Gather the Family to Dive into These 4 Local Events Dripping in Holiday Magic!
The Twin Cities area is sparkling this holiday season, offering families a variety of festive experiences tailored to every taste. From the comfort of a car in Shakopee to a winter wonderland across the border in Wisconsin and a classic town square celebration in Maple Grove and a glistening winter wonderland setting at Mall of Americaâ, families are making unforgettable memories at Severs’ Holiday Lights, Santa at The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, Miracle at Big Rock Creek, and the Winter Wonderland Pop-Up Jingle Bar at The Fair on 4 at MOA®
Sever’s Holiday Lights: A Dazzling Drive-Through Experience in Shakopee
Runs 11/27 – 12/28
For those chilly nights when staying in the car is ideal, Sever’s Holiday Lights in Shakopee offers a unique solution for the whole family, from a newborn to grandparents in their 90s.
Drive through the nearly two-mile course with over 2.5 million lights synchronized to upbeat holiday music. Enjoy a back-lit forest, hanging globes, and massive floodlights that create a one-of-a-kind holiday light show. Check out the 3D gift box that is more than 24 feet tall and 24 feet wide! Drive around the family of drum giants constructed with translucent liquid drums, and don’t miss the Selfie Park, which features multiple lit installations for #perfectpics. Learn more at: http://www.seversholidaylights.com/.
Sever’s Holiday Lights is open 7 days a week, starting Thanksgiving day to December 28.
Get tickets and more details at https://seversfestivals.com/collections/holiday-lights
Santa at The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes: A Classic Community Celebration
12/6, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The afternoon is packed with holiday cheer, including horse-drawn carriage rides, Christmas carolers, and Santa’s Workshop with kids’ activities. The main attraction for many is the festive “Parade of Lights,” culminating in Santa himself lighting the 18-foot Christmas tree in the roundabout, a moment of pure magic for young attendees. The open-air setting, complete with fire pits and diverse shopping options, allows families to combine holiday fun while also tackling their shopping list.
Learn more at: https://www.shoppesatarborlakes.com/event/30386-santa-at-the-shoppes.
Miracle at Big Rock Creek: An Immersive Winter Wonderland in St. Croix Falls
Runs 11/28 – 1/3
Just a short drive across the border, Miracle at Big Rock Creek offers an immersive, walk-through experience with over 25 million lights spread across acres of historic grounds. This event goes beyond a simple light display, creating a full-blown Christmas village atmosphere. Check out the 17 themed areas, including Miracle Moon, Smoreland, Whoville, Singing Trees, Frozenland, our newest attraction – The Ice Age Trail, and more! Families can enjoy sledding hills, cozy fire pits for making s’mores, food trucks, and a charming artisan marketplace in the historic barn. Visits with Santa, live music, and even fireworks on select nights round out the offerings.
For details on tickets, hours, and location, go to:
https://www.miracleatbigrock.com
A Dreamy Holiday Atmosphere, The Fair on 4’s Winter Wonderland Jingle Bar at MOA
Runs 11/14 to mid-January 2026
This unique experience provides the perfect blend of holiday spirit and year-round entertainment, making it a hit for both children and adults. While parents enjoy the glittery magic of the pop-up jingle bar, with handcrafted cocktails and seasonal menu items, children have a wide array of activities to keep them entertained. Gather the family for photos at the three Instagram stations filled with holiday décor for that perfect pic.
Learn more at: https://thefairon4.com
Related Article: Your Family’s Guide to the Holidays in Minnesota
