Here's your comprehensive guide to the holidays in Duluth! Find all the top festive events and attractions. From Duluth locals to global nomads, this guide ensures you don't miss a moment of holiday cheer.
One of the highlights of the season is the Bentleyville Tour of Lights, where Bayfront Festival Park transforms into a dazzling wonderland of lights and holiday music. The Christmas City of the North Parade marches through downtown Duluth, featuring vibrant floats and festive performances. And the Glensheen Holiday Tours offer a unique glimpse into a historic mansion beautifully decorated for the season. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Duluth
- Bentleyville Tour of Lights
- Christmas City of the North Parade
- Glensheen Holiday Tours
- Minnesota Ballet's Nutcracker
- A Christmas Carol Radio Show
- Christmas by the Lake CD Release Concert
- A Merry Tuba Christmas
- Jingle Bell Run
- Sparkle Express Mini Train Rides
- Duluth Winter Village
Duluth Holiday Light Displays
Bentleyville Tour of Lights
What to Expect:
America's largest free walk-through lighting display
Description:
Bentleyville transforms Duluth's Bayfront Festival Park into a dazzling spectacle of over 5 million lights. This colossal display, spanning 20 acres, originated from Nathan Bentley's home decorations in 2001. Visitors can warm up with complimentary hot cocoa while strolling through illuminated tunnels and admiring towering animated displays. The event's scale and free admission set it apart, making it a beloved regional tradition that draws over 270,000 visitors annually.
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Duluth Holiday Markets and Shopping
Duluth Winter Village
What to Expect:
Pop-up village showcasing local artisans and businesses
Description:
The Duluth Winter Village transforms the grounds of Glensheen into a charming marketplace. Local artisans and small businesses set up shop in cozy wooden cabins, offering unique, locally-made gifts and treats. The event, established in 2016, celebrates Duluth's creative community and entrepreneurial spirit. Visitors can sip on locally roasted coffee while browsing handcrafted goods, from pottery to winter wear. Live music and outdoor fire pits create a convivial atmosphere, fostering a sense of community in the heart of winter.
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Duluth Holiday Giving Opportunities
Jingle Bell Run
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed 5K run/walk supporting arthritis research
Description:
The Jingle Bell Run combines fitness with philanthropy, encouraging participants to don festive costumes and jingle bells. This 5K event, part of a national series, raises funds and awareness for arthritis research. Runners and walkers traverse a scenic route along Lake Superior's shoreline, creating a colorful and musical spectacle. The run has been uniting the community in holiday cheer and charitable giving since 1984. Post-race, participants can enjoy hot chocolate and holiday treats while celebrating their accomplishments.
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Duluth Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Minnesota Ballet's Nutcracker
What to Expect:
Locally produced professional ballet with Duluth-inspired elements
Description:
The Minnesota Ballet's Nutcracker infuses the classic tale with local flavor. Set in 1892 Duluth, the production incorporates nods to the city's history and landmarks. Dancers glide across the stage in elaborate costumes, bringing Tchaikovsky's iconic score to life. The performance features a unique Duluth-themed party scene and a "Waltz of the Flowers" inspired by Lake Superior's natural beauty. This adaptation has been captivating audiences since 1991, becoming a cornerstone of Duluth's holiday arts scene.
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A Christmas Carol Radio Show
What to Expect:
Interactive 1940s-style radio show adaptation of Dickens' classic
Description:
Step back in time with this innovative take on "A Christmas Carol." Performed as a live 1940s radio broadcast, complete with vintage microphones and sound effects, the show transports audiences to a bygone era. Actors portray multiple characters, showcasing their versatility as they bring Dickens' tale to life. You'll witness the behind-the-scenes magic of old-time radio drama, including live foley artistry. This unique format has been entertaining Duluth audiences since 2015, blending nostalgia with holiday tradition.
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Christmas by the Lake CD Release Concert
What to Expect:
Showcase of local musicians performing original holiday compositions
Description:
The Christmas by the Lake CD Release Concert spotlights Duluth's vibrant music scene. Local artists perform original holiday compositions and unique arrangements of classics, celebrating the release of an annual compilation album. The concert, held since 1996, has become a platform for showcasing the region's musical talent. Attendees experience a diverse range of genres, from folk to jazz, all with a holiday twist. This event not only entertains but also supports local charities, embodying the spirit of community giving.
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Christmas by the Lake CD Release Concert
A Merry Tuba Christmas
What to Expect:
Mass tuba ensemble performing holiday favorites
Description:
A Merry Tuba Christmas fills the air with the rich, resonant tones of dozens of tubas and euphoniums playing in unison. This unique concert, part of a nationwide tradition started in 1974, brings together musicians of all ages and skill levels. Performers don festive attire and decorate their instruments, adding visual flair to the auditory experience. The event celebrates the tuba's often-overlooked role in holiday music, creating a sound that's both powerful and heartwarming.
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Duluth Other Holiday Activities
Christmas City of the North Parade
What to Expect:
Longest-running Christmas parade in the Upper Midwest
Description:
The Christmas City of the North Parade has been a Duluth tradition since 1958. Marching bands, elaborate floats, and costumed characters wind through downtown, filling the air with joyful music. This nighttime procession showcases the city's holiday spirit and community pride. You'll witness local businesses and organizations competing for the best float designs. The parade's longevity reflects its significance in Duluth's cultural heritage, connecting generations through shared celebration.
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Christmas City of the North Parade
Glensheen Holiday Tours
What to Expect:
Holiday decorations in a historic 39-room mansion
Description:
Glensheen, the historic Congdon estate, dons its holiday finest for special seasonal tours. Each of the 39 rooms in this Jacobean mansion features unique decorations, blending early 20th-century opulence with festive cheer. Visitors can explore the meticulously adorned spaces, including 25 Christmas trees throughout the property. The tour highlights the Congdon family's holiday traditions, offering a glimpse into Duluth's gilded past. Glensheen's holiday transformation began in 1979 and has since become a cherished annual event.
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Sparkle Express Mini Train Rides
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed miniature train rides through a decorated park
Description:
The Sparkle Express Mini Train Rides offer a whimsical journey through Duluth's Bayfront Festival Park. Passengers board festively decorated miniature trains, embarking on a twinkling tour of holiday light displays. The gentle chug of the engines and the crisp winter air enhance the experience. Children can wave to costumed characters along the route, adding an interactive element to the ride. This family-friendly attraction, introduced in 2018, has quickly become a beloved addition to Duluth's holiday offerings.
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Sparkle Express Mini Train Rides