1. Start stocking up on gifts

We know you still have a long list of people to buy gifts for. Make your shopping experience much more enjoyable with markets that feature festive food, live music and holiday activities. Shop local this holiday season and come away with unique gifts for everyone. We’ve put together a full list of holiday markets and pop-up shop in Minneapolis for you to visit all season long.

2. Spend a night surrounded by lights

It gets darker a lot sooner this time of year so take advantage and see some of the most colorful and sparkling lights in the city.

At the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum stroll through lit up paths of decorated trees, flowers, nature and winter fun. Stop by s’mores village to warm up near a fire and buy s’mores kits to roast marshmallows.

Over in St. Paul, stroll through CHS Field during the The GLOW Holiday Festival. See over a million holiday lights and art installations.

A drive-thru experience can be found at Viking Lakes in Eagan. Lights will be synchronized to holiday music while you drive through arched pathways and by elves, reindeer, movie characters and more. Check out the Magic of Lights show.

For more ideas see a complete list of all Minneapolis light shows.

3. Be entertained by a holiday show

Theater and musical performances are perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. Whether you are looking for classics like A Christmas Carol or a twist on some favorites you’ll want to see a show in Minneapolis during the holidays. Check out a list of the must-see shows of the season.

4. Have a Nordic Christmas

The American Swedish Institute pulls out all the stops to celebrate the holiday season. Take part in holiday activities and show off your creative skills with Nordic craft workshops making handmade cards, ornaments, or traditional Swedish foods. Be sure to also stop by the Julmarknad - the Scandinavian Christmas Market taking place inside the institute and at the ASI courtyard during the weekend. Shop for handmade goods from more than 60 regional artists.

5. Dine and relax in a cozy rooftop cabin

Get a northern Minnesota cabin experience right in the middle of the city at the Four Seasons' Nordic Village. Dine in private cabins underneath the glow of string lights and the Minneapolis skyline. (These cabin's aren't your average wooden huts — the interiors have skylights, personalized Spotify accounts and TVs to watch sports or a holiday movie.) Enjoy a four course meal featuring hearty soups, cheese fondue, s'mores and more. Reservations are open now!

6. Wander into a Gingerbread Wonderland

During the holiday season the Norway House turns into a gingerbread oasis. Here you’ll see gingerbread versions of familiar buildings and landmarks from around the Twin Cities and beyond. Local bakers and community members donate their creations to help build this tasty spectacle. You can even bring in your own gingerbread handiwork to put on display, no experience required.

7. Share a pint while touring holiday lights

Experience the Twin Cities' Brews 'N Bulb tour will show you some holiday cheer with a festive night on the town! Savor pints of craft beer at three terrific breweries, and experience award-winning holiday lights in the Twin Cities all while being chauffeured in a warm coach bus. Tour duration is 3 hours.

8. Sip festive cocktails at The Grinch's Lair

Don't be a Grinch this holiday season. Head to The Grinch's Lair at Hotel Emery and let the holiday spirit make your heart three times larger. Step into Whoville Wonderland, where every inch is adorned with whimsical decor, colorful lights and quirky Seussian details. Whether you're planning a night out with friends, a festive date night, or a family-friendly adventure, this pop-up bar is the perfect place to make your holidays extra special. The Grinch's Lair is open December 1 - January 7, Thursday - Sunday.

9. Make festive glass-blown figurines and ornaments

Work one-on-one with a professional glass instructor at Foci Minnesota Center for Glass Arts to make holiday-themed pieces of art! Learn all about the safety, equipment and tools that glassblowers use every day to create their masterpieces. On select dates in November and December, you can make a seasonal glass ornament, a mini snowpal pendant or a full-size snowpal figurine. Because the glass is so hot and needs time to cool, you will be able to pick up your creations the week after class.