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.

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Searching for more Twin Cities holiday and Christmas events? Look no further than our 2019 Family Fun Twin Cities Christmas & Holiday Guide – packed with Santa sightings, holiday light displays, festivals, Christmas shopping events and more.

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HISTORIC HOLIDAY EVENTS IN THE TWIN CITIES

ALEXANDER RAMSEY HOUSE | St Paul

A Victorian Christmas: See, hear and taste a Victorian Christmas during this holiday guided tour. There are homemade cookies in the kitchen, holiday music of the era on the piano, and original family decorations. Nov 29-Dec 29, $8-$12/pp.

Learn more about the Alexander Ramsey House.

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DAKOTA CITY HERITAGE VILLAGE | Farmington

Christmas in the Village: Dickens’ A Christmas Carol comes to life in the village with a horse-drawn trolley, caroling, holiday cooking, demonstrations, a visit with St. Nicholas and other turn-of-the-century traditions. Dec 7-8 & 14-15. 1-8pm, Sat & Sun. $4-$7/pp.

Learn more about Dakota City Heritage Village including:

• Friends & Family Fun Day – free admission to the historic village
• Free admission during Dakota County Fair’s free admission day
• Seasonal public events

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JAMES J HILL HOUSE | St Paul

Christmas Saturdays for Families | James J Hill House, St Paul 
Take a self-guided Christmas tour of the historic mansion. May be the better option for families with kids who’d like to tour at their own pace. Begins Nov 30, 10am-5pm. $6-$10/pp.

Christmas Traditions Guided House Tour | James J Hill House  
Learn about the holiday celebrations held along historic Summit Avenue. Tours run 60 minutes. (There is also a self-guided option every Saturday $6-$10/pp). Nov 27-Dec 29, $8-$12/pp.

Learn more about the James J Hill House.

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FILLEBROWN HOUSE | White Bear Lake

Holiday Tours: Take a guided tour of the historic house dressed up for the holidays. One day only, tours at 10am, 11:30am, & 1pm. Dec 7, $7/pp.

Children’s Storytime: Fun, cider & cookies. Pajamas welcome. Dec 12, 6:30-7:30pm, $5/pp advanced tickets required.

Learn more about the Fillebrown House, operated by the White Bear Lake Historical Society.

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FOLSOM HOUSE | Taylors Falls

Christmas at the 1855 Folsom House
Nov 29-Dec 1, Fri 3-8pm, Sat 11am-6:30pm & Sun 1-4pm. $2-$4/pp.

Learn more about the Folsom House, operated by the Minnesota Historical Society.

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HOLZ FARM | Eagan

Old Fashioned Holiday: Come visit Santa’s reindeer at this 1940s-era event. Also enjoy hayrides, a bonfire, carols, and treats. Dec 8, 12-3:30pm. All activities are FREE!

Learn more about historic Holz Farm including festivals in the spring and fall.

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OLIVER KELLEY FARM | Elk River

Christmas on the Farm Tour
Learn how the farm families celebrated the holiday season and dealt with cold temps, visit the animals, take a wagon ride and warm up with treats and refreshments. Dec 14-15, $15/pp, 5 & under free.

Learn more about the Oliver Kelley Farm including public events April – October.

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POND HOUSE | Bloomington

Christmas at the Pond House: Join costumed re-enactors at the historic Pond House, sing carols around the pump organ, read the Christmas story, and Rev. Pond will present excerpts from his 1862 Christmas sermon. Enjoy refreshments by the fireplace and make angel ornaments. Dec 15, 2-4pm, suggested donation $2/pp.

Learn more about Pond-Dakota Mission Park:

• Weekly historic-themed open houses (ongoing Sundays, donations suggested)
• Annual special events such as the River Rendezvous in September

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STANS HOUSE (Scott County Historical Society) | Shakopee

Stans House Holiday Fest: Free historic holiday fun in the historic Stans House, decorated for a 1920s Christmas. Meet Mrs Claus and enjoy cookies. Dec 6, 10am-1pm.

Learn more about the Stans House, operated by the Scott County Historical Society including:

• Monthly free Kids Krafts
• Historic house tours
• Seasonal public events

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TWIN CITIES HOLIDAY CULTURAL CELEBRATIONS

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• 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

• Daily Life on the Farm – an ongoing public event for families during the summer
• Free summer storytimes and movies
• Seasonal family festivals

• Top Family Favorites at Gammelgarden Museum – guided or self-guided tours, picnic space, playground and a Swedish Dala hunt!

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HOLIDAY EVENTS AT TWIN CITIES MUSEUMS

PURCELL-CUTTS HOUSE | Minneapolis

Winterlights at the Purcell-Cutts House: Special tours are given throughout the holiday season, operated by the Minneapolis Institute of Art and decorated for the holiday. Nov 30-Jan 5, 2020. $5/adults, students & kids free.

Learn more about the kid-friendly programs at Minneapolis Institute of Art including:

• Family Day – a monthly program just for families with kids
• Free Studio Days – free, drop-in art classes

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MILL CITY MUSEUM | Minneapolis

An “Eventually” Christmas Holiday at the Mill
A Christmas play based on a 1920 Washburn Crosby holiday party. Recommended for ages 8+. Dec 13-15, $16-$20/pp.

Learn about the super family-friendly Mill City Museum and why it’s a top Twin Cities museum for kids!

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Our 2019 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.

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Looking for more Santa sightings? Track him with our 2019 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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