Christmas Events for Kids in Duluth (2026)

The Duluth area has 10 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Festival of Trees Arts, Crafts and Gift Show in Duluth on November 14 to Bentleyville "Tour of Lights" in Duluth, which runs through December 26. 6 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in Minnesota, part of our guide for every state.

The short version

  • 10 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Duluth for 2026, in Duluth, Knife River and Two Harbors
  • First: Festival of Trees Arts, Crafts and Gift Show, Duluth, November 14. Runs latest: Bentleyville "Tour of Lights", Duluth, through December 26
  • Free: A Very Merry Santa Day, Bentleyville "Tour of Lights", Duluth Winter Village, Julebyen 2026 Nordic Christmas Village, Santa at the Lighthouse and Wild Santa 5K and Reindeer Run
  • Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it

Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our Minnesota Christmas train rides page.

Duluth Christmas events for kids at a glance

Kids’ Christmas events
10 confirmed for 2026
Cities
Duluth, Knife River and Two Harbors
Season
November 14 to December 26, 2026
Free events
6
Kinds of events
Santa visit, holiday show, model trains and Santa and Mrs. Claus
Last checked

Plan your December

When each Duluth Christmas event for kids happens

The first is Festival of Trees Arts, Crafts and Gift Show in Duluth on November 14; the last runs to December 26. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.

Look inside the book

Story time with Santa in Duluth? Bring Rally home.

Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

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Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

Christmas events for kids in Duluth

8 confirmed events for kids in Duluth, soonest first.

Duluth: Festival of Trees Arts, Crafts and Gift Show

Santa visitJunior League of Duluth · Duluth

Host
Junior League of Duluth (opens in a new tab)
Where
Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC), 350 Harbor Dr, Duluth, MN 55802
When
Sat November 14 (9 am to 5 pm) and Sun November 15 (10 am to 3 pm), 2026
Cost
$7 Saturday, $5 Sunday; kids 12 and under free
Ages
Kids 12 and under free
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Festival of Trees Arts, Crafts and Gift Show kicks off the holiday season with more than 170 regional vendors on two floors of the DECC. Shoppers can sample gourmet treats and browse home decor, jewelry, clothing, artwork and seasonal gifts.

The kid-friendly extras include free photos with Santa, a festive mini holiday tree display and a decorated tree auction, along with raffles and DECC concessions. Admission is $7 on Saturday, November 14 (9 am to 5 pm) and $5 on Sunday, November 15 (10 am to 3 pm), 2026. Children 12 and under are free, and guests save $1 by donating a non-perishable food item for a local food bank.

It is mostly a shopping event, so it works best for families who want a Santa photo while they run errands.

Parent tip: Bring a non-perishable food item for $1 off admission. Kids 12 and under get in free.

See dates and details from Junior League of Duluth (opens in a new tab)

Duluth: Community Decorating Party

Model trainsLake Superior Railroad Museum · Duluth

Host
Lake Superior Railroad Museum (opens in a new tab)
Where
Lake Superior Railroad Museum, 506 W Michigan St, Duluth, MN 55802
When
Tuesday, November 17, 2026, 4 to 8 pm
Cost
No fee listed; snacks provided
Ages
All ages
Sign-up
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Lake Superior Railroad Museum invites the community to help decorate the museum for the holidays. The decorating party runs Tuesday, November 17, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm, and all ages are welcome. Snacks will be provided.

The event listing asks guests to RSVP through a link on the page, so plan to sign up before you go. The page does not list a fee or describe the specific decorating tasks, so check with the museum if you want to know what your child will be doing.

The museum sits in the historic Depot at 506 W. Michigan Street in downtown Duluth and is known for its large collection of railroad equipment, which makes this a fun way for train-loving kids to see the museum while it is being dressed up for the season.

Parent tip: Use the RSVP link on the event page before you go.

See dates and details from Lake Superior Railroad Museum (opens in a new tab)

Duluth: A Very Merry Santa Day

Santa visitFreeDuluth Studio Market · Duluth

Host
Duluth Studio Market (opens in a new tab)
Where
Duluth Studio Market, 512 N 45th Ave E, Duluth, MN 55804
When
Fri November 20 and Sat November 21, 2026, 11 am to 3 pm
Cost
Free Santa visit and kids craft; digital photos $15 each
Ages
Kids
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Duluth Studio Market hosts two days of Santa, crafts and Christmas cheer as Duluth's holiday season begins. Kids can meet Santa for free, share their Christmas wishes and make a simple Christmas-themed craft, also free.

Professional digital Santa photos are available for $15 each; every image gets basic editing and is emailed to the family. The event runs Friday, November 20 and Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 11 am to 3 pm each day. The Friday visit comes just before the Christmas City of the North Parade that evening, and Saturday is the day before Bentleyville opens.

The Visit Duluth listing gives the shop's address as 512 N. 45th Avenue East while the event text refers to Canal Park, so confirm the location on the market's page before driving.

Parent tip: Confirm the location on the host's page, since the listing mentions both Canal Park and an East Duluth address.

See dates and details from Duluth Studio Market (opens in a new tab)

Duluth: Bentleyville "Tour of Lights"

Santa and Mrs. ClausFreeBentleyville Tour of Lights · Duluth

Host
Bentleyville Tour of Lights (opens in a new tab)
Where
Bentleyville Tour of Lights, 700 W Railroad St, Duluth, MN 55802
When
Saturday, November 21, 2026 to Saturday, December 26, 2026 (nightly; Sunday to Thursday 5 to 9 pm, Friday and Saturday 5 to 10 pm; Santa and Mrs. Claus nightly through Dec 23, 5 to 9 pm), 5 to 9 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages; children 12 and under who visit Santa get a knit hat
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Bentleyville calls itself America's largest free walk-through lighting display, and the 2026 season marks its 23rd year. Families stroll through the lights near the Duluth waterfront and can warm up with complimentary hot chocolate, coffee, cookies, popcorn and marshmallows to roast at one of the many fire pits.

Santa and Mrs. Claus are on site every night from November 21 to December 23, 5 to 9 pm, and the Santa line closes in time for Santa to leave by 9 pm. Children 12 and under who visit Santa receive a new Bentleyville knit hat and a bag of cookies. The display is open Sunday through Thursday from 5 to 9 pm and Friday and Saturday from 5 to 10 pm, through December 26. Special nights during the season include Santa's helicopter arrival, Tuesday animal nights and closing night fireworks.

Parent tip: Plan to join the Santa line well before 9 pm, since it closes early so Santa can leave on time. Dress for a cold outdoor walk.

See dates and details from Bentleyville Tour of Lights (opens in a new tab)

Duluth: Duluth Winter Village

Holiday eventFreeDuluth Winter Village · Duluth

Host
Duluth Winter Village (opens in a new tab)
Where
Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC), 350 Harbor Dr, Duluth, MN 55802
When
Sat December 5 and Sun December 6, 2026, 10 am to 4 pm
Cost
Free admission; DECC parking $10
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The 10th annual Duluth Winter Village sets up charming wooden shopping cabins along Harbor Drive, with activities indoors and out at the DECC. Admission is free, and DECC parking is $10.

Family features include live caroling, animals to meet, a 25-foot lit tree, holiday portraits by the Christmas tree, a Hug-a-Hen stop with Locally Laid Egg Company, and the Hollybeary Kid Store, where little ones can pick out gifts for their grown-ups. A small children and nursing area is run by Duluth Mom, and there are bonfires with lift bridge and freighter views.

The village is open Saturday and Sunday, December 5 and 6, 2026, from 10 am to 4 pm. The market also has a bar for adults, but the organizers describe it as a family holiday market, with leashed dogs welcome outdoors.

Parent tip: Bring mittens for the outdoor areas. DECC parking costs $10 per vehicle.

See dates and details from Duluth Winter Village (opens in a new tab)

Duluth: The Nutcracker: A Duluth Tale

Holiday showMinnesota Ballet · Duluth

Host
Minnesota Ballet (opens in a new tab)
Where
DECC Symphony Hall, 350 Harbor Dr, Duluth, MN 55802
When
Fri December 11 (7 pm), Sat December 12 (3 pm) and Sun December 13 (3 pm), 2026
Cost
Tickets through Ticketmaster or the Minnesota Ballet box office; price not listed
Ages
Family
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Minnesota Ballet presents a local version of the holiday classic. As Clara's Nutcracker doll comes to life, she travels through a whimsical world of leaping lumberjacks, dancing gingerbreads and swirling snowflakes set against Duluth's landscape. Tchaikovsky's score is played live by the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra.

The ballet has three performances at DECC Symphony Hall: Friday, December 11, 2026, at 7:00 pm, and Saturday, December 12 and Sunday, December 13 at 3:00 pm. Tickets are sold through Ticketmaster, and the listing notes that calling the Minnesota Ballet Box Office at 218-733-7570 saves more than $20 per ticket in fees.

The weekend matinees are the friendliest choice for younger children. Prices are not shown on the Visit Duluth page, so check the ballet's site.

Parent tip: Calling the ballet box office at 218-733-7570 avoids Ticketmaster fees. The afternoon shows suit younger kids.

See dates and details from Minnesota Ballet (opens in a new tab)

Duluth: Wild Santa 5K and Reindeer Run

Santa visitFreeWild State Cider · Duluth

Host
Wild State Cider (opens in a new tab)
Where
Wild State Cider, 2515 W Superior St, Duluth, MN 55806
When
Saturday, December 12, 2026, 9 am to 1 pm
Cost
$5 to $49; kids 8 and under run the Reindeer Run free
Ages
Kids 8 and under free in the Reindeer Run
Sign-up
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Wild Santa 5K and Reindeer Run travels through the Lincoln Park Craft District and begins and finishes at Wild State Cider. Participants register to receive a Santa outfit with five pieces, and the event page mentions a complimentary cider or juice, live seasonal music and chili on the house once the race is over.

Children 8 and under may enter the Reindeer Run at no cost, giving little ones an uncommon opportunity to join a holiday fun run. Onlookers will see hundreds of Santas jogging through the neighborhood.

The date is December 12, 2026, which is a Saturday, and the listing gives a 9:00 am to 1:00 pm window. Registration runs between $5 and $49 depending on the option. Visit wildsantarun.com to learn about signing up your child and find the Reindeer Run start time.

Parent tip: See wildsantarun.com for when the Reindeer Run begins and how to register. Wear warm layers for the outdoor course.

See dates and details from Wild State Cider (opens in a new tab)

Duluth: A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage

Holiday showDECC · Duluth

Host
DECC (opens in a new tab)
Where
DECC Symphony Hall, 350 Harbor Dr, Duluth, MN 55802
When
Wednesday, December 23, 2026, 6:30 pm
Cost
Tickets on sale; price not listed
Ages
Whole family
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

A touring show called A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage brings Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, Charlie Brown and all of the Peanuts friends to Duluth. The story follows the kids as they put together a Christmas play of their own and discover what the season is really about. Vince Guaraldi's music is featured, and the show is promoted as a gift the entire family can share.

Catch it on Wednesday, December 23, 2026, at 6:30 pm in DECC Symphony Hall, 350 Harbor Drive. Tickets are sold through the DECC, though no prices appear on the listing.

An evening on the night before Christmas Eve makes a nice outing during winter break for school-age kids familiar with the TV special. The DECC page has full pre-visit information, such as the bag policy and seating.

Parent tip: Look over the DECC's pre-visit notes, including the bag policy, ahead of your trip.

See dates and details from DECC (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Knife River

1 confirmed event for kids in Knife River, soonest first.

Knife River: Julebyen 2026 Nordic Christmas Village

Holiday lightsFreeJulebyen · Knife River

Host
Julebyen (opens in a new tab)
Where
Julebyen Christmas Village, 199 Alger Smith Rd, Knife River, MN 55609 (near Duluth)
When
Sat December 5 (9 am to 4 pm) and Sun December 6 (10 am to 3 pm), 2026
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Julebyen is a Nordic Christmas village festival in Knife River, just up the North Shore from Duluth. The Visit Duluth listing describes an outdoor market, a fisherman's village and a heated indoor market, along with Christmas lights, live entertainment and food vendors.

For kids, there are trolls and gnomes that bring Nordic folklore to life, Viking-inspired exhibits and activities, and family-friendly games including hobby horse races. The festival also has information about train rides on its own website, which are separate from the event itself.

Julebyen takes place Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 9 am to 4 pm and Sunday, December 6, from 10 am to 3 pm, and admission is free. The address is 199 Alger Smith Road in Knife River. Dress warmly for the outdoor market.

Parent tip: Dress for outdoor time and check julebyen.org for activity schedules and train ride details.

See dates and details from Julebyen (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Two Harbors

1 confirmed event for kids in Two Harbors, soonest first.

Two Harbors: Santa at the Lighthouse

Santa visitFreeSplit Rock Lighthouse (Minnesota Historical Society) · Two Harbors

Host
Split Rock Lighthouse (Minnesota Historical Society) (opens in a new tab)
Where
Split Rock Lighthouse, 3713 Split Rock Lighthouse Rd, Two Harbors, MN 55616 (near Duluth)
When
Sat December 12 and Sun December 13, 2026, 11 am to 2 pm
Cost
Free for children ages 5 to 17; adults free with a donation for the Silver Bay Veterans Home
Ages
Children ages 5 to 17 free
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Santa will be at Split Rock Lighthouse on the North Shore on both Saturday, December 12 and Sunday, December 13, 2026, between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm. Families can drop in to chat with him and take a picture during their visit.

Kids ages 5 to 17 get in free on both days. Grown-ups can tour the grounds at no charge if they bring a gift for the Silver Bay Veterans Home, and a giving guide linked from the event page lists what to bring.

The lighthouse is around 45 minutes northeast of Duluth, at 3713 Split Rock Lighthouse Road in Two Harbors, making it a pretty drive along the lake. Winter weather on Lake Superior can affect the roads, so look at the forecast before you set out.

Parent tip: Read the giving guide to see what to bring as a gift, and check the roads before driving.

See dates and details from Split Rock Lighthouse (Minnesota Historical Society) (opens in a new tab)

Looking further afield? Our Minnesota Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Minneapolis. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.

A story for the drive home

A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Duluth Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask

What Christmas events for kids are in Duluth in 2026?

We confirmed 10 Christmas events for kids in Duluth for 2026 on each host’s own page: Festival of Trees Arts, Crafts and Gift Show in Duluth (November 14), Community Decorating Party in Duluth (November 17), A Very Merry Santa Day in Duluth (November 20), Bentleyville "Tour of Lights" in Duluth (November 21), Duluth Winter Village in Duluth (December 5), Julebyen 2026 Nordic Christmas Village in Knife River (December 5), The Nutcracker: A Duluth Tale in Duluth (December 11), Santa at the Lighthouse in Two Harbors (December 12), Wild Santa 5K and Reindeer Run in Duluth (December 12) and A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage in Duluth (December 23). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.

What Christmas events for kids are in Duluth, Minnesota?

For families in and around Duluth, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Festival of Trees Arts, Crafts and Gift Show (Sat, Nov 14, 9 am to 5 pm and Sun, Nov 15, 10 am to 3 pm, $7 saturday, $5 sunday; kids 12 and under free); Community Decorating Party (Tue, Nov 17, 4 to 8 pm, no fee listed; snacks provided); A Very Merry Santa Day (Fri and Sat, Nov 20 and 21, 11 am to 3 pm, free santa visit and kids craft; digital photos $15 each); Bentleyville "Tour of Lights" (Nightly, Nov 21 to Dec 26; Santa and Mrs. Claus through Dec 23, free); Duluth Winter Village (Sat and Sun, Dec 5 and 6, 10 am to 4 pm, free admission; decc parking $10); The Nutcracker: A Duluth Tale (Fri, Dec 11, 7 pm; Sat and Sun, Dec 12 and 13, 3 pm, tickets through ticketmaster or the minnesota ballet box office; price not listed); Wild Santa 5K and Reindeer Run (Sat, Dec 12, 9 am to 1 pm, $5 to $49; kids 8 and under run the reindeer run free); A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage (Wed, Dec 23, 6:30 pm, tickets on sale; price not listed). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Duluth section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Knife River, Minnesota?

For families in and around Knife River, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Julebyen 2026 Nordic Christmas Village (Sat, Dec 5, 9 am to 4 pm and Sun, Dec 6, 10 am to 3 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Knife River section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Two Harbors, Minnesota?

For families in and around Two Harbors, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Santa at the Lighthouse (Sat and Sun, Dec 12 and 13, 11 am to 2 pm, free for children ages 5 to 17; adults free with a donation for the silver bay veterans home). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Two Harbors section of this page.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in Duluth?

Yes. 6 of the 10 events here are free: A Very Merry Santa Day in Duluth, Bentleyville "Tour of Lights" in Duluth, Duluth Winter Village in Duluth, Julebyen 2026 Nordic Christmas Village in Knife River, Santa at the Lighthouse in Two Harbors and Wild Santa 5K and Reindeer Run in Duluth. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.

Where can kids see Santa in Duluth this December?

Santa appears at Festival of Trees Arts, Crafts and Gift Show in Duluth (November 14), A Very Merry Santa Day in Duluth (November 20), Bentleyville "Tour of Lights" in Duluth (November 21), Santa at the Lighthouse in Two Harbors (December 12) and Wild Santa 5K and Reindeer Run in Duluth (December 12). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.

Are there kids' Christmas events in Duluth on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?

Yes: Bentleyville "Tour of Lights" in Duluth (through December 26).

How much is Festival of Trees Arts, Crafts and Gift Show in Duluth?

$7 Saturday, $5 Sunday; kids 12 and under free. Festival of Trees Arts, Crafts and Gift Show is on Sat November 14 (9 am to 5 pm) and Sun November 15 (10 am to 3 pm), 2026 at Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC). Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Community Decorating Party in Duluth?

No fee listed; snacks provided. Community Decorating Party is on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, 4 to 8 pm at Lake Superior Railroad Museum. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is A Very Merry Santa Day in Duluth?

Free Santa visit and kids craft; digital photos $15 each. A Very Merry Santa Day is on Fri November 20 and Sat November 21, 2026, 11 am to 3 pm at Duluth Studio Market. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Bentleyville "Tour of Lights" in Duluth?

Free. Bentleyville "Tour of Lights" is on Saturday, November 21, 2026 to Saturday, December 26, 2026 (nightly; Sunday to Thursday 5 to 9 pm, Friday and Saturday 5 to 10 pm; Santa and Mrs. Claus nightly through Dec 23, 5 to 9 pm), 5 to 9 pm at Bentleyville Tour of Lights. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Duluth Winter Village in Duluth?

Free admission; DECC parking $10. Duluth Winter Village is on Sat December 5 and Sun December 6, 2026, 10 am to 4 pm at Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC). Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Julebyen 2026 Nordic Christmas Village in Knife River?

Free. Julebyen 2026 Nordic Christmas Village is on Sat December 5 (9 am to 4 pm) and Sun December 6 (10 am to 3 pm), 2026 at Julebyen Christmas Village. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is The Nutcracker: A Duluth Tale in Duluth?

Tickets through Ticketmaster or the Minnesota Ballet box office; price not listed. The Nutcracker: A Duluth Tale is on Fri December 11 (7 pm), Sat December 12 (3 pm) and Sun December 13 (3 pm), 2026 at DECC Symphony Hall. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Santa at the Lighthouse in Two Harbors?

Free for children ages 5 to 17; adults free with a donation for the Silver Bay Veterans Home. Santa at the Lighthouse is on Sat December 12 and Sun December 13, 2026, 11 am to 2 pm at Split Rock Lighthouse. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Wild Santa 5K and Reindeer Run in Duluth?

$5 to $49; kids 8 and under run the Reindeer Run free. Wild Santa 5K and Reindeer Run is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 9 am to 1 pm at Wild State Cider. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage in Duluth?

Tickets on sale; price not listed. A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage is on Wednesday, December 23, 2026, 6:30 pm at DECC Symphony Hall. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Duluth?

Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Duluth Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.

How do you confirm these events?

We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.

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Christmas Events for Kids in Overland Park (2026)