There is no better place to celebrate the holiday season than Minnesota. Every winter, this gorgeous northern state turns into a winter wonderland, complete with cold temperatures and plenty of beautiful snow. Both Minneapolis and Saint Paul offer fantastic winter events that provide all the Christmas cheer and holiday spirit you can imagine. Once you spend the holidays in the Twin Cities, you'll want to make it a tradition every year!
Whichever time of year you visit the Mini Apple, there are always countless things to do and see. Access our complimentary Minneapolis Travel Guide for the best restaurants, things to do, and more.
Make Holidays in the Twin Cities a Tradition with These Winter Activities
Holiday Events in the Twin Cities
Holidazzle Minneapolis Christmas
Get ready to experience this legendary Minneapolis Christmas event! For decades, Holidazzle has been lighting up downtown and spreading holiday cheer far and wide. Visitors and locals alike make their way to Loring Park from the day after Thanksgiving until right before Christmas. Bundle up with the family and head just minutes away from your cozy Minneapolis vacation rental to enjoy a unique Christmas in the city. Take advantage of the plethora of local vendors and food trucks, listen to incredible Christmas choirs and popular bands, and glide around the beautiful outdoor skating rink. Enjoy classic Christmas movies on the large projection screen and the exciting fireworks display! If it gets a bit too chilly, head to the warming house and sip on a tasty hot beverage. This premier Minneapolis Christmas festival is the quintessential holiday experience.
Glow Holiday Festival
From mid-November until after the New Year, the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St. Paul transforms into a stunning Christmas lights walk-through. It is a full-on event every night with a three-story ice palace, State Fair Food Court, a Sky Glider ride, live music stages, and more. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly activity or a romantic date night, GLOW Holiday Festival is sure to make your holidays in the Twin Cities special.
Christmas in Color
If you'd rather stay warm in your car, Christmas in Color provides a magical lights display all from the comfort of your car. The drive-thru animated light show also takes place from mid-November until after the New Year. Located at Valleyfair in Shakopee, the event is about 25 minutes southwest of Minneapolis. Perfect for kids, you and the family will love watching more than a million lights perfectly synchronized to holiday music.
Do Some Holiday Shopping
Take advantage of the world-class Minneapolis shopping malls, unbelievable black Friday deals, and entertaining retail hubs. Here are a few spots to check out during your stay.
Stay in a Cozy Vacation Rental
We have the best selection of vacation rentals in and around Minneapolis. Whether you're looking for some quiet with a waterfront home or want to be in the center of the city, we have something for you and everything in between. We believe the Twin Cities are special, and we want as many people as possible to experience it. That all starts with the rental property.
Start planning your holidays in the Twin Cities today!