1. Cozy Cabins, Holiday Markets and Brunch with Santa at the Four Seasons

Get a cozy northern Minnesota cabin experience right in the middle of downtown Minneapolis at the Four Seasons' Nordic Village. Dine in private cabins under the glow of string lights and the skyline. These cabins aren’t your average winter huts: they’re heated and decked with holiday décor, skylights and TVs to watch favorite sporting events or a classic holiday movie. The Nordic Village is open for reservations now through December 30, 2025.

Take the kids to Sunday brunch with Santa at the award-winning restaurant Mara on December 7 and 14. Enjoy a delectable brunch menu that features a live carving station, eggs made-to-order, a mezze selection, and breakfast classics such as pancakes and waffles. This whimsical, Christmas-inspired event includes a festive dessert buffet. You may even be able to get a sneak peak of Santa’s naughty or nice list. Make your reservations!

2. Down Through the Chimney at Hotel Emery

Santa’s workshop meets whimsical fantasy at Down Through the Chimney — Hotel Emery’s holiday pop-up bar. Sip on handcrafted cocktails that feel like Christmas morning with every sip, indulge in holiday bites, and marvel at the enchanting décor filled with twinkling lights, oversized presents and of course, a Santa-approved fireplace! The experience starts November 26 and is available for reservations every Wednesday - Sunday, 4pm - midnight, through December 27. Oh, and every Wednesday is Ugly Sweater Night!

3. The Naughty List and Santa Brunch at Umbra

The Naughty List is a festive pop-up bar at Umbra in the Canopy by Hilton hotel, ready to serve all your holiday bar-crawling needs. Step up to the bar for a magical evening of holiday cocktails and yuletide cheer, straight from Santa’s secret stash! This is a limited-time, daily spirited bar service, with non-alcoholic options available. Reservations are not required.

Visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus at Umbra's Santa Brunch! Enjoy a delicious brunch buffet by, decorate cookies with The Cookie Cart, sip from a DIY hot cocoa bar and customize a beanie with BOUND NOLO (add-on, kids sizes available). Kids can write letters to Santa and snap photos with the Clauses. December 20 & 21, 10am - noon. Reservations are available now.

4. Holiday Tea and Festive Feasts at the Nicollet Island Inn

Nestled along the beautiful Mississippi River, the Nicollet Island Inn is something straight out of a Christmas movie during the holiday season. Adorned with twinkling lights and seasonal decorations, the cozy ambiance makes the Inn a perfect place for holiday gatherings. Indulge in a splurge-worthy two hour holiday tea experience December 2 and 16.

5. Northern Starlight Express holiday pop-up bar at the Renaissance Hotel

From November 17 to December 31, get ready to step aboard the Northern Starlight, where a holiday adventure is just around the corner. You’re invited to embark on a 60-minute festive journey set in a reimagined historic train car featuring festive handcrafted cocktails and curated bites as you’re transported to a world of holiday wonder. The concept takes inspiration from the hotel’s rich history as a former train depot on the Milwaukee Road line, providing visitors with a nod to the past while engaging their senses with modern culinary delights and whimsical, unexpected elements. The experience will be available by reservation only.

6. Sippin’ Santa at the AC Hotel

Add a tropical twist to your holiday season with a pop-up tiki Christmas bar! At Sippin' Santa in the AC Lounge, enjoy festive island-inspired cocktails and a vibrant, holiday-themed atmosphere, complete with plenty of decorations to get you in the spirit! And of course you can't have a festive drink without matching festive glassware. This pop-up bar will be open November 20 - December 30, and closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Book a reservation today.