Celebrate the joy of the season in Andover with our ultimate guide. Whether Andover is your home or your holiday getaway, our guide highlights the top festive events.
One event to experience is the GLOW Holiday Festival, where stunning light displays create a magical atmosphere for families to enjoy. Emphasizing a European flair, the European Christmas Market features handcrafted gifts and delightful seasonal treats that capture the essence of holiday traditions. And the Rice Park Tree Lighting Ceremony is something you definitely don't want to miss, as the community gathers to watch the sparkling lights illuminate the beautiful park. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Andover
- GLOW Holiday Festival (St Paul)
- European Christmas Market (St Paul)
- Union Depot Holiday Tree Lighting & Movie Night (St Paul)
- Rice Park Tree Lighting Ceremony (St Paul)
- Santa’s Workshop (St Paul)
- Grand Meander (St Paul)
- Christmas Festival Concert, Christmas Together with Steven C. (St Paul)
- Christmas in Excelsior (Chriskindlsmarkt) (Excelsior)
- Luminare Christmas (St Paul)
- Blaine Winter Celebration (Blaine)
See these and even more events listed below!
Andover Holiday Light Displays
Rice Park Tree Lighting Ceremony
What to Expect:
Family-friendly event with live music and festive activities.
Description:
Join Minnesota Vikings legend Cris Carter at the Salvation Army's Kettle Kickoff Tree Lighting Ceremony in Rice Park, downtown St. Paul. The event features musical performances by Kat Perkins and Jovonta Patton, free cookies and hot chocolate, appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus, and the lighting of a 40-foot-tall tree with 25,000 lights.
Where: St Paul | More Info: Rice Park Tree Lighting Ceremony
GLOW Holiday Festival
What to Expect:
Interactive light displays and thrilling zip line experience.
Description:
GLOW Holiday Festival at CHS Field in St. Paul, MN, features over a million twinkling lights, interactive displays, and festive activities like the Vixen’s Zip Line and Giant Snowy Slide.
Where: St Paul | More Info: GLOW Holiday Festival
Apple Valley Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday celebration with live entertainment and seasonal treats.
Description:
Join the Apple Valley community for a festive holiday tree lighting ceremony featuring caroling, cookies, and cider. This annual event is a joyful kick-off to the holiday season.
Where: Apple Valley | More Info: Apple Valley Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Edina Tree Lighting Ceremony
What to Expect:
Holiday tree lighting with live performances and Santa visits.
Description:
The Edina Tree Lighting Ceremony is a festive event featuring holiday-themed activities, including visits with Santa, holiday wreath sales, and live performances by the Platinum Dance Company. The main event is the lighting of a themed holiday tree, accompanied by warm refreshments and special events at local businesses.
Where: Edina | More Info: Edina Tree Lighting Ceremony
Chanhassen Tree Lighting Ceremony
What to Expect:
Live reindeer and special visit from Santa.
Description:
The Chanhassen Tree Lighting Ceremony is a festive event featuring live reindeer, treats, bonfires, s'mores, carolers, and a special visit from Santa. The annual lighting of City Center Park's holiday lights makes this event a highlight of the season.
Where: Chanhassen | More Info: Chanhassen Tree Lighting Ceremony
Andover Holiday Markets and Shopping
European Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Authentic traditional holiday market with handmade European crafts and local delicacies.
Description:
The European Christmas Market in St. Paul offers a unique shopping experience with over 70 vendors, live entertainment, and European-style food. Visitors can enjoy gift shopping, kids' craft activities, and festive performances.
Where: St Paul | More Info: European Christmas Market
Christmas in Excelsior (Chriskindlsmarkt)
What to Expect:
Live reindeer and traditional German food.
Description:
The Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt is a German-themed Christmas festival featuring a grand parade, live reindeer, and traditional German food. Enjoy activities like storytelling, face painting, and visits with Father Christmas. The event includes a variety of vendors selling handmade ornaments and unique gifts.
Where: Excelsior | More Info: Christmas in Excelsior (Chriskindlsmarkt)
Blaine Winter Celebration
What to Expect:
Live holiday music and kids' secret shopping spree.
Description:
The Blaine Winter Celebration at Tom Ryan Park features live holiday music, s'mores by the fire, hot chocolate, and the lighting of the park with beautiful lights. Children can participate in a kids' secret holiday shopping spree inside Blaine City Hall, with gifts ranging from $1 to $11 and free gift wrapping. Santa and his reindeer will be present, though Santa will not be available for individual visits or photographs.
Where: Blaine | More Info: Blaine Winter Celebration
Grand Meander
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with Santa visits and local shopping.
Description:
Grand Meander is a holiday event on Grand Avenue where you can shop local, enjoy holiday treats, and experience special visits from Santa and carolers. The event features a soup tasting contest, storefront holiday décor contest, and various sponsorships.
Where: St Paul | More Info: Grand Meander
Andover Holiday Artisan Market and Craft Fair
What to Expect:
Unique local artisans and handmade crafts.
Description:
The Andover Holiday Artisan Market and Craft Fair is a vibrant event featuring local artisans showcasing handmade crafts, unique gifts, and seasonal treats. Visitors can explore a variety of stalls offering everything from jewelry and textiles to baked goods and specialty foods.
Where: Andover | More Info: Andover Holiday Artisan Market and Craft Fair
Andover Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Union Depot Holiday Tree Lighting & Movie Night
What to Expect:
Free community event with holiday entertainment, tree lighting, and movie night.
Description:
Join Union Depot for the annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration & Movie Night, featuring a holiday performance by The Mistletones, tree lighting ceremony, fireworks display, and a showing of the holiday favorite, Elf. Enjoy free cider, photo ops, craft stations, and light-up wand giveaways for kids. Visit the European Christmas Market on the East Plaza for unique, handmade holiday gifts and decorations.
Where: St Paul | More Info: Union Depot Holiday Tree Lighting & Movie Night
Luminare Christmas
What to Expect:
High-energy holiday concert with reimagined classics.
Description:
Luminare Christmas is a high-energy holiday tradition led by John Blasucci, former keyboardist for Dennis DeYoung (STYX) and Mannheim Steamroller. This event features a fusion of reimagined holiday classics, creating an unforgettable experience.
Where: St Paul | More Info: Luminare Christmas
Christmas Festival Concert, Christmas Together with Steven C.
What to Expect:
Multi-platinum artist Steven C performs with renowned guests in a historic cathedral setting.
Description:
Join Steven C for a special Christmas concert at the Cathedral of Saint Paul, featuring Grammy-winning guitarist Pat Donahue, vocalists Jillian Anderson, Jack Cassidy, and Kathryn Budzien, and the Cathedral St. Cecilia Children’s Choir, all led by organist Chris Ganza.
Where: St Paul | More Info: Christmas Festival Concert, Christmas Together with Steven C.
Andover Holiday Giving Opportunities
Santa’s Workshop
What to Expect:
Annual stocking and gift distribution for the less fortunate.
Description:
Santa’s Workshop at St. Maria Goretti provides stockings and gifts to those less fortunate through various outreach ministries. Participation can be as simple as donating money or filling stockings. Over 5,000 people are served annually.
Where: St Paul | More Info: Santa’s Workshop
Andover Other Holiday Activities
Waconia Community Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with hot cocoa and caroling.
Description:
Join the Waconia Community Tree Lighting at City Square Park for a family-friendly event featuring hot cocoa, caroling with holiday characters, and the arrival of Santa Claus. See the Carlsons Lovable Llamas dressed for the Christmas season and bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Waconia Toy Drive.
Where: Waconia | More Info: Waconia Community Tree Lighting
Holz Farm Old-Fashioned Holiday
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with hayrides and bonfires.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at Historic Holz Farm with a self-guided tour, hayride, and bonfire. Enjoy special activities and warm up with Santa's visit.
Where: Eagan | More Info: Holz Farm Old-Fashioned Holiday
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Blaine (6 miles)
- West Coon Rapids (6 miles)
- Champlin (6 miles)
- Coon Rapids (8 miles)
- Ramsey (8 miles)
- Fridley (10 miles)
- Brooklyn Center (11 miles)
- Lino Lakes (11 miles)
- New Brighton (12 miles)
- Shoreview (13 miles)
- Maple Grove (14 miles)
- Crystal (14 miles)
- New Hope (14 miles)
- Elk River (14 miles)
- Golden Valley (16 miles)
- Roseville (17 miles)
- White Bear Lake (17 miles)
- Plymouth (17 miles)
- Minneapolis (18 miles)
- Saint Louis Park (20 miles)
- Minnetonka Mills (21 miles)
- Saint Paul (22 miles)
- Edina (24 miles)
- Maplewood (24 miles)
- Richfield (24 miles)
- Minnetonka (24 miles)
- Oakdale (25 miles)
- South Saint Paul (27 miles)
- Woodbury (27 miles)
- Bloomington (27 miles)
- Eden Prairie (28 miles)
- Chanhassen (28 miles)
- Inver Grove Heights (29 miles)
- Eagan (30 miles)
- Savage (31 miles)
- Burnsville (32 miles)
- Shakopee (32 miles)
- Cottage Grove (33 miles)
- Chaska (34 miles)
- Apple Valley (35 miles)
- Rosemount (35 miles)
- Prior Lake (36 miles)
- Hastings (40 miles)
- Lakeville (40 miles)
- Farmington (42 miles)