The most wonderful time of the year is here! There’s nothing quite like the collective gasp when the community tree lights flicker to life for the very first time each year. To help you be a part of that magic, we’ve put together a big list of Minnesota tree lighting festivals, ceremonies and celebrations!
Gathering together under newly lit glowing lights to welcome the holidays as a community is a wonderful kickoff to the holiday season. Streets fill with music, storefronts shine a little brighter, and community traditions—some decades old, others newly created—begin to take center stage.
This guide to Minnesota’s tree lighting ceremonies brings together the most memorable and heartwarming events happening across the state. From charming small towns to lively city celebrations, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the magic, community, and creativity that make our Minnesota holiday season truly unforgettable.
Did we miss your city or town? Just drop us an email and we’ll get it added!
Minnesota’s Best Tree Lightings and Holiday Festivities
This list of holiday tree lighting celebrations and ceremonies alphabetized by city. Please let us know of any events we can add to this list!
Anoka
Anoka Tree Lighting at the River Plaza
December 6
Join the Anoka community at River Plaza for a festive evening filled with joy. Expect to see Santa and Mrs. Claus, horse-drawn trolley rides, live reindeer, and a warm bonfire as the city lights up its holiday tree.
Apple Valley
Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at Apple Valley Municipal Center
November 25
Gather at the Apple Valley Municipal Center, where the holiday tree lighting kicks off the season with carols, cocoa, and community warmth in a family-friendly ceremony.
Blaine
Blaine Winter Celebration at Tom Ryan Park & City Hall Atrium
November 30
Blaine hosts a festive evening with bonfires, s’mores, visits from Santa and live reindeer, plus music and lights — perfect for families and the whole community to celebrate the season together.
Breckenridge
Breckenridge Tree Lighting Holiday Event at Family Community Center
December 1
Enjoy the holiday magic in downtown Breckenridge with community carols, a tree lighting, festive treats, and fun for families of all ages.
Bemidji
Night We Light at Bemidji Visitors Center
November 29
Bemidji celebrates with a dazzling tree lighting, festive music, cocoa, and fun winter activities for the whole family.
Burnsville
Burnsville Winter Lighting Ceremony at Nicollet Commons Park
November 27
Head over for Burnsville’s annual lighting ceremony, featuring over 200,000 mini lights, a towering Christmas tree, holiday carols, and hot cocoa for all.
Carver
Gazebo Park Lights Up at Carver’s Gazebo Park
December 6
Visit Carver’s Gazebo Park for an evening of live holiday music, tree lighting, cocoa, and community celebration under sparkling lights.
Champlin
Champlin Holiday Tree Lighting at Mississippi Crossings
December 5
Champlin’s tree lighting event features caroling, hot drinks, festive decorations, and a joyful atmosphere for families and neighbors to celebrate the holidays.
Chanhassen
Chanhassen Tree Lighting & Holiday Events at City Center Park
December 7
Celebrate at City Center Park with caroling, bonfires, Santa’s reindeer, gingerbread houses, s’mores, and a ceremonial tree lighting. The evening continues with a neighborhood tour of holiday lights.
Cook County
Oh Ole Night Parade & Fireworks at Wisconsin Street
November 28
Cook County welcomes the holiday season with a parade, fireworks, tree lighting, and community festivities by the waterfront.
Centerville
Centerville Tree Lighting Celebration at City Hall
November 19
Centerville’s town center fills with lights, music, and holiday cheer, including a ceremonial lighting of the community Christmas tree.
Dayton
Dayton Holiday Tree Lighting at Dayton City Hall
December 4
Dayton’s holiday celebration features the lighting of the city tree, seasonal music, hot beverages, and a welcoming community environment for families.
Eagan
Eagan Community Tree Lighting at Eagan Community Center
December 2
Join Eagan residents for a festive evening as the city lights up its holiday tree, accompanied by music, treats, and family-friendly activities.
Edina
50th & France Holiday Celebration at Eagan Community Center
December 14
Stroll the charming 50th & France district for carriage rides, carolers, holiday shopping, and a countdown to light the Christmas tree — combining small business support with holiday spirit.
Enrichment (East North Metro)
East North Metro Holiday Events at City/Fire Hall Parking Lot
December 6
This regional event series offers community tree lightings, music, cocoa, and family-friendly activities across multiple towns in the East North Metro area.
Fergus Falls
Over the River Holiday Festival at Otter Tail River
December 13
Fergus Falls hosts a festive holiday weekend with a tree lighting, live entertainment, holiday markets, and seasonal activities along the Otter Tail River.
Forest Lake
Forest Lake Hometown Holiday at Lakeside Memorial Park
December 5
Lakeside Memorial Park comes alive with live music, a petting zoo, cocoa, s’mores, and a festive tree lighting perfect for family fun.
Harmony
Harmony Holiday Events at Selvig Park
December 6
Harmony hosts seasonal festivities, including tree lighting, community crafts, local treats, and family-friendly activities celebrating the holiday spirit.
Lake Elmo
Light Up Lake Elmo at Downtown Lake Elmo
December 6
Downtown Lake Elmo hosts a festive night with Santa visits, crafts, music, and a ceremonial tree lighting — the perfect kickoff for the holiday season.
Lindström
Lindström Tree Lighting Festival at Lindström’s Memorial Park for
December 6
Celebrate Scandinavian-inspired holiday magic in downtown Lindström with carols, bonfires, cookies, cocoa, and the ceremonial lighting of a beautifully decorated tree.
Minneapolis (North Loop)
4th Annual Tree Lighting at The Nordic
December 4
Enjoy live music, hot drinks, donuts, Santa and reindeer, elves, and a tree-lighting countdown at North Loop’s Nordic Plaza — fun for all ages.
Minnetrista
Minnetrista Holiday Tree Lighting at Minnetrista City Hall
December 4
Families gather at Minnetrista City Hall for a warm holiday evening with cocoa, bonfires, Santa’s visit, and the ceremonial tree lighting.
New Prague
New Prague Chamber Holiday Celebration at Main Street
December 5
New Prague celebrates the holidays with festive lights, community music, family activities, and a ceremonial tree lighting.
New Ulm
Official Tree Lighting at German Park
November 28
New Ulm’s official lighting ceremony features music, cocoa, and family activities with the mayor flipping the switch to illuminate the city’s holiday tree.
Oakdale
Tree Lighting with Santa at City Hall
December 4
Gather in Oakdale for a holiday evening featuring Santa’s arrival, festive music, warm drinks, and the lighting of the city tree at City Hall — a charming moment to bring the community together.
Ramsey
Ramsey Holiday Tree Lighting at Ramsey Municipal Center
December 2
Join the city’s annual community tree lighting from 6 PM to 8 PM as the tree glows at 6 PM and the evening unfolds with hot cocoa and cookies, Santa photo ops, kids’ holiday crafts, and a toy‑and‑coat drive hosted by the local Lions Club.
Robbinsdale
Robbinsdale Holiday Tree Lighting at Robbinsdale City Hall
December 2
Celebrate in Robbinsdale with festive decorations, carols, hot drinks, and a community-centered tree-lighting ceremony.
Rogers
Rogers Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at 21st Century Bank Event Center
December 5
Enjoy family fun at the 21st Century Bank Event Center with caroling, hot chocolate, treats, and the ceremonial flipping of the switch to light the holiday tree.
St. Joseph
JoeTown WinterWalk Festival at Church of Saint Joseph Lawn
December 5
Stroll through Joetown’s charming winter wonderland in this community-driven festival filled with holiday lights, local vendors, music, and hot drinks. The event weaves together small-town magic and seasonal warmth in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
St. Paul
Holiday Tree Lighting at Union Depot
December 6
The celebration starts with the reveal of the St. Paul Winter Carnival 2026 Button, live concert by The Mistletones and holiday activities. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, photo ops, craft stations and giveaways for kids.
Mears Park Holiday Lights Ceremony at Mears Park
November 22
Downtown Lowertown comes alive with caroling, warm drinks, and a communal countdown as festive lights illuminate the park — a cozy, inclusive way to start the holidays.
Rice Park Tree Lighting at Rice Park
November 15
Live music, holiday photo ops and hot cocoa all lead up to the flipping of the giant switch turning downtown Rice Park into a twinkling winter wonderland, featuring a 40′ fully lit, decorated tree.
Stillwater
Twinkle Weekend & City Tree Lighting at Stillwater
December 7
During Twinkle Weekend in Stillwater, enjoy downtown festivities and the big tree lighting by the river to bring the community together in the holiday spirit.
Waconia
Tree Lighting in the Park at City Square Park
November 28
City Square Park glows with holiday cheer as the community gathers for cocoa, music, a visit from Santa, and the ceremonial lighting of the tree.
Waverly
Waverly Holiday Tree Lighting at Waverly Village Hall
November 29
Celebrate in Waverly with community caroling, lights, and a holiday tree lighting ceremony for families to enjoy together.
Wyoming
Wyoming Holiday Tree Lighting at Railroad Park
December 6
Gather with the Wyoming community for a cozy evening of carols, hot beverages, and a festive tree lighting in the town center.
Thrifty Tips for Attending Tree Lightings
Most tree lighting ceremonies are completely free! Here are a few ways to make the most of your festive outing:
- Pack Your Own Cocoa: Many events offer complimentary hot chocolate, but save yourself the line (and possibly fee) by bringing a thermos of your favorite homemade brew.
- Dress for Waiting: Even if the event is only an hour long, the most thrilling part is often the countdown, which requires standing still. Plan to dress in layers, especially for the kids!
- Bring a Letter: If the event features Santa, check if they accept “Letters to Santa.” This saves you a separate trip and is a cherished holiday tradition.
- Look for Free Activities: Most events list extra perks like free crafts, trolley rides, or concerts—plan your arrival time around the activity you want to hit the most.
We hope this guide helps you find the perfect way to start your holiday season!
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