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: 10/9/2026
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!
November 3, 2025 - January 3, 2026
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.
November 7, 2026 – January 24, 2027
American Swedish Institute
Remember when….grandpa dressed up as Santa Claus? Having to wait until your parents brewed coffee before you could tear into the pile of presents under the tree? The house smelled like freshly baked bread, a delicious roast, and cookies for days on end? You sneakily unwrapped all the presents and taped them back up again?
Holiday magic comes from within. It’s memories of the past combined with the shared experiences you’re creating and living here and now. ASI’s holiday experience invites visitors to celebrate together by reliving cherished holiday memories through classic moments captured throughout the Turnblad Mansion.
November 7, 2026 - February 27, 2027
3pm to 7pm (Saturdays)
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 27, 2026
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 19, 2026 - January 3, 2027
CHS Field
Featuring over a million lights, a NEW interactive experience Wand-er land, and plenty of new displays, GLOW’s seventh season is brighter than ever. Plus, fan favorites like Vixen’s Zip Line and Snowy Slide are back for another year of winter fun.
November 27, 2026 - January 2, 2027
Uptown Minneapolis
Uptown is back and brighter than ever! From Black Friday to New Years, grab your Holiday Passport and explore dazzling light displays, sip seasonal drinks, shop for unique gifts, and savor special deals.
Each stop offers something new, from quirky surprises to cozy winter vibes, all while supporting the incredible local businesses that make Hennepin Avenue shine.
November 20 - December 20, 2026
Friday - Sunday Only
North Loop Green
Step into the magic of the holidays at the second annual Minneapolis Christkindl Market — an authentic German-style Christmas market in the heart of Minneapolis! Stroll through a sparkling outdoor wonderland of twinkling lights, alpine-style wooden huts, and the cozy aroma of mulled wine.
Gather with friends and family, slow down, and enjoy the festive season with live music, dance performances, and family fun, including visits from Santa every Sunday. Explore handcrafted treasures from over 35 vendors — including 10 exciting new ones, and savor traditional European treats like German Glühwein, Spätzle, Swiss Raclette, and sweet Spanish honeys.
November 20, 2026 - January 3, 2027
Select nights, times vary
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Experience the Arboretum as you never have before with a brand-new light display! Northern Lights puts the Arboretum’s trees in the spotlight while highlighting the beauty of Minnesota’s winter and the wonder of nature. Designed to honor the brilliance of our northern climate, this elevated experience brings majestic oaks and towering pine canopies to life through professional light projection, and synchronized sound.
November 21, 2026 - January 7, 2027
Tuesday - Sunday
Norway House
Over the years, Gingerbread Wonderland has hosted more than 2,000 charming gingerbread creations — gingerbread houses, castles, campers, Minnesota landmarks, Whoville- and Barbie-inspired constructions, and so much more — produced by both professional and amateur bakers from around town to across the globe.
November 28-29, 2026
9am - 10am
11am - Noon
American Swedish Institute
Celebrate the Jul season at ASI with Julglädje, Christmas Joy, a festive family performance filled with music, stories and holiday cheer.
Mid November - December 24, 2026
Mall of America
Sign up to visit Santa at a time that is convenient with your busy schedule. Enjoy a unique and more private in-person visit with Santa as a family, then shop for your favorite Santa photos, video and merchandise in our store.
November 28, 2026 - January 3, 2027
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.
December 1-24, 2026
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.
December 4-6, 2026
American Swedish Institute
The sights and sounds of the Scandinavian marketplace returns the first weekend in December at one of the region’s largest handcraft markets and festivals.
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 4-5, 2026
Orpheum Theatre
Gather your loved ones for the warm-glow-nostalgia of America’s favorite Christmas celebration: NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet! Be transported by the magic of jaw-dropping acrobatics, larger than life puppets and stunning hand-crafted sets and costumes.
December 4-6 & 10-13, 2026
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 8-9, 2026
Orchestra Hall
Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus, Lucy, Sally and Schroeder are coming to Orchestra Hall! Join the Peanuts Gang for a heartwarming production that celebrates Charles M. Schulz’s beloved and timeless story! With actors who bring the iconic characters to life, big-screen animations, and Vince Guaraldiʼs timeless music performed live by the Minnesota Orchestra, this is a special holiday event that the whole family will enjoy.
December 11-13, 2026
Orchestra Hall
A true holiday favorite, this beloved comedy classic features renowned composer John Williams’ charming and delightful score performed live-to-picture by the Minnesota Orchestra. Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy who’s accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation and who must defend his home against two bungling thieves. Hilarious and heart-warming, Home Alone is holiday fun for the entire family!
December 18, 2026
5pm - 9pm
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.
December 18-20, 2026
Ted Mann Concert Hall
Nutcracker in Wonderland returns to the stage for a kaleidoscopic meeting of magic and whimsy. The beloved Nutcracker music takes on new meaning as our holiday classic weaves together two timeless stories—The Nutcracker & Alice in Wonderland for the most curious adventure.
December 22-24, 2026
Orpheum Theatre
Cirque Dreams Holidaze dazzles with a brilliantly breathtaking holiday spectacular for the entire family. Reimagined for 2026, the show features original music, fresh twists on beloved holiday favorites sung live, new sets, dazzling scenery, and stunning costumes – making it the ultimate holiday gift!
