14 Magical Hallmark-Worthy Holiday Towns in Minnesota for Families
Looking for a December getaway that feels straight out of a holiday movie? You can find one right here in Minnesota! From twinkling lights to festive parades, Minnesota is home to towns that feel just like a Hallmark movie—where the magic of the season shines bright. A few of these Minnesota towns have even had holiday movies filmed on location! This holiday season, sip cocoa on Main Street. Wandering through dazzling light displays. Make memories on horse-drawn sleigh rides. We promise, these holiday towns in Minnesota deliver pure Christmas cheer for families. Perfect for parents eager to plan unforgettable family Christmas vacations in Minnesota, each stop on this list promises festive fun, small-town charm, and activities your kids will love. So bundle up, pack the car, and get ready to discover the cutest Christmas towns across Minnesota that will make the holiday season with your kids truly magical!
Magical Holiday Towns in the Twin Cities for Families
You don’t have to drive far to find holiday magic. Some of the cutest Christmas towns in Minnesota are right here in the Twin Cities! From decorated storefronts along Main Street to festive markets and family-friendly events, these towns make it easy to soak up the season close to home. Let’s take a closer look at these inviting cities in and near the Twin Cities—each perfect for a quick holiday adventure with the kids!
Stillwater
First up, just 30 minutes away, Stillwater transforms into one of the most picture-perfect holiday towns near Minneapolis for families. Its annual Hometown for the Holidays celebration fills Historic Main Street with twinkling lights, horse-drawn carriages, carolers, and Santa himself.
Every weekend in December brings something new. In the past, Stillwater has hosted celebrations, such as Gingerbread Weekend, which features ornament scavenger hunts. And, Furry Friends Weekend, which included a pet parade led by the Grinch. Additionally, cozy meals with Santa were offered at local inns.
With more than 50 independent shops, Stillwater is also a dream spot to finish your holiday shopping in one festive swoop. Don’t miss the Christkindlmarkt at Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter. Or, a visit to Käthe Wohlfahrt, the only U.S. outpost of Germany’s most famous Christmas shop. Add in holiday teas, seasonal shows, and snowy St. Croix River views, and it’s no wonder Stillwater shines as one of the top holiday towns in Minnesota for families.
Northfield
If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping inside a Hallmark movie, Northfield is the place to do it. This riverside town (just south of the Twin Cities) was the actual filming location of Love Always, Santa in 2016. This makes it one of the most authentic Hallmark Christmas towns in Minnesota! Downtown comes alive during the holidays. Expect decorated storefronts, wintery river views, twinkly lights, and plenty of holiday shopping spots for everyone on your list!
The highlight of the season is Northfield’s Winter Walk (usually held on the first Thursday of December). This beloved annual tradition even lets kids meet Rudolph and Frosty. The event is also car-free, so you can easily meander, shop, and sip cocoa while strolling through holiday-lit streets downtown. Add in the century-old St. Olaf Christmas Festival, seasonal events like gingerbread contests, and a main street lined with cozy shops (like Content Bookstore and The Measuring Cup). No matter when you pop down this December, you’ll quickly see why Northfield sparkles as one of the most magical holiday towns in Minnesota for families.
Downtown Saint Paul
Downtown Saint Paul transforms into one of the most festive towns in Minnesota to visit this December. Stroll through twinkling lights, holiday markets, and even more family-friendly events to create pure Christmas magic.
Rice Park glows with sparkling trees, making it perfect for an evening stroll. Plus, nearby eateries (like Meritage!) offer the ideal spot for a cozy, upscale holiday meal. Families will also love the European Christmas Market at Union Depot. It features a carousel, a small train ride for littles, live entertainment, and festive shopping. Or, hop aboard the North Pole Express for a train ride to meet Santa and his elves.
Don’t miss the dazzling GLOW Holiday Festival at CHS Field, where millions of lights, giant displays, and interactive fun bring the season to life. Kids (and kids at heart) will also love the Night Trains at the Twin City Model Railroad Museum. Meanwhile, the Germanic-American Institute’s Christmas in Germany adds old-world charm with mulled wine, authentic treats, and local vendors. Add in Santa’s Workshop at Landmark Center and concerts throughout the city, and Saint Paul shines as a holiday destination with something for everyone in your family.
White Bear Lake
With twinkling lights, horse-drawn trolley rides, and cozy eateries lining Main Street, White Bear Lake is one of the most charming holiday towns in Minnesota for families. Downtown transforms into a festive hub during the annual Winter Fest. Held the first three Saturdays in December, kids can meet Santa, spot sparkling ice sculptures, and listen to live carolers strolling through town. It’s also a great time to stock up on Christmas gifts for the whole family!
Perfect for a quick holiday day trip, White Bear Lake combines small-town charm with plenty of family fun. Parents can shop at more than a dozen specialty boutiques for unique gifts. Then, let kids sip cocoa from a local coffee shop. And, enjoy the cheerful holiday atmosphere at every turn downtown. It’s one of the cutest Christmas towns near Minneapolis with kids (only about 20 minutes away!). We think it’s the perfect spot to soak up holiday magic close to home!
Excelsior
Nestled on the shores of Lake Minnetonka, Excelsior shines as one of the cutest Christmas towns in Minnesota. During the holiday season, Excelsior is brimming with old-fashioned holiday charm. During its month-long Christmas in Excelsior celebration, the streets glow with twinkling white lights, lamp posts wrapped in evergreens, and shop windows decked out in festive cheer.
Local shops and restaurants embrace the season with specials and events. This makes it easy to check gifts off your list while soaking up the holiday magic. With its cozy, small-town atmosphere and community spirit, Excelsior is one of the most festive towns near Minneapolis to visit this December. It is undoubtedly a lakeside holiday destination that feels straight out of a storybook.
Shakopee
Shakopee sparkles during the holidays! It is undoubtedly one of the most underrated yet magical holiday towns in Minnesota for families. From dazzling light shows to cozy small-town charm, this south metro gem offers a little something for everyone in December.
Families won’t want to miss Sever’s Holiday Lights. This massive drive-through display features millions of twinkling lights synchronized to holiday music (and even a giant glowing Yeti!). Alternatively, stroll through the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum’s Winter Lights. Your kids will adore the glowing willow trees, firepits with s’mores, and whimsical woodland displays that bring the magic of the season to life.
Downtown Shakopee adds to the cheer with its annual Holiday Fest. The event includes photos with Santa, a vendor market, a tree lighting, and fireworks. Shoppers can find unique gifts at local boutiques. Meanwhile, foodies and grown-ups will love festive coffee flights at Coffee Ta Cream. Or, try the sparkling seasonal wine tastings at Mousse Sparkling Wine Co. With concerts, family activities, and a community that fully embraces the season, Shakopee is a perfect stop to make new holiday traditions.
Osseo, Minnesota Holiday Towns
Looking for that cozy, Hallmark-style holiday vibe? Osseo, just northwest of Minneapolis, shines in December with its Mini Dazzle Celebration. The evening kicks off with a festive parade, Santa arriving on a fire truck, a giant tree lighting, and a roaring community bonfire to keep everyone warm. Kids can meet Santa in his regal chair, snap photos, and take home goodie bags from his elves.
Don’t miss the community Christmas display in Boerboom Veterans Park, where children can drop letters into Santa’s personal mailbox. He’ll even write back if you include an address! Then, the holiday fun typically continues with the Lunch with Santa at the Osseo Community Center. With historic downtown shops, festive lights, and plenty of cheer, Osseo makes a charming and low-key holiday destination just minutes from the Twin Cities.
Magical Holiday Towns in Greater Minnesota for Families
If you’re dreaming of a true winter getaway, you’ll find plenty of Hallmark-worthy Christmas towns to visit in greater Minnesota. These Minnesota destinations are packed with charm, festive traditions, and sparkling lights, making them perfect backdrops for family Christmas vacations. It’s small-town holiday magic worth the road trip!
Duluth
If you’re dreaming of Christmas vacations in Minnesota for families, Duluth is the ultimate holiday destination. This festive port city on Lake Superior doesn’t just celebrate Christmas—it becomes Christmas. In fact, Duluth has earned the nickname “Christmas City of the North,” a title that shines brighter each year thanks to its magical lineup of events and twinkling traditions. Plus, the Hallmark-style movie Christmas Break-In was filmed here in 2018 (starring Denise Richards and Danny Glover!).
The biggest star of the season is Bentleyville “Tour of Lights”, the nation’s largest free walk-through light display. It boasts more than 5 million lights and a 128-foot Christmas tree that towers twice the size of Rockefeller Center’s. Plus, you’ll find free cocoa, cookies, and marshmallows for roasting. It’s no wonder families flock here from across the Midwest. Little ones can even meet Santa and head home with a special knit hat.
But Duluth’s holiday magic doesn’t end there. Step into storybook charm with the Christmas City Express. This train ride along Lake Superior includes carolers, hot chocolate, and Christmas cookies. For a dose of historic wonder, tour the Glensheen Mansion. Here, 25 Christmas trees and hidden elves bring the 39-room estate to life in true Victorian holiday style.
Families can also shop local for gifts and treasures at the Duluth Winter Village. Cheer on the marching bands at the Christmas City of the North Parade. And, catch classic holiday performances. Duluth is a holiday wonderland where families can truly feel like they’ve stepped into a Hallmark Christmas movie!
Nisswa
If you’re looking for holiday towns in Minnesota for families, Nisswa is pure Northwoods magic. Each year, the town kicks off the season with its beloved City of Lights Festival. This day-after-Thanksgiving celebration transforms downtown into a glowing winter wonderland. Families can sip cider by warm bonfires, snap photos with live reindeer, enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, and listen to carolers. Not to mention, end the evening under a brilliant display of winter fireworks. Santa even makes his grand entrance by fire truck to greet the kids!
Downtown sparkles with tons of holiday lights. Local shops offer a unique selection of gifts, ranging from plaid apparel to gourmet foodie treats. Stop into StoneHouse Coffee & Roastery or Adirondack Coffee for a steaming cup of cocoa (and don’t leave without one of StoneHouse’s famous scones).
For a true Northwoods holiday getaway, stay at one of the area’s iconic resorts. Grand View Lodge takes Christmas to the next level with decorated trees in every cabin, children’s activities, and holiday dining events. In the past, Santa’s elves have even tucked in little ones on Christmas Eve. Other favorites, like Madden’s and Cragun’s Resort, also offer festive winter experiences on nearby Gull Lake. With twinkling lights, small-town charm, and cozy lodges tucked among the pines, Nisswa offers families a picture-perfect holiday escape.
Lanesboro, Minnesota Holiday Towns
If you’re dreaming of cute Christmas towns in Minnesota, Lanesboro is straight out of a Hallmark holiday movie. Nestled among the snowy Root River bluffs, this artsy little hamlet comes alive in December with twinkling lights, festive shopping, and cozy accommodations.
The season kicks off with Legion Lights at Sylvan Park, transforming the park into a glowing winter wonderland. Families can also enjoy the Experience of the Magic of Lanesboro on Small Business Saturday. The event includes an ornament hunt, kids’ crafts, wagon rides, model trains, live music, and cozy bonfire warming stations. Theater lovers will adore holiday seasonal productions at the Commonweal Theatre Company. Meanwhile, foodies and shoppers will enjoy browsing the Winter Farmers’ & Makers’ Market for handmade gifts and treats.
As the B&B Capital of Minnesota, Lanesboro makes it easy to turn a day trip into a festive weekend getaway. From its Christmas Inn Tour, where local inns deck the halls and welcome guests with live music and refreshments, to simply strolling its historic downtown lined with decorated storefronts, Lanesboro offers a quiet holiday magic perfect for families.
Mankato
When it comes to holiday towns in Minnesota for families, Mankato shines bright—literally. The centerpiece of the season is Kiwanis Holiday Lights in Sibley Park. It’s the longest drive-thru light display in the state! Families can stroll or drive through a sparkling million-light spectacle. Plus, enjoy concessions like mini donuts, candy canes, apple cider, and hot cocoa. Don’t miss meeting Santa and his reindeer on select evenings! Opening night even kicks off with a festive lighting ceremony and parade.
For more hands-on holiday fun, check out Bells on Belgrade and Holidays in Old Town. Bells on Belgrade features trolley rides, make-and-take crafts, and a Winter Wonderland Parade. Holidays in Old Town brings horse-drawn carriage rides, a makers’ market, a giant gingerbread house, and Santa photo opportunities—perfect for families seeking festive cheer and gift shopping.
History buffs will also love Christmas at the Hubbard House. The Victorian-era setting is decked out for the holidays, providing a cozy, old-fashioned experience. From dazzling light displays and shopping to festive events and seasonal performances, Mankato creates a magical winter wonderland perfect for families looking to celebrate the season together.
Red Wing
Red Wing becomes a holiday storybook in December, making it the perfect destination for families seeking festive cheer. The highlight of the season is the Red Wing Holiday Stroll, held the day after Thanksgiving. Families can enjoy a lighted parade, horse-drawn wagon rides, a tree lighting ceremony, and photos with Santa. And, the downtown glows with thousands of twinkling lights. The event also typically features a gingerbread house contest, carolers strolling the streets, and friendly neighborhood lights and decorations contests.
The historic St. James Hotel is at the heart of the season’s festivities, offering warm indoor activities for visitors. Sip hot chocolate or apple cider in Clara’s. Enjoy a hearty winter chili on the Veranda. Or, explore the intricate Gandy Dance Train Display. Special events, such as the Victorian Tea: Nutcracker and the Christmas Eve Buffet, make it easy to create new holiday traditions.
Red Wing combines small-town charm with big holiday spirit, from festive downtown activities to cozy stays at local inns. With horse-drawn rides, seasonal treats, sparkling lights, and plenty of family-friendly events, Red Wing delivers a truly Hallmark-worthy Christmas experience.
Winona
Nestled along the Mississippi River, Winona is a Christmas wonderland during the holidays. It has more than earned its place as one of the state’s most picturesque small towns. Its historic downtown, lined with charming shops and restaurants, makes holiday shopping a joy for all ages. Winona’s streets come alive with festive decorations and twinkling lights, making it easy to find something special for everyone on your nice list.
Families can enjoy the seasonal Christmas market, featuring gifts, games, food, and ice skating. Or, catch the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train rolling through town in December. Adventurous visitors can try some winter hiking along Winona’s towering bluffs, taking in stunning views over the city and the Mississippi River. Winona’s small-town charm, combined with its festive lights and historic streets, is undoubtedly one of Minnesota’s most Hallmark-worthy Christmas towns.
New Ulm, Minnesota Holiday Towns
New Ulm is a picture-perfect holiday destination that feels straight out of a Hallmark movie. Historic downtown streets are lined with over 60 real evergreen trees, twinkling lights, and festive storefronts. Talk about a magical backdrop for families visiting during the season!
The city offers classic holiday charm with unique German-inspired traditions. You can even see the symbolic upside-down Christmas tree at the Hermann Monument. Visitors will also enjoy the Parade of Lights, seasonal workshops, and the Menzel Christmas Village at the Brown County History Museum. Kids will love the intricately detailed German figurines and village scenes. Of course, New Ulm’s locally owned shops are perfect for holiday shopping. You’ll find everything from one-of-a-kind gifts to traditional German treasures (like cuckoo clocks and beer steins!).
The festive spirit continues at Schell’s Brewery with the glowing Christmas Luminaries, lit on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. And, at Morgan Creek Vineyards & Winery. Here, seasonal wines, mulled drinks, and fireside appetizers make for a cozy winter outing. With its historic charm, festive lights, and family-friendly events, New Ulm offers a magical, memorable holiday getaway.
Have Fun Exploring These Holiday Towns in Minnesota with Your Kids!
From historic downtowns lined with twinkling lights to festive events that delight kids of all ages, Minnesota is full of cozy small towns that are perfect for the holidays. Whether you’re strolling through decorated Main Streets, sipping hot cocoa, or enjoying horse-drawn carriage rides, these holiday towns in Minnesota offer families memories that last a lifetime. From Hallmark-inspired Christmas towns to the cutest holiday experiences in Minnesota, there’s no shortage of festive cheer to explore. Have fun discovering all the holiday magic these cozy, charming communities have to offer this season!
