Last updated: November 11, 2024
Welcome to the best holiday guide for Eden Prairie! Find all the festive fun and activities in one place. Whether you're intimately familiar with Eden Prairie or just getting acquainted, this guide enhances your holiday spirit.
Popular events this season include The Santa Experience at the Mall of America, where families can enjoy interactive activities and meet Santa himself. Another highlight is Winter Lights at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, featuring stunning light displays set against beautiful winter landscapes. And definitely don't forget A Christmas Carol at the Guthrie Theater, a timeless performance that captures the essence of the holiday season. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Eden Prairie Holiday Light Displays
GLOW Holiday Festival
- What to Expect
- Over a million lights and unique shopping experience.
- Description
- 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
Magic of Lights - Viking Lakes
- What to Expect
- Dazzling drive-through holiday light display with iconic characters.
- Description
- At Magic of Lights - Viking Lakes, drive through a dazzling display of over 2 million holiday lights featuring classic scenes like Winter Wonderland and the 12 Days of Christmas. Witness life-sized dinosaurs in Prehistoric Christmas and a towering animated Barbie display. The event includes a 200-foot-long Enchanting Tunnel of Lights and the legendary BIGFOOT Monster Truck.
- Where
- Eagan | More Info : Magic of Lights - Viking Lakes
Sever's Holiday Lights - Shakopee
- What to Expect
- Drive-thru holiday light display with 2.5 million lights.
- Description
- Sever's Holiday Lights in Shakopee features over 2.5 million lights coordinated to holiday favorites, creating a spectacular drive-thru experience with festive food and drink vendors.
- Where
- Shakopee | More Info : Sever's Holiday Lights - Shakopee
Winter Lights - Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
- What to Expect
- Woodland-themed light display with live music.
- Description
- Stroll through the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum's gardens decked out in light displays highlighting flowers, trees, and the beauty of nature on a one-mile, self-guided walk. Explore a woodland-themed light display, revisit the 16-foot Weeping Willow, and walk through a giant apple. Enjoy holiday tunes from local performers during the live Winter Music Series.
- Where
- Chaska | More Info : Winter Lights - Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Eden Prairie Holiday Markets and Shopping
European Christmas Market - Union Depot
- What to Expect
- Authentic European holiday market with local flair.
- Description
- The European Christmas Market at Union Depot in St. Paul features over 70 vendors, live entertainment, a Holiday Train, and Carousel. Visitors can shop for handmade European crafts, enjoy European-style food, and participate in kids' craft activities.
- Where
- St. Paul | More Info : European Christmas Market - Union Depot
AppleHouse Holiday Boutique - Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
- What to Expect
- Unique holiday shopping experience with locally grown produce and gourmet items.
- Description
- The AppleHouse Holiday Boutique at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum offers a variety of holiday gifts, seasonal decor, and gourmet goodies. Locally grown apples and squash are also available while supplies last.
- Where
- Chaska | More Info : AppleHouse Holiday Boutique - Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Field and Festival Holiday Market - Wagner's Garden Center
- What to Expect
- Rotating list of local vendors offering food, gifts, and crafts.
- Description
- The Field and Festival Holiday Market at Wagner's Garden Center features a rotating list of local vendors offering food, gifts, and crafts. This indoor market is held every Saturday and Sunday in November and December, showcasing the talents of bakers, makers, and artisans.
- Where
- Minneapolis | More Info : Field and Festival Holiday Market - Wagner's Garden Center
Holiday Art Fair- Mall of America
- What to Expect
- Showcase of local Minnesota artists' works.
- Description
- The Holiday Art Fair at Mall of America features a selection of artists from around Minnesota displaying their works, including paintings, photography, and handcrafted jewelry, making it an ideal event for early holiday shopping.
- Where
- Bloomington | More Info : Holiday Art Fair- Mall of America
Old-Fashioned Holiday Bazaar - Landmark Center
- What to Expect
- Unique handcrafted gift items by local artists.
- Description
- The Old-Fashioned Holiday Bazaar at Landmark Center offers a variety of unique handcrafted gift items, including jewelry, woodwork, paintings, and handmade soaps. Guests can enjoy festive music and delicious treats while shopping.
- Where
- St. Paul | More Info : Old-Fashioned Holiday Bazaar - Landmark Center
Auxillary Holiday Sale - Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
- What to Expect
- Handmade seasonal gift items.
- Description
- The Auxiliary Holiday Sale at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum features handmade seasonal gift items, including knit scarves, felted items, quilted household items, jewelry, home decor, soaps, ornaments, toys, and unique wood crafted items.
- Where
- Chaska | More Info : Auxillary Holiday Sale - Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Vintage Wonderland- Mall of America
- What to Expect
- Extensive range of curated vintage items.
- Description
- Vintage Wonderland at Mall of America features over twenty handpicked vendors selling vintage clothing, home goods, records, toys, and memorabilia from the 80s, 90s, and Y2K era.
- Where
- Bloomington | More Info : Vintage Wonderland- Mall of America
Eden Prairie Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Santa Experience - The Mall of America
- What to Expect
- Personalized Santa interactions in a cozy setting.
- Description
- The Santa Experience at Mall of America offers a delightful holiday encounter with Santa Claus, complete with a cozy setting and personalized interactions.
- Where
- Bloomington | More Info : The Santa Experience - The Mall of America
North Pole Express
- What to Expect
- Historic steam locomotive ride with Santa visits and holiday treats.
- Description
- Join Friends 261 for a nostalgic holiday train ride featuring historic rail cars, Santa visits, and festive activities at St. Paul Union Depot.
- Where
- Minneapolis | More Info : North Pole Express
How the Grinch Stole Christmas - Children’s Theatre Company
- What to Expect
- Heartwarming transformation of the Grinch through kindness and community.
- Description
- The Children's Theatre Company presents "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," a holiday favorite filled with music and Seussian rhymes. The miserly Grinch plots to steal Christmas from the joyful Whos, but tiny Cindy Lou's kindness changes his heart. This production features a talented cast and creative team, including Dean Holt as director and Reed Sigmund as the Grinch.
- Where
- Minneapolis | More Info : How the Grinch Stole Christmas - Children’s Theatre Company
A Christmas Carol - Guthrie Theater
- What to Expect
- Faithful adaptation of Dickens' novella as a ghost story.
- Description
- A classic adaptation of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" directed by Lavina Jadhwani, featuring Ebenezer Scrooge's transformative journey through the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future.
- Where
- Minneapolis | More Info : A Christmas Carol - Guthrie Theater
Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet presented by Talmi Entertainment
- What to Expect
- World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
- Description
- Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet, presented by Talmi Entertainment, features renowned Ukrainian ballerinas and danseurs from leading opera houses in Ukraine. The production combines classical ballet, puppetry, and acrobatics with Broadway-level sets and costumes, creating a holiday spectacular that has won critical acclaim.
- Where
- Minneapolis | More Info : Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet presented by Talmi Entertainment
Continental Ballet presents: The Nutcracker
- What to Expect
- World-class ballet performance with precise choreography.
- Description
- The Continental Ballet presents a professional production of The Nutcracker, featuring adult dancers under the direction of Riet Velthuisen. The performance is set to Tchaikovsky's music and includes precise choreography reflecting European training. The story remains true to its nature with a milder conflict, showcasing magic and beauty.
- Where
- Bloomington | More Info : Continental Ballet presents: The Nutcracker
Stevie Ray's Comedy Cabaret - Holiday Matinee- Chanhassen Dinner Theatres
- What to Expect
- Hilarious comedy performances every Friday and Saturday night.
- Description
- Stevie Ray's Comedy Cabaret at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres features hilarious comedy shows every Friday and Saturday night, offering a delightful evening of laughter and entertainment.
- Where
- Chanhassen | More Info : Stevie Ray's Comedy Cabaret - Holiday Matinee- Chanhassen Dinner Theatres
Eden Prairie Other Holiday Activities
Visits with Santa - Northtown Mall
- What to Expect
- Interactive photo opportunities with Santa.
- Description
- Visit Santa at Northtown Mall, where he will be located in Burlington Court near Door #5. Both walk-ups and reservations are accepted.
- Where
- Blaine | More Info : Visits with Santa - Northtown Mall
Santa's Train Shop
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday activities with train rides and festive games.
- Description
- 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. Once back at the Roundhouse, enjoy all the festivities, including train rides, Christmas games, Legos, and music.
- Where
- St. Paul | More Info : Santa's Train Shop
Caring Santa - Southdale Center
- What to Expect
- Sensory-friendly Santa visit for children with special needs.
- Description
- Caring Santa at Southdale Center offers a sensory-friendly experience exclusively for children with special needs and their families. Santa will be located on the second level in Center Court Bridge near Tory Burch, providing a comfortable and inclusive environment for all.
- Where
- Edina | More Info : Caring Santa - Southdale Center
Holiday Express- Phalen Recreation Center
- What to Expect
- Vibrant holiday lights and activities in a community setting.
- Description
- Holiday Express at Phalen Recreation Center features festive lights, holiday activities, and community events, creating a joyful atmosphere for all ages.
- Where
- St. Paul | More Info : Holiday Express- Phalen Recreation Center
Christmas on the Prairie
- What to Expect
- Holiday-themed activities and decorations in a picturesque setting.
- Description
- Christmas on the Prairie is a festive celebration featuring holiday-themed activities, decorations, and entertainment in a picturesque setting.
- Where
- Eden Prairie | More Info : Christmas on the Prairie