Find the top festive events in New Brighton! Our guide has all the must-see holiday highlights. Whether you're familiar with New Brighton or seeing it for the first time, our guide reveals the festive treasures.
One highlight of the season is the enchanting Ice Castles, where intricate ice sculptures and frozen tunnels create a magical winter wonderland. Another unique experience awaits at the GLOW Holiday Festival, which features vibrant light displays and holiday cheer. And the Sever's Holiday Lights is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing an impressive array of festive lights synchronized to music. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around New Brighton
- Ice Castles
- Sever's Holiday Lights (Shakopee)
- GLOW Holiday Festival (St. Paul)
- Winter SKOLstice (Eagan)
- North Pole Express (St. Paul)
- European Christmas Market (St. Paul)
- Union Depot Tree Lighting and Movie Night (St. Paul)
- Christmas in Excelsior (Chriskindlsmarkt) (Excelsior)
See these and even more events listed below!
New Brighton Holiday Light Displays
GLOW Holiday Festival
What to Expect:
Over a million twinkling lights and interactive displays.
Description:
GLOW Holiday Festival at CHS Field in St. Paul, MN, features over a million lights, interactive displays, and unique exhibits like the zip line and GLOW Gift Shop.
Where: St. Paul | More Info: GLOW Holiday Festival
Sever's Holiday Lights
What to Expect:
Over 2.5 million lights set to upbeat holiday music.
Description:
Sever's Holiday Lights features a 2.5 million light display synchronized to holiday music, with festive food and drink vendors, and a drive-thru course that can be enjoyed multiple times.
Where: Shakopee | More Info: Sever's Holiday Lights
New Brighton Holiday Markets and Shopping
European Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Authentic European holiday market with handmade crafts and traditional food.
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:
Traditional German Christmas traditions and activities.
Description:
The Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt is a German-themed Christmas festival featuring a grand parade, open-air market, live reindeer, and activities for all ages, including storytelling, face painting, and visits with Father Christmas.
Where: Excelsior | More Info: Christmas in Excelsior (Chriskindlsmarkt)
New Brighton Holiday Shows and Entertainment
North Pole Express
What to Expect:
Historic steam locomotive and vintage railcar experience.
Description:
Join Friends 261 for a nostalgic holiday train ride aboard historic rail cars pulled by the Milwaukee Road 261 steam locomotive and the Milwaukee Road 32A, E9 diesel. Enjoy a short train ride to the North Pole, where Santa will greet passengers and collect their letters. The event includes holiday treats, entertainment, and activities at St. Paul Union Depot.
Where: St. Paul | More Info: North Pole Express
Union Depot Tree Lighting and Movie Night
What to Expect:
Tree lighting ceremony with fireworks and holiday movie screening.
Description:
Join Union Depot for an exciting annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration and Movie Night. The event begins with the reveal of the St. Paul Winter Carnival 2023 Button, followed by a holiday performance by The Mistletones. Guests will then move outside to the North Plaza for the tree lighting ceremony, accompanied by a short but thrilling fireworks display and a Holiday sing-a-long. The evening concludes with a screening of the holiday favorite, Elf, inside the Waiting Room, where concessions including popcorn will be available. Additionally, visitors can explore the European Christmas Market on the East Plaza, shopping for unique handmade gifts and enjoying European-inspired food and drinks.
Where: St. Paul | More Info: Union Depot Tree Lighting and Movie Night
New Brighton Other Holiday Activities
Ice Castles
What to Expect:
Interactive ice slides and sculptures.
Description:
Explore intricate ice sculptures, thrilling ice slides, and cozy ice bars at Ice Castles in Minnesota. Discover elaborate, hand-carved ice creations and enjoy a unique winter experience.
Where: New Brighton | More Info: Ice Castles
Winter SKOLstice
What to Expect:
Multi-activity winter festival with ice sports and community events.
Description:
Winter SKOLstice at Viking Lakes in Eagan, MN, offers a variety of winter activities including pond hockey, ice skating, and curling. The event features multiple hockey rinks and a frozen pond between the TCO Performance Center and Omni Viking Lakes Hotel. The Warming Haus serves food and beverages daily, with live music and sports events. Bonfire pits and yard games are also available for private group rentals and events.
Where: Eagan | More Info: Winter SKOLstice
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Shoreview (3 miles)
- Fridley (3 miles)
- Roseville (5 miles)
- Coon Rapids (6 miles)
- Brooklyn Center (6 miles)
- Minneapolis (7 miles)
- Blaine (7 miles)
- Crystal (8 miles)
- Golden Valley (8 miles)
- Lino Lakes (9 miles)
- New Hope (9 miles)
- White Bear Lake (9 miles)
- West Coon Rapids (10 miles)
- Saint Paul (10 miles)
- Saint Louis Park (11 miles)
- Andover (12 miles)
- Maple Grove (12 miles)
- Maplewood (13 miles)
- Champlin (13 miles)
- Plymouth (13 miles)
- Richfield (13 miles)
- Oakdale (14 miles)
- Edina (14 miles)
- South Saint Paul (14 miles)
- Minnetonka Mills (15 miles)
- Woodbury (15 miles)
- Bloomington (16 miles)
- Inver Grove Heights (17 miles)
- Minnetonka (18 miles)
- Ramsey (18 miles)
- Eagan (18 miles)
- Eden Prairie (20 miles)
- Cottage Grove (21 miles)
- Savage (21 miles)
- Burnsville (21 miles)
- Chanhassen (21 miles)
- Rosemount (23 miles)
- Apple Valley (23 miles)
- Elk River (24 miles)
- Shakopee (24 miles)
- Prior Lake (27 miles)
- Chaska (27 miles)
- Hastings (28 miles)
- Lakeville (29 miles)
- Farmington (30 miles)
- Northfield (42 miles)