Our Twin Cities Holiday Festival Guide is chock full of hometown festivals all dressed up in their holiday best and pumping out the Christmas cheer. Whether it’s a holiday tree lighting, a jolly ice skating event or a full-on festival with fireworks and light spectacles, we think attending one is quite simply the perfect way to kick off the holiday season in 2026.
We’ve organized our holiday festival calendar into regions of the Twin Cities Metro to make it easier to find one close to home (or explore a new destination!) All holiday events are FREE unless noted.
Note: If you are looking for a list of Christmas decorated houses, with addresses categorized by the cities in which they are located, see this article: Light It Up: Twin Cities’ Greater Minnesota Christmas & Holiday Light Displays.
TWIN CITIES-AREA HOLIDAY FESTIVALS & TREE LIGHTING EVENTS THIS WEEK
Saturday, November 14, 2026
⚈ 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm: Rice Park Tree Lighting Ceremony - Rice Park, Saint PaulJump to a Twin Cities Community
MINNEAPOLIS HOLIDAY FESTIVALS & TREE LIGHTINGS
Minneapolis Christkindl Market
Date(s): 11/20/2026 - 12/20/2026 SEE TIMESLocation: North Loop Green, 350 N 5th St, Minneapolis, MN, 55401
The Minneapolis Christkindl Market is back! Bring the family to explore a festive outdoor market filled with twinkling lights, wooden vendor huts, live music, dance performances, and plenty of holiday shopping. Kids can visit Santa every Sunday while you browse more than 42 local vendors for unique, handcrafted gifts.
Go hungry! From German Spätzle and Swiss Raclette to sweet Spanish honey, there’s plenty to sample as you stroll through this holiday market.
Linden Hills Reindeer Day
Date(s): 12/05/2026 10:00 am - 2:00 pmLocation: Linden Hills Neighborhood, 43rd Steet and Upton Avenue South, Linden Hills, MN, 55410
Linden Hills neighborhood hosts a day of family fun. The festive activities take place at local shops and businesses in the area of Upton & 44th. You can get a list of all the offerings at the link.
ST PAUL HOLIDAY FESTIVALS & TREE LIGHTINGS
Rice Park Tree Lighting Ceremony
Date(s): 11/14/2026 5:30 pm - 6:30 pmLocation: Rice Park, 109 W 4th St, Saint Paul, MN, 55102
Join the city of St. Paul and the Salvation Army for this annual kickoff to the holiday season. Rice Park will be filled with thousands of lights during the annual tree lighting ceremony and throughout the winter. Family fun includes live music, selfie station and hot cocoa and cookies (while supplies last).
Shows will change out weekly and they run every 15 minutes beginning nightly at 5pm.
GLOW Holiday Festival
Date(s): 11/19/2026 - 01/03/2027 SEE TIMESLocation: CHS Field, 360 Broadway Street, Saint Paul, MN, 55101
CHS Field is GLOW headquarters for the holiday season! Grab a map and follow the walking trail of dazzling holiday decorations and lights plus a meet with Santa, a thrilling slide and zip line ride, a s’mores station, concessions and more. 5-9pm. Tickets: $12.75-$22 .75/pp. Starts November 19 2026.
St Paul European Christmas Market
Date(s): 11/20/2026 - 12/20/2026 SEE TIMESLocation: Union Depot, 214 4th Street East, St Paul, MN, 55101
Based on the European open air Christkindlmarkts like those in Germany and Austria, this is the Twin Cities’ own outdoor Christmas market. Shop for unique, handmade gifts and decorations as well as nosh on holiday treats. Weekends, November 20-December 20, 2026. See the full schedule below.
Christmas in Germany
Date(s): 12/05/2026 - 12/06/2026 10:00 am - 4:00 pmLocation: Germanic-American Institute, 301 Summit Avenue, Saint Paul, MN , 55102
GAI hosts its annual Holiday Open House with a new name. Participate in Christmas traditions of Germany, including Lebkuchen cookies, St. Nikolaus and German carols. Kids can meet Sankt Nikolaus, visit a petting zoo, and more. Events both indoors and outdoors in a heated tent. Ticketed timed entry required, slots from 10am-4pm. 2026 Tickets available 11/9/26 ages 4-17.
Merry Market
Date(s): 12/05/2026 - 12/20/2026 10:00 am - 4:00 pmLocation: Minnesota State Fairgrounds, 1265 Snelling Avenue North, Saint Paul, MN, 55108
A festive, indoor holiday shopping event on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds featuring local handcrafted gifts. Santa will be at the holiday market to visit and take photos with the family. Kid-friendly fun includes mini train rides, food trucks, and Christmas crafts. Admission is free, there is a small fee for some activities.
THREE WEEKENDS ONLY December 5-6, December 12-13 & December 19-20, 2026, 10am-4pm.
St Paul Grand Meander
Date(s): 12/05/2026 11:00 am - 3:00 pmLocation: Grand Avenue, Grand Avenue, Saint Paul, MN , 55105
The holiday festival spans 20 blocks of one of St Paul’s premiere shopping districts. Find samples, specials, free trolley rides, carolers, visits with Santa and more.
St Paul Union Depot Holiday Tree Lighting (FREE)
Date(s): 12/05/2026 5:00 pm - 9:30 pmLocation: Union Depot, 214 4th Street East, St Paul, MN, 55101
Enjoy the annual holiday tree lighting ceremony (6pm) featuring live entertainment, free hot COCOA, a Holiday Sing-a-Long, fireworks, and fun activities for kids. Then stick around for a HOLIDAY MOVIE NIGHT in the waiting room. Bring a blanket to stretch out on the floor. Concessions, including popcorn, will be available for purchase.
Drive by the North Plaza any evening after the tree-lighting ceremony to see the the tree, which will be lit through December.
TWIN CITIES NORTHWEST METRO HOLIDAY FESTIVALS & TREE LIGHTINGS
Albertville
Albertville Christmas in the Park
Date(s): 11/29/2026 2:00 pm - 6:00 pmLocation: Albertville Central Park, 5801 Main Ave NE, Albertville, MN , 55301
The Albertville Lions invite you to attend their annual holiday tree lighting event. Santa & Mrs. Claus will be in attendance along with holiday activities like horse-drawn wagon rides, caroling, s’mores over the fire and warm beverages.
Anoka
Anoka Tree Lighting
Date(s): 12/05/2026 3:00 pm - 6:30 pmLocation: Anoka City Hall, 2015 S 1st Avenue, Anoka, MN, 55303
Family fun at the Anoka holiday tree lighting event traditionally includes holiday music, horse-drawn trolley rides, bonfires, holiday shopping and more. Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus in the Santa Shack during the tree lighting festivities. Food vendors will be on site.
Buffalo
Buffalo Deck The Halls
Date(s): 12/05/2026 3:00 pm - 5:00 pmLocation: Sturges Park, 505 2nd Ave S, Buffalo, MN , 55313
Buffalo’s holiday tree lighting is set for 3:30pm, but come early for festivities beginning at 3pm with Santa’s arrival and continuing until 5pm. Enjoy carolers, wagon rides, live reindeer, hot chocolate and cookies at more. View the lights any evening after the lighting ceremony throughout the holiday season.
Champlin
Champlin Christmas at the Crossings
Date(s): 12/04/2026 4:00 pm - 7:00 pmLocation: Mississippi Crossings, 307 E River Pkwy, Champlin, MN, 55316
Enjoy Santa visits until 6pm, hot chocolate, cookies and s’mores during this free family event to light up the community gathering space with a 30-foot panel animated musical tree, 16-foot walk through displays, including a gift box, an ornament and snowflake light poles. Tree lighting is at 6:30pm. Free event for all ages.
Coon Rapids
Coon Rapids Tree Lighting Festival
Date(s): 12/05/2026 3:30 pm - 6:00 pmLocation: Coon Rapids Civic Center, 11155 Robinson Drive, Coon Rapids, MN, 55433
Bundle up to celebrate the lighting of Coon Rapids’ community tree. Santa sits for pictures with your kids. Enjoy singing and bonfires, hot cocoa and cookies, live music and the holiday tree lighting. Both food shelf and toy donations will be accepted. Holiday tree lighting countdown and fireworks at 5:30pm. Free event for all ages.
Crystal
Crystal Winterfest & Light Up Crystal
Date(s): 12/05/2026 3:00 pm - 5:00 pmLocation: Crystal Community Center & Crystal Cove Aquatic Center, 4800 Douglas Drive N, Crystal, MN , 55429
Crystal Winterfest offers indoor activities followed by the Light Up Crystal ceremony outside at 5pm. Activities include music, refreshments, llama photo booth, crafting, hot dogs, treats and visits with Santa. If you are looking for an opportunity to give back as a family, stop at the card-making station to create cards for local seniors and military members. Stick around for the LIGHT UP CRYSTAL ceremony at 5pm. This is a free event for all ages.
Dayton
Holidayton Celebration
Date(s): 12/03/2026 6:00 pm - 8:00 pmLocation: Briana Scurry Field, 12260 Diamond Lake Road, Dayton, MN, 55327
Join in the city of Dayton for its “Holidayton Celebration” – a holiday tree lighting along with other festivities – Santa photos, food trucks, kids games, s’mores over a bonfire, and a holiday light parade.
Delano
Delano Light the Night
Date(s): 11/28/2025 - 01/31/2026 5:00 pm - 8:00 pmLocation: Delano Central Park, 650 River Street North, Delano, MN, 55328
From November 28th through January, Central Park in Delano glows with thousands of twinkling holiday lights, interactive displays, more than 100 trees decorated by the community and scenes to explore for the public to enjoy – free! There are firepits to help keep you warm, live music on select nights and free treats on Saturdays. See our complete schedule of events. Admission is free.
Santa makes an appearance on December 13. Come get your picture taken with him!
Delano
Delano Old-Fashioned Christmas
Date(s): 12/05/2026 10:00 am - 8:00 pmLocation: Downtown Delano, 2nd Street North, Delano, MN, 55328
Delano’s annual holiday festival features holiday events all over town – an old fashioned market, Girl Scouts Christmas Tree Walk, a storybook character hunt, smores, holiday tunes, and Santa-specific activities such as a storytime & snacks with Santa, a Santa Shoppe and an appearance in the Deladazzle Parade. Free admission, some activities have fees.Â
Elk River
Elk River Downtown Tree Lighting
Date(s): 11/19/2026 4:00 pm - 6:00 pmLocation: Rivers Edge Commons, 679 Main St NW, Elk River, MN, 55330
The Elk River holiday tree lights up shortly after 5pm and the merriment continues with holiday lights, carolers and a take-home craft for kids. Bring your letter for Santa!
Hanover
Victorian Caroling at the Historic Bridge
Date(s): 12/04/2026 6:00 pm - 8:00 pmLocation: Hanover Bridge, Millpond Trail, Hanover, MN, 55341
Sing-along Christmas carols, llamas in their seasonal best, hot cider and cookies and photo opportunities with St Nick are all part of this annual Victorian-inspired holiday festival in Hanover. Free event, located at the historic Hanover Bridge. Â
Maple Grove
Santa at The Shoppes
Date(s): 12/05/2026 3:00 pm - 6:00 pmLocation: Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, 12459 Elm Creek Boulevard N, Maple Grove, MN, 55369
Spend an afternoon celebrating the holiday season with with Santa Claus, kids activities, Elfie Selfies, Christmas carolers, wagon rides, holiday lights, food vendors and shopping. Santa will be walking around the Shoppes all afternoon. The event culminates in a Parade of Lights at 4:30pm followed by a Christmas Tree lighting ceremony.
Oak Grove
Oak Grove Christmas Tree Lighting
Date(s): 12/04/2026 5:30 pm - 8:00 pmLocation: Oak Grove City Hall Park, 19900 Nightingale St NW, Oak Grove, MN, 55011
The Oak Grove Park Commission again hosts the city’s annual Christmas tree lighting event. Expect festive food trucks, fire pits and a visit from Santa.
Osseo
Osseo MiniDazzle Celebration
Date(s): 12/04/2026 6:00 pm - 8:00 pmLocation: Boerboom Park, 415 Central Ave, Osseo, MN, 55369
Start off with the Light Parade down Main Street in Osseo. Then, following pictures with Santa, fire truck rides for kids, warm up at the bonfire and watch the Osseo Christmas tree lighting. Bring Toys for Tots donations to this event. This is a free community event for all ages.
Otsego
Otsego Tree Lighting Event
Date(s): 11/24/2026 6:00 pm - 7:00 pmLocation: Prairie Center, 8899 Nashua Avenue NE, Otsego, MN, 55330
Caroling and lighting of Otsego’s holiday tree takes place outdoors. Then go indoors for storytime with Sprinkles the elf, plus cocoa and cookies. Kids can bring their letters to Santa to mail at the North Pole Mailbox. Free for all ages.
St Michael
St Michael WinterFest
Date(s): 12/05/2026 2:00 pm - 5:00 pmLocation: Town Center Park, 11800 Town Center Dr NE, St Michael, MN, 55376
So good they brought the festival back for a third year! Santa, Mrs. Claus & reindeer will be there and the holiday tree will shine. Lots of activities: caroling, bingo, story time, smores over the fire and hot beverages. All ages are welcome at this free event.
TWIN CITIES NORTHEAST METRO HOLIDAY FESTIVALS & TREE LIGHTINGS
Blaine
Blaine Winter Celebration
Date(s): 11/29/2026 4:00 pm - 6:30 pmLocation: Tom Ryan Park, 10802 Town Square Drive Northeast, Blaine, MN, 55449
Blaine kicks off the season with a holiday tree lighting ceremony, a Winter Wonderland Trail, holiday music, s’mores by a bonfire. Plus Santa will visit.
Ham Lake
Ham Lake Hometown Holiday
Date(s): 12/05/2026 3:00 pm - 6:00 pmLocation: Ham Lake Lions Park, 1220 157th Avenue Northeast, Ham Lake, MN, 55304
Ham Lake’s Hometown Holiday celebration is filled with good cheer. Gather outdoors at Lions Park for a tree lighting and holiday music, visits with Santa, alpacas to pet and ornaments to decorate and take home. Enjoy free cookies and candy canes, hot cocoa and apple cider. Free event for all ages.
Hudson
Light Up Hudson
Date(s): 11/27/2026 7:00 pm - 8:30 pmLocation: Hudson Lakefront Park, 505 First Street, Hudson, WI, 54016
Santa magically illuminates Lakefront Park in Hudson, Wisconsin, with thousands of lights along the St Croix River. This is one of many magical events that make up the town’s Have a Hudson Holiday celebration.
New Brighton
Winter Park Discovery Night - Santa Edition (FREE)
Date(s): 12/01/2026 5:30 pm - 7:30 pmLocation: Freedom Park, 2121 14th Street NW, New Brighton, MN, 55112
Visit with Santa and his reindeer at this special Winter Park Discovery Night. Family fun includes a bonfire and winter park activities.
North St Paul
North St Paul Holly Jolly Night (FREE)
Date(s): 12/04/2026 6:00 pm - 9:00 pmLocation: Casey Lake Park, 2101 17th Avenue East, North St Paul, MN, 55109
Holly Jolly Night is one of North St. Paul’s most family-friendly holiday traditions. Get into the holiday spirit, make memories together, and connect with the community. Families can enjoy a cozy bonfire and carol sing-along and visits with Santa. Dress for indoor and outdoor fun. All ages are welcome to this free event.
Scandia
Scandia Vinterlights!
Date(s): 11/29/2026 12:00 pm - 6:30 pmLocation: Scandia Community Center, 14727 209th Street North, Scandia, MN, 55073
The highlight may be the holiday tree lighting, but there’s also an indoor craft market, music, free cookies, hot cocoa and caroling around a firepit. Tree lighting countdown starts at 5:15pm, entire free event runs noon-6:30pm.
Shoreview
Shoreview Holiday Lighting Event
Date(s): 11/17/2026 6:00 pm - 7:00 pmLocation: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St N, Shoreview, MN , 55126
The grounds of Shoreview Commons will be lit for the holidays following a Holiday choir performance. Music and cookies follow at the community center’s Haffeman Pavilion (4610 Victoria Ave).
Stillwater
Stillwater Twinkle Party & Tree Lighting
Date(s): 12/04/2026 - 12/06/2026 SEE TIMESLocation: Lowell Park, 201 Water St N, Stillwater, MN, 55082
Picturesque Stillwater’s Main Street lights up with Christmas decorations and traditional events for a month-long celebration. You can find more details about the themed weekends that make up Hometown for the Holidays to plan ahead. Here’s what’s glimmering on the horizon:
Stillwater
Stillwater Hometown for the Holidays
Date(s): 11/27/2026 - 12/20/2026 SEE TIMESLocation: Downtown Stillwater, Downtown, Stillwater, MN, 55082
Picturesque Stillwater’s Main Street lights up with Christmas decorations and traditional events for a month-long celebration dubbed Hometown for the Holidays.Â
Taylors Falls
Taylors Falls Lighting Festival
Date(s): 11/27/2026 - 11/29/2026 SEE TIMESLocation: Taylors Falls Lighting Festival, Various locations, Taylors Falls, MN, 55084
Family highlights of the annual Taylors Falls Lighting Festival include the Grand Lighting & Santa Parade on Friday, a craft fair & medallion hunt on Saturday and a winter carol sing-along event on Sunday. Full event runs November 27-29, 2026.
White Bear Lake
White Bear Lake Winterfest
Date(s): 12/05/2026 10:00 am - 2:00 pmLocation: Downtown, White Bear Lake, White Bear Lake, MN, 55110
Everything is wintry and bright on White Bear Lake’s two Winterfest Saturdays – complete with Santa visits, horse-drawn trolley rides, carolers and ice sculptures in downtown. December 5 & 12, 2025; 10am-2pm.Â
White Bear Lake
White Bear Lake Festival of Trees (FREE)
Date(s): 11/19/2026 - 12/19/2026 SEE TIMESLocation: White Bear Lake Armory, 2228 Fourth Street, White Bear Lake, MN, 55110
Drop by the White Bear Lake Armory during public viewing hours for a self-guided tour of Christmas trees decorated by the community. Plus, during two special open house events, additional family fun includes free photos with Santa, cookies, cocoa, holiday music and family-friendly activities from 10am-3pm. Full event runs November 19-December 19, 2026.
Wyoming
Wyoming Tree Lighting Ceremony
Date(s): 12/05/2026 4:30 pm - 6:00 pmLocation: Railroad Park, 26755 Faxton Ave, Wyoming, MN, 55092
Light up the holiday tree in Wyoming – plus light displays, a Santa meet, refreshments and entertainment.Â
TWIN CITIES SOUTHWEST METRO HOLIDAY FESTIVALS & TREE LIGHTINGS
Chanhassen
Chanhassen Tree Lighting Ceremony
Date(s): 12/05/2026 5:00 pm - 6:00 pmLocation: Chanhassen Recreation Center, 2310 Coulter Blvd, Chanhassen, MN, 55317
Chanhassen’s annual holiday event includes a tree lighting ceremony followed by refreshments, bonfires, live reindeer, gingerbread house displays*, and Santa Claus. Visit all throughout the season, to enjoy the holiday lights and drop a letter in the Santa mailbox.
Chaska
Chaska Firemen's Park Tree Lighting
Date(s): 11/22/2026 6:00 pm - 7:30 pmLocation: Firemens Park, 3210 Chaska Blvd, Chaska, MN, 55318
Chaska’s annual holiday tree lighting in Firemen’s Park features bonfires, s’mores (available while supplies last), and a special visit from Santa. This is a free, all ages event.
Chaska
Arboretum Northern Lights
Date(s): 11/20/2026 - 01/03/2027 4:30 pm - 9:00 pmLocation: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska, MN , 55318
Take a walking tour through the dazzling garden lights on the grounds of the Twin Cities’ favorite botanical gardens – the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Northern Lights is a new light display in 2026, featuring the Arboretum Trees decked out in lights, projection and synchronize sound. November 20, 2026-January 3, 2027. $25-$45/adult. Age 15 and under FREE.
Edina
50th & France Menorah Lighting Ceremony (FREE)
Date(s): 12/06/2026 4:30 pm - 5:30 pmLocation: 50th & France, West 50th Street & France Avenue, Edina, MN, 55425
Along with the lighting of the Menorah, enjoy live music, cocoa and cookies. Held at the 50th & France shopping and dining district.
Edina
50th & France Tree Lighting Ceremony
Date(s): 11/28/2026 3:00 pm - 6:00 pmLocation: 50th & France, West 50th Street & France Avenue, Edina, MN, 55425
Along with the lighting of the 20-foot holiday tree, enjoy caroling, carriage rides and Santa Claus. Held at the 50th & France shopping and dining district. Tree lighting is at 5pm, but come early for holiday fun.
Excelsior
Christmas In Excelsior
Date(s): 11/27/2026 - 12/12/2026 SEE TIMESLocation: Downtown Excelsior, Downtown, Excelsior, MN, 55331
Holiday family fun in downtown Excelsior begins on Black Friday (November 28) and continues on Small Business Saturday with a tree lighting event featuring carolers and Santa, games indoors and out, music, carriage rides and more. The merriment extends with “Celebrating the Season Saturdays” into December with more opportunities to shop local, enjoy the holiday lights and visit with Santa. See our complete schedule. Saturdays, December 5, 12 & 19, 2026.
Prior Lake
Prior Lake Decembrrr Dazzle Tree Lighting
Date(s): 12/04/2026 5:30 pm - 8:00 pmLocation: Prior Lake Lakefront Park, 5000 Kop Parkway SE, Prior Lake, MN, 55372
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 food for sale. The evening caps off with a fireworks show. Free! All ages welcome.
Richfield
Richfield Holiday Lights Parade
Date(s): 12/10/2026 6:30 pm - 7:00 pmLocation: Richfield City Garage, 1901 E 66th Street, Richfield, MN, 55423
Enjoy the holiday lights of Richfield on festively lit up parade floats and vehicles. Santa & Mrs. Claus will be part of the parade! The route starts at the City Garage, west on East 70th Street, then north on Lyndale past Wood Lake Nature Center.
Savage
Savage Tree Lighting Ceremony
Date(s): 12/03/2026 5:30 pm - 6:00 pmLocation: Savage City Hall, 6000 McColl Drive, Savage, MN, 55378
Savage’s annual holiday tree lighting ceremony includes hot cocoa, live music and a bonfire. This is a free community event for all ages; participating in the Toys for Tots drive is welcomed.Â
Shakopee
Shakopee Holiday Fest & Tree Lighting
Date(s): 12/05/2026 2:00 pm - 6:00 pmLocation: Downtown Shakopee, 1st Avenue & Lewis Street, Shakopee, MN, 55379
Shakopee’s Holiday Fest is aglow with a parade, photos with Santa Claus, and a tree lighting. The parade begins at 5pm, followed by lighting ceremony and fireworks in Huber Park.
Victoria
Light Up Victoria
Date(s): 12/03/2026 6:00 pm - 7:30 pmLocation: Victoria Lions Park, 1505 82nd Street, Victoria, MN, 55386
Victoria’s Lion’s Park lights up at 6pm followed by festive winter activities including music, photos with Santa, treats, beverages and marshmallow roasting. This is a free family event and all ages are welcome to attend.
Waconia
Waconia Tree Lighting In the Park
Date(s): 11/27/2026 6:00 pm - 7:00 pmLocation: City Square Park, 51 Pine Street, Waconia, MN , 55387
Santa welcomes the holiday season in Waconia with a tree lighting event at the park gazebo – plus hot cocoa and caroling. This is a free event, collecting new, unopened toys for the Waconia Toy Drive.
Watertown
Watertown Santa-Stravaganza & Tree Lighting Ceremony
Date(s): 12/05/2026 9:00 am - 5:00 pmLocation: Watertown City Center Park, 112 Lewis Ave S, Watertown, MN, 55388
Spend the morning at Watertown City Hall for family fun with Santa including photos with the big guy. Write your letters to Santa, craft holiday cards, see live animals, play an ornament guessing contest and games, and decorate cookies from 9am-12pm. The tree-lighting ceremony takes place at 4:30pm in City Center Park.
Wayzata
Wayzata Light Up the Lake Celebration
Date(s): 11/20/2026 5:00 pm - 7:00 pmLocation: Depot Park, 402 Lake Street East, Wayzata, MN, 55391
Wayzata’s grand holiday tree lighting ceremony welcomes Santa and reindeer and offers, among much else, a candy cane hunt for kids and a parade of lights, horse-drawn wagon rides, carolers and hot cider. See our complete listing for times. Bring your letters to Santa and stop by the Panoway to mail them in the special Santa Mailbox. This is a free family event for all ages.
TWIN CITIES SOUTHEAST METRO HOLIDAY FESTIVALS & TREE LIGHTINGS
Afton
Afton Village Holiday
Date(s): 11/28/2025 - 12/12/2025 SEE TIMESLocation: Afton Town Square Park, 3418 St. Croix Trail S, Afton, MN , 55001
The Christmas celebration spans three weekends in the village-like Afton: the holiday tree lighting is December 4. Santa can be found many of the days at local shops along with horse-drawn wagon rides, carolers, ice skating and festive activities throughout local shops. Full event runs November 28-December 12, 2026.
Apple Valley
Apple Valley Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Date(s): 11/24/2026 6:15 pm - 7:00 pmLocation: Apple Valley Municipal Center, 7100 147th Street West, Apple Valley, MN, 55124
Apple Valley’s Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony is traditionally held the Tuesday prior to Thanksgiving and includes caroling, cookies and cider.
Burnsville
Burnsville Winter Lighting Ceremony
Date(s): 11/25/2026 6:00 pm - 7:00 pmLocation: Nicollet Commons Park, 12550 Nicollet Ave, Burnsville, MN, 55337
Nicollet Commons will be lit up with over 100,00 lights, snowflakes and a fully lit tree. Making an appearance at Burnsville’s illuminating Winter Lighting Ceremony are local choirs, refreshments, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, 200,000+ lights, and a 30-foot-tall tree. After the lighting ceremony at 6pm, the square will be lit evenings for the remainder of the season. Free event for all ages.
Cottage Grove
Cottage Grove Hometown Holiday
Date(s): 12/03/2026 4:30 pm - 7:00 pmLocation: Cottage Grove City Hall, 12800 Ravine Pkwy, Cottage Grove, MN, 55016
There will be a festive holiday tree for photos along with Santa and Mrs Claus, free treats and live reindeer, bonfires, wagon rides (starting at 4:30pm), kids activities, live music and food trucks. All ages are invited to this free event.
Eagan
Eagan Community Tree Lighting
Date(s): 12/01/2026 4:00 pm - 6:30 pmLocation: Eagan Community Center, 1501 Central Parkway, Eagan, MN, 55121
Tree lighting complete with music, kids crafts, free admission to play at the Blast Indoor Playground, and more – see our schedule of events.
Farmington
Farmington Lighted Holiday Parade
Date(s): 12/06/2025 7:00 pm - 8:00 pmLocation: Downtown, Farmington, Farmington, MN , 55024Â
Bringing if back for year #2! The city’s holiday parade will be back on the streets!
Hastings
Hastings Holiday Hoopla
Date(s): 11/28/2026 5:00 pm - 6:00 pmLocation: Hastings City Hall, 101 4th Street East, Hastings, MN, 55033
Enjoy a day of shopping and tons of family activities at businesses downtown, including a strolling Santa, horse-drawn wagon rides, cookie decorating, a holiday sing-along, storytime and more. Stick around to watch the street snowflakes light up at 5:15pm followed by the City Hall Tree Lighting at 5:30pm.
Inver Grove Heights
Inver Grove Heights Holidays in the Heights
Date(s): 12/04/2026 - 12/12/2026 SEE TIMESLocation: Veterans Memorial Community Center, 8055 Barbara Ave, Inver Grove Heights, MN , 55077
The city of Inver Grove Heights celebrates the holiday season over a span of several merry days and includes events such as a tree lighting, a skate and swim, and a number of opportunities to visit with Santa. See our full listing of events at the link.
Inver Grove Heights
Lights, Cocoa, Community - Lighting Simley Island (FREE)
Date(s): 11/28/2025 6:00 pm - 7:30 pmLocation: Simley Island Park, 3110 80th St E, Inver Grove Heights, MN, 55076
Lakeville
Lakeville Holiday on Main & Tree Lighting
Date(s): 12/05/2026 5:00 pm - 7:00 pmLocation: Downtown Lakeville, Downtown, Lakeville, MN, 55044
Lakeville’s Holiday on Main celebration kicks off with a Christmas tree lighting at 5pm, pictures with Santa at Lakeville Area Arts Center, sales in the shops, a performance by Lakeville Area Community Band and downtown trolley rides.Â
Rosemount
Rosemount Community Tree Lighting
Date(s): 11/17/2026 6:00 pm - 8:00 pmLocation: Steeple Center, 14375 S. Robert Trail, Rosemount, MN, 55068
Rosemount’s annual holiday tree lighting outside of the Steeple Center plus choir performances and cookies and juice. This is a free community event for all ages.
South St Paul
South St Paul Light Up the Square
Date(s): 11/29/2026 5:30 pm - 6:00 pmLocation: Central Square Community Center, 100 Seventh Avenue North, South St Paul, MN, 55075
South St Paul rings in the holidays complete with cocoa, caroling, Santa & Mrs. Claus, Frosty the Snowman and the lighting of the holiday tree. Countdown begins at 6pm! Free community event; all are welcome.
WHERE TO FIND SANTA IN THE TWIN CITIES
That jolly old guy sure can get around! Santa starts accepting visitors and offering photo opportunities as early as the beginning of November at department stores and malls. You can find many early Holiday events featuring Santa appearances over on our Santa Claus is Coming to Town page, including visits at community holiday festivals and at area malls and shopping districts.
MORE TWIN CITIES HOLIDAY EVENTS WE LOVE
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, it is the time of year when Night Trains magically transforms the museum layouts into miniature a holiday wonderland. Buildings and street lights glow, and throughout the museum the layouts are adorned with Christmas lights. Saturdays, November 7, 2026 – Feb 27, 2027. $15/pp.
FOR MORE TRAIN-TASTIC HOLIDAY FUN SEE: PLANES, TRAINS & SLEIGHS – CHRISTMAS IN THE TWIN CITIES.
HOLIDAY SHOPPING SEASON: BLACK FRIDAY TO CHRISTMAS EVE
Several opportunities pop up in November for early holiday shopping with local artists and local businesses who often offer unique and high quality gifts:
- Check Out These Local Shops on Plaid Friday and Small Business Saturday
- Purchase These “Made in Minnesota” Gifts
- Find the Perfect Gift at these Family-Friendly Holiday Shopping Events
- FFTC’s Local Holiday Bookshop
- The Best Twin Cities Independent Bookstores for Kids
- Twin Cities Toy Stores for Every Family
GET READY TO GIFT! MORE TWIN CITIES HOLIDAY SHOPPING EVENTS.
TWIN CITIES CULTURAL HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS
Gingerbread Wonderland
Norway House, 913 East Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Tour the gingerbread houses and even make your own to display. November 21, 2026 through January 7, 2027. $12/Ages 13+; Kids 17 and under $7.
Julglädje at American Swedish Institute
American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407
An ASI holiday tradition, back in-person with live musical performances. Saturday, November 28 & Sunday November 29, 2026. $7-$22/pp.
FIND MORE CULTURAL CHRISTMAS EVENTS: YE OLDE HOLIDAYS AT TWIN CITIES MUSEUMS & HISTORIC SITES.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE HOLIDAYS IN THE TWIN CITIES
Get in the holiday mood with live entertainment from local theaters, musicians and more.Â
Are these events listed in date order somewhere? I don’t see them on the calendar of events.
Hi Jodi. You are right, not everything we list in our articles meets our calendar qualifications. These events are in date order by section of the Twin Cities.
Greetings & Happy Holiday’s, Can you please post a list of Christmas decorated houses, with addresses categorized by the City’s in which they are located, if possible. This is a Christmas tradition I do with my Grandchildren each year, each year I’ve located such a listing but this year I’m not finding one online. Thank you very much in advance.
Hi Cynthia: You can find that list here: Light It Up: Twin Cities & Greater Minnesota Christmas & Holiday Light Displays. We currently have over 100 addresses, sorted both by area of the Twin Cities and then by individual city.