Looking for some festive fun for the whole family? Get out of town for the weekend and explore these seasonal attractions!
5 Holiday-Themed Weekend Trips
1. Duluth, MN
Distance: 4 hours 20 minutes
Head north to see the winter wonderland in Downtown Duluth.
Bentleyville
On the shores of Lake Superior, this outdoor, walk-through holiday lights display is free and boasts over 5 million lights! Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy complimentary treats, and roast marshmallows on one of the many fire pits.
Bentleyville is a partner of the Salvation Army and encourages visitors to bring a non-perishable food item or a new, unwrapped toy to donate. Onsite parking is $12 ($10 if paid in cash). See their website for more information.
If you’re in Duluth in early December, check out the Duluth Winter Village nearby!
This outdoor event features local shops, greenery, live animals, craft beer, and more! Lake Superior and the Lift Bridge provide a scenic backdrop for the festivities.
Also, see the zoo lights at the Lake Superior Zoo. Kids and adults will love the giant animal inflatables, holiday-themed lights, and plenty of seasonal photo ops. This event includes a craft activity, live holiday music, and visits from Santa.
Looking for more family activities in this area? Check out Top 10 Things to Do with Kids in Duluth.
2. Parkers Prairie, MN
Distance: 1 hour 50 minutes
Plants Beautiful Nursery
This Christmas tree farm and gift shop offers sleigh rides and Santa visits and private group sleigh rides (by reservation only). Enjoy the wintery views and get out to the tree field to find the perfect option for your family.
3. Pelican Rapids, MN
Distance: 50 minutes
Peteyville
Make the season bright with this free walk-through lights experience in the heart of Pelican Rapids. Founded in 2022, the lights shine from dusk until 11:00 p.m. each evening from November 28th through January 4th. Located at E.L. Peterson Park and Veterans Memorial Park, parking is available at either location, or in Downtown Pelican Rapids.
4. Richville, MN
Distance: 1 hour 20 minutes
Please note most of these events have slowed down for the season.
Cupkie Christmas Village
December 6th and 7th from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m., make memories at the Christmas tree farm with a sledding hill, petting zoo, pony rides, trolley rides, and Santa Claus!
5. Twin Cities, MN
Distance: 3 hours 30 minutes
Winter Lights at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Enjoy an indoor/outdoor immersive holiday experience with a walking tour of the building and gardens. View nature-themed light displays and the beauty and wonder of plants in winter as you explore the light tunnels, glowing gardens, and indoor spaces.
Open 4:30 – 9:00 p.m. daily on select days in December. Children (15 are younger) are free (15 and younger), $10 members, $25 non-members. See their website for more information on theme nights, live music, and tickets.
GLOW Holiday Festival
Located at CHS Field in Downtown St. Paul, this magical experience goes through January 4th. Wander through the Enchanted Forest and have some holiday fun on the Merry Carousel, Snowy Slide, and Vixen’s Zip Line. See their website for more details on tickets and parking.
Christkindlmarkt in Waconia
Select weekends in early December, participate in a traditional open air German market with German holiday foods, gifts, and entertainment for the whole family. This free event features reindeer and llamas, live music, a magic show, and more! Located at City Square Park in Waconia, see their 2025 schedule for more information.
For more fun holiday events, see Best Family Friendly Holiday Events in the Twin Cities.
What are some of your favorite holiday-themed weekend trips? Let us know in the comments!
