Other Christmas Activities Near Minneapolis 2026

Passengers ride a historic streetcar decorated for the holidays, with Santa on board spending time with each child. After the ride, guests can toast marshmallows and warm themselves beside a friendly fire. Boy Scouts are also present offering hot dogs,...

Families can take part in an exclusive, intimate holiday experience aboard the streetcar with Santa Claus. During the trip, Santa reads a traditional Christmas story and spends quality time with each child.

Guests gather to celebrate the annual lighting of the holiday lights. The celebration includes festive entertainment from carolers and a special visit from Santa. Visitors can also see live reindeer and warm up around bonfires with treats and s’mores.

Passengers ride vintage railcars from St. Paul Union Depot to the North Pole, where Santa greets the train and climbs aboard for the journey back. During the ride, children can write letters to Santa, which he collects in person as...

Museum lights are turned down as buildings and street lamps cast a warm glow over miniature towns blanketed in snow and holiday decorations. Visitors view specially lighted, uniquely decorated vintage passenger trains running along the tracks alongside special holiday-only layouts....

Families can gather around bonfires to make s'mores, meet with Santa, and take a stroll through the Winter Wonderland Walk. Inside City Hall, visitors can listen to live music performed by the Red Rock Swing Band. Children can also take...

Visitors can experience an outdoor holiday celebration across the winter grounds of Historic Holz Farm. Guests can take a self-guided tour, go on a hayride, and visit with Santa and his reindeer. A bonfire is available for warming up and...

Hosted at the Oakdale Nature Preserve and Discovery Center, this community winter festival offers seasonal fun for all ages. Guests can visit with Santa, stop by the petting zoo, hunt for candy canes, and warm up around a bonfire with...

Visitors can take part in cookie decorating, arts and crafts, disc golf, and curling sessions, along with taking photos with Santa. Guests can gather around the outdoor fire for cozy s'mores or enjoy free all-day access to the indoor playground....

Visitors can experience holiday traditions from over 100 years ago and learn how the Eidem family and neighbors celebrated Christmas. Guests can take a walking tour around the grounds, join in traditional winter activities, and make Christmas crafts to take...

Teams compete in fast-paced 5v5 soccer matches with four field players and a goalkeeper on indoor artificial turf fields. The tournament operates in a World Cup group format with guaranteed matches followed by playoff rounds for qualifying teams. Alongside competitive...

Santa and Mrs. Claus welcome visitors to share hugs, smiles, and holiday wish lists. A meal is served by the Maple Grove Lions and community helpers. Guests can also explore creative games and craft stations set up throughout the building.

Families can meet Santa and his cheerful elves inside a historic home setting. Children can get their faces painted, relax with holiday movies in the coloring room, and browse festive gifts and photo frames. A photographer captures visits with Santa,...

Visitors take to the ice while a DJ plays music and illuminates the rink with lights. The public skating session welcomes skaters of all ages to enjoy an upbeat evening on the ice. Attendees can bring their own skates or...

Hosted at Blaine City Hall, this youth event offers a festive holiday breakfast gathering with Santa. The program is specifically planned for children ages 10 and under.

Join Cindy Lou Who from the North Pole for a festive holiday gathering. Guests can enjoy a special elf story time, participate in reindeer games, and join in a holiday sing-along. Children also have the opportunity to write letters to...

Visitors can celebrate the holiday season by taking part in crafts and games, enjoying treats, and learning about a variety of seasonal traditions. Attendees can also browse and take home winter gear, including hats, gloves, mittens, and scarves.

Families participate in a 10-minute one-on-one visit with Santa inside a calming sensory space designed to avoid overwhelming noises, smells, lights, and crowds. Visitors are welcome to bring a camera and take their own photos during the meeting. Guests can...

Visitors gather for a casual service featuring classic Christmas hymns, Scripture reading, a message of hope, and believers' communion. The gathering includes a kids' story time, crafts, and a candlelit singing of 'Silent Night.' Guests can also enjoy complimentary cookies...

Families enjoy a private ten-minute visit with Santa in a quiet, calm setting without lines or crowds. The visit provides an inclusive, low-stress holiday experience tailored for children who may find traditional visits overwhelming.

Step into a magical winter wonderland at Ice Castles Minnesota. Explore breathtaking ice caverns, archways, and crawl tunnels, perfect for all ages. Thrill-seekers can race down exhilarating ice slides, while art lovers can discover intricate, hand-carved ice sculptures. It's an...

Great Wolf Lodge's annual Snowland Celebration transforms the resort into a magical winter wonderland. Families can enjoy a host of festive activities, including arts and crafts, holiday-themed games like Bingo and Trivia, and a lively dance party. Meet Santa Claus...

The 21st Annual Winter Fete in Bloomington offers a vibrant celebration of the season with a diverse range of free, family-friendly activities. From creative gift-making workshops and outdoor adventures like fat biking and snowshoeing to the thrilling Medallion Hunt and...

Join the community for Crystal Winterfest, a heartwarming event featuring indoor activities like crafting, music, and visits with Santa. Families can also create cards for local seniors and military members. The celebration culminates with the 'Light Up Crystal' outdoor ceremony...

Capture cherished holiday memories with a visit to Santa at Eden Prairie Center. They offer professional photo sessions with real-bearded Santas on beautifully designed sets. Families, children, and even pets can join in the festive fun. Special themed days, including...

Experience a magical Christmas at Santa's Wonderland, offering a modern twist on visiting Santa Claus. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own cameras to capture personalized photos with Santa and throughout the festive environment. This unique experience is designed to...

Embrace the winter magic at the Golden Valley Winter Fest! This free community event invites all to enjoy a delightful afternoon in a snowy wonderland. Families can partake in classic winter activities like sledding and ice skating, or opt for...

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the charm of a Victorian Christmas at the historic Gideon and Agnes Pond House. Discover the origins of holiday traditions and how they became uniquely American. Engage in a hands-on craft activity,...

Join Santa Claus for a magical ice skating experience at the New Hope Ice Arena. This festive event offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the holiday spirit on the ice and create lasting memories. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable...

Ring in the new year with a festive winter celebration at Lebanon Hills Regional Park. This family-friendly event offers a magical evening with candlelight trails, a lit sledding hill, and ice skating on Schulze Lake (weather permitting). Warm up by...