Hollidazzle starts today!!! It’s Minneapolis’ premier winter event, and it’s FREE! Sip, shop, skate, eat and enjoy fireworks with the city as a backdrop in beautiful Loring Park.
Get in the Holiday Spirit with community light celebrations and festivals, plenty of handcrafted goods for any taste.
Experience a flight over the North Pole, have your pic taken with a reindeer, or take a guided tour of the James J. Hill mansion and learn about the many Christmas traditions of the Hill family.
After all, it’s the perfect season for holiday traditions and creating memories.
Nov. 8 – Jan. 5, Shakopee
Sever’s Holiday Lights
Drive along and enjoy more than 1,000,000 lights synchronized to classic holiday tunes for an unforgettable new Twin Cities tradition. Stay in the comfort and warmth of your own vehicle while enjoying this one-of-a-kind magical display. Sip on hot cocoa and snack on mini donuts, caramel popcorn and other treats from Drew’s Concessions. Sever’s new site at 3121 W 150th Street. 952-270-6293
Nov. 15 – Dec. 23, Wayzata
Arts of the Holidays
During Arts of the Holidays, you can shop fine arts and crafts by more than 130 local artists, selected for character and value, and perfect for holiday giving. This is a great way to shop local and support the arts, all in a relaxing setting. Lunch is available Mondays through Fridays. Minnetonka Center for the Arts. 952-473-7361
Nov. 21 – Jan. 2, Bloomington
Take Flight to the North Pole at FlyOver America!
FlyOver America will transform into a magical winter wonderland for the holiday season. Guests will have fun helping Santa search for his missing elves during an exhilarating flight across America and onto the North Pole. It’s time to take your holiday traditions to new heights! Mall of America. 952-853-6000
Nov. 22 – Dec. 31, Stillwater
Hometown for the Holidays
Historic Main Street Stillwater will come alive with Christmas lights, decorations and events for a month-long celebration. Kicking-off on Black Friday and running through New Year’s Eve, enjoy costumed Victorian carolers, strolling Santa, Christmas at the Courthouse Gala & Bazaar, “It’s a Wonderful Life” at the Zephyr Theatre, performances of “The Nutcracker,” B&B tours, free horse-drawn Victorian wagonette rides along the river, shopping specials, a Twinkle Parade with live music and Santa, live reindeer, Breakfast with Santa, holiday cooking classes, and much more. Get in the old-fashioned holiday spirit! Historic Main Street. 651-351-1717; 651-275-7075
Nov. 22 – Jan. 5 (Fridays through Sundays), Chaska
Winter in Bloom Lights Display
Outdoor and indoor holiday lights celebrate the season! Indoors, find the Great Hall of Trees with a live poinsettia tree and decorated trees with nature-inspired ornaments and greens. Outside, enjoy a self-guided walking tour of lighted nature-inspired installations and more. Other highlights include hot family-friendly food in the cafe, a cash bar, live music Saturdays and Sundays, and free shuttle service Friday and Saturday nights. Winter in Bloom will also be open Dec. 23, and the week of Dec. 26 through Jan. 2. Inquire about additional special holiday events offered during the month of December! Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. 612-624-2200
Nov. 27 – Dec. 29 (Sundays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays), St. Paul
Christmas Traditions Guided House Tour
Get in the holiday spirit with a guided tour of the James J. Hill mansion and learn about the many Christmas traditions of the Hill family and their servants. James J. Hill House. 651-297-2555
Nov. 29 – Dec. 1, Taylors Falls
Taylors Falls Lighting Festival
This outstanding festival features a weekend of holiday events and activities for all ages including programs at Interstate Park, an Art Fair at the Depot, the Grand Lighting and Santa Parade, free trolley rides, Holiday Booya, free wagon rides, Mrs. Claus at the library, Santaland, a variety of craft fairs, tours of the 1855 Folsom House Historic Site and private homes all decked-out for the holidays, a medallion hunt, puppet show, Vespers, Poetry and StorySlam, cash bingo, Irish dancers, St. Croix Valley Orchestra and more! Venues throughout Historic Stillwater. 651-707-3541
Nov. 29 – Dec. 1, Excelsior
Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt
The Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt is an annual three-day German-theme Christmas Festival filled with activities to celebrate the holiday season. Enjoy the Grande Parade, open-air market featuring German Christmas traditions and delicious treats, shopping for traditional gifts and unique treasures, and visit with family and friends at the beer garden. The children’s KinderWorld includes story-telling, face painting, Mrs. Christmas, puppet shows, Frozen Princesses, music, performers and more. The NorthPole Trolley operates during the festival and features Father Christmas listening to your Christmas wishes. Also visit the live Alaskan reindeer for the perfect photo opportunity! Downtown Excelsior. 952-292-8898
Nov. 29 – Dec. 22 (Thursdays through Sundays), Minneapolis
Holidazzle
Holidazzle is Minneapolis’ premier holiday celebration. This free event is filled with activities including ice skating with complimentary skates available, fireworks, movies, a Kids’ Zone, interactive art, festive lighting and more. Enjoy local foods, beverages and gift items along the way. Holidazzle is about holiday traditions and creating memories. Loring Park. 612-376-7669; 612-338-3807
Nov. 30 – Dec. 1, St. Paul
Hmong New Year
The 41st Annual Hmong New Year celebrates Minnesota’s Hmong Community. This event draws over 35,000 spectators each year to experience the rich Hmong culture through dancing and singing competitions, as well as food and merchandise vendors. Minnesota Monthly calls this one of the best holiday events of the season! Saint Paul RiverCentre Convention Center Complex. 651-265-4800
Event highlights around the state this week include:
Nov. 29 – Dec. 31, Mankato
Kiwanis Holiday Lights
Nov. 29 – Dec. 1, Taylors Falls
Taylors Falls Lighting Festival
Nov. 29 – Dec. 8, Little Falls
Little Falls Christmas Tours
Nov. 30, Longville/Walker
Community Christmas Lighting Celebration & Festival of Lights
Nov. 30, Ely
Small Town Christmas & Holiday Parade
Event Info provided by ExploreMN