You've discovered the best holiday guide for Golden Valley! Let us lead you to the top festive events and attractions. For Golden Valley natives and holiday travelers, our guide reveals the city's festive treasures.
Popular events this season include the GLOW Holiday Festival, a dazzling display of lights and art that transforms the local landscape into a winter wonderland. The European Christmas Market features a charming array of crafts and tasty treats, showcasing local artisans and culinary delights. And the North Pole Express is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a magical journey for the little ones with visits from Santa himself. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
Join the Golden Valley Discussion!
Top Holiday Events In and Around Golden Valley
- GLOW Holiday Festival (St. Paul)
- European Christmas Market (St. Paul)
- North Pole Express (St. Paul)
- Holiday Tree Lighting & Movie Night (St. Paul)
- Christmas in Excelsior (Chriskindlsmarkt) (Excelsior)
- Chanhassen Tree Lighting Ceremony (Chanhassen)
- Blaine Winter Celebration (Blaine)
- Night Trains (St. Paul)
See these and even more events listed below!
Golden Valley Holiday Light Displays
GLOW Holiday Festival
What to Expect:
Interactive light displays and zip line experience.
Description:
GLOW Holiday Festival at CHS Field in St. Paul, MN, features over a million lights, interactive displays, and unique attractions like the Vixen’s Zip Line and Giant Snowy Slide. The event also includes a boutique shopping experience with local vendors and a charity donation component.
Where: St. Paul | More Info: GLOW Holiday Festival
Chanhassen Tree Lighting Ceremony
What to Expect:
Live reindeer and festive holiday activities.
Description:
The Chanhassen Tree Lighting Ceremony features live reindeer, treats, bonfires, s'mores, carolers, and a special visit from Santa, celebrating the annual lighting of City Center Park's holiday lights.
Where: Chanhassen | More Info: Chanhassen Tree Lighting Ceremony
Golden Valley Holiday Markets and Shopping
European Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Authentic traditional holiday market with live entertainment and European delicacies.
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 live entertainment, European-style food, kids' craft activities, and festive performances.
Where: St. Paul | More Info: European Christmas Market
Christmas in Excelsior (Chriskindlsmarkt)
What to Expect:
German-themed Christmas festival with live reindeer and artisan booths.
Description:
The Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt is a German-themed Christmas festival featuring a grand parade, live reindeer, Father Christmas, and a variety of artisan booths selling handmade ornaments and unique gifts. Enjoy traditional German foods, live music, and festive activities for the whole family.
Where: Excelsior | More Info: Christmas in Excelsior (Chriskindlsmarkt)
Golden Valley Holiday Shows and Entertainment
North Pole Express
What to Expect:
Historic steam locomotive and vintage railcar experience with Santa.
Description:
Join Friends 261 for the North Pole Express, a holiday tradition featuring historic steam locomotives and vintage railcars. Enjoy a short train ride to the North Pole, where Santa greets passengers and collects letters. The event includes entertainment, holiday treats, and activities at St. Paul Union Depot.
Where: St. Paul | More Info: North Pole Express
Holiday Tree Lighting & Movie Night
What to Expect:
Tree lighting ceremony with fireworks and a showing of Elf.
Description:
Join Union Depot for the annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration & Movie Night. The event features the St. Paul Winter Carnival 2023 Button reveal, a holiday performance by The Mistletones, free cider, photo ops, craft stations, and a light-up wand giveaway for kids. The celebration includes a tree lighting ceremony with fireworks and a showing of the holiday favorite, Elf. Concessions are available for purchase, and visitors can shop at the European Christmas Market on the East Plaza.
Where: St. Paul | More Info: Holiday Tree Lighting & Movie Night
Blaine Winter Celebration
What to Expect:
Live holiday music and kids' shopping spree with free gift wrapping.
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.
Where: Blaine | More Info: Blaine Winter Celebration
Golden Valley Other Holiday Activities
Night Trains
What to Expect:
Specially lighted vintage passenger trains in a snowy, holiday-decorated setting.
Description:
The Twin City Model Railroad Museum presents Night Trains, a special holiday tradition featuring model trains of all scales and toy trains from yesteryear. The event transforms the museum with specially lighted models of operating vintage passenger trains, uniquely decorated trains, and holiday-only layouts.
Where: St. Paul | More Info: Night Trains
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Crystal (2 miles)
- New Hope (3 miles)
- Saint Louis Park (4 miles)
- Minneapolis (5 miles)
- Brooklyn Center (5 miles)
- Plymouth (5 miles)
- Minnetonka Mills (7 miles)
- Fridley (7 miles)
- Maple Grove (7 miles)
- New Brighton (8 miles)
- Coon Rapids (8 miles)
- Edina (8 miles)
- Richfield (9 miles)
- Roseville (9 miles)
- Minnetonka (10 miles)
- West Coon Rapids (10 miles)
- Shoreview (11 miles)
- Blaine (12 miles)
- Bloomington (12 miles)
- Eden Prairie (12 miles)
- Champlin (13 miles)
- Saint Paul (13 miles)
- Chanhassen (14 miles)
- Andover (16 miles)
- Savage (16 miles)
- Lino Lakes (16 miles)
- Eagan (17 miles)
- Shakopee (17 miles)
- Burnsville (17 miles)
- White Bear Lake (17 miles)
- South Saint Paul (17 miles)
- Maplewood (18 miles)
- Ramsey (18 miles)
- Inver Grove Heights (19 miles)
- Oakdale (19 miles)
- Chaska (20 miles)
- Woodbury (20 miles)
- Apple Valley (20 miles)
- Prior Lake (21 miles)
- Rosemount (22 miles)
- Elk River (23 miles)
- Cottage Grove (23 miles)
- Lakeville (25 miles)
- Farmington (27 miles)
- Hastings (30 miles)
- Northfield (39 miles)