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Enjoy A Classical Christmas When You Visit This Charming Small Town In Minnesota

Published Dec 19, 2023

Written by 

Trent Jonas

Folks who love celebrating the holidays in the Land of 10,000 Lakes enjoy the many wonderful Christmas towns in Minnesota. One of our favorites, though, is the festive small town of Nisswa in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Read on to learn why this charming community is the perfect place to experience a classical Christmas in Minnesota.

The small community of Nisswa, located on the north end of Gull Lake in the Brainerd Lakes Area, is a popular community for year-round recreation in Minnesota.

Sign welcoming visitors to Nisswa, featuring trees and water graphics, set against a green landscape.
City of Nisswa/Facebook

In the summer, folks flock to the area for boating, fishing, golf, and general lake life.

But when the holiday season rolls around, Nisswa takes on a character that's downright magical.

A festive shop decorated with holiday ornaments and lights, featuring a horse statue outside and a parked gray car.
Nisswa Chamber of Commerce/Facebook

Folks in the community of about 2,000 go all out, decorating businesses and homes in holiday splendor.

The season kicks off just after Thanksgiving with the town's annual Nisswa City of Lights celebration.

A festive fire truck decorated with lights, carrying two Santa figures, drives past a crowd at night during a holiday parade.
Nisswa Chamber of Comemrce/Facebook

It includes a parade and appearances by some Christams notables.

The whole town turns out for bonfires, sleigh rides, and other festive activities.

A festive scene with crowds enjoying colorful holiday lights on a building and trees at night.
Nisswa Chamber of Commerce/Facebook

Local businesses keep the holiday spirit rolling throughout the season.

A festive outdoor ice skating rink at night, adorned with lights and Christmas decorations, with families enjoying the scene.
Copper Creek Garden Center/Facebook

Copper Creek Garden Center offers a skating rink surrounded by greenery and adorned with lights.

Sherwood North (formerly Sherwood Forest), a beloved local supper club, also gets in on the action.

A cozy log cabin decorated with holiday lights and snow, featuring a welcoming entrance and festive garlands.
Sherwood North/Facebook

The beautiful drive out through a pine forest to the decorated restaurant for classic supper club fare is pretty magical.

Even the town's grand dame, the historic Grand View Lodge is a festive sight to behold at Christmastime.

A cozy lodge adorned with lights, surrounded by snow and trees, with a pathway lined by lanterns leading to the entrance.
Grand View Lodge/Facebook

The lodge on Gull Lake is decorated inside and out.

You can enjoy all manner of holiday festivities, including drinks in a heated igloo and special "spa-liday" packages at Glacial Waters Spa.

A cozy igloo-shaped structure with fairy lights, surrounded by snow and trees, near a wooden pergola with string lights.
Grand View Lodge/Facebook

Grand View Lodge is one of our favorite places for a ​​winter getaway in Minnesota.

We don't think there are too many places that are as festive as Nisswa during the holiday season in Minnesota. If you go, remember that it can get pretty chilly Up North, so be sure to pack all the winter essentials you'll need to stay warm and safe. To learn more about Grand View Lodge or to make a reservation, visit Grand View Lodge's listing on Hotels.com.

Have you visited Nisswa during the holiday season? Tell us about your experience in the comments - and be sure to let us know your favorite to enjoy a classical Christmas in Minnesota.

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