Meander thru this Hometown Holiday Weekend, Celebrate Hollidazzle and Lucia. Skate, Ski, Fish, Get Scared, Enjoy the Lights, Magical Performances, Santa and Soup!
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
Dec. 5-7, St. Paul
Landmark Center’s Old Fashioned Holiday Bazaar
‘Tis the season for holiday cheer and shopping! Landmark Center will open its doors for their 40th Annual Landmark Center Old Fashioned Holiday Bazaar featuring 75 booths of beautiful and unique handcrafted gift items by the area’s finest artist. Festive music and delicious treats add to the enjoyment of this special holiday shopping opportunity. Landmark Center. 651-292-3225
Dec. 6-7, Afton
Afton Village Holiday Weekend
Kick-off your holidays in the quaint and picturesque village of Afton. Friday evening, enjoy free horse & wagon rides, carolers, ice skating at Town Square Park, festive food & drink specials, and the Lighting of the Village Christmas Tree. On Saturday, there will be strolling carolers, free horse & wagon rides, skating, self-guided historic walking tours, and Family Day festivities at numerous Afton merchants. 651-436-8883
Dec. 6-8, St. Paul
St. Paul Ice Fishing & Winter Sports Show
Shop more than 190 exhibit booths featuring products and services dedicated to the die-hard ice angler. View all new ice fishing products, including fish houses, augers, underwater cameras, digital fish finders, rods and reels, tackle, accessories, apparel and more. Whether you are an avid fisherman looking for a few new accessories, an experienced angler in need of an upgrade, or totally new to the ice fishing scene, you will find what you are looking for at this show! St. Paul RiverCentre Convention Center Complex. 651-265-4800
Dec. 6, 7, 13 & 14, Roseville
Wreck the Halls: Haunted Basement presents “The Workshop”
‘Tis the season to be…scary? For thirteen years, the Haunted Basement has built a reputation as one of the top October stops on the Twin Cities scare circuit. Its annual haunt is known for interactive, artist-driven designs and absurdist psychological horror. Still lurking in Rosedale Shopping Center’s lower southeast corner, The Workshop will invite brave patrons—18 and older—to explore a disturbing den of yuletide terror. Rosedale Shopping Center. 612-444-2191
Dec. 6 – Feb. 22, St. Paul
Destination Winter Saint Paul
Destination Winter Saint Paul is bringing a one-of-a-kind experience to Lowertown. All ages will enjoy the relocation of Wells Fargo WinterSkate from Landmark Plaza to the playing surface at CHS Field, as well as the return of the 40-foot Securian SuperSlide for the first time since Super Bowl LII. CHS Field. 651-644-6659
Dec. 7, Maple Grove
Minnesota Nordic Ski Opener
Embrace winter by celebrating cross-country skiing at the 3rd Annual Minnesota Nordic Ski Opener! Skiers of all abilities and ages are invited to kick off winter with free skiing, free rental equipment and free mini lessons. Participate in the Ski Tour with routes for the whole family, ski with Goldy and other mascots, and check out the Nordic Ski Expo with reps from 50 Nordic ski suppliers, resorts, retailers and clubs. Kids can test their skills at a fun ski obstacle course. Activities are on and off the snow, so come dressed for the weather. Elm Creek Park Reserve. 763-559-9000
Dec. 7, St. Paul
Grand Meander
A beloved tradition, Grand Meander combines the charm of historic Grand Avenue and the cozy communal spirit of the holidays. The day features Santa, art shows, carolers, trolley rides, signature soup tasting contest, a petting zoo, holiday performances and many free family-friendly activities. Grand Avenue. 651-699-0029
Dec. 7-8, Minneapolis
Julmarknad – ASI’s Holiday Market
Julmarknad is the American Swedish Institute’s holiday market and festival — one of the ASI’s most popular weekends! There will be handmade items for sale by more than 40 talented local and regional artists, and the ASI Museum Store and Jul Shop will sell Nordic and Nordic-inspired gifts. The celebration continues with performances, crafts and festival food by FIKA. The museum is open for festival goers to browse the decorated holiday rooms. American Swedish Institute. 612-871-4907
Dec. 7, 14 & 21, Excelsior
Christmas in Excelsior
Christmas in Excelsior is a magical time. Trees are adorned with white lights, old-fashioned lamp poles entwined with evergreens and holly, and snow-covered streets filled with bustling shoppers. On Dec. 7, kids will enjoy a free movie and visits with Santa, along with carolers, wagon rides, carriage rides, chili dinner with Santa, and the lighting of the Veteran’s Memorial Tree. On Dec 14 & 21, the Masonic Lodge will host Santa, and there will be a Hot Cocoa Bar and wagon rides. Downtown Excelsior. 952-474-6461
Dec. 8, Scandia
Lucia Dagen
Welcome the Jul season with the celebration of Lucia. Follow the candlelit pathway to the GammelKyrkan for a brief Swedish prayer service. (Dress warmly – this church dates back to 1856 and has no heat.) Afterwards, cross the street to the Community Center for a full Lucia Jul Fest Breakfast with special guests; the Svenskarnas Dag Girls’ Choir which presents their lovely music program that honors Lucia and her ministry of bringing light into darkness. Gammelgarden Museum. 651-433-5053
Event highlights around the state this week include:
Dec. 5-8, Owatonna
Hometown Holiday Weekend
Dec. 7, Litchfield
Pioneer Christmas
Dec. 6-8, Park Rapids
Heart of the Holidays and More Festive Events
Dec. 6-8, Knife River
Julebyen Christmas Village
For a list of fun activities for friends and family this holiday season, be sure to check out 12 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays in Minnesota!
Event Information provided by Explore MN.