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: 12/21/22
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.
Now through January 4, 2023
Mall of America
It's the most wonderful time of the year! Mall of America invites you to Festival of Trees Presented by KARE 11 Benefitting Special Olympics Minnesota! Bring your family and friends to walk-through a winter wonderland of extraordinary trees decorated by various businesses and organizations
Now through January 12, 2023
50th & France
Come see a display of five vintage Dayton's holiday figurines put on by the Hennepin Theatre Trust at the Douglas Flanders & Associates Gallery. The dolls once graced the annual Holiday Show events on the eighth floor of Dayton’s in downtown Minneapolis.
Select days Now through February 25, 2023
Twin City Model Railroad Museum
3:00pm to 7:00pm
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.
Now through January 8, 2022
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.
Now through December 31, 2022
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.
Select nights now through January 1, 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.
Now through January 2, 2023
Valleyfair
Drive through millions of lights perfectly synchronized to holiday music you’ll hear right through your radio. Drive by giant candy canes, snowmen, arched pathways and more. Take your time enjoying this lighting extravaganza - we won’t judge you if you join the kids with your face pressed against the window!
Now through December 24, 2022
Mall of America
Schedule an appointment with Santa! Visit with Santa in an intimate—Santa movies, photos, Christmas cards and merchandise will be available for purchase. Book your appointment now!
Now through January 8, 2023
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!
Now through January 1, 2022
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!
Now through December 24, 2022
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.
Saturdays, Now through December 31, 2022
1:00pm
The Parkway Theater
Bring the family to The Parkway for Yuletide Cinema matinees! There’s something for everyone! The Lineup includes:
Home Alone (1990) // Saturday, December 3, 2022
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) // Sunday, December 11, 2022
Elf (2003) // Saturday, December 17, 2022
Edward Scissorhands (1990) // Saturday, December 31, 2022
December 21, 2022
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!
December 26 & 27, 2022
Noon - 4pm
Midtown Global Market
The Cultural Wellness Center is hosting a two-day African American celebration of Kwanzaa. The celebrations will include a variety of performances including singing, dancing, storytelling, and more. Each day will be hosted by Elder Atum Azzahir- Emcee; Brother T. Mychael Rambo - Cultural Ceremonialist and Vocalist; and Food Artist/Culinary Heritage Specialist Brother Robert Taylor. These events are free and open to the public.
December 31, 2022
6:00 - 10:00pm
Mall of America
Ring in the New Year at Nickelodeon Universe's Moonlight Circus. Our family-friendly, delight-filled evening includes Circus performances in the Huntington® Bank Rotunda at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. plus an early 10 p.m. countdown so everyone can join in on the fun!
