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.
• Elf the Musical Jr. at Stages Theatre Company
  • Show details and ticket info for this family-friendly holiday musical.
• 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.
• 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.
• Northfield’s Winter Walk
  • Details on Northfield’s annual community winter event with various family activities.
• Illuminate Festival of Lights at Maplewood Mall
  • Information on the festival, activities, and tree lighting at the mall.
• 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.
• Family Christmas Party at Midtown Global Market
  • Information on this free event, featuring crafts, choirs, and more.
• Christmas at the Haus (Schram Haus Brewery)
  • Information on the family fun, including llamas and live holiday music.
• See Santa for FREE at Split Rock Lighthouse in Two Harbors
  • Details on visiting Santa at this iconic North Shore location.
• 2025 Santa’s Wonderland at Cabela’s
  • Find out how to get a FREE photo with Santa and participate in other free activities.

Let me know if you have