Things to do in Minneapolis & St Paul this weekend!
This Twin Cities Family Weekend Guide covers events in Minneapolis & St Paul the weekend of December 9-10, 2023. Want to discover family fun this weekend across the Twin Cities Metro Area? Browse our guides for the Northwest, Northeast, Southwest & Southeast communities. Happy exploring, wherever your weekend may take you!
With so many holiday happenings around the Twin Cities this weekend, we want to make it as jolly as possible for your family to find them. For more inspiration and seasonal cheer, hop over to our 2023 ULTIMATE TWIN CITIES CHRISTMAS & HOLIDAY GUIDE, our FAMILY FUN CALENDAR or our DECEMBER FAMILY GUIDE.
Still need to find your perfect Christmas tree? Our teammate Joy took care of this last weekend and literally went the extra mile to bring her family to a Christmas tree farm so they could make the memory of cutting their own fresh tree. Think that sounds fun? She’s compiled a list of the best places in the Twin Cities to cut your own holiday tree.
Holiday events this weekend in Minneapolis & St Paul – the Twin Cities
Shine on: Minneapolis & St Paul holiday lights displays & events
Canadian Pacific Holiday Train
Union Depot, 214 4th Street East, St Paul, MN 55101
Prior to the decked-out holiday train rolling into the station, there is shopping at the European Christmas Market, model trains, and more. After the train arrives at 7pm, the onboard band plays a 45-minute concert. December 10, event runs 5-8pm. FREE.
Holiday Night Trains at Twin City Model Railroad Museum
668 Transfer Rd Ste. 8, St Paul, MN 5511
Enter the miniature and magical world of model trains at this charming museum. Special for the holiday season, overhead lights are turned down low and the models’ streetlights and buildings are glowing. Saturdays 3-7pm. Pre-purchase on EventBrige: $15/pp, kids under 5 FREE.
GLOW Holiday Festival
CHS Field, 360 N Broadway St, St Paul, MN 55101
This year, there is more than a drive-through: Over a million lights, selfie plaza, three-story ice palace, and a bike-powered tree. Tickets: $12.75-$20.75/pp. Now-December 31, 2023.
For the whole sparkling scoop on the best holiday light displays in the Twin Cities, visit our 2023 Twin Cities Drive Thru Christmas Events and Walking Tours page. OR – create your own drive-thru holiday lights event! We have an enormous list of homes around the Twin Cities that deck their halls up for the holiday: Jump over to Light It Up: Twin Cities & Greater Minnesota Christmas & Holiday Light Displays for our map!
Where can I find Santa this weekend in Minneapolis & St Paul?
Where will Jolly Old St Nick be visiting this weekend? Somehow he manages to be all over the Twin Cities! Take your pick from shopping malls, community festivals and even a streetcar decked out for Christmas. For further planning, check our Twin Cities Santa-finder page or check out the details below on our holiday festival calendar.
Santa Minis at St Paul Photo Co
1165 7th Street West Saint Paul, MN 55102
Great deal for pics with Santa or the Grinch! Session includes 5-10 minutes for photos and visiting, a holiday treat and edited images available within one week at $25 a piece. Grinch: December 9, 11am-1pm & 3-5pm. Santa: December 10, 3-7pm.
Santa & Albert’s Holiday Play at Bachman’s
Bachman’s on Lyndale, 6010 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55419Bachman’s annual holiday play is perfect for all ages. Showtimes (about 20 min in length) throughout the day this weekend. December 9-10, 2023.Â
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Santa’s Workshop at Landmark CenterÂ
Landmark Center‘s Musser Cortile, 75 5th St. W., Saint Paul, MN 55102
Snap a free pic with Santa and then enjoy games, story time with J.B. Eckert and gift-making. December 10, 2023; 1-3pm, FREE.
Santa + holiday shopping
Santa at Keg & Case Market
928 7th St W, St Paul, MN 55102
Visit with Santa today only at the market while you shop for your holiday tree. December 10, 2023, 1-4pm.
Santa & Elves at European Christmas Market
Union Depot, 214 4th Street East, Saint Paul, MN 55101
Santa along with his elves and reindeer will be at Union Depot’s European Market. Kids can also go on a scavenger hunt and families can stroll through the market full of handcrafted goods and a selection of food. Fridays-Sundays, now-December 17, 2023. FREE to visit.
Santa Claus on the rails & trails
Santa Sleigh Experience at The Hitching Company
The Hitching Company, 925 N. 5th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55401410
Visit includes include crafts, a carriage ride, and photos with Santa. $21.95/rider (Under 3 free on lap). Now thru-December 17, 2023.Â
Santa’s Train Shop at Jackson Street Roundhouse
Minnesota Transportation Museum, 193 Pennsylvania Ave E, St Paul, MN 55130
The museum is transformed into Santa’s Train Shop with live musicians, activities, train rides, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and lots of museum fun. Weekends December 2-17, 2023. Tickets $9-$18 or $50/family of 4-6.
More chances to visit Santa in St Paul
Dinner With Santa at Duluth & Case Rec Center
Duluth & Case, 1020 Duluth St, Saint Paul, MN 55106
Ring in the holiday season at this fun family event. Activities include dinner, arts and crafts, and a visit with Santa. December 9, 2023, FREE.
Pictures With Santa at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, 1225 Estabrook Dr, St Paul, MN 55103
Visit with Santa Claus in the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory for a photo opportunity in the lush gardens. Bring your own camera and find the perfect spot for your photo. December 10, 2023; 8am-10am. $5/pp and registration required.
Have yourself a historical little Christmas…in Minneapolis & St Paul
Holidays on the Hill – James J Hill House
240 Summit Ave, St Paul, MN 55102
It’s Christmas in 1910 during this tour at the most famous mansion on Summit Avenue in Saint Paul. Tickets include a 60-minute guided tour and holiday exhibits. December 9 & 10, 2023.  Admission: $16-$20/pp. Under 4 free.
Gingerbread Wonderland at Norway House
Still Christmas shopping this weekend?
Our CHRISTMAS SHOPPING GUIDE helps you shop local and support small businesses while picking out presents for your loved ones this year. This gift guide has wonderful ideas for all ages. The best part is these events double as family fun!
Our weekend holiday shopping quicklist in Minneapolis-St Paul:
- Cathedral Christmas Market – outdoor shopping, warm beverages, treats and warming tent at Cathedral of St Paul. December 9, 2023, 5-9:30pm. 239 Selby Ave, St Paul, MN 55102.
- European Christmas Market – open-air holiday shopping, European-inspired treats, Santa visits, crafts for kids and more at Union Depot. All weekend, December 9-10, 2023. FREE admission. 240 E. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul, MN 55101.
- Black Market Holiday Bazaar – shop, eat and visit the Black Market elves. 767 N Eustis St, Suite 115Saint Paul, Minnesota 55114.
Minneapolis & St Paul weekend holiday stage spotlight
Disney on Ice – Find Your Hero
Excel Energy Center, 199 W Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN 55102
STARTS THIS WEEKEND! Discover what it truly means to be a hero as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and friends from around the Disney Kingdom come together to take families on a journey through timeless tales. An outing to Disney On Ice could make a great “experience” gift for any age. December 9 & 10, 2023, shows at 11am, 3pm & 7pm. Tickets: $20.
A Hygge Holiday at Circus Juventas
1270 Montreal Ave, St Paul, MN 55116
This awe-inspiring holiday show will transport you to the beautiful and bewitching North Woods. Soaring acrobatics and dazzling artistry await under the big top in St Paul. December 9-10, 2023. Sat shows at 1 & 5pm, Sun at 1pm. Tickets: $25/children, $35/adults.
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
Children’s Theatre Company, 2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404
The Grinch is back to make your holiday complete. This is a very popular show so you’ll want to secure tickets right now if the show is on your Christmas wish list. Best for ages 4+. Now thru January 7, 2023. Tickets $15-$64.
For Current reviews, parental guidance and upcoming shows:
What’s Playing at Children’s Theater Company
Elf The Musical, Jr
The Conn Theatre, 1900 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403
A modern-day holiday classic that is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf. This is a show produced by the wonderful Youth Performance Company and is great for all ages. Tickets/$15. Now thru December 17, 2023.
PLAN AHEAD FOR THE 2023 HOLIDAY SEASON – SEE WHAT’S ON STAGE FOR FAMILIES!
Fun activities in the parks this weekend in Minneapolis
Featured here for the weekend is just a taste of all that’s going on across the incredible Twin Cities park systems. You can get more ideas on our FAMILY FUN CALENDAR or browse the links below to search for local fun events & things to do with kids this weekend in the parks.
FEATURED TWIN CITIESÂ PARK EVENTS THIS WEEKEND
December Art in the Park at Loring Park
1382 Willow St, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Held indoors at the Loring Park Community Arts Center, all ages are welcome to drop by and create art with all supplies provided. December 9, 2023, 1-3pm. FREE.
Black to Nature – the Nature of Kwanzaa
5116 N Mississippi Dr, Minneapolis, MN 55412
Meet at the Carl Kroening Interpretive Center to learn about Kwanzaa through storytelling, songs, art and a guided walk in the park. December 9, 2023, 1-3pm. FREE.
Gingerbread House Decorating at Fuller Park
4802 Grand Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55419
Sweet – fee covers all supplies needed including frosting and candy. Must pre-register. Is decorating a gingerbread house one of your holiday traditions? It is at our house! December 9, 10-11:15am. $10/pp.
More ideas for things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities with kids
Minneapolis Institute of Art Family Day: Rainbows & Reflections
Drop by to explore some of the materials and techniques on view in the newest exhibition and kids can participate in hands-on art activities. Family Day is an ideal way to introduce youth to art in a formal museum that feels more relaxed. December 10, 2023, 10am-5pm, FREE.
Minnesota History Center – FREE admission
345 W Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN 55102
You will have no problem at all finding plenty to interest and entertain your kids at the Minnesota History Center. Highly interactive and entertaining exhibits await this weekend plus a chance to see the The Life and Art of Charles M Schulz (Peanuts gang) exhibit for FREE – today only. December 9, 2023, 10am-4pm.
Kwanzaa at Mill City Museum
Mill City Museum, 704 South 2nd St. Minneapolis, MN 55401
Yet another very engaging museum in the Twin Cities that kids can get their hands on. Mine love it! This weekend’s Kwanzaa celebration will include baking demonstrations at 1pm and storytime with Rose McGee, author of the new children’s book, Can’t Nobody Make a Sweet Potato Pie Like Our Mama! December 9, 2023, 12-3pm. $8-$12/pp.
Winter Beach Party at Great River Water Park
270 Lexington Pkwy N, St Paul, MN 55104
Shrug off the cold and pretend you’re in the tropics at this annual indoor beach party. Everything is free – food, activities and swimming. December 9, 2023, 1-3pm.
Find hundreds more things to do in Minneapolis & St Paul with kids!
During this cold weather, find tons of fun indoor games for kids you can play right at home.
