Things to do in the Twin Cities Southeast Metro this weekend – with kids & family!
This Weekend Family Guide includes events and activities near the Twin Cities, Minnesota, communities of Apple Valley, Burnsville, Cottage Grove, Eagan, Inver Grove Heights, Mendota Heights, Rosemount & Woodbury.
This guide covers the weekend of November 25-26, 2023 – the weekend after Thanksgiving. Not locating the city you’re looking for? We also cover plenty of fun family events in the areas of:
The holidays have descended upon the Twin Cities! We’ve highlighted some festive events to help 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 the Twin Cities Southeast Metro
Find Santa this weekend in the Twin Cities Southeast Metro
Santa’s Wonderland at Cabela’s Woodbury
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. November 4-December 24, 2023.
Santa at Trains & Treats
Rambling River Center, 325 Oak St, Farmington, MN 55024
Train fans, mark a stop at this station for a train display, sweet Twinkie trains and a visit with Santa (10:30am). November 25, 2023, event 9:30am-12pm. FREE admission, Twinkie trains $3.
Paint with Santa at Color Me Mine Woodbury
Color Me Mine Woodbury, 9140 Hudson Rd – E511, Woodbury, Minnesota 55125
Parent child event – create a handprint keepsake plate with Santa. November 25 & December 9, 2023. $15/pp plus price of pottery.
Strolling Santa at Woodbury Lakes
Woodbury Lakes Shopping Center, 9020 Hudson Road, Woodbury, MN 55125
Santa will also be strolling Woodbury Lakes shopping center, available to pose for selfies between noon and 5pm. November 25, 2023. 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.
Hastings Holiday Hoopla & Tree Lighting
City Hall, 101 4th St E, Hastings, MN 55033
Shopping and family fun all day, followed by two lighting ceremonies – Second Street lighting at 5:15 and the City Hall holiday tree at 5:30pm. November 25, 2023.
Rosemount Community Tree Lighting
The annual tree lighting plus treats, kids activities, choir performances, and a visit from Santa. November 25, 2023, 6-7pm.
South St Paul Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Central Square Community Center, 100 – 7th Avenue North, South St Paul MN
Complete with cocoa, caroling and the lighting of the holiday tree. November 26, 2023, 5:30pm.
Fun outdoor activities in the Twin Cities Southeast Metro parks this weekend
We’re bringing you the scoop on dozens of outdoor activities this weekend in Twin Cities parks carefully curated on our FAMILY FUN CALENDAR. Here’s a sampling of our top picks in your area of the metro:
Storytime on the Trails at Dodge Nature Center
365 Marie Ave W, West St Paul, MN 55118
Take a self-guided hike with your kiddos around the DODGE NATURE CENTER grounds and follow the Turkey Trots Home storytelling signs. Will you spot a turkey for yourself? We did! All weekend, November 25 & 26, 2023, during park hours. FREE.
More ideas for things to do this weekend in the Twin Cities with kids – Southeast Metro
Need indoor activity ideas? Try a new indoor playground
1501 Central Pkwy, Eagan, MN 55121
Minnesota parents unite and agree – it’s essential to know where to escape the elements and still keep their kiddos burning off energy. During the months of November through March we feature the best indoor playgrounds in the Minneapolis-St Paul area on our site, hoping to help you discover something new. This weekend we highlight THE BLAST INDOOR PLAYGROUND in Eagan. It’s not quite as fancy as some of the other metro-area indoor playgrounds, but you can’t beat the $5 admission price. And it’s got a cool space theme going on, too. Open all weekend, 8am-8pm.
FIND OUR ULTIMATE LIST OF TWIN CITIES-AREA INDOOR PLAYGROUNDS!
