Things to do in Minneapolis & St Paul this weekend!
This Twin Cities Family Weekend Guide covers events in Minneapolis & St Paul the weekend of November 25-26, 2023 – following Thanksgiving. 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!
The holidays have descended upon the Twin Cities! We’ve highlighted some festive events to get you in the spirit – for more family weekend ideas hop over to our THANKSGIVING IN THE TWIN CITIES GUIDE, our NOVEMBER FAMILY GUIDE or our FAMILY FUN CALENDAR.
Holiday events this weekend in Minneapolis & St Paul - the Twin Cities
Twin Cities Christmas & holiday tree lighting events this weekend
It’s about time for the Twin Cities to sparkle and shine! Several Minneapolis-St Paul Metro Area communities are lighting up their holiday trees this weekend in grand style. Find our complete list of Twin Cities Tree Lighting Events.
Shine on: Minneapolis & St Paul holiday lights displays & events
GLOW Holiday Festival
CHS Field, 360 N Broadway St, St Paul, MN 55101
This year, there is more than a drive-through: Over a million lights, selfie plaza, three-story ice palace, and a bike-powered tree. Tickets: $12.75-$20.75/pp. Now-December 31, 2023.
For the whole sparkling scoop on the best holiday light displays in the Twin Cities, visit our 2023 Twin Cities Drive Thru Christmas Events and Walking Tours page.
Where can I find Santa this weekend in Minneapolis & St Paul?
Santa & Albert’s Holiday Play at Bachman’s
Bachman’s on Lyndale, 6010 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55419Bachman’s annual holiday play is perfect for all ages. Showtimes (about 20 min in length) throughout the day this weekend. BONUS! Santa’s reindeer will make an appearance this Saturday. November 25 & 26, 2023.Â
Como-Harriet Streetcar Line Holly Trolley
2330 W 42nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55410
Take an old-time trolley ride with Santa himself and toast marshmallows on a fire. November 25 & 26, $5/rider.
Santa Sleigh Experience at The Hitching Company
The Hitching Company, 925 N. 5th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55401410
STARTS THIS WEEKEND! Visit includes include crafts, a carriage ride, and photos with Santa. Weekends November 25-December 17, 2023. $21.95/rider (Under 3 free on lap).
Family-friendly Twin Cities holiday shopping events this weekend
Make it the year to shop local or choose handcrafted gifts (we know grandparents love those most!) While we appreciate it’s not always a festive event to bring the kids along to tackle the holiday gift list, these events keep the whole family in mind with entertainment and other diversions. You may even find Santa!
St Paul’s 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. Open weekends starting November 24, 2023, Fri 4-9pm, Sat 10am-8pm & Sun 11am-6pm.
More holiday events this weekend in the Twin Cities
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. November 25, 2023. $15/pp.
Julgladje at American Swedish Institute
American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407
An ASI holiday tradition, with live musical performances and a look at the mansion dressed up for the season. November 25, 2023. Morning & afternoon performances. $5-$20/pp.
FIND OUR COMPLETE 2023 GUIDE TO THE HOLIDAYS IN MINNEAPOLIS-ST PAUL, THE TWIN CITIES.
Celebrate Thanksgiving weekend
Looking (possibly desperately?) for some ideas to keep the kids entertained over school break (mine always get an ENTIRE WEEK off!) Stay cool. we’ve got suggestions for you.
Skipping holiday travel and hosting a small family gathering at home? We have suggestions for keeping it simple, ways to keep kids entertained, ideas for the leftovers, games to play and inspiration for giving back to those in need.
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 THISÂ WEEKEND:
Visit a Minnesota State Park free on Black Friday
Thinking about skipping the shopping? Minnesota State Parks are free on Black Friday! Free days are rare and exploring one of the local state parks is not something we do often. We tend toward the more urban adventures. Go HEREÂ for an interactive map of State Parks both near and far or check our list of 9 TWIN CITIES METRO-AREA MINNESOTA STATE PARKS for our personal family adventures and tips.
FEATURED TWIN CITIESÂ PARK EVENTS THIS WEEKEND
Hibernate! program at Fort Snelling State Park
101 Snelling Lake Rd, St Paul, MN 55111
Meet at the Thomas Savage Visitor Center to learn cool facts about tricks animals use to get through the cold Minnesota winters. If it’s decent out, take a late fall hike on the gentle park trails near the river. November 25, 2023, 1-2pm. $7/vehicle permit.
More ideas for things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities with kids
Support Small Business Saturday
Show some local love on Saturday, November 25, 2023, with special Small Business Saturday events in local communities. Small Business Saturday is another chance to support small businesses based out of the Twin Cities:
Minnesota Center for Book Arts
1011 Washington Ave. S., First Floor, Minneapolis, MN 55415
Discounts and shopping deals at MCBA and Open Book Artist and Writer Mart all in one space. Families can decorate gift bags and tags with hand-carved stamps and pull a print on a tabletop press. November 25, 2023, 10am–4pm.
A kid-friendly museum visit
History Hijinx at Minnesota History Center
345 W Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN 55102
You will have no problem at all finding plenty to intrigue your kids at the Minnesota History Center — and while they are being amused, you’ll probably find yourself being playful right alongside them. Highly interactive and entertaining exhibits await this weekend plus a chance to see the The Life and Art of Charles M Schulz (Peanuts gang) exhibit and special history activities for kids. All weekend, starting at 11am, $8-$12/pp.
More museums for hands-on learning in Minneapolis & St Paul
Our Twin Cities are home to several high quality museums with hands-on learning opportunities for all ages. Pick one to explore and introduce your kids to over Thanksgiving break. Here’s a sampling:
- BAKKEN MUSEUM: Interesting exhibits all about electricity that cater to youth and families. $7-$13/pp. 3537 Zenith Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55416.
- BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY: Far-out space exhibits and intriguing animal dioramas make it really special. Larpenteur Avenue West, Saint Paul, MN 55113.
- SCIENCE MUSEUM OF MINNESOTA: World-class science exhibits and an IMAX theater. TIP: The Science Museum can be a splurge. For a bit of free fun, you can visit the Mississippi National River & Recreation Area Visitor Center in the museum’s lobby, 120 W. Kellogg Boulevard, St. Paul, MN 55102.Â
Performing arts & entertainment this weekend in Minneapolis & St Paul
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
Children’s Theatre Company, 2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404
The Grinch is back to make your holiday complete. This is a very popular show 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 7, 2023. Tickets $15-$64.
For current reviews, parental guidance and upcoming shows:
What’s Playing at Children’s Theater Company
Minnesota Orchestra performs Home Along in Concert
Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Becoming a beloved holiday tradition, families can watch this classic Christmas movie backed by the Minnesota Orchestra. November 25 & 26, 2023. Tickets $50+.
