Things To Do This Weekend: Twin Cities Southeast Metro, Dec 2-3, 2023

Holiday events this weekend in the Twin Cities Southeast Metro

Flip the switch, Twin Cities – this is the biggest and brightest weekend for community-based holiday festivals and Christmas tree lightings. Presented here is the schedule of Minneapolis-St Paul Southeast Metro Area communities celebrating – please note that several of these lighting events take place on FRIDAY night. Find our complete list of Twin Cities Tree Lighting Events for more communities.

Twin Cities Christmas & holiday tree lighting events this weekend

AFTON: Village Holiday

Downtown Afton
The village hosts a tree lighting ceremony in Town Square Park (Fri, 6pm), horse and wagon rides, a family photo booth and roving carolers throughout the weekend downtown Afton. December 1-2, 2023. Fri 5-8pm, Sat 11am-3pm.

EAGAN: Winter SKOLstice Holiday Tree Lighting

Viking Lakes, 2645 Vikings Circle, Eagan MN 55121
The very first SKOLstice holiday tree lights up today at this Viking Lakes winter playground. Much to come this season including free outdoor ice skating, the drive-thru lights show, holiday market and more. December 2023, 6pm. 

EAGAN: Old Fashioned Holiday at Holz Farm

Holz Farm, 4669 Manor Drive, Eagan, Minnesota 55123
Come visit Santa’s reindeer at this 1940s-era event. Also enjoy hayrides, a bonfire, carols, and treats. December 3, 2023, 12-3pm, 12-3pm.

FARMINGTON: Christmas in the Village

Dakota City Heritage Village, 4008 220th Street W., Farmington, MN 55024
Buildings will be illuminated inside and out throughout the village. The public is welcome to drive through the Village any evening in December (3pm-8pm) to enjoy this holiday tradition, but there will be extra activities on the weekend – carols in the church, treats in the drugstore, model trains, horse-drawn wagon rides and more. December 2-3, 2023. $5/pp.

INVER GROVE HEIGHTS: Holidays in the Heights

Veterans Memorial Community Center, 8055 Barbara Ave, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077
FRIDAY NIGHT! Holiday tree lighting outside the community center 6pm-7pm followed by skating with Santa 7pm-8:30pm (registration required). More activities follow through December 15th. December 1, 2023 @ 6pm.

PRIOR LAKE: Decembrrr Dazzle

Lakefront Park, 5000 Kop Parkway SE, Prior Lake MN
FRIDAY NIGHT! Santa will snap photos with visitors in addition to the other fun winter festivities scheduled like ice-carving demonstrations and a giant bonfire with warm beverages and pizza (for sale). The evening caps off with a fireworks show. December 1, 2023, 6-8:30pm.

Find Santa this weekend in the Twin Cities Southeast Metro

AFTON: Santa & Mrs Claus at Afton Village Holiday

The jolly Mr & Mrs visit downtown Afton – Selma’s Ice Cream on Friday from 5-8pm & Creative Art Studio on Saturday from 12-3pm. December 1-2, 2023.

EAGAN: Santa & Reindeer at Central Park Commons

3340 Central Park Commons Drive, Eagan MN
Sit for your free photo with Santa and his reindeer, enjoy cookies and hot beverages, too. December 1-3, 2023, 4-6pm.

EAGAN: Santa & Live Reindeer Photos at Premium Outlets

Twin Cities Premium Outlets, 3965 Eagan Outlets Parkway, Eagan, MN 55122
FREE photos with Santa and his reindeer. Find them outdoors at Center Court near Market Hall. Visitors will also receive free candy canes and warm beverages. December 2-3, 2023. 10am-noon. 

ROSEMOUNT: Breakfast with Santa

Rosemount Community Center Gym, 13885 S Robert Trail, Rosemount, MN 55068
Dine with Santa and Mrs. Claus and make crafts. December 2, 2023; 9am-11am. $5/pp. Registration required.

WOODBURY: Santa’s Wonderland at Cabela’s 

8400 Hudson Rd, Woodbury, MN 55125
Make your reservation to meet with Santa and get a free photo! Plus, browse Santa’s Toy Shop and take in the other fun attractions at Cabela’s. Now-December 24, 2023.

WOODBURY: Santa’s Sweet Celebration

Woodbury Lakes Shopping Center, 9020 Hudson Road, Woodbury, MN 55125
Visits with Santa and his reindeer, character meet & greets, holiday craft projects, S’mores bars, carolers, and a free goodie bag to the first 200 kids, ages 12 and under. Accepting Toys for Tots donations. December 2, 2023; 10am-1pm.

WOODBURY: Cookies and Crafts with Santa

Eagle Valley Golf Course, 2600 Double Eagle Ln, Woodbury, MN 55129
Decorate cookies, make a craft and take pictures with Santa on December 2, 2023. $15/child. Sign up for a time slot between 9am and 1pm. Find more places to spot Santa in the Twin Cities!

Shine on: Christmas & holiday lights events in the Twin Cities Southeast Metro

Magic of Lights at Viking Lakes

2685 Viking Circle, Eagan, MN 55121
The shine is most certainly still on the newest drive-through Christmas light experience in the Twin Cities. Expect it to bring the glitz – like a see-it-to-believe Holiday Barbie display, prehistoric dinos and a giant lit monster truck.  Now thru December 31, 2023. Starting at 5:30pm nightly. $25-$35/car.

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. OR – create your own drive-thru holiday lights event! We have an enormous list of homes around the Twin Cities that deck their halls up for the holiday: Jump over to Light It Up: Twin Cities & Greater Minnesota Christmas & Holiday Light Displays for our map!