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Minnesota Holiday Season Events 2025
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items There are plentiful options for shopping, entertainment, active events, and other fun to be had throughout the holiday season. Here are some favorites that I'll be checking out this year.
Sections
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Christmas Markets
Art and Culture Exhibits
Festivals
Holiday fundraiser benefit events
Special Holiday Meals and Pop Up Spaces
Christmas Markets
Special holiday markets with unique gifts and delicious winter food and beverages for browsing.
Dayton's was an institution in Minnesota from the family that brought you Target. The department store went all out for the Christmas holiday on their 8th floor, turning it into a different themed holiday display to dazzle children and adults alike e...
Dayton's Holiday Market
The North Loop is a hip trendy place to hang out right now. This open space for the market will be hopping with activity. Get there to see and be seen, support small business artisans, and find a unique gift while you’re at it.
Minneapolis Christkindl Market
The American Swedish Institute has a great gift shop year round, but during the holidays it expands and features beautiful ornaments, table decor, and Swedish holiday foods and beverages. Check it out when you visit the castle.
Jul Shop - American Swedish Institute
Art and Culture Exhibits
Visiting museums is fun year-round, but some are even more enjoyable during the holidays.
American Swedish Institute is one of my favorite places in the twin cities year-round but it’s especially fun to visit during the holiday season. Each year, their display teaches us about Scandinavian holiday traditions and lore, with beautiful decor...
Tomte Tales: Legends of Winter - American Swedish Institute
The James J. Hill house is spectacular to visit, and they pull out all the stops during the holidays for Holidays On the Hill.
Holidays On the Hill l James J. Hill House | Minnesota Historical Society
Betsy-Tacy Society owns the homes of Maud Hart Lovelace and her best friend, who were stars of the Betsy-Tacy series based in fictional Deep Valley (Real life Mankato). They go all Victorian for the holidays. So much fun to visit.
Betsy-Tacy Society
Festivals
Cities collaborate with organizations to put together fun events for winter. Check these out.
Winterapolis: a set of events and season-long fun in Minneapolis including holiday markets, exhibits, active outdoor events, and other organized fun to get you out and about for the winter season.
Welcome to Winterapolis: Minneapolis Celebrates Its Coolest Season
Holiday fundraiser benefit events
There are some great events that offer opportunities to support your community during the holidays. Here are a few.
We love visiting this event every year. My kids and I each get one ticket to enter to win the items on one tree. There are hotel stays (my favorite), sporting events, retail gift cards, and lots of other treats. Proceeds go to charity and we all get ...
Festival of Trees Benefitting the MOA® Community Foundation Presented by Pepsi
Special Holiday Meals and Pop Up Spaces
Many restaurants offer special holiday events throughout the season. Here are some I am looking forward to this year.
Lowell Inn has some special holiday tea events and holiday dinner options. This is a historic Hallmark-esque inn. Enjoy the beautiful space and a special meal with family or friends.
Lowell Inn Holiday Tea
Brit's Pub is one of my favorite spaces and now they have a special Frosty's Bar for the holiday season. I can't wait to check it out.
Frosty's Bar at Brit's Pub - Minneapolis, MN
This is the place to be during the holiday season (or one of them anyway!). So much fun to look forward to.
The Jingle Bar - Minneapolis – Chilango
I went to this one last year. It's a great space with multiple rooms and lots of holiday decor.
Down Through the Chimney