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CommunityPublished November 6, 2025
Holiday Magic Is Here: Events We’re Excited About in Minnesota & Wisconsin!
The holiday season is here — and with it comes twinkling lights, cozy gatherings, and countless ways to make memories with the people you love most. Whether you’re looking for a night of music, an afternoon of local shopping, or a weekend adventure under millions of lights, there’s something magical happening near you this season!
Here are some of the events we can’t wait to experience:
Various Cities in MN & WI
There’s nothing quite like the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train to kick off the season! This iconic train rolls through dozens of Minnesota and Wisconsin towns, covered in dazzling lights and filled with live music and holiday cheer — all for a great cause. Bring a non-perishable food donation and your camera, and get ready for a spectacular show on rails!
See the full route and schedule: View Here »
Oldies & Goodies MN, White Bear Lake — November 17–22
Get creative this season! Stop by Oldies & Goodies MN to design and glaze your own holiday ornaments. It’s a hands-on, family-friendly way to make something special for your tree or as a heartfelt gift.
Event Details »
November 21 – January 3 | Minneapolis
Step into a sugary winter wonderland at the annual Gingerbread Wonderland exhibit! From cozy cabins to famous landmarks, each display is handcrafted with incredible detail and a touch of holiday magic. A must-see for all ages.
Learn More »
November 25 | 4:30–6:30 PM | Gorman’s Restaurant, Lake Elmo
Join us for one of our favorite traditions! Swing by for a free pie, photos with Santa (skip the long mall lines!), holiday treats, and friendly conversation with the Jason Gorman Real Estate Team. This event is free, but registration is required so we can reserve your pie.
Register here: Eventbrite »
Weekends in November & December | Afton, MN
Afton transforms into a storybook holiday village each winter! Enjoy twinkling lights, horse-drawn wagons, cozy fires, carolers, and the charm of small-town shops decked out for the season. Whether you’re sipping cocoa or browsing local boutiques, Afton’s old-fashioned warmth is the perfect holiday escape.
See the Magic »
December 5–7 | St. Paul RiverCentre
For outdoor enthusiasts, this is a winter must! Explore the latest gear, meet fellow anglers, and get ready for a season on the ice.
Event Details »
Union Depot, St. Paul
Step into a European-style holiday market filled with festive music, warm pretzels, mulled wine, handcrafted gifts, and twinkling lights. Enjoy free carousel rides, kids’ crafts, and the perfect old-world Christmas atmosphere.
Learn More »
Somerset, WI
Over 25 million lights create a glowing holiday dreamscape! Enjoy food trucks, bonfires, train rides, sledding, live reindeer, and endless photo ops with Santa. Whether you’re shopping the artisan market or sipping a festive cocktail, this event is pure holiday joy.
Details & Tickets »
December 5–14 | St. Paul
Experience the artistry and wonder of the season with Circus Juventas’ annual winter performance. High-flying acts, breathtaking visuals, and holiday storytelling combine for an unforgettable show.
Tickets & Info »
Whether you’re crafting ornaments in White Bear Lake, catching the glow of the Holiday Train, or grabbing your free pie and Santa photo in Lake Elmo, these local events remind us what this season is really about — community, connection, and creating joyful memories together.
Here are some of the events we can’t wait to experience:
Canadian Pacific Holiday Train
Various Cities in MN & WIThere’s nothing quite like the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train to kick off the season! This iconic train rolls through dozens of Minnesota and Wisconsin towns, covered in dazzling lights and filled with live music and holiday cheer — all for a great cause. Bring a non-perishable food donation and your camera, and get ready for a spectacular show on rails!
See the full route and schedule: View Here »
Glaze Your Own Holiday Ornaments
Oldies & Goodies MN, White Bear Lake — November 17–22Get creative this season! Stop by Oldies & Goodies MN to design and glaze your own holiday ornaments. It’s a hands-on, family-friendly way to make something special for your tree or as a heartfelt gift.
Event Details »
Gingerbread Wonderland at the Norway House
November 21 – January 3 | MinneapolisStep into a sugary winter wonderland at the annual Gingerbread Wonderland exhibit! From cozy cabins to famous landmarks, each display is handcrafted with incredible detail and a touch of holiday magic. A must-see for all ages.
Learn More »
Jason Gorman Team Pie Giveaway & Photos with Santa — Free Event
November 25 | 4:30–6:30 PM | Gorman’s Restaurant, Lake ElmoJoin us for one of our favorite traditions! Swing by for a free pie, photos with Santa (skip the long mall lines!), holiday treats, and friendly conversation with the Jason Gorman Real Estate Team. This event is free, but registration is required so we can reserve your pie.
Register here: Eventbrite »
Afton Village Holiday
Weekends in November & December | Afton, MNAfton transforms into a storybook holiday village each winter! Enjoy twinkling lights, horse-drawn wagons, cozy fires, carolers, and the charm of small-town shops decked out for the season. Whether you’re sipping cocoa or browsing local boutiques, Afton’s old-fashioned warmth is the perfect holiday escape.
See the Magic »
St. Paul Ice Fishing Show
December 5–7 | St. Paul RiverCentreFor outdoor enthusiasts, this is a winter must! Explore the latest gear, meet fellow anglers, and get ready for a season on the ice.
Event Details »
European Christmas Market — Free Admission
Union Depot, St. PaulStep into a European-style holiday market filled with festive music, warm pretzels, mulled wine, handcrafted gifts, and twinkling lights. Enjoy free carousel rides, kids’ crafts, and the perfect old-world Christmas atmosphere.
Learn More »
Winter Wonderland at Miracle at Big Rock
Somerset, WIOver 25 million lights create a glowing holiday dreamscape! Enjoy food trucks, bonfires, train rides, sledding, live reindeer, and endless photo ops with Santa. Whether you’re shopping the artisan market or sipping a festive cocktail, this event is pure holiday joy.
Details & Tickets »
Circus Juventas Holiday Solstice Performance
December 5–14 | St. PaulExperience the artistry and wonder of the season with Circus Juventas’ annual winter performance. High-flying acts, breathtaking visuals, and holiday storytelling combine for an unforgettable show.
Tickets & Info »
Make the Season Bright
Whether you’re crafting ornaments in White Bear Lake, catching the glow of the Holiday Train, or grabbing your free pie and Santa photo in Lake Elmo, these local events remind us what this season is really about — community, connection, and creating joyful memories together.|
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