Last updated: November 11, 2024
Here's your perfect guide to holiday fun in Eagan! Find all the top festive activities and events with us. From Eagan natives to wandering souls, our guide showcases both traditional and unique holiday experiences.
Popular Events: The North Pole Express invites families to embark on a whimsical train journey filled with holiday cheer and special guests. For a dazzling experience, the GLOW Holiday Festival brightens the winter nights with stunning light displays and interactive art installations. And the Trans-Siberian Orchestra is something you definitely don’t want to miss, presenting a thrilling show that combines rock and classical music for an unforgettable holiday concert. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Interactive light displays and unique shopping experience.
GLOW Holiday Festival at CHS Field in St. Paul, MN, features over a million lights, new exhibits, a zip line, and a boutique shopping experience with local vendors.
Where: St. Paul | More Info: GLOW Holiday Festival
Dazzling drive-through holiday lights with iconic characters.
Magic of Lights is a dazzling drive-through holiday lights experience featuring over 2 million lights, including larger-than-life displays of Holiday Barbie, Bigfoot, and life-sized dinosaurs. The event offers a unique holiday celebration with various themed areas and interactive activities.
Where: Eagan | More Info: Magic of Lights
Interactive light displays and zip line adventure.
GLOW Holiday Festival at CHS Field in St. Paul, MN, features over a million lights, new exhibits, a zip line, and unique shopping experiences.
Where: St. Paul | More Info: Winter Wonderland
Authentic traditional holiday market with live entertainment and unique shopping.
The European Christmas Market in St. Paul features over 70 vendors, live entertainment, a Holiday Train, and Carousel, offering a unique shopping experience with handmade European crafts, European-style food, and kids' craft activities.
Where: St. Paul | More Info: European Christmas Market
Immersive holiday experience with local community contributions.
Once Upon a Mansion is a Nordic-inspired holiday experience at the American Swedish Institute, featuring immersive exhibitions, local artisans, and festive activities for all ages.
Where: Minneapolis | More Info: Once Upon a Mansion
Unique shopping experience with over 170 vendors.
The Holiday Craft and Gift Show features over 170 vendors offering handcrafted items, unique gifts, jewelry, and more. Enjoy a variety of products including wellness items, skincare products, woodworking, metal arts, and local businesses.
Where: Eagan | More Info: Holiday Craft and Gift Show
3-day market with 25 vendors and festive atmosphere.
The Nordic Julemarket at Utepils Brewing features 25 vendors offering Nordic-inspired and imported goods, along with good beer and food trucks in a welcoming ambiance.
Where: Minneapolis | More Info: Nordic Julemarket
Thousands of mystery cards with prizes worth up to $599.
Black Friday Weekend at Mall of America features surprise giveaways, live music, and nonstop unbelievable deals. Thousands of mystery cards will be distributed, each offering prizes worth up to $599. The event includes holiday shopping, entertainment, and special activities throughout the weekend.
Where: Bloomington | More Info: Black Friday Weekend Events
Historic courthouse setting with local vendors.
Christmas at the Courthouse is a holiday bazaar featuring handcrafted goods, a holiday display, and door prizes. The event is held at the Historic Courthouse in Stillwater, MN, and benefits the Historic Courthouse Restoration Fund. Vendors sell unique, local items, and the 1900s county jail is open for attendees to tour.
Where: Stillwater | More Info: Christmas at the Courthouse
Personalized Santa visits with unique photo options.
The Santa Experience in Bloomington, MN, offers unique in-person and virtual Santa visits with special photo opportunities and fun Christmas merchandise.
Where: Bloomington | More Info: The Santa Experience
Inclusive holiday-themed musical performances.
The Holiday Music Festival at Mall of America features holiday-themed musical performances by various groups, including local schools and professional musicians, in the Huntington Bank Rotunda. The event aims to create an inclusive and welcoming environment with festive music that resonates with everyone.
Where: Bloomington | More Info: Holiday Music Festival
Historic steam train ride with Santa visits and holiday treats.
Join the North Pole Express for a holiday journey aboard historic rail cars, featuring Santa visits, holiday treats, and festive activities.
Where: St. Paul | More Info: North Pole Express
Classic tale of redemption through ghostly visitations.
A miserly and miserable man, Ebenezer Scrooge, is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, forcing him to confront his past, present, and potential future. This adaptation by Lavina Jadhwani stays faithful to Charles Dickens' novella, framing the classic tale as a ghost story.
Where: Minneapolis | More Info: A Christmas Carol
Heartwarming story of transformation through kindness and community.
The Grinch, a miserly and miserable character, plots to steal Christmas from the Whos, but his heart changes when he encounters kindness and community. This show features music and Seussian rhymes, making it a delightful holiday favorite.
Where: Minneapolis | More Info: How The Grinch Stole Christmas
Contemporary dance spectacle blending hip-hop and classical music.
The Hip Hop Nutcracker is a contemporary dance spectacle that re-mixes and re-imagines the classic Nutcracker story with hip-hop dance and Tchaikovsky's timeless music. Directed by Jennifer Weber, this holiday event features a powerhouse cast of all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and MC Kurtis Blow. The show transforms the traditional 19th-century German landscape into vibrant, diverse contemporary New York City through innovative digital graffiti and visuals.
Where: Minneapolis | More Info: Hip Hop Nutcracker
Acrobatic performances and re-invented holiday classics.
Cirque du Soleil's 'Twas the Night Before is a holiday show based on the classic poem "A Visit from Saint Nicholas" by Clement Clarke Moore. The show features thrilling acrobatics, lovable characters, and a soundtrack including holiday classics re-invented by Cirque du Soleil. Directed by Cirque du Soleil Senior Artistic Director James Hadley, this spectacle is designed to entertain families with its festive and cheerful atmosphere.
Where: Minneapolis | More Info: ‘Twas the Night Before… by Cirque du Soleil
Classical music performance with renowned vocal soloists and chorus.
Handel's Messiah is a timeless oratorio that tells the story of Jesus Christ through music, featuring iconic choruses and solo performances.
Where: Minneapolis/St. Paul | More Info: Handel's Messiah
Immersive holiday concert with multimedia effects.
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis is a beloved holiday tradition featuring 15 musicians playing over 20 instruments against a backdrop of dazzling multimedia effects, capturing the spirit of the season in an immersive yet intimate setting.
Where: Minneapolis | More Info: Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
Dazzling spectacle with pyrotechnics and lasers.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra presents "The Lost Christmas Eve," a rock opera celebrating 20 years with a grand return to the stage. The show features pyrotechnics, lasers, and incredible storytelling, along with a high-energy second set of the band's greatest hits and fan favorites.
Where: St. Paul | More Info: Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Blending narration and song to tell three holiday stories.
Cantus weaves together three holiday stories, blending narration and song. The program features Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," Christine L's "Hawaii Snowman," and Mark Twain's "Letter to Santa Claus." This event offers an opportunity to reflect on the meaning and joy of the holiday season.
Where: St. Paul | More Info: Christmas with Cantus: Three Tales of Christmas
Diverse holiday music performed by a community choir.
The Bloomington Chorale presents a diverse and joyful holiday concert featuring a wide range of music, including contemporary, classical, Broadway, popular, spirituals, and jazz. This adult mixed non-audition community choir brings together singers from all walks of life to celebrate the season with beautiful harmonies and heartfelt performances.
Where: Bloomington | More Info: Bloomington Chorale - A Season of Joy
Annual showcase of vibrant holiday flowers in a historic conservatory setting.
The Como Park Conservatory Holiday Flower Show features a stunning display of yellow poinsettias and other holiday florals, showcasing hundreds of beautifully arranged plants.
Where: St. Paul | More Info: Holiday Flower Show
Holiday tree lighting and movie night with live performances and fireworks.
Join Union Depot for the annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration and Movie Night. The event features a St. Paul Winter Carnival 2023 Button reveal, holiday performances, and a tree lighting ceremony followed by fireworks. Enjoy a holiday musical performance by The Mistletones, free cider, photo ops, craft stations, and a light-up wand giveaway for kids. The celebration continues with a movie night featuring the holiday favorite, Elf, and concessions available for purchase. Visit the European Christmas Market on the East Plaza for unique, handmade holiday gifts and decorations.
Where: St. Paul | More Info: Holiday Tree Lighting and Movie Night
Traditional Irish music and Christmas carols performed by world-class vocalists.
Celtic Woman's Christmas Symphony features the group's renowned vocalists and a brilliant Celtic violinist performing a selection of traditional Irish music and Christmas carols, accompanied by a full orchestra and enhanced by the emotive sound of bagpipes.
Where: Prior Lake | More Info: Celtic Woman Christmas Symphony
Nationally acclaimed Billboard Top 5 artist performing re-imagined holiday favorites.
Shaun Johnson Big Band Experience presents a Jazz Pop holiday show featuring 7 world-class musicians re-imagining classic Christmas fare with charismatic charm. As the lead singer of Tonic Sol-fa and an Emmy winner, Shaun Johnson brings a new show to the Ames Center, known for his rousing performances that routinely sell out.
Where: Burnsville | More Info: Shaun Johnson Big Band Experience
Soulful remixes of Christmas classics.
Christmas With A Whole Lot Of Soul features Ginger Commodore and friends performing Christmas classics and originals remixed in R&B, soul, funk, and gospel styles. The event includes classic holiday tunes like "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "My Favorite Things," and "This Christmas," along with some band originals. Ginger Commodore is a veteran of the Midwest music scene, known for her work with Grammy Award-winning Sounds of Blackness and her performances in various theaters across the United States.
Where: Chanhassen | More Info: Christmas With A Whole Lot Of Soul
Tribute show with live orchestra and nostalgic holiday music.
An Andy & Bing Christmas is a tribute show featuring the music of Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby, performed with a live orchestra and talented vocalists, celebrating the holiday season with classic songs and nostalgic charm.
Where: Burnsville | More Info: An Andy & Bing Christmas
Holiday concert featuring Minnesota musicians and storyteller Kevin Kling.
Christmas on the Prairie features a special holiday collaboration by Minnesota musicians Boyd Lee, Aime Lee, Mary Jane Alm, and Kevin Kling, along with Prairie Home Companion regulars. The event includes performances at the Fireside Theatre with dinner upgrades available.
Where: Chanhassen | More Info: Christmas on the Prairie
Interactive holiday concert with audience participation.
Kat Perkins brings a unique blend of traditional and modern Christmas songs to the stage, incorporating audience participation and featuring a young star. Her show is a fun, rockin' celebration filled with great music, laughter, and original Christmas songs.
Where: Chanhassen | More Info: North Country Christmas, featuring Kat Perkins
Distinguished community band performance with a wide variety of holiday music.
The Medalist Concert Band presents a holiday program featuring both classic and contemporary favorites, showcasing the community band's reputation as one of the foremost community bands in the nation.
Where: Bloomington | More Info: Medalist Concert Band - Sounds of the Season
Unique blend of rock hits and holiday classics.
A multi-media, musical extravaganza blending rock hits from the '70s to today with hilarious stories and parodies of favorite yuletide songs.
Where: Chanhassen | More Info: Rock & Roll Xmas Spectacular
Unique blend of Christmas favorites and opera ballads.
A Three Tenors Christmas features original arrangements of powerful Christmas favorites and epic opera ballads, blending style, opera, and holiday spirit.
Where: Chanhassen | More Info: A Three Tenors Christmas
A cappella holiday concert with new album releases.
Pentatonix brings their signature a cappella sound to the holiday season with their 2023 North American Christmas tour, featuring a new holiday album and classic festive tracks.
Where: St. Paul | More Info: Pentatonix
Holiday concert with classic hits.
Barenaked Ladies: Hometown Holidays features the iconic band performing their hit songs in a festive atmosphere.
Where: Prior Lake | More Info: Barenaked Ladies: Hometown Holidays
Fresh, vibrant, and monumentally Minnesota take on the beloved holiday classic.
Twin Cities Ballet presents A Minnesota Nutcracker, a holiday classic with a Minnesota twist featuring new costumes and choreography portraying iconic Minnesota characters and landscapes.
Where: Burnsville | More Info: A Minnesota Nutcracker
Grand entrance of Santa Claus with festive entertainment.
Santa Claus makes his grand entrance at Mall of America in his true jolly fashion, greeted by MOA Elves, delicious treats, and festive musical entertainment.
Where: Bloomington | More Info: Santa's Arrival Ceremony
Historic steam train ride with Santa Claus visit.
Join Friends 261 for a holiday tradition aboard the North Pole Express, featuring historic steam locomotives, vintage railcars, and a visit from Santa Claus. Enjoy holiday treats, entertainment, and activities at St. Paul Union Depot.
Where: St. Paul | More Info: Holiday Express
A showcase of creatively decorated trees by local designers and businesses.
The Festival of Trees showcases beautifully decorated Christmas trees, each crafted by local designers and businesses. This event transforms the venue into a winter wonderland filled with creativity and seasonal spirit. Visitors can admire the stunning displays and partake in various activities that celebrate the holiday season. Seasonal treats and entertainment add to the joyful atmosphere, making it a delightful destination for locals and families alike.
Where: Bloomington | More Info: Festival of Trees
Collecting and distributing new, unwrapped toys to disadvantaged children.
The Toys for Tots campaign in the Twin Cities aims to collect and distribute new, unwrapped toys to disadvantaged children during the holiday season. The program has been supported by the United States Marine Corps Reserve for over 77 years, distributing over 652 million toys to more than 290 million children.
Where: Bloomington | More Info: Toys for Tots
Community-driven fundraising through bell ringing.
The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign is a charitable initiative where volunteers ring bells to collect donations for those in need during the holiday season. This effort supports various social services, including providing Christmas gifts, food, shelter, and rent and utility assistance to millions of people.
Where: Bloomington | More Info: Salvation Army Red Kettles
Pet-friendly Santa photo opportunity.
Bring your pet to Mall of America for a photo opportunity with Santa. No appointment necessary. Pets of all kinds and their families are welcome to take part in this festive event.
Where: Bloomington | More Info: Pet Night with Santa
Personalized interactions with Santa Claus.
Santa visits are a delightful part of the holiday experience, offering children the chance to meet and interact with the jolly old man in a cozy and welcoming setting.
Where: Eagan | More Info: Santa Visits - Pinestead Tree Farm
Train rides included with admission.
Families can ring in the holiday season by greeting Santa as he arrives on the 10:30 AM train and then riding the first train. After the ride, enjoy Christmas activities like games, Legos, and music at the Jackson Street Roundhouse.
Where: St. Paul | More Info: Santa's Train Shop
Historic village setting with traditional holiday decorations and activities.
Christmas at Dakota City Heritage Village features historic buildings decorated with traditional ornaments and themes, live demonstrations, holiday music, and a visit from St. Nicholas. Enjoy hot chocolate, apple cider, and hot soups while exploring the village.
Where: Farmington | More Info: Christmas at Dakota City Heritage Village
Holiday celebration with historical farm activities and Santa visit.
Holz Farm Old Fashioned Holiday features a self-guided tour of the grounds, a hayride on a 1940s Farmall Tractor, and a bonfire with s'mores. Santa will make an appearance, and guests can enjoy live reindeer and holiday carols.
Where: Eagan | More Info: Holz Farm Old Fashioned Holiday
