Get ready for a big serving of old-fashioned fun, cultural traditions and special events for the Holidays at Twin Cities museums and historic sites.
Searching for more Twin Cities holiday and Christmas events? Look no further than our Family Fun Twin Cities Christmas & Holiday Guide – packed with Santa sightings, holiday light displays, festivals, Christmas shopping events and more.
2023 HISTORIC HOLIDAY EVENTS IN THE TWIN CITIES
DAKOTA CITY HERITAGE VILLAGE
4008 220th St W, Farmington, MN 55024
CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE: Dickens’ A Christmas Carol comes to life in the quaint and charming historic village. Guests will enjoy the illuminated buildings, sleigh rides, treats in the drugstore and can drop a letter to Santa at the post office – include a self-addressed envelope so he can reply. December Weekends. December 2, 3, 9, 10, 2023. Cost $5.50/pp.
Learn more about DAKOTA CITY HERITAGE VILLAGE.
EIDEM FARM
AN EIDEM FARM CHRISTMAS: Old-fashioned festivities include a walking tour, winter wonderland activities and Christmas crafts. December 3, 2023; 12-4pm.
- Daily Life on the Farm – an ongoing public event for families during the summer
- Free summer storytimes and movies
- Seasonal family festivals
FOLSOM HOUSEÂ
272 W Government St, Taylors Falls, MN 55084
CHRISTMAS AT THE FOLSOM HOUSE: Presented as part of the annual Taylors Falls Lighting Festival. Nov 24-25, 2023. Friday 4-8pm; Saturday 10am-7pm. FREE. Donations welcome.
Learn more about the FOLSOM HOUSE, operated by the Minnesota Historical Society.
HOLZ FARM
4665 Manor Dr, Eagan, MN 55123
OLD FASHIONED HOLIDAY: This annual event is back with old-time fun on the farm, including a visit with Santa. This event is fully outdoors. December 3, 2023; Noon to 3pm. FREE.
Learn more about HISTORIC HOLZ FARM including festivals in the spring and fall.
JAMES J HILL HOUSE
240 Summit Ave, St Paul, MN 55102
HOLIDAYS ON THE HILL: 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-themed exhibits. Thursdays-Sundays, December 1-30, 2023. Admission: $16-$20/pp. Under 4 free. Pre-purchase tickets here.
Learn more about the JAMES J HILL HOUSE.
POND HOUSE IN POND-DAKOTA MISSION PARK
401 E 104th St, Bloomington, MN 55420
FRONTIER CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION: Visitors can sing Christmas carols around the pump organ, listen to a reading of the Christmas story, enjoy some holiday treats and make paper star ornaments to take home. December 16, 2023, drop in from 1-4pm. FREE, donations appreciated.
POPCORN & CRANBERRIES: String a garland of popcorn and cranberries to take home. December 23, 2023, drop in from 1-4pm. FREE, donations appreciated.
Learn more about POND-DAKOTA MISSION PARK:
- Weekly historic-themed open houses (ongoing Saturdays, donations suggested)
- Annual special events such as the River Rendezvous in September
TWIN CITIES HOLIDAY CULTURAL CELEBRATIONS
AMERICAN SWEDISH INSTITUTE
- Julglädje: Family Holiday Concert: Listen to traditional holiday music from Sweden during this two-hour concert. Saturday, November 25, 2023 9am or 11am.
- Lucia Celebration & Concert: December 10, 2023. SOLD OUT.
- Top 4 Family Favorites at ASI – including the Family Gallery, a special Viking exhibit just for kids
- Kids at the Castle – a monthly themed event for families with children
- Family-friendly dining at FIKA restaurant
BRUENTRUP HERITAGE FARM
2170 County Rd D E, Maplewood, MN 55109
ST. NIKOLAUSTAG ON THE FARM: Visit with St. Nikolaus while your family learns about the history of German holiday traditions with hayrides, games, music, tours as well a Christmas Market, food trucks, sweets and a Christmas Tree forest. December 9, 2023.
Learn more about BRUENTRUP HERITAGE FARM including:
GAMMELGARDEN MUSEUM
Gammelkyrkan – Old Church at Gammelgarden Museum, Scandia Minnesota 55073
Lucia Dagen Worship Service & Fellowship: A full Lucia Jul Bord breakfast and program (7 or 9:30am) with live music and Lucia ceremony. Sunday, December 10, 2023; 6am & 8:30am services. Limit 60 people per service. Reservations required. Call 651-433-5053.
- Top Family Favorites at Gammelgarden Museum – guided or self-guided tours, picnic space, playground and a Swedish Dala hunt!
GERMANIC-AMERICAN INSTITUTEÂ
CHRISTMAS IN GERMANY: GAI hosts its annual Holiday Open House with a new name. Participate in Christmas traditions of Germany, including Lebkuchen cookies, St. Nikolaus and German carols. Events will be both indoors and outside. December 2-3, 2023. FREE.
Kid-Friendly FunÂ
Kids can meet Sankt Nikolaus from noon to 2pm, visit an alpaca petting zoo, make holiday crafts, and view model train displays.
NORWAY HOUSE
GINGERBREAD WONDERLAND: Norway House’s annual signature Holiday tradition Gingerbread Wonderland returns for its 7th Anniversary. It’s a city made of gingerbread – November 24, 2023 through January 7, 2024. Admission $15 ages 13+; Free for kids 12 and under.
COME BACK IN 2024
WASHINGTON COUNTY HISTORIC COURTHOUSE
101 Pine St W, Stillwater, MN 55082
The Washington County Historic Courthouse is closed until January of 2024. Unfortunately that means events like, CHRISTMAS AT THE COURTHOUSE will not happen in 2023.
Our Holiday Festival Guide is full of hometown festivals at their seasonal best. Whether it’s a tree lighting, a skating event or a full-on festival with fireworks and movies, we think this is quite simply the perfect way to celebrate the season.
Looking for more Santa and reindeer sightings? Track him with our Twin Cities Santa Finder: Santa Claus is Coming to Town.
What is your favorite event to celebrate the Holidays at Twin Cities museums or historic places? Leave us a comment and we’ll add it to our list.
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