Discover the magic of the holidays in White Bear Lake with our ultimate guide. For White Bear Lake connoisseurs and newcomers alike, our guide is your ticket to unforgettable experiences.
Popular events this season include the enchanting GLOW Holiday Festival, where dazzling light displays transform the landscape into a winter wonderland. This festive gathering features local artisans and seasonal treats for all ages. Another highlight is the Night Trains event, which showcases model trains winding through beautifully lit landscapes. And the North Pole Express is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a whimsical train ride that transports families into the heart of holiday cheer. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around White Bear Lake
- GLOW Holiday Festival (St. Paul)
- North Pole Express (St. Paul)
- Night Trains (St. Paul)
- European Christmas Market (St. Paul)
- Christmas in Germany (St. Paul)
- Santa’s Workshop (St. Paul)
- Holiday Tree Lighting & Movie Night (St. Paul)
- White Bear Lake WinterFest
- Coon Rapids Tree Lighting Festival (Coon Rapids)
- Taylor Falls Lighting Festival (Taylor Falls)
See these and even more events listed below!
White Bear Lake Holiday Light Displays
GLOW Holiday Festival
What to Expect:
Over a million twinkling lights and interactive exhibits.
Description:
GLOW Holiday Festival at CHS Field in St. Paul, MN, features over a million lights, interactive displays, and unique shopping experiences, making the holiday season merry and bright.
Where: St. Paul | More Info: GLOW Holiday Festival
Coon Rapids Tree Lighting Festival
What to Expect:
Community tree lighting with festive lights and fireworks.
Description:
The Coon Rapids Tree Lighting Festival is a community celebration featuring hot cocoa, cookies, and live music. Enjoy fire pits, fun activities for kids, and take pictures with Santa. The event culminates in a tree lighting countdown and fireworks display.
Where: Coon Rapids | More Info: Coon Rapids Tree Lighting Festival
Taylor Falls Lighting Festival
What to Expect:
Grand lighting of the village with Santa parade and festive activities.
Description:
The Taylor Falls Lighting Festival is an annual event held in the quaint town of Taylors Falls, Minnesota, featuring a grand lighting of the village, Santa parade, arts and crafts fairs, family bingo, and various holiday activities.
Where: Taylor Falls | More Info: Taylor Falls Lighting Festival
White Bear Lake 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 festive activities like the Holiday Train and Carousel. Visitors can enjoy European-style food, kids' craft activities, and more.
Where: St. Paul | More Info: European Christmas Market
Christmas in Germany
What to Expect:
Traditional German holiday foods and drinks.
Description:
Celebrate German Christmas traditions with warm beer, hot mulled wine, bratwurst, pretzels, homemade soup, and German cake. The GAI Haus will be decorated with festive lights and seasonal goods on sale.
Where: St. Paul | More Info: Christmas in Germany
White Bear Lake Holiday Shows and Entertainment
North Pole Express
What to Expect:
Historic steam locomotive ride with Santa and holiday treats.
Description:
Join the North Pole Express for a historic train ride to meet Santa, enjoy holiday treats, and participate in festive activities.
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, featuring a holiday performance by The Mistletones, free cider, photo ops, craft stations, and a lightup wand giveaway for kids. The event includes a tree lighting ceremony with fireworks and a showing of the holiday favorite, Elf. Concessions will be available, and you're encouraged to bring blankets for extra seating. Visit the European Christmas Market on the East Plaza for unique, handmade holiday gifts and European-inspired food.
Where: St. Paul | More Info: Holiday Tree Lighting & Movie Night
Sister Celeste's Sing-a-Long Event
What to Expect:
Interactive caroling and Christmas Bingo with a holiday beverage.
Description:
Join Sister Celeste for a sing-along event where you'll learn about the history of your favorite carols, sing, and play a festive round of Christmas Bingo. Enjoy a holiday beverage and the chance to win at Bingo and a glow-in-the-dark rosary.
Where: St. Paul | More Info: Sister Celeste's Sing-a-Long Event
White Bear Lake Holiday Giving Opportunities
Santa’s Workshop
What to Expect:
Community-driven gift-giving initiative for the less fortunate.
Description:
Santa’s Workshop at St. Maria Goretti provides stockings and gifts to those less fortunate through various outreach ministries. Participants can contribute by donating money or filling stockings, making a significant impact on over 5,000 people annually.
Where: St. Paul | More Info: Santa’s Workshop
White Bear Lake Other Holiday Activities
Night Trains
What to Expect:
Specially lighted model trains in a winter wonderland setting.
Description:
The Twin City Model Railroad Museum presents Night Trains, a seasonal event featuring model trains of all scales and toy trains from yesteryear. The museum's collection comes alive with specially lighted models of operating vintage passenger trains, set against a backdrop of snow-covered towns and holiday decorations.
Where: St. Paul | More Info: Night Trains
White Bear Lake WinterFest
What to Expect:
Horse-drawn trolley rides with free food donation.
Description:
White Bear Lake WinterFest is a long-standing holiday attraction featuring live carolers, Santa strolling downtown, unique gifts in specialty shops, hearty meals at outstanding eateries, and ice sculptures throughout the town.
Where: White Bear Lake | More Info: White Bear Lake WinterFest
Festival of Trees at the Armory
What to Expect:
Community event featuring decorated trees by local businesses and nonprofits.
Description:
Stroll through a plethora of decorated trees created by local businesses and nonprofits at the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society's 2nd Annual Festival of Trees. Check out the best tree of the year and participate in a raffle to add some extra holiday cheer to your gift exchanges.
Where: White Bear Lake | More Info: Festival of Trees at the Armory
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Lino Lakes (6 miles)
- Shoreview (7 miles)
- Oakdale (9 miles)
- Roseville (9 miles)
- Maplewood (9 miles)
- New Brighton (9 miles)
- Saint Paul (11 miles)
- Woodbury (11 miles)
- Blaine (12 miles)
- Fridley (12 miles)
- South Saint Paul (13 miles)
- Coon Rapids (14 miles)
- Minneapolis (14 miles)
- Brooklyn Center (16 miles)
- Inver Grove Heights (16 miles)
- Andover (17 miles)
- Golden Valley (17 miles)
- West Coon Rapids (17 miles)
- Crystal (17 miles)
- Cottage Grove (18 miles)
- New Hope (19 miles)
- Saint Louis Park (19 miles)
- Richfield (19 miles)
- Champlin (20 miles)
- Eagan (21 miles)
- Edina (21 miles)
- Maple Grove (22 miles)
- Bloomington (22 miles)
- Plymouth (22 miles)
- Minnetonka Mills (23 miles)
- Rosemount (25 miles)
- Ramsey (25 miles)
- Hastings (25 miles)
- Burnsville (26 miles)
- Apple Valley (26 miles)
- Savage (26 miles)
- Minnetonka (27 miles)
- Eden Prairie (28 miles)
- Chanhassen (30 miles)
- Elk River (31 miles)
- Farmington (31 miles)
- Shakopee (32 miles)
- Lakeville (32 miles)
- Prior Lake (33 miles)
- Chaska (35 miles)
- Northfield (44 miles)