Twin Cities Guide to Family Activities This Weekend: December 6-7, 2025

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Things to do in Minneapolis & St Paul this weekend!

Weekend Family Guide - Family Fun Twin Cities Banner.

This Twin Cities Family Weekend Guide covers events in Minneapolis & St Paul the weekend of December 5-6, 2026. Not the weekend you’re looking for? Find our most recent guide here. 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!

More weekend events around the Twin Cities Metro Area

Northwest Metro Weekend Guide
Northeast Metro Weekend Guide
Southwest Metro Weekend Guide
Southeast Metro Weekend Guide

Welcome to the holidays in the Twin Cities!

The holidays have swooped in and the Twin Cities are all lit up this December weekend with special holiday events, Christmas tree lightings and festivals with all the trimmings. We’ve illuminated some festive events to get you in the spirit – for more family weekend ideas hop over to our 2025 ULTIMATE TWIN CITIES CHRISTMAS & HOLIDAY GUIDE, our FAMILY FUN CALENDAR or our DECEMBER FAMILY GUIDE.

Seeking ideas on what to do with your kids in the Twin Cities this week? Definitely jump over to our TWIN CITIES GUIDE TO FAMILY ACTIVITIES THIS WEEK.

Star lamp behind Minnesota Orchestra presents Holiday fun in the Twin Cities

Holiday events this weekend in Minneapolis & St Paul – the Twin Cities

We’re psyched to put up and decorate our Christmas tree this weekend! 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 like a fun family adventure? She’s compiled a list of the best places in the Twin Cities to cut your own holiday tree.

Dad carrying Christmas Tree into House as Kids Cheer -Where to Buy Real Christmas Tree in the Twin Cities

Shine on: Minneapolis & St Paul holiday lights displays & tree lightings this weekend

Trees will be twinkling this weekend at hometown holiday festivals. This is the BIGGEST & BRIGHTEST weekend for community celebrations in the Twin Cities metro. Here’s our quick list of light-ups in Minneapolis & St Paul; trot on over to our TWIN CITIES HOLIDAY FESTIVALS  page for more communities or scroll down for more details – many Twin Cities-area communities are hosting their own downtown galas, complete with roving Santas, carolers and sleigh bells.

MINNEAPOLIS Linden Hills Reindeer Day

Linden Hills, Minneapolis
The festive activities take place at local shops and businesses in the area of Upton & 43rd. Stop in for free cookies, crafts, photos with Santa & Mrs Claus, cocoa and storytime. December 6, 2025, 10am-2pm.

ST PAUL Grand Meander

Grand Avenue, St Paul, MN 55105
20 blocks of samples and specials at many of the cool independent shops and restaurants, free trolley rides, carolers for entertainment and multiple venues to visit with Santa. December 6, 2025, 11am-3pm.

ST PAUL Union Depot Holiday Tree Lighting & Movie Night

214 4th Street East, St. Paul, MN 55101
Catch the giant tree light up at 7pm followed by a traditional screening of Elf at 7:30pm. December 6, 2025, event runs 5-9pm.

ST PAUL GLOW Holiday Festival

CHS Field, 360 N Broadway St, St Paul, MN 55101
Bundle up and get ready to walk through a wonderland of over a million lights, a selfie plaza, stunning giant slide and zip line. Tickets: $12.75-$21.75/pp.  Now-January 4, 2026.

More holiday tree lighting events and festivals in the Twin Cities this weekend

For the whole sparkling scoop on the best holiday light displays in the Twin Cities, visit our 2025 Twin Cities Holiday Lights Shows 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!

TWIN CITIES HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTINGS
TWIN CITIES HOLIDAY LIGHTS SHOWS

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.

ST PAUL Pictures with Santa at Como Zoo

1225 Estabrook Dr, Saint Paul, MN 55103
Choose the perfect spot for a photo with Santa among Como Conservatory’s indoor gardens. December 7, 2025, 8-10am. Cost is $5 per person, no registration necessary.

MINNEAPOLIS Christmas Fun with Santa Reggie

Midtown Global Market, 920 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Santa Reggie visits the market for a day of greeting kids and general holiday fun. While you’re there, check out local vendors, handmade gifts and vinyl records. December 6, 2025, 12-3pm. FREE.

MINNEAPOLIS Dinner with Santa Sid at The Patty Wagon

The Patty Wagon, 6042 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55419
Bring your own camera for a photo with Santa Sid during dinner at The Patty Wagon. December 14, 2024. Reservations $10; dinner not included. The Patty Wagon is on our list of favorite restaurants that offer Kids-Eat-Free deals.

MINNEAPOLIS Santa & Albert’s Holiday Play at Bachman’s

6010 Lyndale Avenue S, Minneapolis MN 55419
Bachman’s annual holiday play starring Santa & Albert the elf is perfect for all ages. Showtimes are about 20 minutes in length and perform through the day this weekend. BONUS! Santa’s reindeer will make an appearance this Saturday (only). December 6-7, 2025. 

 

Santa Claus on the rails & trails

ST PAUL Santa’s Train Shop at Minnesota Transportation Museum 

193 Pennsylvania Ave E, St Paul, MN 55130
The museum transforms into Santa’s Train Shop with live music, activities, train rides and pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus. December 6-7, 2025, book between 10am-4pm. $10-$25 per person.

MINNEAPOLIS Como-Harriet Streetcar Line Holly Trolley

2330 W 42nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55410
Take an decked-out old-time trolley ride with Santa himself (about 25 minutes in length so you’ll have time to chat with him). Then toast marshmallows on a fire (smores kits and other concessions sold separately). December 6-7, 2025, 12-3pm only. $5/rider.

MINNEAPOLIS Santa Sleigh Experience at The Hitching Company

The Hitching Company, 925 N. 5th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55401410
Visit includes include an ornament craft, holiday treat, a horse-drawn wagonette ride, and photos with Santa. Book a ride this weekend, December 6-7, 2025, times between 10am-1:45pm. $23.95/rider/rider (under 3 free on lap).

MORE PLACES TO FIND SANTA IN THE TWIN CITIES THIS WEEKEND! A little-known secret here: we’ve gotten ahold Santa’s complete 2025 Twin Cities holiday appearance itinerary and are so excited to share it with you! Jump on over to HERE COMES SANTA CLAUS IN THE TWIN CITIES or click his mug below.

Family-friendly Twin Cities holiday shopping events this weekend in Minneapolis & St Paul

Make it the year to holiday shop local or choose handcrafted gifts (we know grandparents love those most!) While we can appreciate it’s not always a festive event to bring kids along to tackle the holiday gift list, these events keep the whole family in mind with entertainment and other diversions. Time it right and you may even find Santa or Mrs Claus!

MINNEAPOLIS Christkindl Market

North Loop Green – 350 North 5th Street, Minneapolis, MN
The city of Minneapolis is bringing back its own European-style Christmas market onto the scene much like its sister over in St Paul. Shopping, yes, absolutely along with a host of other entertainment: melodies with Mrs Claus, lots of cheery music and dance performances and plenty of delicious food. Market open this weekend, December 6-7, 2025. Fri 4-9, Sat 11-9 and Sun 11-7. FREE admission.

ST PAUL European Christmas Market

Union Depot, 214 4th Street East, St Paul, MN
Based on the European open air Christkindlmarkts like those in Germany and Austria, this is a free event to attend with the opportunity to shop for unique, handmade gifts and decorations as well as nosh on holiday treats. Santa visits the market this Saturday from 2-6pm and Sunday from 3-5pm. Open this weekend, December 6-7, 2025. Fri 4-9pm, Sat 10am-8pm & Sun 11am-6pm.

More holiday events this weekend in Minneapolis-St Paul

ST PAUL Holiday Flower Show Opens at Como Park Conservatory

1225 Estabrook Dr, St Paul, MN 55103
It’s not technically “outdoor” fun in the parks, but when I’m meandering the balmy indoor garden paths of Como Conservatory I can almost trick myself into believing I’ve jetted off for a tropical vacation. The beautiful blooms of the Holiday Flower Show begin this weekend to add to the festive mood. (Plus, there’s so much for kids and adults alike to love at Como.) December 4, 2026, 10am-4pm. FREE.

ST PAUL Holiday Night Trains at Twin City Model Railroad Museum

668 Transfer Rd Ste. 8, St Paul, MN 55114
A special holiday tradition at the Twin City Model Railroad Museum, the Night Trains season magically transforms the museum layouts. Buildings and street lights glow, and throughout the museum the layouts are adorned with Christmas lights. December 6, 2025. $15/pp.

Cultural Christmas celebrations

ST PAUL Germanic-American Institute Christmas in Germany

301 Summit Ave, St Paul, MN 55102
Get the feel of a European market with vendors selling German Christmas gift items, model trains, and festive food and drink. Craft ornaments on Saturday and meet St. Nikolaus on Sunday. December 6-7, 2025. $10/adults, $5/children.

MINNEAPOLIS Gingerbread Wonderland at Norway House

913 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404
A signature holiday tradition, Gingerbread Wonderland features a miniature village made of (you guessed it) gingerbread. Now thru January 3, 2026. $10/pp, kids 12 & under FREE.

Have yourself a historical little Christmas

ST PAUL Holidays on the Hill

240 Summit Ave, St Paul, MN 55102
It’s Christmas in 1910 during this tour at the most famous and historic mansion on Summit Avenue in Saint  Paul – the James J Hill House. Tickets include a 60-minute guided tour and holiday-themed exhibits. Thursdays-Sundays, now through January 4, 2026. Admission: $16-$25/pp. Under 4 free.

ST PAUL Circus Juventas Holiday Show: Solstice

1270 Montreal Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55116
Circus Juventas will host 10 performances of its annual holiday show “Solstice,” under the big top. These are stunning shows, filled with talented youth performing circus acts and excite all ages. December 5-14, 2025. $35/adults; $25 ages 12 and under.

MINNEAPOLIS Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Children’s Theatre Company, 2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404
The Grinch is back again to make your holiday complete! We know some folks who just returned from the show and praised its refreshed script and interactivity for the kids. They said it was the best version of The Grinch they’d ever seen! Remember, this is a very popular production 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 4, 2026. Tickets $15 & up.

For current reviews, parental guidance and upcoming shows:
What’s Playing at Children’s Theater Company

Fun outdoor activities in the parks this weekend in the Twin Cities

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.

Some fun family ideas for this weekend: Try outdoor ice skating

Most community outdoor ice rinks aren’t quite flooded and ready for skating yet, but some parks in other areas of the Twin Cities Metro offer refrigerated options for you open this week if you’ve got the urge to lace up:

GET EXCITED TO ICE SKATE OUTDOORS THIS WINTER WITH OUR LIST OF TWIN CITIES ICE SKATING RINKS!

MINNEAPOLIS Nature Tots at North Mississippi Regional Park

5116 N Mississippi Dr, Minneapolis, MN 55412
Hike around the park with your caregiver to look for signs of foxes and coyotes getting ready for the winter. Free, drop-in program, but must register. Kids will enjoy playing around in the exhibits of the Carl Kroening Interpretive Center, too. December 6, 2025, 10:30-11:30am. FREE.

More free things to do this weekend in Minneapolis & St Paul with kids

MINNEAPOLIS Institute of Art: Art Play! 

2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Free, drop-in art projects for all ages the first and third Saturday of the month. In December, use leftover art supplies to create new works of art. Then take a scavenger hunt through the galleries – I’ve done this with tweens and teens and it’s lot of fun! December 6, 2025, 10am-2pm. FREE, no registration needed.

MINNEAPOLIS Home Depot Kids Workshops

1520 New Brighton Blvd, Minneapolis, MN 55413
Kids can put together simple DIY projects the first Saturday of the month for free. This month kids can put together a holiday cocoa mug box. December 6, 2025, 9am-12pm. FREE.

ST PAUL December First Free Sunday at Minnesota Children’s Museum

10 7th St W, St Paul, MN 55102
Explore three+ floors of FUN at the museum FREE of charge; expect to wait in line for admission. And act quickly as these spots are already being snapped up! December 6, 2025, 9am-5pm.

MINNEAPOLIS Walker Art Center Free First Saturday: Show & Tell

725 Vineland Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Free admission for the whole family! Explore the galleries with an activity guide, watch a family friendly short film, and participate in art-making onsite. Reserve your free tickets online in advance. December 6, 2025, 10am-3pm.

ST PAUL First Saturday Science at Metro State

664 East Sixth Street, Saint Paul, MN 55106
The University hosts kid-friendly hands-on STEM activities the first Saturday of the month. December’s program is about climate and air quality. December 6, 2025, 10am-12pm. FREE.

MINNEAPOLIS Super Saturday at InnerCity Tennis 

4055 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55409
InnerCity Tennis’ Super Saturdays Program is a chance for Twin Cities families to bring kids of all ages to learn tennis fundamentals for from trained staff. The entire 12 court facility is provided for this program at no charge. December 6, 2025, 3-6pm. 

ST PAUL Free Open Swim Sundays at Great River Water Park

270 Lexington Pkwy N, St Paul, MN 55104
A special FREE open swim will be hosted Sundays starting this weekend with water safety training provided from 3-3:25pm. The zero-depth entry splash pool is perfect for tots trying to get used to the water and there are two tube waterslides for the big kids. December 7, 2025, 12-5pm.

Families swimming playing at the Great River Waterpark in Saint Paul, Minnesota

ST PAUL Saturday Vibe: Rex & Mr Fox Show Storytime

90 W 4th St, St Paul, MN 55102
This weekend at the George Latimer Central Library downtown, kids can enjoy a very special storytime performance. December 6, 2025, 11am-12pm.

MINNEAPOLIS Wild Rumpus Storytime Reindeer Day Story Time

2720 W 43rd St, Minneapolis, MN 55410
A Linden Hills Reindeer Day special: holiday storytime with local author Emily Kilgore. December 6, 2025, 12pm. FREE.

ST PAUL Red Balloon Storytime

2720 W 43rd St, Minneapolis, MN 55410
And over in St Paul during the Grand Meander holiday event, local author Matt  Eicheldinger will do free caricatures and sign his books. December 6, 2025, 1-3pm. FREE.

MINNEAPOLIS Puppet Storytime at Heart of the Beast Theatre

1500 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Chelly Beaver, puppet librarian, hosts a special puppet storytime. December 6, 2025, 10:30-11:30am. FREE.

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.

List of Indoor Games & Activities for Kids - Boredom Busters for All Ages

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