This Minnesota Christmas City Is Celebrating Big Ahead Of New Hallmark Movie Release

There's just something about Christmas in Duluth, Minnesota that hits different than it does in other places. The city already celebrates big, but ahead of this year's December 7 release of Rescuing Christmas - the second Hallmark Christmas movie filmed in Duluth in as many years (Merry Kiss Cam was released last Thanksgiving) - the holiday seems like a bigger deal than ever in The Christmas City of the North.

For the past several years, Duluth at the holidays has been defined by the state's biggest display of Christmas lights - and one of the largest in the country.

Bentleyville USA has become a holiday tradition at Bayfront Festival Park along Duluth's harborfront.

The dazzling, walk-thru display of millions of lights (literally!) is absolutely free. (There is a cost for on-site parking, though)

As beloved as Bentleyville is, it's the annual Christmas City of the North Parade that has been bringing folks together to celebrate the holidays in Duluth for decades.

It's the biggest public celebration in the Northland, and every year, thousands of folks line Superior Street to see the floats and bands and marchers and, of course, Santa.

It all culminates in the lighting of the community Christmas tree.

Going strong since 1958, this year's parade takes place of Friday, November 17, at 6:30 p.m., so be sure to get out there early, and stake out a spot!

Another favorite event during the holiday season is the Duluth Winter Village.

The Winter Village is another free family event that includes free open skating on the rink at the DECC.

You'll also find vendors with food and hot drinks, as well as all manner of gifts and crafts, and bonfires for warming up.

This year's event will take place December 2 and 3. Check out the Duluth Winter Village Facebook page for more information.

The North Shore Scenic Railroad, perhaps Minnesota's most beloved rail line, gets in on the action, as well. Its beloved Christmas City Express excursions run throughout the holiday season. And it even offers a Bentleyville Shuttle on Saturdays to get you to the light show in style.

Visit North Shore Scenic Railroad on the web for information, tickets, and train schedules.

The railroad features prominently in Rescuing Christmas.

As I mentioned, it premieres on the Hallmark Channel on December 7, so get your popcorn ready!

Christmas in Duluth, Minnesota can sure fill up your calendar! I'm definitely ready for the parade, and maybe a little Christmas shopping - and I know what I'm doing on December 7! How about you? Do you have any holiday plans in Duluth this year? Let us know in the comments!