Holiday events on the North Shore MN in 2025
These holiday events on the North Shore, MN invite you to take in the small town holiday cheer in the winter wonderland of Duluth and the North Shore! Shop small by purchasing gift items from local artists and independent shops and be entertained with holiday performances. Enjoy a festive holiday season in Duluth and the North Shore in true up north style!
The first set of events are listed by dates, followed by events that are happening all season.
North Shore Holiday Event Listings by Date
Free entrance to Minnesota State Parks
Friday, November 28
Free entrance to all Minnesota State Parks is a great opportunity to make a new tradition to get outside and play! Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior has 8 of the best Minnesota State Parks, and they all feature spectacular waterfalls.
More info on Free entrance days at Minnesota State Parks
Oh Ole Night Parade & Fireworks
Friday, November 28 at 5:30 p.m.
Downtown Grand Marais
Oh Ole Night ParadeJoin the crowd at this festive North Shore holiday event and small-town community parade. Community members, businesses, and organizations join the parade with walkers, jugglers, winter bikes, four-legged furry animals, and decorated vehicles of all kinds for two laps around the block starting on Broadway. Afterward watch the tree lighting followed by fireworks. The theme of “Oh Ole Night” celebrates the community’s Scandinavian heritage. (That’s Ole as in Sven & Ole’s!).
More info on the Oh Ole Night Parade
Holiday Art Sale: Local Artist Pop Up Shop
Friday, November 28, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Waves of Superior Cafe Ballroom in Tofte, MN
Holiday Art SaleShop small at this holiday event on the North Shore featuring local artists of Lake Superior area. Fine art includes pottery, weaving, glass, jewelry, paintings and leather works.
More info on the North Shore Artists League Pop-Up Sale
North Shore Winery Christmas Market
Friday, November 29, 12:30 to 5:00 p.m.
North Shore Winery, Lutsen
Shopping the local art vendors at the North Shore Winery, Lutsen.The North Shore Winery’s annual Christmas Market features local artists and shops. Featuring Kari Vick, Nan Onkka, North Woven Goods, Anna Hess, The Wilder Woodshop, Wild Country Maple Syrup, pop up shops from The Big Lake and The North Country, Ann Honer’s wreaths and garlands and more! Enjoy some fresh local wine or cider while you shop, or take home a bottle to bring to the host of your next holiday party.
More info on the North Shore Winery Christmas Market
9th Annual Small Business Saturday Craft and Bake Sale
Saturday, November 30, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Place: Two Harbors Community Center
Take in the small-town charm at this homestyle craft sale featuring handmade crafts, baked goods, and art from 18 local vendors. Experience the best of Two Harbors at this holiday event on the North Shore.
More Info at Lovin’ Lake County
Hovland Winter Art Show
Saturday, November 29, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Hovland Town Hall, Hovland
Who would guess that the tiny hamlet of Hovland would have such a robust and well-attended art show? This popular semi-annual event showcases the artistry of local and regional makers. It’s worth the drive for this popular North Shore holiday event.
More info about the Hovland Art Show. Find them on Facebook @HovlandArtsFestival
Northwoods Fiber Guild Annual Holiday Sale and Open House
Saturday, December 6, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Studio 21, Grand Marais Art Colony’s downtown location
Locally hand-made fiber artsThis is one of the locals’ most favorite North Shore holiday events! The Northwoods Fiber Guild presents a number of fiber artists with one of a kind, handcrafted fiber items for show and sale. It’s a unique opportunity to meet the artists and take home a Northwoods treasure. Enjoy the holiday vibe while shopping, browsing, mingling, and watching demonstrations.
More info at Visit Cook County
Julebyen Christmas Village
Saturday, December 6, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, December 7, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Knife River, MN on Scenic 61
Come to Knive River for an authentic Nordic tradition on the North Shore! Julebyen (pronounced YOOL-eh-BE-en) means Christmas Village. Julebyen is a centuries-old Scandinavian and German tradition celebrated with ethnic foods, crafts, holiday decorations, and music. Enjoy the outdoor and indoor markets with local crafts, gnome dome, troll village and train, live nativity, music, crafts, story tellers and so much more! This is a very special North Shore holiday event!
More info on Julebyen Christmas Village
DSSO Pops Holiday Spectacular
Sunday, December 7, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Casual Concert, 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM Regular Concert
DECC Symphony Hall, Duluth
Enjoy your favorite holiday tunes performed by the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra! You can even join the orchestra in a sing-a-long (no audition required). A casual concert will take place at 2 p.m., the main performance is at 7 p.m. Tickets start at just $15. It promises to be a joyful holiday tradition.
More info about the DSSO Pops Holiday Spectacular
Duluth Winter Village
Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
DECC (Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center), Duluth
Relish the warm holiday vibes at the outdoor Duluth Winter Village. Walk around to browse your favorite local shops and artists, while sipping hot cocoa, and enjoying the backdrop of Lake Superior and the Lift Bridge. Warm up by the firepits, visit the live animals from Ru-Ridge Farm, and enjoy carol singing by the Duluth East Choralaires. Make this a part of a heartwarming holiday weekend in Duluth!
More info on the Duluth Winter Village.
Santa at the Lighthouse
Sunday, December 14, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Split Rock Lighthouse, Two Harbors
Get your photo taken with Santa Claus with the epic backdrop of Split Rock Lighthouse! The event is a donation drive for the CareFee Assisted Living in Silver Bay or the Silver Bay Veteran’s Home. Free for adults who bring an item to donate. Kids ages 5-17 are free. Bring your own camera, or we will capture the moment with a polaroid that you can take home!
More info on Santa at the Lighthouse
Lincoln Park Craft District Handmade Holiday Market
Saturday, December 14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Dovetail Cafe, Lincoln Park, Duluth
The Lincoln Park Craft District Handmade Holiday Market takes place at several locations in the neighborhood. Skip around this revitalized historical-industrial district and discover a contemporary new hot spot in Duluth! The event will bring you to the Dovetail Cafe at Duluth Folk School, Duluth Pottery, Liila Boutique, Two Loons Gallery and Boutique, DLH Clothing, Free Air Life, and Kirsten Aune Textiles.
More info on the Lincoln Park Handmade Holiday Market
The Great Hall Marketplace at The Depot
Saturday, December 13, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The St. Louis County Depot, Duluth
Step into the historic St. Louis County Depot for a local shopping extravaganza in the Great Hall. Wrap up your gift shopping with over 50 local vendors, artisans, and makers.
More info on the Great Hall Marketplace at The Depot
Holiday Events Happening Throughout the Season in Duluth and the North Shore
Bentleyville Tour of Lights
Open evenings from November 22 through December 27
Sunday to Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday to Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Bayfront Festival Park, Duluth
Bentleyville Tour of Lights is one of Duluth’s true holiday traditions, and a wonderful holiday event on the North Shore! Walk through this amazing, festive light display with over 5 million lights! Bentleyville has free admission for all guests, as well as free hot cocoa & coffee, free cookies, free freshly popped popcorn, free marshmallows to roast, and free visits with Santa & Mrs. Claus! Parking is $10 per vehicle. Be sure to check out the Bentleyville Shuttle by the North Shore Scenic Railroad when you visit!
More info on Bentlyville Tour of Lights
Holiday Art Underground
Friday, November 28 to Tuesday, December 30
Betsy Bowen Gallery and Studios, Grand Marais
This North Shore holiday event is very popular with the locals! Betsy Bowen’s Holiday Art Underground features local arts and crafts for shopping and browsing. Shop handmade original art in pottery, jewelry, woodcuts and more.
Christmas Tea on the Edna G
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from December 5 to December 28
Edna G Tugboat, Two Harbors
Stop by for tea and treats on the historic 125-year-old tugboat, the Edna G docked in Two Harbors. Get away from the hustle and bustle of the holidays and enjoy a relaxing hour with family and friends, partaking in an assortment of tea sandwiches and dainty desserts, while sipping tea or hot chocolate. It’s a fundraiser for Friends of Edna G, an organization dedicated to preserving Edna G for future generations, and educating the public about her place in regional and world history.
More info on Christmas Tea on the Edna G
Christmas Candlelight Tours at Glensheen
Fridays & Saturdays from November 29 to December 28
Glensheen Mansion, Duluth
Explore the historic Glensheen mansion by the light of 27 Christmas trees! On this self-guided tour, one-way-traffic tour, guests will experience the decorated first floor, second floor, and lower level of the Christmas mansion. This North Shore holiday event promises an evening of history and intrigue!
More info on Christmas Candlelight Tours at Glensheen
