Minneapolis, MN, comes alive with an array of festive events and activities during the holiday season, welcoming both locals and visitors to immerse themselves in the magic of Christmas. Holidazzle transforms downtown into a winter playground with its interactive light displays and outdoor ice rink, while Santa’s North Pole Experience offers a whimsical journey to a bustling elven village where children can help Santa’s helpers make toys.
For a dazzling drive-through experience, the GLOW Holiday Festival lights up the Minnesota State Fairgrounds with themed areas synchronized to holiday music. From handcrafted goods at the European Christmas Market to the festive aromas of roasted chestnuts, Minneapolis provides a heartwarming blend of modern entertainment and cherished traditions, making it an enchanting holiday destination.
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The Top Christmas Events in Minneapolis
- Holidazzle
- Gingerbread Wonderland at Norway House
- Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve
- Lutefisk Dinner at Norway House
Minneapolis Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve
What to Expect:
Rock opera-style Christmas performance
Description:
Trans-Siberian Orchestra brings their rock opera "The Ghosts of Christmas Eve" to Minneapolis. This high-energy performance blends classical music with hard rock, creating a sound that's uniquely TSO. Laser lights and pyrotechnics synchronize with the music, offering a feast for the eyes. The show tells a compelling story of redemption, inspired by the works of Charles Dickens. Since their first performance in 1996, TSO has revolutionized the holiday music genre, and their Minneapolis show continues this tradition of musical innovation.
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Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve
Minneapolis Other Holiday Activities
Holidazzle
What to Expect:
Interactive light displays and winter activities
Description:
Holidazzle transforms downtown Minneapolis into a winter playground. This annual celebration boasts interactive light displays that illuminate the city streets. Visitors can glide across the outdoor ice rink, a tradition dating back to the event's inception in 1992. The air fills with the aroma of roasted chestnuts as local artisans showcase their crafts. You'll discover a perfect blend of modern entertainment and cherished holiday customs, making Holidazzle a true Minneapolis winter staple.
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Gingerbread Wonderland at Norway House
What to Expect:
Edible architectural displays of Minneapolis landmarks
Description:
Norway House hosts a unique Gingerbread Wonderland, featuring edible replicas of Minneapolis landmarks. Local bakers and architects collaborate to create intricate gingerbread structures that capture the city's skyline in sweet detail. Visitors can vote for their favorite creation, participating in a beloved community tradition. This event celebrates Norwegian-American heritage, blending Scandinavian gingerbread house customs with local culture. The scent of cinnamon and cloves permeates the air, evoking memories of holidays past and present.
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Gingerbread Wonderland at Norway House
Lutefisk Dinner at Norway House
What to Expect:
Traditional Norwegian holiday dish in a cultural setting
Description:
Norway House hosts a traditional Lutefisk Dinner, offering a taste of authentic Norwegian cuisine. This event celebrates a centuries-old Nordic tradition, serving the infamous lye-soaked cod alongside more palatable sides. Visitors can sample this polarizing dish in a supportive environment, surrounded by those who appreciate its cultural significance. The dinner also features Norwegian folk music, adding an auditory dimension to the experience. This event has become a cornerstone of Minneapolis's Norwegian-American community, preserving a unique culinary heritage.
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Lutefisk Dinner at Norway House
Nearby Events
Santas North Pole Experience (Brooklyn Center)
What to Expect:
Immersive Santa's workshop experience
Description:
Step into Santa's workshop at the North Pole Experience in Minneapolis. This immersive event transports visitors to a bustling elven village. Children can assist in toy-making alongside Santa's helpers, a hands-on activity that brings holiday stories to life. The experience draws inspiration from Nordic folklore, incorporating elements of Scandinavian Christmas traditions. Twinkling lights and the soft jingle of sleigh bells create an atmosphere that captures the essence of childhood wonder.
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GLOW Holiday Festival (Saint Paul)
What to Expect:
Drive-through light experience with themed areas
Description:
GLOW Holiday Festival illuminates the Minnesota State Fairgrounds with a dazzling drive-through experience. This innovative event features themed areas, each telling a unique holiday story through lights and displays. Visitors can tune their car radios to a special station, synchronizing music to the light show. The festival pays homage to Minnesota's rich winter traditions, incorporating local folklore into its displays. As you cruise through the twinkling landscape, you'll encounter larger-than-life light sculptures that redefine holiday illuminations.
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Christmas at the Landmark Center (Saint Paul)
What to Expect:
Historic venue with diverse cultural celebrations
Description:
The Landmark Center, a historic courthouse turned cultural center, hosts a series of diverse Christmas celebrations. This event showcases holiday traditions from around the world, reflecting Minneapolis's multicultural community. Visitors can participate in a traditional English tea service, a nod to the city's early settlers. The grand atrium echoes with international carols, creating a harmonious blend of cultures. Built in 1902, the Landmark Center itself stands as a testament to the city's rich architectural heritage, adding a touch of grandeur to the festivities.
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Christmas at the Landmark Center
European Christmas Market (Saint Paul)
What to Expect:
Authentic European market experience in the Midwest
Description:
The European Christmas Market brings old-world charm to the heart of Minneapolis. This authentic market replicates the centuries-old tradition of outdoor holiday bazaars found across Europe. Visitors can sample Glühwein, a spiced mulled wine that warms both body and spirit. The market showcases handcrafted goods from local artisans, many using traditional European techniques passed down through generations. Wooden stalls line the streets, their roofs dusted with snow, transporting you to a quaint European village nestled in the Midwest.
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Twin Cities Ballet of Minnesota Nutcracker (Burnsville)
What to Expect:
Locally-inspired adaptation of the classic ballet
Description:
The Twin Cities Ballet presents a uniquely Minnesotan adaptation of The Nutcracker. This production incorporates local landmarks and historical figures into the classic tale, creating a performance that resonates with the community. Dancers glide across the stage in costumes inspired by the state's natural beauty. You'll recognize familiar scenes reimagined through a local lens, such as the Land of Sweets transformed into a winter scene on Lake Minnetonka. This innovative approach to the beloved ballet has been delighting audiences since its debut in 2015.
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Twin Cities Ballet of Minnesota Nutcracker
Christmas Traditional Concert (Bloomington)
What to Expect:
Blend of classical and folk Christmas music
Description:
The Christmas Traditional Concert in Minneapolis offers a harmonious blend of classical and folk holiday music. This event showcases local musicians performing on traditional instruments, including the hardanger fiddle, a Norwegian folk violin. Audiences are treated to lesser-known carols from various cultures, expanding their musical horizons. The concert takes place in a historic church, its stone walls amplifying the rich acoustics. This annual performance has been a staple of Minneapolis's holiday season for over three decades, evolving to reflect the city's diverse musical heritage.
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WinterSkate (Saint Paul)
What to Expect:
Free outdoor skating in the heart of downtown
Description:
WinterSkate transforms Loring Park into a winter oasis in the heart of Minneapolis. This free outdoor skating rink offers a quintessential winter experience against the backdrop of the city skyline. Visitors can glide across the ice, feeling the crisp winter air on their faces. The rink's location in one of Minneapolis's oldest parks adds a touch of historical charm to the experience. Established in 1883, Loring Park has long been a gathering place for the community, and WinterSkate continues this tradition of bringing people together during the coldest months.
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Christmas at the Arboretum (Chaska)
What to Expect:
Nature-inspired holiday displays in a botanical setting
Description:
The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum transforms into a winter wonderland during Christmas at the Arboretum. This event showcases nature-inspired holiday displays throughout the 1,200-acre grounds. Visitors can wander through themed gardens, each telling a different story of winter's beauty. The Arboretum's rich history as a horticultural research center adds depth to the experience, with displays highlighting native Minnesota plants. You'll discover how local flora adapts to the harsh winter climate, blending education with holiday cheer in a uniquely Minnesotan way.
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Holiday Lights on York Avenue (Edina)
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday light display
Description:
Holiday Lights on York Avenue is a grassroots celebration of neighborhood spirit. This community-driven event sees residents of York Avenue collaborating to create a stunning light display that stretches for blocks. Visitors can stroll down the illuminated street, admiring the creativity of each home's decorations. The tradition began in the 1990s and has grown into a beloved local spectacle. As you walk, the sound of carols drifts from porches, creating an atmosphere of warmth and togetherness that embodies the true spirit of the season.