1. Celebrate with the biggest holiday event of the season: Holidazzle

Don’t miss a packed season of festivities, events and collective urban experiences taking place in downtown Minneapolis this holiday season. This year’s Holidazzle will again bring community together to enjoy activities, entertainment and highlight local small businesses while taking in the holiday season together. Enjoy festival fun Wednesday, December 18 - Sunday, December 22. Make a whole day out of it with our Where to Go Before and After Holidazzle guide.

2. Start stocking up on gifts

We know you still have a long list of people to buy gifts for. Make your shopping experience much more enjoyable with markets that feature festive food, live music and holiday activities. Shop local this holiday season and come away with unique gifts for everyone. We’ve put together a full list of holiday markets and pop-up shops in Minneapolis for you to visit all season long.

3. Spend a night surrounded by lights

It gets darker a lot sooner this time of year so take advantage and see some of the most colorful and sparkling lights in the city.

At the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum stroll through lit up paths of decorated trees, flowers, nature and winter fun. Stop by s’mores village to warm up near a fire and buy s’mores kits to roast marshmallows.

Over in St. Paul, stroll through CHS Field during the The GLOW Holiday Festival. See over a million holiday lights and art installations.

A drive-thru experience can be found at Viking Lakes in Eagan. Lights will be synchronized to holiday music while you drive through arched pathways and by elves, reindeer, movie characters and more. Check out the Magic of Lights show.

For more ideas see a complete list of all Minneapolis light shows.

4. Be entertained by a holiday show

Theater and musical performances are perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. Whether you are looking for classics like A Christmas Carol or a twist on some favorites you’ll want to see a show in Minneapolis during the holidays. Check out a list of the must-see shows of the season.

5. Have a Nordic Christmas

The American Swedish Institute pulls out all the stops to celebrate the holiday season. Take part in holiday activities and show off your creative skills with Nordic craft workshops making handmade cards, ornaments, or traditional Swedish foods. Be sure to also stop by the Julmarknad - the Scandinavian Christmas Market taking place inside the institute and at the ASI courtyard during the weekend. Shop for handmade goods from more than 60 regional artists.

6. Dine and relax in a cozy rooftop cabin

Get a northern Minnesota cabin experience right in the middle of the city at the Four Seasons' Nordic Village. Dine in private cabins underneath the glow of string lights and the Minneapolis skyline. (These cabin's aren't your average wooden huts — the interiors have skylights, personalized Spotify accounts and TVs to watch sports or a holiday movie.) Enjoy a four course meal featuring hearty soups, cheese fondue, s'mores and more. Reservations are open now!

7. Wander into a Gingerbread Wonderland

During the holiday season the Norway House turns into a gingerbread oasis. Here you’ll see gingerbread versions of familiar buildings and landmarks from around the Twin Cities and beyond. Local bakers and community members donate their creations to help build this tasty spectacle. You can even bring in your own gingerbread handiwork to put on display, no experience required.

8. Share a pint while touring holiday lights

Experience the Twin Cities' Brews 'N Bulb tour will show you some holiday cheer with a festive night on the town! Savor pints of craft beer at three terrific breweries, and experience award-winning holiday lights in the Twin Cities all while being chauffeured in a warm coach bus. Tour duration is 3 hours.

9. Sip festive cocktails at Hotel Emery's Holiday Pop-Up Bar

Take a holiday trip "Down Through the Chimney" at Hotel Emery's pop-up bar, where the ordinary turns extraordinary and holiday cheers comes alive. Every corner is brimming with delightful surprises that defy logic and spark imagination. The cocktails are delightful (try Santa's Sip - a concoction of vodka, coffee liquor and peppermint) and the holiday cheer is overflowing. This pop-up experience is 21+ and open November 21 - December 29, Wednesday - Sunday, 4pm to midnight.

10. Take the family to the new Minneapolis Christkindl Market

For five weekends in November and December, be transported to a world of twinkling lights, alpine style wooden huts, and the cozy aroma of holiday treats. Inspired by European holiday markets, you can spend hours browsing handcrafted gifts, unique decorations, and seasonal delicacies – all while enjoying the sounds of carolers and live music.