Minnesota at Christmas is beautiful! If you’re looking for somewhere to get into the holiday spirit, exploring the Land of 10,000 Lakes is a great place to start. Under a blanket of snow, with Christmas lights twinkling on and off, many Minnesota towns come alive during this time of year. Below, you’ll find a list of beautiful Minnesota Christmas towns that look like something out of a Hallmark movie. Try visiting the best Christmas towns in Minnesota this year to add some magic to your holiday season!

1. Stillwater
Stillwater, MN 55082, USA
Discover Stillwater/Facebook
Without a doubt, Stillwater is one of the most charming Christmas towns in Minnesota. Its historic downtown and proximity to the St. Croix River make it a wonderful place to visit. Each winter, it gets even more charming during the holiday season. Christmas lights add magic to the town, while costumed carolers, sleigh rides, and other fun attractions add enchantment throughout the season.
2. New Ulm
New Ulm, MN 56073, USA
New Ulm, Minnesota/Facebook
New Ulm's German heritage makes it a shoo-in for one of the most charming towns in the state. The downtown area is filled with historic buildings that add an old-timey charm that you will love. At Christmastime, the town is decked out in holiday lights and garlands. A jolly holiday parade makes it even better. The only thing this German town is missing is a Christkindlmarkt! You'll want to make this adorable Christmas town in Minnesota your new favorite tradition.
3. Winona
Winona, MN 55987, USA
Visit Winona/Facebook
In southern Minnesota, the small city of Winona takes the cake as one of the best little holiday towns in Minnesota. The snow-lined streets are filled with historic buildings decked out in holiday cheer. The local stores are great places to snag holiday gifts, and Winona itself is in a scenic region that is absolutely beautiful under a blanket of snow.
4. Red Wing
Red Wing, MN, USA
Red Wing Downtown Main Street/Facebook
In southeastern Minnesota, Red Wing is a charming town nestled in the bluffs along the Mississippi River. Like many river towns, it is full of history. And in winter, it's full of holiday cheer. Visit this town for a dazzling glimpse of holiday lights. It'll feel like you're walking around in a Hallmark Christmas town.
5. Excelsior
Excelsior, MN 55331, USA
Excelsior, Minnesota/Facebook
If you don't want to venture too far from the Twin Cities, consider paying Excelsior a visit this holiday season. The small Minnesota suburb is decked out in holiday lights and evergreen garland every Christmas. Park your car and stroll among the local shops and restaurants. It'll add a dose of magic to your Christmas! When it comes to Christmas towns in Minnesota, this one's a true treat.
6. Nisswa
Nisswa, MN 56468, USA
Nisswa Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
Northern Minnesota has many charming towns. Among the loveliest is Nisswa, a small town in northern Minnesota's lake country. While it's at its busiest during summer cabin season, Nisswa is just as lovely in the winter. As you stroll through the snow-covered town, you'll encounter plenty of holiday lights. Visit during the holiday lights celebration for even more Minnesota Christmas cheer.
7. Bemidji
Bemidji, MN 56601, USA
Visit Bemidji/Facebook
Bemidji is another must-see place in northern Minnesota. While it's often busiest during the summer, when tourists stop in to fish and visit cabins, Bemidji is just as beautiful in the wintertime. The city gets decked out in holiday lights, and even Paul Bunyan and Babe participate. A visit to this wonderful Christmas village in MN will help you get into the festive spirit.
8. Lanesboro
Lanesboro, MN 55949, USA
Lanesboro, Minnesota in Fillmore County/Facebook
Nestled in the rolling hills of southern Minnesota, Lanesboro is a tiny town that is full of beauty. There is plenty to discover here, from the snow-covered hills to the chilly waters of the Root River. In downtown Lanesboro, you'll find historic buildings covered in twinkling lights. It looks like something out of a movie. Christmas in Minnesota has never been so perfect.
9. Pine City
Pine City, MN 55063, USA
City of Pine City/Facebook
Pine City is an east-central Minnesota town that is an easy drive from the Twin Cities along I-35. Every winter, this small town is decked out in lights and other holiday decorations, including a giant Santa hat on its resident voyageur statue. A Christmas parade lights up the town each year, but you don't have to go on that day to see the charm. Pine City is full of twinkling lights throughout the holiday season!

What are your favorite Christmas towns in Minnesota? Are there any you’d add to the list? Let us know in the comments!

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Best Christmas Towns in Minnesota

Tori Jane | October 27, 2022

What are some of the best Christmas towns in Minnesota?  

Life in Minnesota is pretty magical always, but when it’s Christmas time, it becomes something miraculous. There are several small towns in Minnesota that love going all-out for the holidays and they make up some of our all-time favorite Christmas villages in MN. Take the town of Winona, for instance. Every year, the streets are decked in lights, holly, and more. The town hosts dozens of amazing holiday festivals, Christmas parties, and so much more, and everyone you meet will greet you with a warm smile. Another excellent option is Pine City, which has a wonderful Christmas parade every year that’s sure to charm the whole family.  

What is Christmas in Minnesota like?  

Christmas in Minnesota is a special time; it’s full of wonder, magic, and cheer. No matter where you go, you’re sure to meet new friends at every turn. It’s snowy, too, so our chances of having a white Christmas are good. During winter in Minnesota, you can embark upon all kinds of adventures like cold-weather hikes and the occasional Christmas festival. Perhaps you’ll want to do one of the award-winning drive-through Christmas lights displays in MN this year or you’ll feel like heading to the zoo for Nature Illuminated, an annual holiday tradition in Minnesota.  

Which Christmas towns in Minnesota should I add to my bucket list? 

You didn’t think the towns we mentioned in the paragraphs above were the only Christmas towns in MN, did you? Nope! The list goes on – seemingly forever! Head to Rochester and do a tour of the sparkly, festive Mayowood Mansion while you’re there. Anoka is known for being the Halloween capital of Minnesota (if not the world), but it also makes for an amazing Christmas village too. You can’t miss the festivities in Duluth, like the amazing Christmas train ride, and the fun to be had in Little Falls is second to none. Other excellent Christmas towns in Minnesota include Buffalo, Montevideo, and more.  

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