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 2021 Family Fun Twin Cities Christmas & Holiday Guide – packed with Santa sightings, holiday light displays, festivals, Christmas shopping events and more.
2021 HISTORIC HOLIDAY EVENTS IN THE TWIN CITIES
DAKOTA CITY HERITAGE VILLAGE | Farmington
CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE: Dickens’ A Christmas Carol comes to life in the village. Enjoy the illuminated buildings and drop a letter to Santa at the post office – include a self-addressed envelope so he can reply. Dec 4-12, 2021. 3-8pm, Sat & Sun. $5/pp.
Learn more about DAKOTA CITY HERITAGE VILLAGE.
EIDEM FARM | Brooklyn Park
- Daily Life on the Farm – an ongoing public event for families during the summer
- Free summer storytimes and movies
- Seasonal family festivals
FOLSOM HOUSE | Taylors Falls
CHRISTMAS AT THE FOLSOM HOUSE: Presented as part of the annual Taylors Falls Lighting Festival. Nov 26-28, 2021. Fri 4-8pm, Sat 10am-6pm.
Learn more about the FOLSOM HOUSE, operated by the Minnesota Historical Society.
HOLZ FARM | Eagan
OLD FASHIONED HOLIDAY: This annual event is back with old-time fun on the farm, including a visit with Santa. Dec 5, 2021, 12-1:15pm or 1:45-3pm. FREE.
Learn more about historic HOLZ FARM including festivals in the spring and fall.
JAMES J HILL HOUSE | St Paul
HOLIDAYS ON THE HILL: It’s Christmas in 1910 during this tour at the most famous mansion on Summit Avenue in St Paul. Tickets include a 60-minute guided tour and holiday-themed exhibits. November 26-December 31, 2021, 10am-4pm. Tickets $8-$12/pp.
Learn more about the JAMES J HILL HOUSE.
POND HOUSE | Bloomington
FRONTIER CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION: Sing Christmas carols around the pump organ, listen to a reading of the Christmas story, enjoy some holiday refreshments and make paper star ornaments to take home. December 18, 2021, 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
STANS HOUSE (Scott County Historical Society) | Shakopee
KIDS CRAFT TO-GO: Stop by the Stans House to pick up a take-home activity kit to make your own holiday craft at home. Instructions and supplies provided. Dec 11 & 13-17th, registration in advance is required. FREE.
Learn more about the STANS HOUSE operated by the Scott County Historical Society including:
- Monthly free Kids Crafts
- Historic house tours
- Seasonal public events
Washington County Historic Courthouse | Stillwater
CHRISTMAS AT THE COURTHOUSE: Shop the annual holiday bazaar inside a courthouse beautifully decorated for Christmas. While shopping, take a fun scavenger hunt and see the historic exhibits, including the old county jail. Free to-go craft bags will be handed out from Gammelgarden Museum. November 20-21, 2021.
TWIN CITIES HOLIDAY CULTURAL CELEBRATIONS
Holidays Around the World Box
Holiday Crafts, including Diwali Candles from India, African Mask, Japanese Lanterns, a Chinese Hand Kite that really flies, Aboriginal Rock Art from Australia, and Guatemalan Worry Dolls and a Worry Box from South America. This box also comes with a Passport Sticker Book and bonus holiday recipes from different countries. Buy Here.
AMERICAN SWEDISH INSTITUTE | Minneapolis
- 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
GAMMELGARDEN MUSEUM | Scandia
- Top Family Favorites at Gammelgarden Museum – guided or self-guided tours, picnic space, playground and a Swedish Dala hunt!
GERMANIC-AMERICAN INSTITUTE | St Paul
NORWAY HOUSE | Minneapolis
Gingerbread House Village $19.95
Capture the spirit of the holidays with this fun addition to Christmas activities and crafts. Green Kids Craft’s gingerbread house set comes with all the supplies needed to design and create freestanding gingerbread houses. Includes recycled cardboard houses and over 100 repositionable stickers. Kids will have fun making these cute and traditional holiday houses! Buy one here.
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 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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