1. Cozy Cabins, Holiday Markets and Brunch with Santa at the Four Seasons

Get a cozy northern Minnesota cabin experience right in the middle of downtown Minneapolis at the Four Seasons' Nordic Village. Dine in private cabins under the glow of string lights and the skyline. These cabins aren’t your average winter huts: they’re heated and decked with holiday décor, skylights and TVs to watch favorite sporting events or a classic holiday movie. The Nordic Village is open for reservations now through March 30, 2025.

Check off holiday shopping from your list at their Nordic Village Market, which will host a rotating selection of toys, clothing, spices, home décor, jewelry, blankets and more. Sip on hot cider while you shop, as this market is on their rooftop and weaves in and out of the Nordic cabins. The market is open weekends from November 2 to December 22.

Take the kids to Sunday brunch with Santa at the award-winning restaurant Mara on December 1 and 8. Enjoy a delectable brunch menu that features a live carving station, eggs made-to-order, a mezze selection, and breakfast classics such as pancakes and waffles. This whimsical, Christmas-inspired event includes a dessert buffet with Bûche de Noël and Gingerbread Cookies ready for decorating You may even be able to get a sneak peak of Santa’s naughty or nice list. Make your reservations!

2. Down Through the Chimney at Hotel Emery

Santa’s workshop meets whimsical fantasy at Down Through the Chimney — Hotel Emery’s holiday pop-up bar. Sip on handcrafted cocktails that feel like Christmas morning with every sip, indulge in holiday bites, and marvel at the enchanting décor filled with twinkling lights, oversized presents, and of course, a Santa-approved fireplace! The experience starts November 21 every Wednesday through Sunday, 4pm-12am.

Also don't miss out on The Tasting Room event, where the whimsical magic of classic holiday movies come to life through a delicious coursed meal inspired by everyone’s favorite holiday classic, Elf! Indulge in a festive feast featuring dishes that tie directly to your favorite scenes. Each course will evoke the magic of the movie inspired by Buddy’s holiday spirit and love of all things sweet, especially the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corn, and syrup. Secure a reservation on either December 14 or 21 at 2pm.

3. The Naughty List at Umbra

The Naughty List is a festive pop-up bar at Umbra in the Canopy by Hilton hotel, ready to serve all your holiday bar-crawling needs. Step up to the bar for a magical evening of holiday cocktails and yuletide cheer, straight from Santa’s secret stash! This is a limited-time, daily spirited bar service, with non-alcoholic options available. Reservations are not required.

4. Holiday Tea and Festive Feasts at the Nicollet Island Inn

Nicollet Island Inn: Nestled along the beautiful Mississippi River, the Nicollet Island Inn is something straight out of a Christmas movie during the holiday season. Adorned with twinkling lights and seasonal decorations, the cozy ambiance makes the Inn a perfect place for holiday gatherings. Indulge in a splurge-worthy 2-hour holiday tea experience (December 3 and 17).

5. Celebrate the Holidays in a Window Wonderland at Windows at Marquette

This holiday season head up to the 50th floor of the IDS Center and enjoy the stunning views of downtown Minneapolis while you sip holiday-themed cocktails, savor small bites and listen to festive live music. The pop up takes place December 17-21at Windows at Marquette.

6. Northern Starlight Express holiday pop-up bar at the Renaissance Hotel

From November 29, 2024 to January 4, 2025, get ready to step aboard the Northern Starlight, where a holiday adventure is just around the corner. You’re invited to embark on a 60-minute festive journey set in a reimagined historic train car featuring festive handcrafted cocktails and curated bites as you’re transported to a world of holiday wonder. The concept takes inspiration from the hotel’s rich history as a former train depot on the Milwaukee Road line, providing visitors with a nod to the past while engaging their senses with modern culinary delights and whimsical, unexpected elements. The experience will be available by reservation only.

7. Sippin’ Santa at the AC Hotel

Add a tropical twist to your holiday season with a pop-up tiki Christmas bar! The opening of Sippin' Santa at the AC Lounge begins on on November 18th from 5pm to midnight. Enjoy festive island-inspired cocktails and a vibrant, holiday-themed atmosphere, complete with plenty of decorations to get you in the spirit! And of course you can't have a festive drink without matching festive glassware. This pop-up bar will be open November 18th - December 30th, and closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.