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 Jesus Christ Superstar and other holiday-themed shows and concerts great 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.
Magic of Lights and More at Winter Skolstice
Viking Lakes is thrilled to announce the return of Winter SKOLstice for the 2024-2025 season. Packed with two crowd-favorite events—the Minnesota Ice Festival with the world’s largest ice maze and the Magic of Lights holiday light drive-thru—this year’s lineup promises fun for all ages. Experience all this family fun:
Magic of Lights Drive-Thru Experience
Holiday Village Fun
Warming Haus
Blitzen’s Bar at Omni Viking Lakes Hotel
The Minnesota Ice Festival:
Get ready for an ice maze that’s twice the size of last year’s! The Minnesota Ice Festival returns with an even bigger ice maze, thrilling ice slides, and more!
See the full 2025-2026 Winter Skolstice lineup here>>>
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.
See the Minnesota holiday train stops, dates, and times here>>>
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.
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
2nd Place: Rum River Tree Farm | Oak Grove
3rd Place: Hansen Tree Farm | Ramsey
A fresh-cut Christmas. Start a family tradition of visiting a local Twin Cities tree farm to choose and cut your own tree.
Get your winter on! Drive to a tree farm to cut your own tree and celebrate the season.
Find a list of Christmas Tree Farms in Minnesota 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!
Holiday Crafts and DIY Gifts Ideas
DIY Scribble Coffee Mugs Make Great Gifts
How to make tree ornaments, photo magnets, and your own wrapping paper
How to Make Birdseed Ornaments
Celebrate the Holidays at the Mall of America
The holidays at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, is transformed into a festive wonderland packed with family-friendly events and experiences. Guests can enjoy dazzling holiday light displays, live performances, and visits with Santa in the immersive Santa Experience, where kids can share their wish lists and snap memorable photos. The mall will host themed holiday workshops and crafting sessions perfect for little ones to create seasonal keepsakes. Shoppers can also explore a Holiday Market featuring unique gifts and seasonal treats from local artisans. With seasonal decor around every corner, live music, and holiday pop-ups, the Mall of America promises magical experiences for all ages throughout the holiday season.
Plan your visit here>>>
8 Best Places to Travel for the New Year in Minnesota with Kids
As the New Year approaches, Minnesota families are planning cozy winter getaways, from Lutsen’s blend of outdoor adventure and Hygge vibes to the fun-filled attractions in Bloomington and the peaceful charm of Chisago Lakes. With options for every family style, these destinations offer the perfect setting to create cherished New Year’s memories amidst Minnesota’s natural beauty and warm communities.
See our picks here>>>
Best Family Christmas Movies of All Time
Here are our top picks for the best family Christmas movies to enjoy this holiday season! We recently asked on Facebook which holiday movies you love rewatching, and these classics, along with a few new favorites, were at the top of everyone’s list.
See them all here>>>
Union Depot is your Hub for the Holidays
Union Depot in St. Paul, Minnesota, is a historic train station and bustling transportation hub connecting Amtrak, buses, and light rail. Each holiday season, it transforms into a festive destination with events like the European Christmas Market, featuring crafts, foods, and entertainment inspired by traditional European markets, along with music, dance, and Santa visits for all to enjoy.
Find all the holiday magic here>>>
Top Minnesota Resorts to Spend Christmas with Kids
For Minnesota families seeking a festive holiday getaway, a stay at one of the state’s top family resorts offers a magical, wintery escape. From Red Wing to Lutsen, these resorts provide a convenient, fuss-free way to enjoy the season focused on family time, rather than chores.
Whether you’re after a peaceful lakeside retreat or a cozy northern escape, this guide has top picks for memorable Christmas stays in Minnesota.
See the guide here>>>
Baby Boutiques in the Twin Cities
Looking for the perfect holiday gifts for the little ones in your life? The Twin Cities is home to adorable baby boutiques filled with unique outfits, handmade treasures, and eco-friendly essentials. From thoughtful gifts to festive finds, these local shops make holiday shopping for babies and toddlers extra special.
Minnesota Indoor Waterparks & Pools Guide
Looking for a warm and splashy escape this holiday season? Minnesota’s best indoor waterparks and pools offer year-round fun for the whole family — from thrilling slides and lazy rivers to toddler splash zones. Whether you’re planning a winter break getaway or just need to beat the cold, these indoor spots bring the beach vibes to Minnesota all season long.
Twin Cities Candy Stores
Looking to add some sweetness to your holiday season? The Twin Cities is home to fun and festive candy shops filled with classic favorites, artisanal chocolates, and locally made treats. From Minnesota’s largest candy store to hidden neighborhood gems, these spots make the perfect stop for family outings, stocking stuffers, and holiday memories.
Direct Flights From Minneapolis MSP to Warm Weather Hotspots
Dreaming of sunshine and sand instead of snow? These family-friendly warm-weather destinations with direct flights from Minneapolis make it easy to trade winter coats for swimsuits. From Florida beaches to California adventures, you can escape the Minnesota chill and enjoy a quick, kid-friendly getaway filled with sunshine and family fun.
Minnesota Resorts That Belong on Your Bucket List – Minnesota Parent
We wish you a safe, wonderful and joyous holiday season with your loved ones.
-Your Friends at Minnesota Parent
