The Ultimate Minnesota Holiday Events & Attractions Roundup (Beyond the Lights!)

While we love dazzling light displays, the holidays in Minnesota offer so much more! From festive markets and craft nights to theatrical performances and free visits with Santa, we’ve gathered all the individual event posts we’ve shared this year into one comprehensive list.

 Click the links below for the full details on dates, locations, times, and any ticketing information for these must-do Minnesota holiday traditions!

🚂 Parades & Seasonal Transportation

• Canadian Pacific Holiday Train
  • Details on the train’s route, stops, and schedule across Minnesota.

🎭 Theater & Performances

• Twin Cities Nutcracker Performances + Discount Tickets
  • A roundup of various Nutcracker performances across the Twin Cities and ways to save on tickets.
• Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical
  • This family-friendly holiday musical returns to Stages for some holiday fun.
• Circus Juventas Holiday Show: Solstice
  • Information on showtimes, tickets, and the theme for this spectacular annual circus performance.
• Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas at Children’s Theatre Company
  • Details on showtimes and tickets for this classic holiday production.
• Santa Alberts Annual Holiday Play
  • Find event specifics for this local holiday theatrical tradition.

🎁 Markets, Crafts, & Shopping

• Your Guide to Minnesota’s Best Holiday Boutiques and Christmas Markets
  • A roundup of all the best holiday markets, shopping events, and craft fairs across the state.
• The Holiday Market at Malcolm Yards in St. Paul
  • All the details on this popular market, including dates and times.
• Holiday Bake Sale at Union Depot
  • Information on this sweet annual event.
• Christmas Craft Night at Appleberrys Attic
  • Details on this creative evening, including cost and location.
• European Christmas Market at Union Depot
  Details on this festive outdoor market with vendors, food, and holiday fun in St. Paul.
• Secret Holiday Shop Events for Kids
  • Details on where kids can shop for gifts for family members.

🏛️ Historic & Cultural Celebrations

• Christmas Village Dakota City
  • Full details on the immersive holiday experience at Dakota City Heritage Village in Farmington.
• Drive-Through Live Nativity Events
  • A list of churches and organizations offering safe, drive-through nativity scenes.
• An Eidem Farm Christmas
  • Details on this historic, festive event in Brooklyn Park.
• Holiday Flower Show
  • Details on the traditional seasonal flower show at its venue.
• Gingerbread Wonderland
  • Details on visiting this festive attraction.

❄️ Winter Festivals, Walks & Attractions

• Winterfest in White Bear Lake
  • Information on the community’s annual multi-day winter celebration.
• Minnesota Tree Lighting Celebrations
  Find tree lighting ceremonies near you, from St. Paul and Minneapolis to small-town celebrations.
• Free Photos with Santa in Minnesota
  Where to see Santa and get photos for free or for less.
• Northfield’s Winter Walk
  • Details on Northfield’s annual community winter event with various family activities.
• Festival of Trees at Mall of America
  • Information on viewing the beautifully decorated tree display at MOA.
• The Dayton’s Elves on Saunders Ave. in St. Paul
  • Information on viewing the famous animated elves display, a nod to the former Dayton’s department store tradition.
• See Santa for FREE at Split Rock Lighthouse in Two Harbors
  • Details on visiting Santa at this iconic North Shore location.
• 2026 Santa’s Wonderland at Cabela’s
  • Find out how to get a FREE photo with Santa and participate in other free activities.

✨ Shine On Minneapolis

Shine On Minneapolis is a NEW holiday and winter campaign spotlighting more than 530 events in downtown Minneapolis this season, from holiday shows and live music to markets and Santa visits.

It all kicks off with a FREE block party on Nicollet Mall on Black Friday, November 27, from 5–10 p.m. (between 7th and 12th Streets). Highlights include:

• Kids’ crafts, mascot visits, and live music in the IDS Center Crystal Court starting at 5 p.m.
• The lighting of an artist-made holiday tree on Peavey Plaza at 7 p.m. (see more in our Minnesota tree lighting roundup)
• The first official snowball toss and the World Marshmallow Roasting Championship
• A DJ dance party on the street from 7–10 p.m.
• A Minneapolis Farmers Market Christmas tree lot on Peavey Plaza, open Fridays through Sundays all season while supplies last

Throughout the season, look for “Sounds of the Season” live music in downtown bars and restaurants from Thanksgiving through December, giant musical holiday art on Nicollet Mall, holiday performances, and shopping at spots like Dayton’s Holiday Market and Holidays on Nicollet at IDS. See the full calendar on the Shine On Minneapolis website.