Minnesota families in search of creating fun and festive holiday traditions can book a magical, wintery stay at one of the best family resorts in Minnesota for Christmas. From Red Wing to Lutsen, Minnesota offers a variety of family-friendly resorts and hotels that will make the perfect backdrop for the holidays this year. Imagine the fuss-free convenience of spending the holidays focused on your kids, instead of cleaning and cooking. That’s what these charming resorts provide! This year, relax together in a festive environment, while enjoying what the holidays are really about – time together. So, whether you are looking for one of the best lake resorts in Minnesota this winter, or need ideas for peaceful resorts in northern Minnesota, we’ve got you covered with this list. Keep reading to discover our top picks for the best Minnesota resorts to spend Christmas.
Best Resorts in Northern Minnesota this Christmas with Kids
Parents looking for the best family resorts in Minnesota for Christmas have no shortage of excellent options. Three of our favorites are located along the North Shore of Minnesota. These northern Minnesota resorts for families promise great views of Lake Superior, festive decorations, indoor pools, and more!
Pier B Resort Hotel, Duluth
Perhaps one of the most magical hotels in Minnesota for Christmas, Pier B Resort Hotel features unparalleled views of Lake Superior and the lift bridge. This holiday season, snuggle up together in front of a roaring fire after a long day of exploring Duluth. You can even use their make-your-own s’mores kits at the end of each day. Then, as one of the best resorts in Minnesota with kids, Pier B also offers spacious rooms, on-site dining, a lakeside patio fire pit, an indoor pool, and much more.
However, the piece de resistance this holiday season is immediate access to Bentleyville. Featuring more than 5 million lights and visits from Santa, this is one of Minnesota’s top holiday experiences. Booking a room at Pier B means you can stroll through the lights or enjoy them from the comfort of your room! They also offer Bentleyville Express Wagon rides that take you and your kids to the edge of all the Bentleyville magic! Finally, Pier B will also offer several packages this holiday season.
Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts, Tofte
Featuring a variety of accommodations, from lakeside townhomes to luxury log homes, Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts has everything you need for an enchanting Christmas getaway. In fact, with one-, two-, and three-bedroom townhomes fully equipped with kitchens and living rooms, you’ll have all the space you need to pull off a cozy Christmas with kids. Then, ranked as one of the best northern Minnesota resorts for families, this resort is loved by parents for its top-notch amenities, warm and inviting staff, and access to outdoor adventures along the North Shore.
Spend your days outside snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, or indoors playing games by the hearth. Many complimentary activities are also included in your stay, like ice skating, yoga, kids’ programs, and more. They even offer free shuttles to Lutsen Mountains if you plan to hit the slopes this Christmas. After a full day of exploring, take a dip together in one of the on-site pools. Parents will also appreciate the many delicious dining options here, which typically includes a Christmas Day feast! Want to treat yourself or your partner for Christmas? Book a relaxing spa experience! Lastly, Bluefin Bay also offers a variety of holiday packages.
Lutsen Resort, Lutsen
Next on our list of the best family resorts in Minnesota for Christmas, Lutsen Resort is a haven for winter adventures and a touch of holiday magic. Overlooking Lake Superior with some of the best alpine ski trails in the Midwest, staying at Lutsen Resort will make you feel like you’re vacationing in a real-life snow globe! Plus, not only do they offer winter log cabin rentals, but they also have townhomes and traditional lodge rooms. This way, you can find the ideal layout based on your preference and budget. In addition to spacious rooms, the resort also features an on-site pool and complimentary ice skating, ski shuttle, snowshoes, and other activities.
When you’re not racing down the ski slopes or hiking on nearby trails, you and your kids can play cozy board games, go for a swim in the pool, or simply spend some much-needed, distraction-free time together. Be sure to pack some wool socks and hot cocoa to complete the experience! Then, on-site dining means you don’t need to go far or spend too much planning your meals (including dining options for Christmas day). Finally, as one of the best resorts in northern Minnesota, Lutsen Resort also has several packages for families this winter.
Best Resorts in the Central Lakes Region this Christmas with Kids
The Central Lakes Region boasts two of the best family resorts in Minnesota for Christmas! Whether you need a little lakeside getaway, an indoor waterpark, or snowy outdoor adventures, these two resorts have everything you need for a festive Christmas with your kids! Keep reading to learn about some of our top picks for the best lake resorts in Minnesota this winter!
Grand View Lodge, Nisswa
Spend the holidays making memories with your kids at Grand View Lodge. Overlooking Gull Lake, this resort provides a picturesque destination for families to celebrate Christmas. With a wide array of accommodation options, including a boutique hotel experience and multi-bedroom townhomes, there is a style to fit every need and budget. Undoubtedly, it’s also one of Minnesota’s top resorts for winter cabin rentals!
While parents will love the on-site spa (talk about an excellent gift during your stay!), there is plenty to impress kids, too. Families can spend their days outside in the winter, hiking, snow tubing, and ice skating. They even offer horse-drawn wagon rides! Alternatively, have a great time playing together indoors at Northpark. Here, you will find a huge indoor pool with a waterslide, as well as a fitness center. Then, from specially designed Christmas activities to seasonal events, we promise you won’t hear the dreaded “I’m bored” while staying here. Finally, excellent on-site dining completes the stress-free holiday experience. Be sure to make reservations for the Christmas buffet. With so much to offer, it won’t surprise you that this is one of the best resorts in Minnesota with kids. Check out their winter packages here.
Quarterdeck Resort, Nisswa
Nestled along the west shore of Gull Lake, Quarterdeck Resort has been a Minnesota tradition since the 1950s. Several accommodation options, from traditional-style suites to cabins and lakeside condos, are just one of the many reasons that Quarterdeck Resort is one of the best lake resorts in Minnesota this winter. Some even include cozy fireplaces and full kitchens – ideal for creating an inviting holiday atmosphere for your family! Plus, its fantastic location near Nisswa and Brainerd means you’ll have tons of exciting ways to spend your holiday.
In the winter, families love spending their days ice fishing, snow tubing, hiking, and more. Located nearby, Crow Wing State Park is a fantastic place to hike and snowshoe during the snowy months. Then, when the sun goes down, head inside to warm up by the fire with a good book and a cup of hot cocoa. Families will also enjoy the live music and dining options on-site. No wonder this is one of the best family resorts in Minnesota for Christmas. Finally, be sure to check out all of their holiday packages for families.
Best Resorts near the Twin Cities this Christmas with Kids
You don’t have to go far to find some of the best family resorts in Minnesota for Christmas! In fact, the Twin Cities metro area and nearby cities (within about an hour of Minneapolis) feature an exciting array of options for families. Whether you are looking for a Minneapolis staycation or a quick, charming weekend getaway, these are some of the best resorts in Minnesota for families with kids.
Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis, Minneapolis
The only 5-star hotel in Minnesota, Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis is also one of the best places to celebrate Christmas with kids. Nestled in the North Loop neighborhood, its location puts you near some of the trendiest restaurants in Minneapolis. This includes Manny’s Steakhouse, which is traditionally open on Christmas day. You’ll also be right on Nicollet Mall, the main pedestrian area in Minneapolis.
As one of the best resorts in Minnesota with kids, select from spacious guest rooms or suites to book your holiday stay. Parents will adore the luxury spa and newly opened sauna experience. Then, kids will love spending time hanging out in the pool. There are on-site dining options, too, including complimentary dining for children under 5 years old. Private dining is also available for families who want to create a unique holiday menu just for them. Finally, the Four Seasons Nordic Village completes the holiday experience. It’s located on the hotel’s rooftop terrace and is open Saturdays + Sundays from now into January 2024. Don’t miss the Four Seasons’ featured package offers here.
The Saint Paul Hotel, Saint Paul
Looking for a charming hotel in the middle of Saint Paul’s best Christmas experiences for families? The Saint Paul Hotel is your answer. Not to mention, one of the best Minnesota hotels for families. Known for its sophisticated atmosphere, The Saint Paul Hotel has everything you need for a luxury Christmas getaway with kids. Elegant guest rooms and suites offer cozy comfort for families this holiday season. After you book your room, make reservations for the hotel’s favorite holiday tradition: dinner and a telling of It’s a Wonderful Life.
Overlooking Rice Park and the historic Landmark Center, staying at The Saint Paul Hotel puts you within walking distance of ice skating and a highly decorated plaza. Start your stay with a holiday show at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts. Then, check out the nearby European Christmas Market and the GLOW Holiday Festival. After a full day of exploring everything Saint Paul offers this Christmas, head back to the hotel to enjoy a quiet evening together. On-site dining means you can indulge without going too far. You can even schedule an Afternoon Tea to treat your favorite people. Finally, you can review their special packages here.
St. James Hotel, Red Wing
Less than 75 minutes from Minneapolis, St. James Hotel is a lovely option for a holiday getaway with kids. In fact, it’s been a family-owned and a holiday tradition since 1875. Set against the Mississippi River and the scenic bluffs of Red Wing, families will love escaping the city for a charming small-town ambiance. Choose from upscale guest rooms or suites to start your stay. Need a little more space during your Christmas visit? They also offer an apartment-style suite. As one of Minnesota’s best family hotels and resorts for Christmas, kids 10 and under stay free!
While there is no on-site pool, you can use complimentary Red Wing Family YMCA Guest Passes during your stay. Nearby, you will find several family-friendly things to do. This includes everything from outdoor adventures to theatrical performances. Outdoorsy families will love exploring Frontenac State Park and the National Eagle Center. Meanwhile, shopping enthusiasts will find unique shops and boutiques to fulfill any last-minute holiday shopping needs. Plus, holiday events abound, from enchanting decorations to dinner at the St. James Hotel. When you’re ready to eat, there are on-site dining options, as well as several trendy restaurants nearby. Finally, you will find their holiday packages here.
Great Wolf Lodge Water Park Minneapolis / Bloomington, Minnesota
Did your kids make the nice list this year? Book a holiday getaway just for them at Great Wolf Lodge Water Park Minneapolis / Bloomington. Located near the Mall of America, which offers its own holiday fun, there are endless family-friendly activities to keep kids happy. Not to mention, multiple accommodation options, including family suites, themed rooms, and bunk bed rooms. During the holidays, the hotel also features Snowland. This immersive winter wonderland is filled with seasonal events, winter activities, crafts, visits with Santa Claus, and more (available through January 8).
As one of the best hotels and resorts in Minnesota with kids, you won’t even need to leave the property to fill your itinerary. Start by splashing together at the indoor water park. With multiple water slides, a lazy river, zero-depth entry spaces, and more water activities, kids of all ages will have a blast here! Afterward, older kids can check out MagiQuest and the climbing wall. Meanwhile, the whole family will love the mini bowling alley and character meet-and-greet opportunities. You can even finalize your Christmas shopping with their on-site stores, including a Build-A-Bear Workshop. When tummies get hungry, there are several great on-site dining options, including pizza, ice cream, and a Dunkin’ Donuts. Plus, you can leave the Christmas cooking to them, as they traditionally offer a special holiday meal. Lastly, parents will also appreciate their deals and package options.
We hope you liked our picks for best Minnesota Resorts to Spend Christmas.
Happy Holidays!
We hope you found this article featuring the 9 best family resorts in Minnesota for Christmas helpful in planning a holiday getaway with your kids. From alpine skiing to indoor waterparks, these Minnesota resorts and hotels feature endless opportunities for you to make festive memories and connect with your kids. Because, isn’t that what this special season is all about?
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. She shares all things family travel, outdoor adventures, and their favorite foodie finds.
