The holidays are upon us! There are so many fun things to do in Minneapolis between now and Christmas. We are lucky that we live in a place that really gets into the Christmas spirit. I think because of the snow, we have an extra little Christmas magic up here in the bold north. I rounded up some festive fun activities for you and the family to do in the coming weeks. Some of these things I have been to or done before, and some are new to me too!
IF YOU ONLY DO ONE THING
Holidazzle
Holidazzle is your best ‘one-stop shop’ for Christmas fun. At Holidazzle you can see Santa, go skating, enjoy local food and drinks, and shop their Christmas market. In the photos above, you can see we got to call Santa in the phone booth and also get our photo with him! Certain days they also show movies and shoot off fireworks. This is one of our favorite Christmas traditions.
Where: Downtown (Loring Park)
When: Thursday-Sunday until December 23rd
SHOP THE HOLIDAY MARKETS
Ever since I lived in Chicago and went to the Christkindlmarket, I have loved a Christmas market around the holidays. Extra points if it’s European!
Linden Hills Holiday Market
Where: Linden Hills (3723 44th St SW)
When: Sundays until December 17th
50th and France Winter Market
Where: Edina (50th and France)
When: ends Saturday December 16th
SEE A HOLIDAY SHOW
We make it a tradition to go to at least one show during the holidays. We like to switch it up and go to a new one or re-watch a classic.
The Grinch
Tickets are going fast for this one! Weekdays are cheaper than weekends. Hop on these tickets quick!
Where: Children’s Theater Company
When: ends January 7th
A Christmas Carol
This show plans every year at the Guthrie. It is an absolute classic. I have gone in the past and it was excellent. Recommend this for all ages!
Where: Downtown (Guthrie)
When: ends December 30th
GO ICE SKATING
I am not much of a skater, but Tony is. He tries to get me out there every once in a while. Would love to get better though!
Holidazzle
I know I mentioned Holidazzle already, but wanted to make a special plug for this completely FREE skating experience. Bring your own skates or borrow a complimentary pair from the warming house.
Where: Downtown (Loring Park)
When: Open daily including all Holidazzle hours
Centennial Lakes
This rink in seems to be a go-to places for many out in the suburbs. They have a rink-side warming house, fireplaces, bathrooms, concessions, and skate rental for $6. There is no charge for skating (except skate rental).
Where: Edina (Centennial Lakes)
When: Daily 12pm-9:30pm (but concessions and rentals do not open until 4pm on weekdays)
CUT DOWN A CHRISTMAS TREE
For the past three years we have gone and cut a tree down. See previous posts here! This is the first year where we have just gotten one at a Christmas tree lot. In the interest of time and money we bailed this year. I love love this tradition though!
Hansen Tree Farm
We haven’t been to this one, but has been on my radar due to it being dog-friendly!
Where: Anoka
When: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays 9am-5pm
Krueger’s Christmas Trees
This is our standby for Christmas tree farms, we have been there twice now. They have wagon rides and Santa. What more do you need?
Where: Lake Elmo
When: Monday-Thursday 12pm-8pm and Friday-Sunday 9am-8pm
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