Minnesota Orchestra presents the FFTC Holiday Guide
Minnesota Orchestra concerts aren't just for grown-ups.
We've got performances that spark curiosity, wiggles, and wide-eyed wonder.
Enjoy a family-friendly film with the score played live-to-picture or a classical concert.
Younger children can enjoy family and sensory-friendly concerts with a parent or caregiver.
With discounted kids' tickets and free admission through Hall Pass, it's easy to bring the whole crew.
Get more details by clicking on the image above.
Best 2025 CHRISTMAS & HOLIDAY FUN IN THE TWIN CITIES
TWIN CITIES HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTINGS & FESTIVALS
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Watch the trees light up to signal the start of the holiday season! Make sure to jump over to our complete list of Twin Cities Holiday Tree Lighting events to get all the times, activities, precautions and other details (bonfires! Santa! Hot cocoa!). Communities listed cover the entire Minneapolis-St Paul metro area.
DAZZLING CHRISTMAS & HOLIDAY LIGHT DISPLAYS IN THE TWIN CITIES
Year after year our locals get out in Minnesota weather and put up displays for the community to enjoy. You would not believe how massive our holiday lights list is thanks to all who have added their display. Please get in touch with us if you’d like to add yours. Jump over to Light It Up: Twin Cities & Greater Minnesota Christmas & Holiday Light Displays for our map!
WHERE TO FIND SANTA IN THE TWIN CITIES
Santa Claus (and sometimes his reindeer) is coming to town! Here’s a sampling of some of the best places in the Minneapolis-St Paul Twin Cities area to run into the jolly old elf in 2025. For our full list of where to track down Santa, head over to Santa Claus is Coming To Town. You’ll find Santa sightings, sleigh ride opportunities, and fun Christmas traditions organized by region of the Metro.
TWIN CITIES CHRISTMAS MUSIC & HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES
From A Christmas Carol at Guthrie Theater to The Nutcracker by Ballet Minnesota, we all have our classic favorites. The Twin Cities has so many opportunities to experience the sounds and sights of holiday shows live during the season. The sights and sounds of the holidays are tuning up all around us! Find out which holiday performances in the Twin Cities are best to introduce to kids.
TWIN CITIES FAMILY FRIENDLY HOLIDAY MARKETS
The season of gift-giving is upon us. Make it extra fun by exploring local vendors and makers, Christmas markets, or choose from a local holiday event to support a small business or local artisans!Â
MORE FUN CHRISTMAS & HOLIDAY EVENTS IN THE TWIN CITIES FOR FAMILIES
The best events at Twin Cities museums, historic sites and other attractions! These events sound like too much fun to pass up this Holiday Season. Pick one or two that could become a new family tradition.
More ways to celebrate the magic of the season
- Start the holiday fun with one of these Black Friday alternatives
- Attend a Christmas concert, live music or find carolers in the Twin Cities
- Introduce your kids to the real live reindeer at Como Zoo (Don’t feel like going out? Como offers a reindeer cam in December.)
- Make your reservations to see Santa Claus!
- Celebrate holiday cheer at a community celebration
- Attend one of these Christmas parades
- Visit the Mall of America and enjoy the holiday atmosphere
- Find upcoming holiday events on our Family Fun Calendar
- Get hometown holiday local experiences with our favorite Christmas Towns
- Sneak in some winter recreational activities, like sledding, ice skating or skiing.
- Visit Rice Park and the Landmark Center to see the beautiful holiday decor
- End your holiday fun with a family-friendly New Year’s Eve Celebration
The Landmark Center in Winter – Image courtesy of the City of St. Paul
Hello and Thanku for this website.. I always refer it. I have some info which I would like to share. At the mall of America Sea Life healthcare workers are getting free pass and family members along with them get $5 discount. Tried it myself. Additional details are on sea life website. But only Monday- fridays.
Thank you for sharing, Alex. I wasn’t able to find this offer on the SeaLife website. However, our marketing contact at SeaLife sent us information on this deal last January, so hopefully it will be offered again in January 2025. I’ll keep an eye out share if we see it come through.
Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium
Hello, my husband and I would like to know if we can be included in the communities of Minnesota’s Christmas events for 2022. We are the Twin Cities black Santa and Mrs. Claus. My name is Wanda Austin, xxx-xxx-xxxx. We have been doing this for about 4 years paid. For so many years we volunteered. We would love to put other communities on our resume. Thank you, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Thank you, Wanda. We’ll give you a call to get the 2022 information.
Hello and Thanku for this website.. I always refer it. I have some info which I would like to share. At the mall of America Sea Life healthcare workers are getting free pass and family members along with them get $5 discount. Tried it myself. Additional details are on sea life website. But only Monday- fridays.
Was a good deal for us. Had to pay only $12 for my husband and my son was free as he is 2. Just something to consider if your healthcare worker. You do need yo show your employer ID card.
Mira
Thank you, Mira. That is good information. I’ll add it to the Sea Life Directory Page
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