Planning your holiday adventure in Fridley? We've got everything you need to know. From Fridley locals to festive tourists, our guide highlights the season's top events and activities.
Among this year’s festive offerings, the European Christmas Market invites visitors to explore a charming selection of artisan goods and delectable treats, bringing a taste of old-world Europe to Fridley. For those captivated by light displays, the Winter Lights at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum will dazzle with its enchanting illuminations reflecting off the snow. And the Christmas in Excelsior celebrates tradition with its Christkindlsmarkt, providing a delightful blend of shopping and seasonal enjoyment. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Fridley
- European Christmas Market (St. Paul)
- Winter Lights - Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (Chaska)
- Christmas in Excelsior (Chriskindlsmarkt) (Excelsior)
- Edina Tree Lighting Ceremony (Edina)
- Apple Valley Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony (Apple Valley)
- Waconia Community Tree Lighting (Waconia)
See these and even more events listed below!
Fridley Holiday Light Displays
Winter Lights - Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
What to Expect:
Woodland-themed light display with a 16-foot Weeping Willow and giant apple.
Description:
Stroll through the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum's gardens decked out in light displays highlighting flowers, trees, and the beauty of nature on a one-mile, self-guided walk. Explore a woodland-themed light display, revisit the 16-foot Weeping Willow, and walk through a giant apple. Enjoy holiday tunes from local performers during the live Winter Music Series, and roast marshmallows over an open fire at the S’mores Village.
Where: Chaska | More Info: Winter Lights - Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Apple Valley Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
What to Expect:
Traditional holiday caroling and refreshments.
Description:
Join in caroling and partake of cookies and cider at Apple Valley's annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, a festive 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 festive activities and local business events.
Description:
The Edina Tree Lighting Ceremony is a festive event featuring a beautifully decorated tree, holiday-themed activities, and special events at local businesses. It includes horse-drawn wagon rides, choral performances, and opportunities for children to tell Santa their holiday wish lists.
Where: Edina | More Info: Edina Tree Lighting Ceremony
Fridley Holiday Markets and Shopping
European Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Authentic traditional holiday market with European crafts and food.
Description:
The European Christmas Market in St. Paul offers a unique shopping experience with over 70 vendors selling handmade European crafts and unique gifts. Enjoy European-style food, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities like the Holiday Train and Carousel.
Where: St. Paul | More Info: European Christmas Market
Christmas in Excelsior (Chriskindlsmarkt)
What to Expect:
Traditional German holiday market with live reindeer and Father Christmas.
Description:
The Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt is a traditional German-style Christmas market featuring handmade ornaments, unique gifts, and delicious holiday treats. Enjoy live entertainment, visit with Father Christmas, and explore the festive atmosphere.
Where: Excelsior | More Info: Christmas in Excelsior (Chriskindlsmarkt)
Fridley Other Holiday Activities
Waconia Community Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with hot cocoa and caroling.
Description:
Join us at City Square Park in Waconia for a festive holiday celebration featuring hot cocoa, caroling with holiday characters, and the lighting of the tree by Santa. See Carlson’s Llovable Llamas dressed up for the Christmas season and bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Waconia Toy Drive.
Where: Waconia | More Info: Waconia Community Tree Lighting
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Coon Rapids (3 miles)
- New Brighton (3 miles)
- Brooklyn Center (3 miles)
- Blaine (5 miles)
- Shoreview (6 miles)
- Crystal (6 miles)
- West Coon Rapids (7 miles)
- Golden Valley (7 miles)
- New Hope (7 miles)
- Minneapolis (7 miles)
- Roseville (8 miles)
- Maple Grove (9 miles)
- Champlin (10 miles)
- Lino Lakes (10 miles)
- Andover (10 miles)
- Saint Louis Park (10 miles)
- Plymouth (11 miles)
- White Bear Lake (12 miles)
- Saint Paul (13 miles)
- Minnetonka Mills (13 miles)
- Richfield (14 miles)
- Edina (14 miles)
- Ramsey (15 miles)
- Maplewood (16 miles)
- Minnetonka (17 miles)
- Oakdale (17 miles)
- Bloomington (17 miles)
- South Saint Paul (17 miles)
- Woodbury (19 miles)
- Eden Prairie (19 miles)
- Inver Grove Heights (20 miles)
- Eagan (20 miles)
- Chanhassen (20 miles)
- Elk River (21 miles)
- Savage (22 miles)
- Burnsville (22 miles)
- Shakopee (24 miles)
- Cottage Grove (24 miles)
- Apple Valley (25 miles)
- Rosemount (25 miles)
- Chaska (26 miles)
- Prior Lake (27 miles)
- Lakeville (30 miles)
- Hastings (31 miles)
- Farmington (31 miles)
- Northfield (44 miles)