christmas Carol” performed by the Guthrie Theater or the dazzling “The Nutcracker” by the Minnesota Ballet. Additionally, Children’s Theatre Company is showing the popular Dr Suess” How the Grinch Stole Christmas in Minneapolis.

In St. Paul, the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts is playing Peter Pan and other holiday-themed shows and concerts perfect for families. These events usually run from late November through December, spreading holiday cheer throughout the state. Keep an eye on our event listings for the most current information about holiday shows in Minnesota.

Experience Miracle at Big Rock

Picture good old fashioned family fun. This year you can enjoy a walk thru or drive thru tour of millions of Christmas lights expanded over a mile long trail, shop local artisans and vendors in the heated barn, take a ride down the sledding trail, enjoy a private family party in the yurts, domes, or clubhouse spaces.

Enjoy the sounds of local carolers, cookie decorating, lights, sledding, live music, fireworks and more. This year’s experience is going to take you to the moon (literally! Miracle at Big Rock in Wisconsin has a lit moon display perfect for photos and social media!

Guide to Visiting Santa in the Twin Cities

Throughout the Twin Cities and Minnesota, there are so many places where you can take your kids to see Santa during the holiday season. Mall of America in Bloomington is hosting Santa Claus at their Santa Experience, offering photo opportunities and fun interactive activities.

Additionally, Santa’s Wonderland Experience at Cabela’s, features Santa visits, along with a variety of holiday-themed activities for kids. Check out your local community centers, and organizations such as Bachman’s and Union Depot in St. Paul, also organize Santa visits, storytelling, and other festive events perfect for children. Make sure to check our calendar for specific schedules and event calendars as Santa appearances and activities may vary.

Holiday Train Stops throughout Minnesota

The Holiday Train Minnesota is a festive and charitable event organized by the Canadian Pacific Railway. It’s an annual tradition where a specially decorated train travels through various communities to spread holiday cheer and raise money for local food banks. The train is decked out in thousands of colorful LED lights and features live musical performances by well-known artists.

In Minnesota, the Holiday Train typically makes multiple stops, and these locations vary from year to year. Some of the past stops in Minnesota have included cities like Minneapolis, St. Paul, and several smaller towns along the railway route. We love celebrating the holidays in Minnesota.

Your Family Guide to Shopping Local this Holiday Season

There are many benefits to shopping local in Minnesota. First and foremost, shopping locally supports small businesses that are an integral part of our communities. When you shop at a local store, you are not only supporting the owners and employees, but also the entire local economy. These businesses are often the backbone of the community and contribute to the unique character and charm of the area.

In addition, shopping local can often lead to finding one-of-a-kind gifts that will spark conversation like “where did you get this!” Whether it’s a handmade mittens, a locally crafted cutting board, or a unique piece of art, local stores offer a wide variety of products that are perfect for gift-giving.

So this holiday season, we invite you to take a family trip to your local stores and spend some time exploring their unique offerings. Not only will you find some amazing gifts, but you’ll also be supporting your community and promoting a more sustainable way of shopping. A win, win!

Your Guide to Volunteering as a Family

Volunteering with kids during the holidays is a wonderful way to spread love and joy. It’s an opportunity to teach children about the importance of giving and to create memories that will last a lifetime. We have partners with Doing Good Together to share with you some ways to get involved:

Donate to Support Families for Thanksgiving
Holiday Stockings for Heroes
Help our Food Insecure Neighbors
Holiday Meals with Our Saviour’s Housing
Help Make Sure Families Keep Warm this Winter with Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners (IOCP)
Come Help Us Clean and Refurbish Gently Used Bikes with Free Bikes 4 Kidz MN
And More!

We invite you to volunteer during the holidays with your kids and teach them about the value of giving. So, get out there and spread some joy this holiday season!

Experience Gifts Guide

As parents, we all want our children to be happy. We want to see their faces light up with excitement when they receive a gift from us. But have you ever considered giving them an experience instead of an actual gift? Here are a few reasons why experience gifts might be a better option for your kids. Check them out here.

Best Christmas Tree Farms

In our annual Family Favorites survey you voted on your top three family Christmas tree farm! Here they are:

1st Place: Krueger’s Christmas Tree Farm | Lake Elmo, MN

2nd Place: Rum River Tree Farm | Oak Grove, MN

3rd Place: Hansen Tree Farm | Ramsey, MN

Find all the winners here.

Family Calendar and Holidays in Minnesota Events Guide

The Twin Cities offer a plethora of holiday events for you and your little ones to enjoy this season! From dazzling light displays to festive performances, there’s something for everyone.

One of the most popular events is at the Union Depot dubbed Hub for the Holidays in St Paul. This annual event features a winter wonderland with ice skating, holiday-themed food and drinks, and a spectacular shows. There are also live performances, including a visit from Santa Claus himself! We love celebrating the holidays in Minnesota.

Another fun event is the WinterSkate at the Landmark Center in St. Paul. This outdoor ice rink is open to the public and offers free skating, hot cocoa, and warming house. It’s the perfect place to spend a chilly winter afternoon with your family.

No holiday season is complete without a trip to see the Nutcracker! The Minnesota Ballet School puts on a stunning performance of this classic Christmas tale at the Eden Prairie Performing Arts Center.

These are just a few of the many holiday events around the Twin Cities that you and your family can enjoy together. Don’t forget to bundle up and bring your holiday cheer!

Thank you to Miracle at Big Rock for sponsoring Our Guide to the Holidays.