Christmas Events for Kids in Minnesota (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

14 min read

Minnesota has 14 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas! in Minneapolis on November 3 to Northern Lights in Chaska, which runs through January 3. 9 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 every state.

The short version

  • 14 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Minnesota for 2026, in Minneapolis, Saint Paul and Duluth
  • First: Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, Minneapolis, November 3. Runs latest: Northern Lights, Chaska, through January 3
  • Free: Bentleyville "Tour of Lights", Puppet Show: "The Gingerbread Man, a.k.a. Super-Cookie!", Light Up Victoria Community Event, Hometown Holiday, Santa-Stravaganza Community Event, Winter Wonderland Storytime, Gingerbread Houses, Sundays at Landmark: Santa's Workshop and Friday Movie Night: The Polar Express!
  • Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
Watercolor illustration: Rally the corgi stands on a red train seat looking out at falling snow, a lit Christmas tree and a white dove. Text: Choo choo! The train starting could be heard. Hello cute white bird!
Rally watching the snow and a lit Christmas tree, from the pages of Rally Takes the Train.

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.

Minnesota Christmas events for kids at a glance

Kids’ Christmas events
14 confirmed for 2026
Cities
Minneapolis, Saint Paul and Duluth
Season
November 3, 2026 to January 3, 2027
Free events
9
Kinds of events
holiday lights, holiday story time, holiday show and holiday crafts
Last checked

City guides in Minnesota

Plan your December

When each Minnesota Christmas event for kids happens

The first is Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas! in Minneapolis on November 3; the last runs to January 3. 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 Minnesota? 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.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

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 Minneapolis

9 confirmed events for kids in Minneapolis, including nearby Chanhassen, Chaska, Lake Elmo, Minnetonka, Stillwater, Victoria and Watertown, soonest first.

Minneapolis: Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Holiday showChildren's Theatre Company · Minneapolis

Host
Children's Theatre Company (opens in a new tab)
Where
Children's Theatre Company, UnitedHealth Group Stage, 2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404
When
Tuesday, November 3, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (multiple performances; see calendar)
Cost
$25 to $130 per ticket; lap passes $5 for ages 3 and under
Ages
Best enjoyed by everyone
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Children's Theatre Company brings back its musical spectacular of Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas for the 2026 holiday season, running November 3, 2026 through January 3, 2027 on the UnitedHealth Group Stage. Audiences climb up to snowy Mount Crumpit as the grumpy green Grinch hatches his plan to steal Christmas, and the story ends with a heart that grows three sizes. Reed Sigmund returns in the title role for his ninth trip to Who-ville.

The show runs 1 hour and 50 minutes with one 15 minute intermission and is billed as best enjoyed by everyone. Ticket prices vary by date and seat, from about $25 to $130, and lap passes for children 3 and younger are $5. The schedule includes a sensory friendly performance on Wednesday, December 2 at 7 pm, an ASL interpreted and audio described matinee on Saturday, December 5 at 2 pm, and autograph nights on Fridays after opening.

Parent tip: A sensory friendly performance is Wed, Dec 2 at 7 pm. The theater posts an audience guide covering tone and sensory elements.

See dates and details from Children's Theatre Company (opens in a new tab)

Chaska: Northern Lights

Holiday lightsUniversity of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum · Chaska

Host
University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (opens in a new tab)
Where
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Dr, Chaska, MN 55318 (near Minneapolis)
When
Friday, November 20, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (nightly; closed Nov 26, Dec 24 and Dec 25), 4:30 to 9:30 pm
Cost
$35 nonmembers, $25 members; children through age 15 free with ticket
Ages
All ages
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska debuts Northern Lights, a new evening light experience that runs November 20, 2026 through January 3, 2027, from 4:30 to 9:30 pm. It is closed November 26, December 24 and December 25. Guests follow a curated one way path past 18 all new interactive installations, including a sparkling canyon of lights called Glittering Gorge and a Canopy Pass of trees bathed in color changing light.

Tickets are timed and advance purchase is strongly recommended; paying at the gate, if space allows, adds $10 per ticket. Adults pay $35, members $25, and children through age 15 are free, though each child still needs a ticket and an accompanying adult. Parking is free. Food and warm drinks are available at Rootstock, and the gift store and AppleHouse holiday boutique are open for shopping.

Parent tip: Kids 15 and under are free but still need a reserved ticket. Rescheduling costs $10 per order and must be done by 5 pm the day before.

See dates and details from University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (opens in a new tab)

Stillwater: Puppet Show: "The Gingerbread Man, a.k.a. Super-Cookie!"

Holiday story timeFreeStillwater Public Library · Stillwater

Host
Stillwater Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Stillwater Public Library, Margaret Rivers Meeting Room, 224 3rd St N, Stillwater, MN 55082 (near Minneapolis)
When
Wed December 2 and Sat December 12, 2026, 10:30 to 11 am
Cost
Free
Ages
Best for ages 3 and up
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Stillwater Public Library presents a short puppet show retelling the classic Gingerbread Man story with a twist. In this version, a cheeky gingerbread man insists he is Super-Cookie and refuses to be eaten. The show is performed by library staff and assistants and lasts about 30 minutes, a comfortable length for preschoolers.

There are two chances to see it in Stillwater, on a Wednesday morning and a Saturday morning, both at 10:30 am. The library says it is best for ages 3 and up, and no registration is required. The show takes place upstairs in the Margaret Rivers Meeting Room on the library's upper level. The same puppet show also travels to Bayport Public Library on Monday, December 7 at 10 am, for families closer to that branch.

Parent tip: The show is upstairs in the Margaret Rivers Meeting Room. A Bayport Public Library performance is Mon, Dec 7 at 10 am.

See dates and details from Stillwater Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Victoria: Light Up Victoria Community Event

Holiday lightsFreeCarver County Library · Victoria

Host
Carver County Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Victoria Lions Pavilion, Lions Park, 1505 82nd St, Victoria, MN 55386 (near Minneapolis)
When
Thursday, December 3, 2026, 6 to 7:30 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Victoria's Light Up Victoria community evening takes place in Lions Park, and the Victoria branch of Carver County Library joins in with a winter themed craft for families. The library's craft table is at the Victoria Lions Pavilion, 1505 82nd Street, which the listing flags as a new location this year.

The event runs from 6 to 7:30 pm on a Thursday evening and is open to all ages, from babies to grandparents. The library encourages families to check out all of the events happening in Lions Park while they are there. It is free and no registration is mentioned. Because it is an early December evening outdoors in Minnesota, dress kids warmly and plan for the craft as a chance to warm up and slow down between activities.

Parent tip: Note the new location at the Lions Pavilion; dress warmly for an evening in the park.

See dates and details from Carver County Library (opens in a new tab)

Chaska: Hometown Holiday

Holiday showFreeCarver County Library · Chaska

Host
Carver County Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Chaska Library, 4 City Hall Plaza, Chaska, MN 55318 (near Minneapolis)
When
Saturday, December 5, 2026, 10 am to 3 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Downtown Chaska celebrates Hometown Holiday on the first Saturday in December, and the Chaska branch of Carver County Library is part of the fun. From 10 am to 3 pm, the library's children's area offers treats, activities and crafts for all ages.

The Eastern Carver County Holiday Band plays a short set from 11 to 11:30 am, a nice moment to plan around if your kids enjoy live music. The program is listed for everyone from toddlers to grandparents, it is free, and no registration is needed, so families can drop in while exploring the rest of downtown. The long time window makes it easy to fit around naps, lunch or other stops in the community celebration. Check the library listing again closer to the date in case more activities are added.

Parent tip: Time your visit for 11 am if you want to catch the holiday band.

See dates and details from Carver County Library (opens in a new tab)

Watertown: Santa-Stravaganza Community Event

Holiday craftsFreeCarver County Library · Watertown

Host
Carver County Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Watertown Library, 309 Lewis Ave S, Watertown, MN 55388 (near Minneapolis)
When
Saturday, December 5, 2026, 9 am to noon
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Watertown's Santa-Stravaganza is a daylong community celebration, and the Carver County Library's Watertown branch takes part with a children's winter craft in the library. The library is open for the craft from 9 am to noon in its center area, and the listing invites families to explore Watertown and stop in along the way.

The library lists the program for all ages, from toddlers and preschoolers through school age kids, teens and grandparents, so it works well for a mixed age family outing. It is free, and no registration is mentioned. Because it is part of the larger town event, it pairs naturally with the other Santa-Stravaganza activities around Watertown that day; check the City of Watertown for the full schedule.

Parent tip: The library craft runs 9 am to noon, so plan to visit the library in the morning part of Santa-Stravaganza.

See dates and details from Carver County Library (opens in a new tab)

Chanhassen: Winter Wonderland Storytime

Holiday story timeFreeCarver County Library · Chanhassen

Host
Carver County Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Chanhassen Library, Wilder Room, 7711 Kerber Blvd, Chanhassen, MN 55317 (near Minneapolis)
When
Wednesday, December 9, 2026, 10:30 to 11 am
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages, focus on children age 2+
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Carver County Library spends the second week of December on Winter Wonderland storytimes, and this listing is for the Chanhassen Library's session in the Wilder Room. Children and their caregivers are invited to share 30 minutes of cozy stories, with a focus on kids age 2 and older, though all ages are welcome.

If Wednesday morning does not work, the same storytime appears at other Carver County branches that week, including Victoria on Monday, December 7, Norwood Young America and Waconia on Tuesday, December 8, Watertown, Waconia and Chaska on Wednesday, December 9, Watertown and Chaska on Thursday, December 10, and Waconia on Friday, December 11, all at 10:30 am. The storytime is free and no registration is listed, which makes it an easy, low pressure holiday outing for toddlers and preschoolers.

Parent tip: Can't make Chanhassen? The same storytime runs at several Carver County branches Dec 7 to 11 at 10:30 am.

See dates and details from Carver County Library (opens in a new tab)

Lake Elmo: Gingerbread Houses

Holiday craftsFreeWashington County Library · Lake Elmo

Host
Washington County Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Lake Elmo Library, 3537 Lake Elmo Ave N, Lake Elmo, MN 55042 (near Minneapolis)
When
Thursday, December 10, 2026, 3:30 to 5 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
Best for children ages 5 and up
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Lake Elmo Library invites kids to join one of its holiday traditions: building a gingerbread style house out of graham crackers and candy. The program runs from 3:30 to 5 pm on a Thursday, so it fits right after school, and it takes place in the library's combined meeting rooms A and B.

The library says the program is best for children ages 5 and up, and it is listed for school age kids 6 to 12. It is a hands on, a little bit messy craft, and kids get to take their creations home. The Washington County Library listing did not mention a fee. Check the event page before you go in case registration opens, since supplies for programs like this are usually planned around expected attendance.

Parent tip: Best for ages 5 and up; bring a box or bag to carry the finished house home.

See dates and details from Washington County Library (opens in a new tab)

Minnetonka: Noon Year's Eve Celebration

Holiday story timeHennepin County Library · Minnetonka

Host
Hennepin County Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Ridgedale Library, 12601 Ridgedale Dr, Minnetonka, MN 55305 (near Minneapolis)
When
Thursday, December 31, 2026, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm
Cost
No fee listed (library program)
Ages
For children and their caregivers
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Hennepin County Library's Ridgedale branch invites children and their caregivers to count down to noon on New Year's Eve. The program mixes New Year's themed stories with songs and dancing, building up to a 3, 2, 1 countdown and a Happy New Year at noon, so little ones can celebrate without staying up until midnight.

The celebration runs from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm on Thursday, December 31, and is sponsored by the Friends of the Hennepin County Library. It is a good fit for families who want a calm, kid-sized way to mark the end of the holiday break, with stories at the heart of the event. The library listing does not mention registration, so plan to arrive a few minutes early. Ridgedale Library is at 12601 Ridgedale Drive in Minnetonka.

See dates and details from Hennepin County Library (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Saint Paul

4 confirmed events for kids in Saint Paul, including nearby White Bear Lake, soonest first.

White Bear Lake: Children's Storytime at the Fillebrown with Santa

Story time with SantaWhite Bear Lake Area Historical Society · White Bear Lake

Host
White Bear Lake Area Historical Society (opens in a new tab)
Where
Fillebrown House, 4735 Lake Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN 55110 (near Saint Paul)
When
Tuesday, December 8, 2026, 6 to 7:30 pm
Cost
$10 per person; 2 and under free
Ages
Children with an adult; 2 and under free
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The White Bear Lake Area Historical Society invites families to the Fillebrown House for an old-fashioned Christmas evening on Tuesday, December 8, 2026, from 6 to 7:30 pm. Kids get a photo with Santa, then settle in with cider and a cookie while Santa reads a holiday story.

Pajamas are welcome. Advance tickets are required at $10 per person, children 2 and under attend free, and children must come with an adult. The house sits on Lake Avenue in White Bear Lake, about 20 minutes northeast of downtown Saint Paul.

Parent tip: Advance tickets required. Pajamas welcome. Call 651-407-5327 with questions.

See dates and details from White Bear Lake Area Historical Society (opens in a new tab)

Saint Paul: Night Trains: Santa Nights

Holiday lightsTwin City Model Railroad Museum · Saint Paul

Host
Twin City Model Railroad Museum (opens in a new tab)
Where
Twin City Model Railroad Museum, 668 Transfer Road, Suite 8, Saint Paul, MN 55114
When
Sat December 12 and Sat December 19, 2026, 3 to 7 pm
Cost
$15 per guest, children 4 and under free
Ages
All ages
Sign-up
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

During its Night Trains season the Twin City Model Railroad Museum dims the lights so the model towns, street lamps and vintage passenger trains glow. The towns are covered in snow and holiday decorations, decorated trains run on the layouts, and special holiday-only layouts are on display. These are models to watch, not trains to ride.

On Saturday, December 12 and Saturday, December 19, Santa joins the evening so children can get a picture with him and share what is on their list. Night Trains runs from 3 to 7 pm, and tickets are sold for two-hour time blocks. Admission is $15 per guest, and children 4 and under are free. Tickets are sold through Eventbrite from the museum's page. The museum notes that special appearances can change, so it suggests checking its Facebook page for the latest information.

Parent tip: Buy a time block in advance through the museum's Eventbrite link, and check the museum's Facebook page before going in case Santa's schedule changes.

See dates and details from Twin City Model Railroad Museum (opens in a new tab)

Saint Paul: Sundays at Landmark: Santa's Workshop

Santa visitFreeLandmark Center · Saint Paul

Host
Landmark Center (opens in a new tab)
Where
Landmark Center, Musser Cortile, 75 5th St. W., Saint Paul, MN 55102
When
Sunday, December 13, 2026, 1 to 3 pm
Cost
Free
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Sundays at Landmark: Santa's Workshop fills the Musser Cortile, the indoor courtyard of Saint Paul's historic Landmark Center, with an afternoon of holiday activities for the whole family. Families can take a free photo with Santa and then stay for crafts and games.

Kids can make special gifts for loved ones, decorate gift bags and play games. The event is free and runs for two hours on a Sunday afternoon, so it is easy to drop in for a Santa photo and a craft. The listing does not give an age range or mention registration, so plan to arrive during the posted hours. Everything happens indoors in the Musser Cortile, which makes it a comfortable stop in downtown Saint Paul on a December afternoon.

Parent tip: Free and indoors; the listing mentions no registration, so arrive during the 1 to 3 pm window.

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

Saint Paul: Friday Movie Night: The Polar Express!

Holiday eventFreeSaint Paul Public Library · Saint Paul

Host
Saint Paul Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
West 7th Library, 265 Oneida St, Saint Paul, MN 55102
When
Friday, December 18, 2026, 6:15 to 8 pm
Cost
Free
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

West 7th Library in Saint Paul teams up with Keystone Community Services for a Friday family movie night featuring the seasonal favorite The Polar Express. The film is shown on the big screen in the gym, which gives it more of a theater feel than a typical library screening.

Families are invited to bring a favorite blanket and snacks and to wear pajamas if they like, and the library will serve fresh hot popcorn. The screening starts at 6:15 pm and wraps up around 8 pm, a reasonable bedtime friendly window for younger kids on the last Friday before winter break. It is free, and no registration was listed on the library calendar. Since the movie runs close to two hours, cozy layers and a pillow can help little ones settle in.

Parent tip: Bring blankets and your own snacks; popcorn is provided.

See dates and details from Saint Paul Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Duluth

1 confirmed event for kids in Duluth, soonest first.

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)

Near a state line? Our guides to Christmas events for kids in Iowa, Christmas events for kids in Nebraska and Christmas events for kids in South Dakota list more confirmed events, and 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)

Minnesota Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask

What Christmas events for kids are in Minnesota in 2026?

We confirmed 14 Christmas events for kids in Minnesota for 2026 on each host’s own page: Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas! in Minneapolis (November 3), Northern Lights in Chaska (November 20), Bentleyville "Tour of Lights" in Duluth (November 21), Puppet Show: "The Gingerbread Man, a.k.a. Super-Cookie!" in Stillwater (December 2), Light Up Victoria Community Event in Victoria (December 3), Hometown Holiday in Chaska (December 5), Santa-Stravaganza Community Event in Watertown (December 5), Children's Storytime at the Fillebrown with Santa in White Bear Lake (December 8), Winter Wonderland Storytime in Chanhassen (December 9), Gingerbread Houses in Lake Elmo (December 10), Night Trains: Santa Nights in Saint Paul (December 12), Sundays at Landmark: Santa's Workshop in Saint Paul (December 13), Friday Movie Night: The Polar Express! in Saint Paul (December 18) and Noon Year's Eve Celebration in Minnetonka (December 31). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.

What Christmas events for kids are in Minneapolis, Minnesota?

For families in and around Minneapolis, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (Nov 3 to Jan 3, multiple performances, $25 to $130 per ticket; lap passes $5 for ages 3 and under); Northern Lights (in Chaska, Nightly, Nov 20 to Jan 3, 4:30 to 9:30 pm (closed Nov 26, Dec 24, Dec 25), $35 nonmembers, $25 members; children through age 15 free with ticket); Puppet Show: "The Gingerbread Man, a.k.a. Super-Cookie!" (in Stillwater, Wed, Dec 2 and Sat, Dec 12, 10:30 to 11 am, free); Light Up Victoria Community Event (in Victoria, Thu, Dec 3, 6 to 7:30 pm, free); Hometown Holiday (in Chaska, Sat, Dec 5, 10 am to 3 pm, free); Santa-Stravaganza Community Event (in Watertown, Sat, Dec 5, 9 am to noon, free); Winter Wonderland Storytime (in Chanhassen, Wed, Dec 9, 10:30 to 11 am, free); Gingerbread Houses (in Lake Elmo, Thu, Dec 10, 3:30 to 5 pm, free); Noon Year's Eve Celebration (in Minnetonka, Thu, Dec 31, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, no fee listed (library program)). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Minneapolis section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Saint Paul, Minnesota?

For families in and around Saint Paul, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Children's Storytime at the Fillebrown with Santa (in White Bear Lake, Tue, Dec 8, 6 to 7:30 pm, $10 per person; 2 and under free); Night Trains: Santa Nights (Sat, Dec 12 and Sat, Dec 19, 3 to 7 pm, $15 per guest, children 4 and under free); Sundays at Landmark: Santa's Workshop (Sun, Dec 13, 1 to 3 pm, free); Friday Movie Night: The Polar Express! (Fri, Dec 18, 6:15 to 8 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Saint Paul section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Duluth, Minnesota?

For families in and around Duluth, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Bentleyville "Tour of Lights" (Nightly, Nov 21 to Dec 26; Santa and Mrs. Claus through Dec 23, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Duluth section of this page.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in Minnesota?

Yes. 9 of the 14 events here are free: Bentleyville "Tour of Lights" in Duluth, Puppet Show: "The Gingerbread Man, a.k.a. Super-Cookie!" in Stillwater, Light Up Victoria Community Event in Victoria, Hometown Holiday in Chaska, Santa-Stravaganza Community Event in Watertown, Winter Wonderland Storytime in Chanhassen, Gingerbread Houses in Lake Elmo, Sundays at Landmark: Santa's Workshop in Saint Paul and Friday Movie Night: The Polar Express! in Saint Paul. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.

Where can kids see Santa in Minnesota this December?

Santa appears at Bentleyville "Tour of Lights" in Duluth (November 21), Children's Storytime at the Fillebrown with Santa in White Bear Lake (December 8), Night Trains: Santa Nights in Saint Paul (December 12) and Sundays at Landmark: Santa's Workshop in Saint Paul (December 13). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.

Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Minnesota?

Holiday story times on this page: Puppet Show: "The Gingerbread Man, a.k.a. Super-Cookie!" in Stillwater, Children's Storytime at the Fillebrown with Santa in White Bear Lake, Winter Wonderland Storytime in Chanhassen and Noon Year's Eve Celebration in Minnetonka. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.

Which Minnesota Christmas events are best for toddlers?

These are aimed at babies, toddlers and preschoolers: Winter Wonderland Storytime in Chanhassen (All ages, focus on children age 2+).

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

Yes: Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas! in Minneapolis (through January 3), Northern Lights in Chaska (through January 3), Bentleyville "Tour of Lights" in Duluth (through December 26) and Noon Year's Eve Celebration in Minnetonka (through December 31).

How much is Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas! in Minneapolis?

$25 to $130 per ticket; lap passes $5 for ages 3 and under. Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is on Tuesday, November 3, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (multiple performances; see calendar) at Children's Theatre Company, UnitedHealth Group Stage. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Northern Lights in Chaska?

$35 nonmembers, $25 members; children through age 15 free with ticket. Northern Lights is on Friday, November 20, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (nightly; closed Nov 26, Dec 24 and Dec 25), 4:30 to 9:30 pm at Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. 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 Puppet Show: "The Gingerbread Man, a.k.a. Super-Cookie!" in Stillwater?

Free. Puppet Show: "The Gingerbread Man, a.k.a. Super-Cookie!" is on Wed December 2 and Sat December 12, 2026, 10:30 to 11 am at Stillwater Public Library, Margaret Rivers Meeting Room. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Light Up Victoria Community Event in Victoria?

Free. Light Up Victoria Community Event is on Thursday, December 3, 2026, 6 to 7:30 pm at Victoria Lions Pavilion, Lions Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Hometown Holiday in Chaska?

Free. Hometown Holiday is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 10 am to 3 pm at Chaska Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Santa-Stravaganza Community Event in Watertown?

Free. Santa-Stravaganza Community Event is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 9 am to noon at Watertown Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Children's Storytime at the Fillebrown with Santa in White Bear Lake?

$10 per person; 2 and under free. Children's Storytime at the Fillebrown with Santa is on Tuesday, December 8, 2026, 6 to 7:30 pm at Fillebrown House. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Winter Wonderland Storytime in Chanhassen?

Free. Winter Wonderland Storytime is on Wednesday, December 9, 2026, 10:30 to 11 am at Chanhassen Library, Wilder Room. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Gingerbread Houses in Lake Elmo?

Free. Gingerbread Houses is on Thursday, December 10, 2026, 3:30 to 5 pm at Lake Elmo Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Night Trains: Santa Nights in Saint Paul?

$15 per guest, children 4 and under free. Night Trains: Santa Nights is on Sat December 12 and Sat December 19, 2026, 3 to 7 pm at Twin City Model Railroad Museum. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Sundays at Landmark: Santa's Workshop in Saint Paul?

Free. Sundays at Landmark: Santa's Workshop is on Sunday, December 13, 2026, 1 to 3 pm at Landmark Center, Musser Cortile. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Friday Movie Night: The Polar Express! in Saint Paul?

Free. Friday Movie Night: The Polar Express! is on Friday, December 18, 2026, 6:15 to 8 pm at West 7th Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Noon Year's Eve Celebration in Minnetonka?

No fee listed (library program). Noon Year's Eve Celebration is on Thursday, December 31, 2026, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm at Ridgedale Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Minnesota?

Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Minnesota 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.

Kelsey Cecil
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