Ye Olde Holidays 2023 at Twin Cities Museums & Historic Sites

Ye Olde Holidays at Twin Cities Museums & Historic Sites

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. 2023 TBA. Cost has typically been $5/pp or less.

Learn more about DAKOTA CITY HERITAGE VILLAGE.

Dakota City General Store decorated for Christmas with wreaths and lights.


EIDEM FARM

4345 101st Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
AN EIDEM FARM CHRISTMAS: Old-fashioned festivities include a walking tour, winter wonderland activities and Christmas crafts. 2023 TBA.
Learn more about historic EIDEM FARM including:
  • Daily Life on the Farm – an ongoing public event for families during the summer
  • Free summer storytimes and movies
  • Seasonal family festivals

FOLSOM HOUSE 

272 W Government St, Taylors Falls, MN 55084
CHRISTMAS AT THE FOLSOM HOUSE: Presented as part of the annual Taylors Falls Lighting Festival. 2023 TBA. 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. 2023 TBA.

Learn more about the JAMES J HILL HOUSE.


OLIVER KELLEY FARM

15788 Kelley Farm Rd, Elk River, MN 55330
CHRISTMAS ON THE FARM TOUR: How did 19th century farm families celebrate the holidays? Find out on this special tour of the working historic farm complete with warm beverages and treats. Tours are approximately 45 minutes long. 2023 TBA.

Learn more about OLIVER KELLEY FARM.


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. 2023 TBA, 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)  

235 Fuller St S, Shakopee, MN 55379
KIDS CRAFTS: Crafts are available both in person. Registration in advance is required. FREE. 2023 details TBA.

Learn more about the STANS HOUSE operated by the Scott County Historical Society including:

  • Monthly free Kids Crafts
  • historic house tours
  • Seasonal public events

The Landing – Minnesota River Heritage Park

2187 County Rd 101, Shakopee, MN 55379
FOLKWAYS OF THE HOLIDAYS: Take a guided tour around 19th century homes decorated for the season, try holiday games of old, sing Christmas carols and learn about modern immigrant communities of the area. December Weekends. 2023 TBA.

Learn more about THE LANDING and other living history events throughout the year.


WASHINGTON COUNTY HISTORIC COURTHOUSE

101 Pine St W, Stillwater, MN 55082
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. 2023 TBA.

Washington County Historic Courthouse


TWIN CITIES HOLIDAY CULTURAL CELEBRATIONS

AMERICAN SWEDISH INSTITUTE

2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Learn more about the AMERICAN SWEDISH INSTITUTE including:
Kids in the Castle - Image courtesy American Swedish Institute.
Kids in the Castle – Image courtesy American Swedish Institute.

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. 2023 TBA.

Learn more about BRUENTRUP HERITAGE FARM including:


GAMMELGARDEN MUSEUM

Scandia Community Center, 14727 209th St N, Scandia Minnesota 55073
Lucia Dagen Celebration: A full Lucia Jul Bord breakfast and program (7 or 9:30am) with live music and Lucia ceremony. 2023 TBA.
Learn more about Gammelgarden Museum including:

Holidays at Twin Cities Museums

GERMANIC-AMERICAN INSTITUTE 

301 Summit Ave, St Paul, MN 55102
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. 2023 TBA.

Kid-Friendly Fun 

Kids can meet Sankt Nikolaus from noon to 2pm, visit an alpaca petting zoo, make holiday crafts, and view model train displays.

Learn more about the GERMANIC-AMERICAN INSTITUTE.
Father Christmas German
Image Credit: Germanic-American Institute

NORWAY HOUSE

913 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404
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 . More details TBA. 
Learn more about NORWAY HOUSE.

Gingerbread Wonderland at the Norway House


Our Holiday Festival Guide is full of hometown festivals at their seasonal best. Whether it’s Holidazzle at Loring Park, 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.


*This article contains affiliate links to Green Kids Crafts. Family Fun Twin Cities receives a small commission for any sales through our site. Learn more here.

Holidays at Twin Cities Museums

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