Thrilled for the festive season in Northfield? Discover all the holiday events with our ultimate guide! For Northfield devotees and casual visitors, our guide is your ticket to festive fun.
Popular events during this season include the Bentleyville Tour of Lights, a dazzling display that features stunning light installations and festive decorations. Another highlight is the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train, which brings a unique blend of music and holiday cheer to the community. And don't forget the North Shore Scenic Railroad's Christmas City Express, where enchanting train rides feature themed festivities and spectacular views. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Northfield
- Bentleyville Tour of Lights (Duluth)
- Canadian Pacific Holiday Train (Various (including MN towns))
- North Shore Scenic Railroad's Christmas City Express (Duluth)
- European Christmas Markets in Stillwater (Stillwater)
- First City of Lights (Bemidji)
- St. Olaf Christmas Festival
- Nisswa’s City of Lights Celebration (Nisswa)
- Winter Walk
- Small Business Saturday
See these and even more events listed below!
Northfield Holiday Light Displays
Bentleyville Tour of Lights
What to Expect:
Free holiday lighting display with charitable giving opportunities.
Description:
Bentleyville Tour of Lights is a free walk-through holiday lighting display featuring over 5 million lights at Bayfront Festival Park in Downtown Duluth. The event includes free treats, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and opportunities for charitable giving.
Where: Duluth | More Info: Bentleyville Tour of Lights
First City of Lights
What to Expect:
Over half a million lights illuminate downtown Bemidji and surrounding parks.
Description:
The First City of Lights Night We Light Celebration is a grand holiday event in Bemidji, featuring a spectacular parade with illuminated floats, a lighting ceremony at Paul Bunyan Park, and various activities including horse-drawn wagon rides, a tour of homes, and a downtown window display contest.
Where: Bemidji | More Info: First City of Lights
Nisswa’s City of Lights Celebration
What to Expect:
Live reindeer and fireworks display.
Description:
The Nisswa City of Lights Celebration is a festive holiday event in Downtown Nisswa featuring cozy train rides, live reindeer, storytelling, delicious food merchants, warm bonfires, hot cider, and mini donuts. The event culminates with strolling holiday carolers and fireworks illuminating the crisp winter sky.
Where: Nisswa | More Info: Nisswa’s City of Lights Celebration
Northfield Holiday Markets and Shopping
Small Business Saturday
What to Expect:
Interactive Turkey Trivia game with local business participation.
Description:
Join us for Small Business Saturday in Northfield, where you can shop local, learn about your favorite stores, and participate in a Turkey Trivia game. Collect answers from participating stores' Facebook pages and websites to be eligible for Chamber Bucks drawings.
Where: Northfield | More Info: Small Business Saturday
European Christmas Markets in Stillwater
What to Expect:
Authentic European-style 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: Stillwater | More Info: European Christmas Markets in Stillwater
Northfield Holiday Shows and Entertainment
St. Olaf Christmas Festival
What to Expect:
World-class collegiate musical celebration with a century-old tradition.
Description:
The St. Olaf Christmas Festival is a century-old tradition featuring over 500 student musicians from the college's renowned choirs and orchestra. The event celebrates the Advent-Christmas-Epiphany season with a musical program planned and directed by F. Melius Christiansen, founder of the St. Olaf Music Department.
Where: Northfield | More Info: St. Olaf Christmas Festival
Winter Walk
What to Expect:
Horse-drawn wagons and real-life reindeer add a unique touch to this holiday celebration.
Description:
Join us in downtown Northfield for the 26th Annual Winter Walk, featuring horse-drawn wagons, heartwarming caroling, and beautifully decorated storefronts. Enjoy holiday shopping with fantastic deals and savor the flavors of amazing food throughout the evening. Exciting additions include a Flash Mob, Window, Tree, and Gingerbread House Decorating Contests, real-life reindeer, and DJJD Royalty Storytime, culminating in fireworks at 8:45 PM.
Where: Northfield | More Info: Winter Walk
North Shore Scenic Railroad's Christmas City Express
What to Expect:
Classic book reading and live carolers on a historic train ride.
Description:
The Christmas City Express is a storybook experience featuring a classic book reading of the new Christmas City Express story, carolers, and a visit from a special guest. The event includes a short 30-minute train ride up to Lake Superior, where passengers enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, cookies, and holiday tunes.
Where: Duluth | More Info: North Shore Scenic Railroad's Christmas City Express
Northfield Holiday Giving Opportunities
Canadian Pacific Holiday Train
What to Expect:
Raising funds and awareness for community food banks.
Description:
The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train is a festive event that tours North America, raising money, food, and awareness for community food banks while spreading cheer.
Where: Various (including MN towns) | More Info: Canadian Pacific Holiday Train
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Faribault (12 miles)
- Farmington (13 miles)
- Lakeville (14 miles)
- Apple Valley (19 miles)
- Rosemount (20 miles)
- Prior Lake (22 miles)
- Burnsville (22 miles)
- Savage (24 miles)
- Eagan (24 miles)
- Hastings (25 miles)
- Owatonna (26 miles)
- Bloomington (27 miles)
- Inver Grove Heights (28 miles)
- Cottage Grove (28 miles)
- Shakopee (30 miles)
- Richfield (30 miles)
- South Saint Paul (31 miles)
- Edina (31 miles)
- Eden Prairie (31 miles)
- Chaska (32 miles)
- Chanhassen (33 miles)
- Woodbury (34 miles)
- Saint Paul (34 miles)
- Saint Louis Park (35 miles)
- Maplewood (35 miles)
- Minnetonka (36 miles)
- Minnetonka Mills (36 miles)
- Oakdale (36 miles)
- Minneapolis (36 miles)
- Roseville (38 miles)
- Golden Valley (39 miles)
- Plymouth (41 miles)
- Crystal (41 miles)
- New Hope (42 miles)
- New Brighton (42 miles)
- Shoreview (43 miles)
- Brooklyn Center (44 miles)
- Fridley (44 miles)
- White Bear Lake (44 miles)
- Maple Grove (45 miles)