Golden Valley Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025

Experience the magic of the holiday season at the Holidazzle Festival, transforming Nicollet Mall into a dazzling winter wonderland. Discover twinkling lights, captivating shows, and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for all ages. Browse unique holiday pop-up markets featuring local artisans and savor delicious bites from food trucks. It's a beloved...

Step into a magical world of edible art at Norway House's Gingerbread Wonderland. This beloved annual event showcases over 2,000 unique gingerbread creations from bakers of all ages and skill levels. This year's theme, 'Home is Where You Bake It,' celebrates heritage and community, coinciding with the bicentennial of Norwegian...

The Minnesota Merry Market returns for its third year, transforming the State Fairgrounds into a festive hub for holiday shopping and community celebration. This event showcases a curated collection of local artists, offering unique handmade gifts, crafts, and seasonal decorations. Attendees can look forward to discovering one-of-a-kind treasures while enjoying...

Experience the festive spirit at Mall of America's Festival of Trees, a dazzling walk-through event showcasing over 75 uniquely decorated trees. This free attraction invites visitors to admire the creative displays by local businesses and organizations. For a chance to win a favorite tree and its treasures, purchase a raffle...

Experience the quintessential small-town holiday spirit in Excelsior during 'Celebrating the Season.' This month-long event transforms the town with twinkling lights and festive decorations, offering a magical experience for all. Enjoy visits with Santa, a charming Gingerbread Stroll, and a traditional Christkindlmarkt, all while supporting local businesses.

Discover Minnesota's most loved holiday pop-up market, celebrating its 10th year in 2025. This vibrant event showcases over 100 homegrown brands, artisans, creators, and makers, offering a unique opportunity to find handmade gifts and support local small businesses. A portion of sales benefits the 'Small Business Spark Fund,' investing directly...

Discover White Bear's Beary Merry Holiday Market, a festive gathering for holiday shopping. Browse a wide array of handmade crafts and unique gifts from local artisans. Explore booths featuring popular direct sales companies offering everything from jewelry to home goods, making it a perfect stop for finding special presents.

Bring the entire family to Downtown White Bear Lake's beloved Winter Fest, a cherished holiday tradition. This event unfolds over the first three Saturdays in December, offering a magical experience with live caroling, visits from Santa, and charming ice sculptures. Enjoy a festive ride on a horse-drawn trolley (available on...

Prepare for a festive flurry of love and cheer with Cirque du Soleil's enchanting holiday show, '_Twas the Night Before...'. Inspired by the classic poem, this performance tells the story of a jaded young girl rediscovering holiday magic. Families will be captivated by thrilling acrobatics, lovable characters, and a soundtrack...

Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit at the Christmas at Wooddale Concert. This unforgettable event features Broadway and screen star Corey Cott, accompanied by the magnificent 150-voice Wooddale Choir and Orchestra. Experience the magic of Christmas with timeless carols and inspiring performances within the grand setting of Wooddale Church's auditorium,...

This event, presented by Luther, celebrated the holiday season with festive musical performances. While it has concluded for the year, attendees can anticipate its potential return in 2025. Check back later in the year for updated information on this joyous holiday celebration.

Immerse yourself in the magic of the season with the Bloomington Chorale's 'A Light in the Darkness' performance. They will present a heartwarming program featuring beloved songs like 'Ding Dong Merrily on High,' 'Mozart's Fa La La,' 'Winter Wind,' and 'Umoja Tunaimba,' promising an evening of enchanting melodies and festive...

Penumbra Theatre presents Langston Hughes' 'Black Nativity,' a soul-stirring celebration of the Christmas story. For over three decades, this production has been a cherished holiday ritual for Twin Cities families, featuring breathtaking choreography and powerful musical performances that illuminate the reason for the season.

Prepare for a spectacular holiday experience as the Trans-Siberian Orchestra returns with their acclaimed rock opera, 'The Lost Christmas Eve.' This monumental tour celebrates 20 years of the beloved show, TSO's 20 millionth concertgoer, and over $20 million donated to charity. Expect a dazzling display of pyrotechnics, lasers, and captivating...

Get ready for the Jingle Ball Rock-a-Hairball Holiday Party, a vibrant celebration packed with festive cheer and electrifying performances. This event promises an unforgettable night of music and holiday spirit, perfect for those looking to add some extra sparkle to their season.

Celebrate the New Year early at the Noon Year's Eve Party! This free, daytime event is packed with fun for all ages, featuring engaging bingo games, creative crafts, and a lively dance party. The highlight is a spectacular balloon drop at noon, making it a memorable celebration for families looking...

Embark on a magical journey through Valley Lights at Rockpoint Church, a breathtaking drive-through Christmas light display. Immerse yourself in over 100,000 LED lights that twinkle and dance to the sounds of beloved Christmas carols. This enchanting event offers a spectacular visual feast for the entire family, creating cherished holiday...

Embrace the winter magic at the Golden Valley Winter Fest! This free community event invites all to enjoy a delightful afternoon in a snowy wonderland. Families can partake in classic winter activities like sledding and ice skating, or opt for a charming horse-drawn hayride. Warm up by the bonfire with...

Step aboard the beautifully decorated Holly Trolley for a magical holiday experience. Enjoy a festive streetcar ride with Santa Claus, then gather around a warm fire to toast marshmallows. This unique event offers a charming way to celebrate the season and spread holiday cheer by bringing a new, unwrapped toy...

Join Santa and Mrs. Claus for a festive lunch filled with fun and holiday cheer. Enjoy a delicious meal prepared by the Maple Grove Lions and community helpers, followed by engaging games and creative crafts. It's a perfect opportunity for children to share their wish lists and create lasting holiday...

Immerse yourself in the heartwarming world of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer with this enchanting collection from Department 56. Each meticulously crafted piece captures the magic of the beloved holiday classic, featuring iconic characters and festive scenes. Perfect for collectors and families alike, these charming village pieces and ornaments are ideal...

Step into a magical winter wonderland at Ice Castles Minnesota. Explore breathtaking ice caverns, archways, and crawl tunnels, perfect for all ages. Thrill-seekers can race down exhilarating ice slides, while art lovers can discover intricate, hand-carved ice sculptures. It's an unforgettable, fairy-tale experience brought to life through the artistry of...

Capture your pet's holiday spirit with a professional photo session at JCPenney Portraits. They offer a variety of festive backgrounds and special packages to create lasting memories of your furry family members during the holiday season.

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the charm of a Victorian Christmas at the historic Gideon and Agnes Pond House. Discover the origins of holiday traditions and how they became uniquely American. Engage in a hands-on craft activity, creating a festive popcorn and cranberry garland, and enjoy sampling...

Experience the magic of the holiday season with a delightful Breakfast with Santa. This special event offers a wonderful opportunity for children to meet Santa Claus, share their wishes, and create lasting memories. Enjoy a festive breakfast in a cheerful atmosphere, perfect for families looking to embrace the holiday spirit.

Experience a magical Christmas at Santa's Wonderland, offering a modern twist on visiting Santa Claus. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own cameras to capture personalized photos with Santa and throughout the festive environment. This unique experience is designed to create unforgettable holiday moments for families and friends.

Discover a season of creativity at Rumriver Art Center's Winter Holiday Classes and Events. Find unique gifts crafted by local artists at the 'Holiday Show and Shop,' and capture a festive memory with a 'Selfie with Santa.' Engage in hands-on workshops, including crafting a clay gingerbread house or creating handmade...

Experience the magic of the holiday season at Minnetonka Orchard's Christmas at the Farm. This festive event transforms the orchard into a winter wonderland, offering a delightful escape for all ages. Discover seasonal activities and soak in the cheerful atmosphere.

Experience the magic of the holiday season at Minnetonka Orchard's Christmas at the Farm. They transform their beloved orchard into a festive wonderland, offering a charming escape filled with seasonal cheer. It's the perfect place to create lasting holiday memories with loved ones.

Oakdale Winter Wonderland invites families and individuals to celebrate the magic of the season with a delightful array of winter activities. This free community event features horse-drawn hayrides, a charming petting zoo, and the chance to meet Santa Claus. Enjoy festive crafts, games, face painting, and warm up by a...

Join the Delano community for their annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Riverfront Park. This cherished event marks the official start of the holiday season, featuring the ceremonial lighting of the Christmas tree by the Delano Royalty Ambassadors. Families can enjoy a visit with Santa Claus and take a festive...