Last updated: November 11, 2024
Celebrate the magic of the holidays in Lakeville with our detailed guide. From hometown residents to curious travelers, this guide is your key to the holiday treasures of Lakeville.
Popular events during the holiday season include the Holidazzle I, where festive lights create a dazzling atmosphere for all ages. Another significant event features seasonal markets and entertainment at Holidazzle II, making it a vibrant gathering spot. And the Glow Holiday Festival II is something you definitely don't want to miss, with its enchanting light displays that celebrate the spirit of the season. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Unique holiday event with a zip line and boutique shopping.
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: Saint Paul | More Info: Glow Holiday Festival II
Woodland-themed light display and giant apple tribute.
Stroll through the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum's gardens, featuring light displays that highlight 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 and roast marshmallows over an open fire at the S’mores Village.
Where: Chaska | More Info: Winter Lights at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum I
Over 2.5 million lights in a half-mile drive-thru course.
A massive 2.5 million light display synchronized to holiday music, featuring festive food and drink vendors, and accessible for all ages.
Where: Shakopee | More Info: Sever’s Holiday Light Show I
Unique holiday celebration with a zip line and millions of lights.
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 holiday vendors.
Where: Saint Paul | More Info: Glow Holiday Festival III
Woodland-themed light display with live music and s'mores village.
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, and visit the Oswald Visitor Center for beverages and dinner options.
Where: Chaska | More Info: Winter Lights at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum II
Synchronized light and sound show with over 2.5 million twinkling lights.
A massive 2,500,000+ holiday light display synchronized to the best holiday songs, featuring festive food and drink vendors.
Where: Shakopee | More Info: Sever’s Holiday Light Show III
Synchronized light display with various holiday attractions.
The Spirit of Winter: Festival of Lights at The Winery at Sovereign Estate features over twenty miles of musical, synchronized lights across 20 acres of lakeside vineyard. Enjoy attractions like Candy Cane Lane, a life-size Nativity scene, and real winter llamas. Guests can also purchase Holly Trolley rides for a special guided tour of the decorated grounds. The event includes hot treats, mulled wine, and local brews, making it a family-friendly event perfect for the holiday season.
Where: Waconia | More Info: The Spirit of Winter: Festival of Lights IV
Interactive augmented reality experience with holiday lights and animated displays.
At Magic of Lights at Viking Lakes, over two million dazzling holiday lights transform the venue into a spectacular drive-through display featuring classic holiday favorites like Winter Wonderland, the 12 Days of Christmas, Toyland, and festive Elves. The event includes a 200-foot-long Enchanting Tunnel of Lights, a 32-foot-tall animated Mattel’s Waving Christmas Barbie, and the legendary BIGFOOT Monster Truck.
Where: Eagan | More Info: Magic of Lights at Viking Lakes
2.5 million lights synchronized to holiday music.
Sever’s Holiday Lights features over 2.5 million dynamic, color-changing lights synchronized to your favorite holiday tunes, creating a spectacular drive-thru experience with festive food and drink vendors.
Where: Shakopee | More Info: Sever’s Holiday Lights
Synchronized LED light display with Christmas music.
Valley Lights at Rockpoint Church features 100,000 LED lights choreographed to music, creating a spectacular Christmas display that is free and open to all.
Where: Lake Elmo | More Info: Valley Lights at Rockpoint Church
Interactive light displays and local shopping experiences.
Holidazzle is a downtown Minneapolis holiday festival transforming Nicollet Mall into a winter playground with twinkling lights, colorful shows, local food trucks, and holiday shopping pop-ups.
Where: Minneapolis | More Info: Holidazzle I
Charitable twist with 7% of sales donated to local charity.
The MN Christmas Market at Willow Brooke Farm is an annual holiday market showcasing homegrown brands, artisans, and makers. Each vendor donates 7% of sales to Santa's College Fund, a scholarship for refugee neighbors in Minnesota.
Where: Red Wing | More Info: MN Christmas Market at Willow Brooke Farm
Interactive light displays and local shopping experiences.
Holidazzle II transforms Nicollet Mall into a vibrant winter playground with twinkling lights, colorful shows, local food trucks, and holiday shopping pop-ups.
Where: Minneapolis | More Info: Holidazzle II
Authentic traditional holiday market with handmade European crafts and local vendors.
The European Christmas Market in St. Paul offers a unique shopping experience with over 70 vendors, live entertainment, a Holiday Train, and Carousel. Visitors can enjoy gift shopping, European-style food, kids' craft activities, and festive performances.
Where: Saint Paul | More Info: European Christmas Market I
Sleigh rides and Santa Claus in a historic downtown setting.
Holiday on Main is a unique day of crafts, entertainment, music, sleigh rides, and Santa Claus in Historic Downtown Lakeville and the Lakeville Area Arts Center on Holyoke Avenue.
Where: Lakeville | More Info: Holiday on Main
Inclusive holiday music performances by diverse groups.
The Holiday Music Festival at Mall of America features holiday-themed musical performances by school and community groups, showcasing festive music in the Huntington Bank Rotunda.
Where: Bloomington | More Info: Holiday Music Festival at Mall of America I
Holiday celebration with tree lighting, fireworks, and movie screenings.
Union Depot hosts an annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration and Movie Night, featuring the St. Paul Winter Carnival button reveal, holiday performances, a tree lighting ceremony with fireworks, and movie screenings of "Elf" and "The Polar Express." The event includes entertainment, photo ops, craft stations, and concessions available for purchase.
Where: St Paul | More Info: Union Depot Holiday Programming
Holiday celebration with historical reenactments and festive activities.
Dakota City Heritage Village presents Christmas in the Village, featuring dazzling lights, Christmas music, and demonstrations of early 1900s wintertime chores. Enjoy hot beverages and snacks, visit St. Nicholas, and explore the model railroad display.
Where: Farmington | More Info: Christmas in the Village
Drive-Thru Living Nativity with life-sized characters.
SouthCross Community Church presents a Drive-Thru Living Nativity, where participants can experience a reenactment of the Nativity scene from the comfort of their vehicles. The event features life-sized characters and a serene setting, making it a meaningful holiday activity.
Where: Burnsville | More Info: Drive-Thru Living Nativity
Traditional reenactment of the Christmas story with live actors and animals.
The Living Nativity at St. Stephen Lutheran Church is a traditional reenactment of the Christmas story, featuring live actors, animals, and a serene setting.
Where: White Bear Lake | More Info: Living Nativity
