Here Are The 11 Most Enchanting, Magical Christmas Towns In Minnesota
With the cold weather finally settling in here in Minnesota, it seems like a great time to hunker down and stay indoors for the next few months. But with the holiday season upon us, it’s actually a great time to do just the opposite. Christmastime in Minnesota is the perfect opportunity to get out and explore the state. With parades, light displays, and more, each of these Christmas towns in Minnesota would be a truly magical place to visit this time of year.
The first on our list of the best Christmas towns in Minnesota is Stillwater. As one of Minnesota's cutest towns, it should be no surprise to anyone that it does Christmas so well. Numerous events make the holiday season in Stillwater truly magical. Hometown for the Holidays is a great way to enjoy the lights in downtown Stillwater. You can also visit Santa, get great deals in local shops, and even spot carolers wearing Victorian costumes singing around town. Visit the Discover Stillwater website for more information.
Little Falls is known for its special holiday tours of historic homes and museums. Each of the four tours offers gorgeous lights and cozy Christmas decor. Check out the Little Falls Holiday Tours on the Explore Minnesota website.
Buffalo is a small town with a big love of Christmas. On the first Saturday in December, enjoy a lovely Christmas celebration that gets the whole town involved. Retail stores will offer treats, carolers will come out to sing, kids can visit with Santa, there will be horse-drawn wagon rides, live reindeer, and more! Visit the Buffalo Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau website to view the calendar of events.
Winona is a town with tons of Christmas events to choose from. The Trester Trolley offers tours of the neighborhood lights. There are also Christmas lights tours of houses, Nutcracker showings, concerts, and more. If you love Christmas, you'll love Winona. It's one of the best places to spend Christmas in Minnesota. Head to the Visit Winona Minnesota website to view the calendar of events.
Montevideo at Christmas certainly keeps up in terms of light displays. An annual lighted Christmas parade draws in plenty of visitors. Another great attraction is Christmas in the Village, featuring sweet treats, horse-drawn carriage rides, an old-fashioned radio show, and more. Visit the Explore Minnesota website for more information.
Pine City has a great holiday parade that wows locals and visitors alike. The parade is on the first Saturday of December. There is also an annual holiday light contest between businesses and homeowners and impressive displays are available for visitors to tour throughout December. If you're looking for things to do at Christmas in Minnesota, visit Pine City. Head to the Pine City Area Chamber of Commerce website to learn more.
Rochester has several great Christmas attractions, making it a fantastically magical place to spend the holiday season. Tour the Mayowood Mansion while it's decorated in its Christmas finery, meet Santa at Here Comes Santa Claus, or check out the Festival of Trees. Visit the Experience Rochester MN website to see some of the holiday events happening around town.
The WinterGlo Festival kicks off the Grand Rapids holiday season with a magical fireworks display, a Santa Claus sighting, sleigh rides, treats, and more. Later in the month, see The Nutcracker or participate in Rock N Roll Christmas. Not bad for a town with just 10,000 people, right? Grand Rapids at Christmas is a winter wonderland! Head to the Explore Minnesota website to learn more.
Anoka may be the Halloween capital of the world, but they've got plenty of Christmas cheer as well. The annual Christmas tree lighting event includes bonfires, a visit from Santa, and horse-drawn carriage rides - all leading up to the big Christmas tree lighting. Check it out this year on the first Saturday of December. It's one of the best things to do at Christmas in Minnesota. Visit the Discover Anoka website to learn more.
A lighted parade through downtown Owatonna kicks off the holiday season in early December. At the end of the parade route, enjoy carolers and cider in Central Park. Head to the Visit Owatonna website for more information.
We couldn't mention Christmas and not put Duluth on the list. The Bentleyville Tour of Lights is consistently rated one of the top Christmas attractions in the Midwest, so it definitely deserves a shoutout as a magical Christmas town. Four million lights - some timed to music - plus a view of Lake Superior? You don't want to miss out. But that's not all Duluth has to offer. Try the Christmas City Express for another look at Duluth during Christmas. For more information on the Bentleyville Tour of Lights, visit the Explore Minnesota website.
Duluth, MN, USA
Have you ever visited any of the best Christmas towns in Minnesota? What did you think? If you’re looking for more great ways to spend a magical Christmas in Minnesota, check out these 12 Christmas light displays in Minnesota that are pure magic.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Christmas Towns In Minnesota
November 28, 2021
Melissa M.
What are some of the best Christmas light displays in Minnesota?
Ring in the holiday season with a visit to one of the best light displays around the state. In our article, 8 Christmas Light Displays In Minnesota That Are Pure Magic, you can start planning your holiday adventure. Head to Mankato for the Kiwanis Holiday Lights which collects donations for non-profit organizations, visit Willmar’s Celebrate the Light of the World, Christmas in Wadena, and more.
Are there any Christmas tree farms in Minnesota?
If you’re searching for a live tree to take home and decorate for the holidays, you’ll find plenty of Christmas tree farms in Minnesota. Lake Elmo has Kreuger’s Christmas Tree Farm, there’s the Hansen Tree Farm in Anoka, and Jan’s Christmas Trees in Clear Lake, just to name a few.
Where can I find the biggest drive-thru Christmas light display in Minnesota?
One of the most memorable ways to spend Christmas in Minnesota is by spending your evenings admiring the light displays that are peppered all around the state. There are several drive-thru Christmas displays in Minnesota that will remind you of the reason for the season. Kiwanis Holiday Lights at Sibley Park in Mankato just may be one of the biggest drive-thru holiday light displays in the state with over 1.8 million lights.
Minnesota In Your Inbox
Thank you! You'll receive your first newsletter soon!
Betsy is a Minneapolis-based writer who's lived in Minnesota for 20 years. If you know of any amazing Minnesota restaurants, nature areas, or other attractions, feel free to let her know about them at brathburn@onlyinyourstate.com or on Twitter @betsyrathburn.
