Ye Olde Holidays 2022 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 2022 Family Fun Twin Cities Christmas & Holiday Guide – packed with Santa sightings, holiday light displays, festivals, Christmas shopping events and more.

2022 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 3-11, 2022.  Sat & Sun. More 2022 Details TBA.

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. 2022 TBA. 

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 4, 2022, More details TBA. 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. 2022 TBA.

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. 2022 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) | 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 2022 TBA, 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. November 19-20, 2022.

TWIN CITIES HOLIDAY CULTURAL CELEBRATIONS

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

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.