Invisible link to canonical for Microformats

Last updated: November 11, 2024

Celebrate the joy of the season in Andover with our ultimate guide. Whether Andover is your home or your holiday getaway, our guide highlights the top festive events.

One event to experience is the GLOW Holiday Festival, where stunning light displays create a magical atmosphere for families to enjoy. Emphasizing a European flair, the European Christmas Market features handcrafted gifts and delightful seasonal treats that capture the essence of holiday traditions. And the Rice Park Tree Lighting Ceremony is something you definitely don't want to miss, as the community gathers to watch the sparkling lights illuminate the beautiful park. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!

Contact information and details below.

Andover Holiday Light Displays

What to Expect:

Family-friendly event with live music and festive activities.

Description:

Join Minnesota Vikings legend Cris Carter at the Salvation Army's Kettle Kickoff Tree Lighting Ceremony in Rice Park, downtown St. Paul. The event features musical performances by Kat Perkins and Jovonta Patton, free cookies and hot chocolate, appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus, and the lighting of a 40-foot-tall tree with 25,000 lights.

Where: St Paul | More Info: Rice Park Tree Lighting Ceremony

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Interactive light displays and thrilling zip line experience.

Description:

GLOW Holiday Festival at CHS Field in St. Paul, MN, features over a million twinkling lights, interactive displays, and festive activities like the Vixen’s Zip Line and Giant Snowy Slide.

Where: St Paul | More Info: GLOW Holiday Festival

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Holiday tree lighting with live performances and Santa visits.

Description:

The Edina Tree Lighting Ceremony is a festive event featuring holiday-themed activities, including visits with Santa, holiday wreath sales, and live performances by the Platinum Dance Company. The main event is the lighting of a themed holiday tree, accompanied by warm refreshments and special events at local businesses.

Where: Edina | More Info: Edina Tree Lighting Ceremony

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Live reindeer and special visit from Santa.

Description:

The Chanhassen Tree Lighting Ceremony is a festive event featuring live reindeer, treats, bonfires, s'mores, carolers, and a special visit from Santa. The annual lighting of City Center Park's holiday lights makes this event a highlight of the season.

Where: Chanhassen | More Info: Chanhassen Tree Lighting Ceremony

Event Organizer?

Andover Holiday Markets and Shopping

What to Expect:

Authentic traditional holiday market with handmade European crafts and local delicacies.

Description:

The European Christmas Market in St. Paul offers a unique shopping experience with over 70 vendors, live entertainment, and European-style food. Visitors can enjoy gift shopping, kids' craft activities, and festive performances.

Where: St Paul | More Info: European Christmas Market

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Live reindeer and traditional German food.

Description:

The Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt is a German-themed Christmas festival featuring a grand parade, live reindeer, and traditional German food. Enjoy activities like storytelling, face painting, and visits with Father Christmas. The event includes a variety of vendors selling handmade ornaments and unique gifts.

Where: Excelsior | More Info: Christmas in Excelsior (Chriskindlsmarkt)

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Live holiday music and kids' secret shopping spree.

Description:

The Blaine Winter Celebration at Tom Ryan Park features live holiday music, s'mores by the fire, hot chocolate, and the lighting of the park with beautiful lights. Children can participate in a kids' secret holiday shopping spree inside Blaine City Hall, with gifts ranging from $1 to $11 and free gift wrapping. Santa and his reindeer will be present, though Santa will not be available for individual visits or photographs.

Where: Blaine | More Info: Blaine Winter Celebration

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Holiday celebration with Santa visits and local shopping.

Description:

Grand Meander is a holiday event on Grand Avenue where you can shop local, enjoy holiday treats, and experience special visits from Santa and carolers. The event features a soup tasting contest, storefront holiday décor contest, and various sponsorships.

Where: St Paul | More Info: Grand Meander

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Unique local artisans and handmade crafts.

Description:

The Andover Holiday Artisan Market and Craft Fair is a vibrant event featuring local artisans showcasing handmade crafts, unique gifts, and seasonal treats. Visitors can explore a variety of stalls offering everything from jewelry and textiles to baked goods and specialty foods.

Where: Andover | More Info: Andover Holiday Artisan Market and Craft Fair

Event Organizer?

Andover Holiday Shows and Entertainment

What to Expect:

Free community event with holiday entertainment, tree lighting, and movie night.

Description:

Join Union Depot for the annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration & Movie Night, featuring a holiday performance by The Mistletones, tree lighting ceremony, fireworks display, and a showing of the holiday favorite, Elf. Enjoy free cider, photo ops, craft stations, and light-up wand giveaways for kids. Visit the European Christmas Market on the East Plaza for unique, handmade holiday gifts and decorations.

Where: St Paul | More Info: Union Depot Holiday Tree Lighting & Movie Night

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

High-energy holiday concert with reimagined classics.

Description:

Luminare Christmas is a high-energy holiday tradition led by John Blasucci, former keyboardist for Dennis DeYoung (STYX) and Mannheim Steamroller. This event features a fusion of reimagined holiday classics, creating an unforgettable experience.

Where: St Paul | More Info: Luminare Christmas

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Multi-platinum artist Steven C performs with renowned guests in a historic cathedral setting.

Description:

Join Steven C for a special Christmas concert at the Cathedral of Saint Paul, featuring Grammy-winning guitarist Pat Donahue, vocalists Jillian Anderson, Jack Cassidy, and Kathryn Budzien, and the Cathedral St. Cecilia Children’s Choir, all led by organist Chris Ganza.

Where: St Paul | More Info: Christmas Festival Concert, Christmas Together with Steven C.

Event Organizer?

Andover Holiday Giving Opportunities

What to Expect:

Annual stocking and gift distribution for the less fortunate.

Description:

Santa’s Workshop at St. Maria Goretti provides stockings and gifts to those less fortunate through various outreach ministries. Participation can be as simple as donating money or filling stockings. Over 5,000 people are served annually.

Where: St Paul | More Info: Santa’s Workshop

Event Organizer?

Andover Other Holiday Activities

What to Expect:

Holiday celebration with hot cocoa and caroling.

Description:

Join the Waconia Community Tree Lighting at City Square Park for a family-friendly event featuring hot cocoa, caroling with holiday characters, and the arrival of Santa Claus. See the Carlsons Lovable Llamas dressed for the Christmas season and bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Waconia Toy Drive.

Where: Waconia | More Info: Waconia Community Tree Lighting

Event Organizer?

Find Other Markets

Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!

Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!