It’s Christmas All Year Round in This Magical Minnesota Town

Can you conjure the fragrance of fresh pine needles? Add to that the aroma of freshly baked goods wafting on the breeze, and perhaps, screams of delight from children playing nearby. What does it make you think of? It certainly sounds like Christmas to me. You can experience these sights, sounds, and smells all year long in the delightful town of Nisswa, Minnesota, in the Brainerd Lakes area—especially around the holidays, when this Up North community goes all out to celebrate.

You'll find Nisswa just north of Brainerd-Baxter, along the northeastern shore of Gull Lake, winding between and among several smaller lakes, including Roy, Nisswa, Clark, and Lower Cullen, as well as Lake Hubert. It's a bustling community with plenty to offer for its thousands of annual visitors and approximately 2,100 year-round residents.

Nisswa is known for its access to outdoor recreation, including top-tier golf and fishing, shopping and dining, many annual events and celebrations, and as the home of the iconic Grand View Lodge. With so many treats, events, and activities to look forward to, waking up in Nisswa is like waking up on Christmas morning.

The town is also famous for its turtle races. The events are held weekly throughout the summer months and have been a beloved Nisswa tradition for more than six decades. Kids look forward to the turtle races almost as much—if not more—than seeing Santa's reindeer.

The fun continues throughout the year, even, or perhaps especially, in winter. Nearby opportunities for snowmobiling, fat biking, downhill or cross-country skiing, and ice fishing abound. In fact, the world's largest charity ice fishing tournament is held annually on the north end of Gull Lake.

Nisswa, of course, is also a town that goes all-out for the holidays. So, it definitely feels like it's Christmas every day during the months of November and December when the town decks its halls.

The community's businesses do not hold back when it comes to decorating for Christmas. In fact, I would count Nisswa among the best Christmas towns in Minnesota when it comes to décor and community participation.

The celebration kicks off with a parade and continues through the holidays with bonfires, skating, and sleigh rides. Nisswa becomes a true winter wonderland at this time of year.

Even though the holiday season ends, Nisswa keeps giving—all throughout the year, which is why spending time in Nisswa feels like it's Christmas in every season. What do you think? Are there any other towns in the Land of 10,000 Lakes where it feels like Christmas all year long? We'd love to hear your thoughts on our Nomination page.

When you're ready to plan your next trip to Minnesota's Brainerd Lakes area, try using Only In Your State’s AI-powered itinerary planner to assist you.