15+ Best Holiday Things to Do in Minnesota with Kids: The Ultimate Festive Family Bucket List! (Updated for 2025)

ByAntonia

This post, featuring some of the best holiday things to do with kids in Minnesota (updated for 2025!), may contain affiliate links. For more, please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy (linked below).

A father and daughter enjoy roasting North Mallow marshmallows together, one of the top additions on this Minnesota holiday gift guide.

As a Minnesota mom who's spent nearly a decade searching for the best holiday things to do with kids, I'm excited to share our ultimate Minnesota holiday bucket list for families! This guide is packed with festive favorites, from the best holiday festivals and events in Minneapolis and Saint Paul to can't-miss activities worth taking a winter day trip to enjoy. Whether you're looking for dazzling light displays, hands-on holiday fun, or unique festive foodie finds, this list has it all (including 15 ideas, but over 40 unique locations or recommendations!). Let's make this season magical with the best holiday events in the Twin Cities in 2025. Happy holidays!

All dates listed are updated for the 2025 holiday season.

Visit One (or More!) of these Fun Festive Holiday Markets in/near the Twin Cities for Families

Dates vary and are listed below.

People shopping and eating at the European Christmas Market, one of the best best holiday things to do with kids in Minnesota.

One of our favorite Minnesota holiday bucket list experiences for families is visiting festive holiday markets. These European-style Christmas markets are perfect for finding unique gifts from local vendors and soaking up the holiday spirit. 

We love wandering through the twinkling stalls, picking out handcrafted ornaments, and sampling festive treats. Plus, the markets are packed with kid-friendly activities like cookie decorating, live music, and even visits from Santa. 

While walking around, my daughter usually enjoys hot cocoa with marshmallows, and I often warm up with a cup of mulled wine. Not to mention, we love munching on delicious market fare like raclette, pierogies, and more-it’s the perfect way to savor the season. When looking for fun Christmas events in Minneapolis or Saint Paul with kids, these markets offer a magical, family-friendly experience that’s not to be missed!

Here are 12 of the top holiday markets in the Twin Cities (and beyond) with kids.

Be sure to add them to your list of fun holiday things to do with kids in Minnesota!

Delight in Magical Light Displays (Walk-thru + Drive-thru)

Dates vary and are listed below.

A girl sits in the snow enjoying holiday lights at Miracle at Big Rock in St. Croix Falls, WI, one of the best best holiday things to do with kids near Minneapolis, Minnesota.

One of the best holiday activities in/near Minneapolis and Saint Paul has to be experiencing one (or more!) of the many magical light displays-it's a must on our Minnesota holiday bucket list for families! Whether we bundle up for a walk-thru wonderland or enjoy a cozy drive-thru show from the warmth of the car, there's something so special about seeing the night light up with holiday magic. These displays are a whimsical way to kick off the holiday season and make memories that last long after the lights come down!

Here are 9 of our favorite holiday light displays in Minnesota + Western Wisconsin for families (all within 2 hours of Minneapolis)!

Gingerbread Wonderland at Norway House, Minneapolis

November 21 – January 3, 2025

One of the best holiday things for kids in Minnesota is visiting the Gingerbread Wonderland at Norway House in Minneapolis. Inspired by Norway's famous "Pepperkakebyen," this community-curated gingerbread town has been a local family favorite for years. 

Kids love spotting iconic Twin Cities buildings reimagined in gingerbread-from U.S. Bank Stadium to the whimsical Wild Rumpus Books. The intricate details and creativity behind each piece are incredible, making it a magical stop on any Minnesota holiday bucket list for families. 

Afterward, you can grab a holiday treat from Ingebretsen's coffee shop- a sweet ending to a festive outing together! This is a must-see for any family looking to experience the joy of holiday activities in Minneapolis this season.

READ NEXT: EPIC Bucket List Winter Getaways in Minnesota for Families

Celebrate the Winter Solstice with Kids

Sunday, December 21 

A family meal in celebration the Winter Solstice.

Celebrating the Winter Solstice has become a cherished tradition in our home-and I invite you to celebrate with us. It’s a cozy way to slow down and connect before the final holiday rush. It's also a fun thing to do in Minnesota this December!

As the longest night of the year, it marks the return of the sun, a hopeful reminder of brighter days ahead. We often celebrate by lighting candles, baking spiced cookies, and reading stories together. It's a special evening where we take time to reflect, snuggle up under blankets, and enjoy simple moments together. It's become one of our favorite ways to bring light into the darkest night of the year and kick off the rest of the festive season with love and coziness.

Here is how we usually celebrate the Winter Solstice at home.

  • Create homemade lanterns or candles to encourage the sun to return, and to celebrate the light in our lives.
  • Make Wassail, a traditional "warming" drink to keep us warm through the dark night.
  • Prepare a feast together featuring wild game + seasonal produce (we've done elk, duck, etc. in the past).
  • Spend dinner + the evening by candlelight.
  • Reflect on the past season of life, as well as the future. We also plan to set goals for the new year to continue to be as sustainable as possible as a family.
  • Get cozy by the fire while we read books and play games together.
  • If it's a weekend, we love adding a winter hike to our day to celebrate outdoors.

Enjoy a Festive Dining Experience in the Twin Cities 

Dates vary and are listed below.

A young girl enjoys holiday tea at the Mad Hatter.
A man enjoys a fondue dish at The Chalet Dining Experience at the Winter Village, one of the best holiday things to do in Minnesota.
A holiday tea plate at the Mad Hatter.

Festive dining experiences add a fun and delicious twist to any Minnesota holiday bucket list for families with kids! We love visiting holiday pop-up restaurants around the Twin Cities this time of year. They offer a fun reason to get dressed up and celebrate the season!

Decked halls with over-the-top decorations, twinkling lights, and seasonal menus, these tasty spots truly bring the holiday spirit to life through food and community. Many of these pop-ups also offer kid-friendly treats like s'more deserts and candy cane sweets, making it a hit for the whole family. These restaurants are undoubtedly among the best holiday things to do with kids in Minnesota, creating magical memories over a meal that feels like a scene straight out of a Christmas movie!

Here are 5 our favorite holiday dining experiences in the Twin Cities!

Check Out the Holiday Experience at the American Swedish Institute, Minneapolis

Tomte the Gnome Experience, November 8 - January 25, 2025, + the Julmarknad Handcraft Market & Festival is December 5 – 7 

The Holiday Experience at the American Swedish Institute is one of the best holiday events with kids in the Twin Cities in 2025. Explore the historic Turnblad Mansion, a stunning 1908 structure filled with 33 festive rooms decorated to celebrate Nordic traditions. While you visit, learn about holiday folklore like the tomte (Scandinavian gnomes), adding a fun cultural twist to your visit. 

Then, the Julmarknad Handcraft Market is another highlight, featuring unique handmade gifts and tasty Scandinavian treats. Between the festive crafts, pop-up performances, and delicious bites from the Jul Shop, it's an immersive way to experience holiday magic and history all in one place. One of the best things to do in Minnesota in December, it's the perfect family outing to soak up the season's spirit and find special gifts.

Pick Your Own Christmas Tree

Dates vary; check individual websites for schedule, availability, and special Christmas events.

Antonia walks through a Christmas tree farm, cutting down your own tree is one of the best holiday things to do with kids in Minnesota.

Whether you've never done it before or you do it every year, cutting down your own Christmas tree is an excellent addition to any Minnesota holiday bucket list for families with kids! Just a short drive from Minneapolis and Saint Paul, you'll find several cozy tree farms where the experience is all about holiday magic. 

While we don't do it every year, we have loved searching for the perfect tree amongst a forest of options when we do. There is something special about running through the rows of evergreens until we find "the one". 

Many of these farms make a whole day of it, with hot cocoa, bonfires, and even visits from Santa. It's the perfect way to kick off the Christmas season with your family. Plus, you get a fresh, fragrant tree to bring home and decorate together. Cutting down your own tree is undoubtedly one of the best Christmas things to do near Minneapolis and Saint Paul with kids.

Here are a few family-friendly places to pick your own Christmas tree this year!

Embrace the Holidays at the Mall of America

A man and his young daughter go on rides at Nickelodeon Universe, which is decorated for the holidays.

Looking for fun indoor holiday things to do with kids in Minnesota? Embrace the festive magic at the Mall of America. We love visiting Santa at the Candy Cane Institute, where the holiday magic is palpable in the whimsical setting. 

Plus, the Mall is decked out with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and plenty of holiday cheer, making it feel like an indoor winter wonderland. It's not just about shopping for gifts-though there's no shortage of great stores-it's the perfect place to enjoy family-friendly fun. 

Kids of all ages love the seasonal holiday shows and the excitement of riding the rollercoasters at Nickelodeon Universe. Whether you're looking to enjoy holiday performances, visit Santa, or shop for unique gifts, the Mall of America offers some of Minnesota’s best holiday festivals and events for families with kids.

Here are 7 magical holiday things to do at the Mall of America in 2025 with kids.

See a Holiday Performance Together

Dates vary; check individual websites for schedule + ticket availability.

A playbill for A Christmas Carol at Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis.

I think seeing a theatrical performance or going to a winter concert is one of the most magical holiday things to do with kids in Minnesota! And, we have so many great productions to choose from this year. For ages, except for a few recent years, it's been our family tradition to see a holiday show in December. I hope you join us in this tradition this year!

We love catching a family-friendly holiday show in Minneapolis or Saint Paul, where the season’s magic comes to life on stage. Whether it’s a classic production like The Nutcracker or a holiday orchestra concert, there's something special about the excitement of live theater that adds to the festive atmosphere.

If you're looking for fun holiday activities near Minneapolis and Saint Paul, here are 7 family-friendly performances happening in 2025.

Bake Holiday or Winter Cookies

A platter filled with different holiday cookies. Baking cookies together is one of the best holiday things to do with kids in Minnesota.

Baking holiday cookies is one of our favorite holiday activities at home in Minnesota. It's the perfect way to spend time together as a family, especially when it's cold outside. My daughter loves picking out the cookie cutters, mixing the dough, and, of course, decorating with colorful sprinkles and frosting. 

Whether we're baking ginger snaps or sugar cookies, the kitchen fills with the warm scents of holiday spices, and it just feels like Christmas. Plus, it's an easy way to get into the holiday spirit without leaving home. It's a fun tradition we look forward to every year. And, of course, sharing our delicious creations with neighbors and friends is always a highlight. If you're looking for a cozy holiday activity with kids, baking cookies should definitely be on your Minnesota holiday bucket list!

Take a Winter, Holiday Event-Inspired Day Trip

A young girl enjoys a winter day trip to Northfield, Minnesota.

A holiday-inspired day trip in Minnesota is the perfect way to embrace the season and explore a new town (or an old favorite!). Charming small towns like Stillwater and Red Wing offer so much to explore, just a short drive from Minneapolis. We love stopping by festive local markets, enjoying hot cocoa at cozy cafes, and even taking in a small-town holiday light display. 

Whether it’s picking out the perfect gift from a local shop or discovering a quirky holiday event, there’s no shortage of festive fun and things to do across Minnesota in December. If you're looking for unique holiday things to do with kids, a Minnesota day trip is a great way to soak in festive vibes and check off items on your holiday bucket list!

Here are 7 holiday day trip ideas inspired by local events!

Magical Winter Day Trips within 30 Minutes of Minneapolis: 

Magical Winter Day Trips within 90 minutes of Minneapolis:

Enjoy a Cozy Cabin Getaway

A man and his young daughter play a game in a cozy cabin.

A cozy cabin weekend is the perfect way to unwind and embrace the holiday season in Minnesota. These charming retreats, tucked away in the wintery landscape, offer a peaceful escape from the holiday hustle. 

Spend your days exploring trails and local towns, then head back to your cabin to warm up by the fireplace. Evenings are perfect for family board games, baking holiday cookies, or sipping hot cocoa while (hopefully!) watching the snow fall outside. Whether you choose a lakeside cabin or a quiet woodland hideaway, a winter cabin getaway is the ultimate way to relax, reconnect, and make memories with your family this holiday season.

Here are a few of my favorite holiday bucket list stays in Minnesota for families.

Try a Family-Friendly Sauna Experience at Sauna Camp

Antonia at Sauna Camp in Minnesota.

Warm up to winter this holiday season with a family sauna adventure at Sauna Camp. It’s just 30 minutes from Minneapolis on Lake Independence! This wood-fired sauna and cold plunge experience invites you to unplug, connect, and embrace the magic of the winter season. With seven cozy cedar saunas and icy lake plunges cut right into the lake, you'll experience the perfect balance of heat, cold, and winter fun. (Ice plunges are not required! You can also just stand outside or roll in the snow to get the chill effect.)

Inspired by Finnish sauna tradition, Sauna Camp celebrates community and embraces families. Kids ages six and up are welcome. Private sauna sessions are perfect for younger children who prefer milder temperatures. This December, don't just survive the start of winter. Thrive in it.

Explore a Nature Center

A young girl takes a winter hike at Wood Lake Nature Center, one of the best holiday things to do with kids in Minnesota.

Nature centers are a fantastic way to experience the holiday season in Minnesota with kids. Many offer festive programs, wintery nature walks, and hands-on activities that make for a fun-filled day out. 

Explore winter trails, visit birdwatching stations, and enjoy cozy indoor exhibits where kids can learn about winter wildlife. Add a fun twist to the day by planning a winter treasure hunt! Nature centers across the Twin Cities provide an excellent opportunity for families to enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature during the season. Taking a winter-inspired hike is one of my favorite outdoor holiday things to do with kids in Minnesota.

Here are some of our favorite nature centers in the Twin Cities for families.

READ NEXT: How to Dress Kids for a Minnesota Winter (by a Mom Who Knows!)

Go on a Little Holiday Coffee Date

A hand holds a cozy fall drink at a coffee shop.

A family coffee date is a cozy way to enjoy the festive season in Minnesota. Head to a local café, where you can sip on a warm holiday-inspired drink, like a spiced latte or peppermint mocha. Many coffee shops in the Twin Cities even feature seasonal specials, perfect for celebrating the holidays. 

With a crisp winter breeze outside and a comfy spot inside, it’s the ideal setting for a relaxed family outing. Whether you're catching up over hot cocoa or enjoying some sweet holiday treats, a family coffee date is a wonderful way to slow down and focus on what matters most this holiday season-each other! 

Add family coffee dates to your list of fun indoor things to do in Minnesota this December. Here are a few of our favorite local coffee shops.

  • Wesley Andrews Coffee & Tea in Minneapolis
  • Edina Coffee Roasters in Edina
  • Sovereign Grounds in Minneapolis (they have a play area for littles)
  • Rustica Bakery & Cafe, with locations in Minneapolis and Edina
  • Cafe Ceres in Minneapolis
  • Rebe’s Play Cafe in Saint Paul (they have a play area for littles)
  • Kruse Markit Bistro in Minneapolis
  • Backstory Coffee Roasters in Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and Bloomington
  • Getaway Motor Cafe Coffee Bar in Carver (this one decorates for the holidays!)

Have Fun Exploring Minnesota this Holiday Season with Your Kids!

Families explore a winter holiday market.

As the holiday season approaches, the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota offer an abundance of holiday festivals and events for families with kids of all ages. From the best holiday things to do with kids in the Twin Cities, like magical light displays and seasonal performances, to exploring winter trails and baking seasonal treats, there's something for every family on this Minnesota holiday bucket list. And (if you celebrate), don’t forget about the must-do Christmas events and things to do with kids in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, like visits with Santa at Candy Cane Lane and cutting down your own tree. This season, create lasting memories with your favorite people as you celebrate the joy and wonder of the holidays in Minnesota. From my family to yours, happy holidays! May the new year bring you endless joy and adventure!

Unless otherwise noted, all images in this article were taken by and belong to the blog's author, Antonia Grant. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy for more information. 

Let’s Stay in Touch!
Sign up below to be the first to know about new articles, recipes, family news + more!
Thanks for subscribing to our newsletter!

More Minnesota