Experience the magic of the holiday season in Fargo, ND, with an array of festive events perfect for both locals and visitors. Delight in the enchanting Santa Village at Rheault Farm, where the century-old landmark comes alive with holiday cheer and charming miniature houses. The Frostival Winter Wonderland transforms downtown into a dazzling icy playground, celebrating Fargo's hardy spirit with Viking games and intricate ice sculptures.
Marvel at the Holiday Lights in Lindenwood Park, a spectacular drive-through light display that adorns century-old trees and showcases intricate light sculptures. With a unique blend of historical charm and artistic creativity, Fargo promises an unforgettable Christmas experience for everyone.
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The Top Christmas Events in Fargo
- Santa Village at Rheault Farm
- Holiday Lights in Lindenwood Park
- Fargo Theatre Classic Christmas Movies
- Frostival Winter Wonderland
- Santa Claus Day at West Acres Mall
- Fargo Christmas Bird Count
- Lost in the Valley Winter Festival
- Holiday Bazaar at the Plains Art Museum
- Winter Wonderland Skate at Sports Arena
- Holiday Storytime at Fargo Public Library
Fargo Holiday Light Displays
Holiday Lights in Lindenwood Park
What to Expect:
Drive-through light display in historic park
Description:
Lindenwood Park, Fargo's oldest public green space, dazzles with a spectacular drive-through light display. Twinkling lights adorn century-old trees, creating a shimmering canopy above. Visitors cruise through the park, marveling at intricate light sculptures depicting local wildlife and landmarks. The event pays homage to Fargo's resilience, with displays commemorating historic floods and community triumphs. You'll spot hidden light-up squirrels throughout the park, a playful nod to the park's abundant wildlife.
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Holiday Lights in Lindenwood Park
Fargo Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Bazaar at the Plains Art Museum
What to Expect:
Artisan market in contemporary art museum setting
Description:
The Plains Art Museum, housed in a renovated turn-of-the-century warehouse, hosts a curated holiday bazaar featuring works by regional artists. Visitors browse unique gifts amid the museum's impressive contemporary art collection. The event spotlights the thriving arts scene of the Northern Plains, with pieces ranging from traditional Native American beadwork to avant-garde sculptures crafted from agricultural materials. You'll find one-of-a-kind treasures while supporting local creatives and exploring Fargo's cultural hub.
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Holiday Bazaar at the Plains Art Museum
Fargo Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Fargo Theatre Classic Christmas Movies
What to Expect:
Vintage movie screenings in historic art deco theater
Description:
The iconic Fargo Theatre, a 1926 art deco gem, comes alive with the flickering images of classic Christmas films. The ornate interior transports viewers to a bygone era of cinema, complete with the gentle whir of a vintage projector. Moviegoers can indulge in specially crafted holiday-themed concessions while enjoying timeless favorites on the big screen. This event honors the theatre's role as a cultural cornerstone, having survived the Great Depression and continuing to bring joy to generations of Fargo residents.
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Fargo Theatre Classic Christmas Movies
Holiday Storytime at Fargo Public Library
What to Expect:
Interactive storytelling with local authors and illustrators
Description:
The Fargo Public Library comes alive with the voices of local authors and illustrators sharing their holiday-themed works. Children gather on cozy cushions, captivated by tales that weave together regional folklore and winter adventures. The gentle rustle of turning pages fills the air. This event celebrates Fargo's literary scene, showcasing homegrown talent and fostering a love of reading. Participants can create their own winter-themed bookmarks, inspired by the stories they've heard.
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Holiday Storytime at Fargo Public Library
Fargo Other Holiday Activities
Santa Village at Rheault Farm
What to Expect:
Historic farm transformed into North Pole village
Description:
Rheault Farm, a century-old agricultural landmark, transforms into a bustling North Pole village each winter. Visitors can explore charming miniature houses, each depicting a different aspect of Santa's workshop. The scent of freshly baked cookies wafts through the air as elves busily craft toys. Children delight in writing letters to Santa at the vintage post office, a tradition dating back to the farm's early days. This immersive experience brings the spirit of the North Pole to the heart of Fargo, blending local history with holiday cheer.
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Frostival Winter Wonderland
What to Expect:
Celebration of winter with outdoor activities and ice sculptures
Description:
Frostival embraces the frigid North Dakota winter with gusto, transforming downtown Fargo into a playground of icy delights. Skilled artisans carve intricate ice sculptures, their chisels ringing out in the crisp air. Visitors can try their hand at kubb, a Viking game that's gained popularity in the region. The event showcases Fargo's hardy spirit, with activities that pay homage to the area's Scandinavian heritage. Bundle up and join fellow frost-lovers in celebrating the unique joys of winter in the Great Plains.
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Santa Claus Day at West Acres Mall
What to Expect:
Santa arrives by vintage fire truck
Description:
West Acres Mall buzzes with excitement as Santa makes his grand entrance aboard a restored 1920s fire truck, a nod to Fargo's firefighting history. The jolly old elf settles into a cozy nook designed to resemble a traditional North Dakota farmhouse parlor. Children whisper their wishes while admiring Santa's authentic vintage suit, crafted by local seamstresses using period-correct techniques. This event blends modern shopping convenience with a touch of nostalgia, creating a uniquely Fargo holiday experience.
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Santa Claus Day at West Acres Mall
Fargo Christmas Bird Count
What to Expect:
Citizen science project to count winter birds
Description:
Nature enthusiasts brave the winter chill to participate in this long-standing citizen science project. Armed with binoculars and field guides, participants fan out across Fargo to tally winter bird populations. The crisp air carries the calls of hardy species like chickadees and nuthatches. This event, part of a national effort dating back to 1900, provides crucial data on bird migration patterns and climate change impacts. You'll contribute to scientific research while discovering the surprising diversity of Fargo's winter wildlife.
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Lost in the Valley Winter Festival
What to Expect:
Celebration of Red River Valley winter traditions
Description:
The Lost in the Valley Winter Festival immerses visitors in the unique winter traditions of the Red River Valley. Participants can try their hand at ice fishing on a recreated frozen pond or learn the art of Norwegian rosemaling. The aroma of freshly baked lefse wafts through the air. This event honors the diverse cultural heritage of the region, from Native American winter stories to Scandinavian folk dances. Discover the rich tapestry of traditions that have helped Valley residents thrive through harsh winters for generations.
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Lost in the Valley Winter Festival
Winter Wonderland Skate at Sports Arena
What to Expect:
Indoor ice skating with themed music and light show
Description:
The Sports Arena transforms its ice rink into a dazzling spectacle of light and sound. Skaters glide across the ice as synchronized light displays dance overhead, accompanied by a curated playlist of winter-themed music. The event pays homage to Fargo's rich hockey heritage, with vintage team memorabilia on display. Visitors can join in themed skate nights, from "80s Neon Nights" to "Frozen Fairytale." This immersive experience combines athleticism with artistry, creating a uniquely Fargo winter tradition.
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Winter Wonderland Skate at Sports Arena
Nearby Events
Holiday Craft and Vendor Show (West Fargo)
What to Expect:
Showcase of local artisans and unique handmade gifts
Description:
Local artisans and craftspeople converge to showcase their talents at this vibrant marketplace. The air hums with creativity as visitors peruse one-of-a-kind handmade gifts, from intricate beadwork inspired by Native American traditions to modern art pieces crafted from reclaimed Red River Valley materials. Demonstrators offer hands-on workshops, allowing guests to try their hand at traditional prairie crafts. This event celebrates the rich artistic heritage of the region, highlighting the diverse skills that have thrived in Fargo for generations.
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Holiday Train Show (Moorhead)
What to Expect:
Elaborate model train displays with local landmarks
Description:
Model train enthusiasts showcase their passion with intricate displays that capture Fargo's essence in miniature. Tiny locomotives chug past scale models of local landmarks, from the historic Fargo Theatre to the modern Fargodome. The gentle clickety-clack of wheels on tracks fills the air. Visitors can operate interactive displays, sending trains through tunnels and over bridges. This event celebrates Fargo's rich railroad history, which played a crucial role in the city's development as a major agricultural hub.