Family Holiday Fun in Minneapolis
With the first (couple) snowfalls already under our belts, holiday season is upon us. When busy schedules get in the way and hibernation is at the back of your mind, it’s time to get out and have some fun! Minneapolis has got all you and your family need to get into the holiday spirit.
Last Updated: 11/7/23
Looking to get out of the house but want to keep your little (or bigger!) ones with you? We've compiled a list of family-friendly holiday activities to get you moving. From theatrical shows to outdoor events, there is an endless amount of family fun to be had in Minneapolis during the holidays. Still looking for the perfect gift? Take the whole family to one of many Minneapolis holiday markets this season! Or want to take the gang to the theater? Minneapolis is home to plenty of holiday shows too!
You can relax knowing that Metro Transit makes it easy and affordable to travel from place to place! They even offer deals such as museum discounts and free rides.
November 7 - January 7, 2024
Children's Theatre Company
A miserly and miserable, ever-so-cantankerous Grinch has observed the despicable Christmas joy of the Whos with disdain, from a distance, for decades. Enough! In this favorite holiday story, filled with music and Seussian rhymes, he conceives a dastardly plot to destroy the holiday they love. It’s the smallest of the Whos, tiny Cindy Lou, who extends a hand. Through the combination of kindness and community, we witness not only a change in the course of Who-History, but the size and capacity of the cantankerous Grinch’s heart.
Saturdays Now through February 24, 2024
3:00pm to 7:00pm
Twin City Model Railroad Museum
The Twin City Model Railroad museum’s collection of model trains of all scales and toy trains of yesteryear come alive throughout the Museum (Sorry, no real trains to board and ride on!). Night Trains Season magic begins as the lights are turned down and the buildings and street lights glow warmly, setting the scene for specially lighted models of operating vintage passenger trains. The make believe town of Matlin is buried in a blizzard, and throughout the Museum the layouts are adorned with miniature Christmas lights and decorations.
November 11 - December 30, 2023
Guthrie Theater
A miserly and miserable man, Ebenezer Scrooge greets each Christmas with “Bah! Humbug!” until he is visited one Christmas Eve by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Future. In Charles Dickens’ beloved classic, the three spirits show Scrooge happy memories
from his past, difficult realities from the present and a grim future should he continue his closed-hearted ways. Throughout his journey, Scrooge is forced to reckon with the man he has become and contemplate the man he could be — but only if his restless night leads to a change of heart by morning. Artistic Director Joseph Haj returns to direct this heartwarming holiday tradition for all ages.
November 11, 2023 – January 7, 2024
American Swedish Institute
What festive tales did the Turnblad Family read while cozied up in the Library? What would happen if the creatures carved in the Mansion woodwork wanted to come out and play?
Step into the story at the American Swedish Institute’s most enchanting holiday experience ever that brings the magic of winter, traditions, myths, and tales to life for visitors of all ages. Explore the festive rooms of the Turnblad Mansion and immerse yourself in experiences co-created by local community contributors representing Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Finland, and the Sami Cultural Center. Whether it’s your first ASI Holiday Experience, or your 73rd, this is one you won’t want to miss.
November 15 - December 24, 2023
Rosedale Center
Santa Claus is coming to town and he’s making a quick stop at Rosedale Center just for you! Visit his magical Rosedale palace this holiday season, a true winter wonderland standing tall and twinkling bright, and make family memories to last a life time. Santa photos are an adorable memento and make great gifts too! Space is limited so reserve your Santa photo experience today.
Select nights November 16 - December 31, 2023
Times vary
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Stroll through the Arboretum gardens decked out in Winter Lights. Enjoy fresh air as you explore outdoor light displays, highlighting flowers, trees and the beauty of nature, on a .75-mile walking route. See the new 16-foot weeping willow tree and walk through the giant apple, which pays tribute to our Horticultural Research Center’s apple research. Stop by s’mores village to warm up near a fire and buy s’mores kits to roast marshmallows.
November 17, 2023
Rosedale Center
Join us for a very special appearance by Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch! Guests are invited to attend this one-of-a-kind holiday appearance, presented by Children’s Theatre Company, and have their picture taken with The Grinch. Dress to impress and have your picture taken with Santa Claus too in his magical castle (walk-ups on availability basis, reservations recommended). Be sure to stay for story time too – gather around as Mrs. Claus will be reading none other than Dr. Seuss’ famed book ‘How The Grinch Stole Christmas’!
November 18 - December 24, 2023
Mall of America
Sign up to visit Santa (virtually or in-person) at a time that is convenient with your busy schedule. Enjoy a unique and more private in-person visit with Santa as a family, or virtually from the comfort of your home. Shop for your favorite Santa photos, video and merchandise in our store.
Mondays November 20 - December 18, 2023
Rosedale Center
Santa Claus is coming to town and he’s making a quick stop at Rosedale Center especially for you and your Fur Baby! Pet photos with Santa are an adorable memento for you to share and make great gifts. Santa Paws is held Mondays 4-7PM starting November 20th. Reservation and waiver is required, so book your time now!
November 24 - December 3, 2023
Northrop
It’s the holidays, and this year, things are different. For years, Isabella and her father have read “A Visit from Saint Nicholas” “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” together. But this year Isabella feels like she’s outgrown the family tradition. But then the magic of the poem comes to life, and Isabella and her father are unexpectedly separated by a snowstorm that sends them on a fantastical journey. In a winter wonderland inspired by the poem, they discover whimsical characters, acrobats, children and reindeer who reunite father and daughter in the holiday spirit.
November 24, 2023 - January 7, 2024
Norway House
Gingerbread (or in Norwegian, 'pepperkake') is a quintessential feature of the Norwegian holiday season. Towns all over the country come together to build their own miniature cookie cities, bringing families, schools, businesses, nursing homes, and friends all together during the holiday season. In fact, the world's largest annual Gingerbread City is exhibited in Bergen, with more than 2000 structures!
November 24 - December 24, 2023
Various Times
Mall of America
The Elf-run, Santa-approved ‘holiday research lab’ is back for another season of joy beginning November 24. Santa’s top team of Elves have set up Candy Cane Institute at Mall of America to find the true meaning of the holiday season! Join Santa’s crew as the Elves take you on an interactive tour through Candy Cane Institute. Get a behind the scenes look at the North Pole’s research department and a special visit from Santa himself.
November 26, 2023
11:30am-4:00pm
Ukrainian Event Center
The International Holiday Festival is a great holiday tradition to ease into the season with family, friends and community! Enjoy performances from ethnic dance groups from around Minneapolis, shop a bake sale and folk arts, and eat traditional Ukrainian foods for lunch.
November 28 - December 24, 2023
Penumbra Theatre
Be part of a joyous Twin Cities tradition. Penumbra’s homegrown Christmas show makes a triumphant return with familiar faces and a new generation of talent. Let the timeless story, stirring vocals and breath-taking choreography wrap you in the spirit of the season.
November 30 - December 2, 2023
Orpheum Theatre
The beloved family tradition is back: Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet! Gather your loved ones for the warm-glow-nostalgia of America’s favorite Christmas celebration. Experience the extraordinary international cast and Ukrainian Principal Artists performing at the peak of classical European Ballet. Be transported by the magic of jaw-dropping acrobatics, larger than life puppets and stunning hand-crafted sets and costumes. Don’t miss this chance to experience the wonder of Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet. Get tickets now!
Late November - January 1, 2024
CHS Field
This year, get up close & personal with our newly expanded exhibits because GLOW Holiday has moved to CHS Field! GLOW features over a million lights, sElfie Plaza, Enchanted Forest, Bright Bikes, Tremendous Tree, the GLOW Spectacular, and so much more!
December 1–31, 2023
Thursday-Sunday, Times vary
James J. Hill House
Experience Christmas in 1910—both upstairs and downstairs—in the sumptuous Gilded Age mansion of railroad titan James J. Hill. Admission includes self-guided access to holiday-themed exhibits and a 60-minute guided tour highlighting holiday stories and memories from both the Hill family and their staff. Tours are limited in size to accommodate social distancing. Visitors are required to wear a face covering indoors at all times.
December 1-3 & 7-10, 2023
Times Vary
Union Depot, St. Paul
Join the Friends of the 261 and Santa, as we travel to and from the North Pole to view all the special shops, Santa’s home and the elves working hard preparing for the big day. And, along the way, we’ll enjoy singing holiday carols and the spirit of the Holidays with some of my entertaining characters on board to enhance the experience.
Ho, Ho, Ho! All Aboard the North Pole Express!
December 2 – 3, 2023
American Swedish Institute
Shop handmade goods from more than 60 regional artists at booths inside ASI and out in the courtyard. Browse exceptional items from ASI’s own Jul Shop, alongside distinctive artisan glass, clothing, wood, jewelry, ceramics, and textiles. Perfect for all ages, Julmarknad features pop-up musical performances, family crafts, story time, festival foods, and take-home handcraft projects that celebrate the season.
December 3, 2023
12:00pm-3:00pm
Mill City Museum
Get inspired for holiday baking with an afternoon of cookie sampling in Mill City Museum's Baking Lab!
Taste samples of three favorite recipes prepared by Mill City Museum staff from "The Great Minnesota Cookie Book." "The Great Minnesota Cookie Book" features favorites from the Star-Tribune's cookie contest.
Cookies and hot cider are available while supplies last.
December 3, 10 and 17, 2023
12:30pm - 2:00
Brit's Pub
Come to Brit's for a delectable display of Holiday treats especially prepared to help you celebrate the season! Savouries, pastries, bread, sweets and loose leaf tea will be offered and carolers will be at the pub between 12:30 and 2:00pm. The event is family-friendly!
December 4-23, 2023
Mall of America
Enjoy the Holiday Music Festival at the Mall of America this holiday season with various musical performances throughout each day.
December 9, 2023
Lake Harriet
The Reindeer Run is a long-standing MN Running tradition around Lake Harriet since 1987. Join us for the 36th Annual race on December 9, 2023. This is a fun, festive event that will bring in the Christmas holiday spirit. You will be running with all sorts of fun costumed runners and be able to get pictures with Mr and Mrs Claus as well as Rudolph. Invite your family and friends out for the fun and celebrate a happy, healthy holiday.
December 9, 2023
12:00pm-3:00pm
Mill City Museum
Rose McGee, author of the new children's book, "Can't Nobody Make a Sweet Potato Pie Like Our Mama!" Visits Mill City Museum to share the importance of the Sweet Potato Pie to Kwanza and other community events. Founder of the Sweet Potato Comfort Pie organization, Rose will demonstrate how she makes the perfect pie and read from her book. Rose will be available for signings and there will also be pie crafts to
make!
Baking demonstration will begin at 1 pm.
December 15, 2023
7:30pm
Orpheum Theatre
The world’s favorite holiday tradition for over 35 years! Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis creates a show filled to the brim with classic carols and original songs performed by award winning musical talent. Mannheim Steamroller Christmas is embellished with enough lights and dazzling multimedia effects to create a Christmas sensation straight out of the North Pole.
December 15-17, 2023
Orchestra Hall
Fearless optimist Anna (voice of Kristen Bell) sets off on an epic journey—teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff (voice of Jonathan Groff) and his loyal reindeer Sven—to find her sister Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel), whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom. Watch the magic unfold on the big screen as the Minnesota Orchestra performs the score live. Tickets sell out fast - you don’t want to let this one go!
December 20, 2023
American Swedish Institute
Mark the shortest day and longest night of the year at ASI with ASI’s popular Winter Solstice Celebration. Since pagan days, solstice has traditionally meant the “year as reborn,” with ancient (and modern) Scandinavians fusing it into the longer “Jul” or Yule season. ASI celebrates this powerful seasonal juncture with fun, festivity and performance. This year, our friends at North Mallow will be slinging their unique s’mores and cocoa to enjoy by the fire and, back by popular demand, reindeer will make another appearance in the courtyard.
FIKA Café will serve a special festival menu with small plates and warm glögg (Swedish mulled wine). The ASI Museum Store and Jul Shop will also be open late for all of your last minute gift needs!
