One thing that helps us get through a long Minnesota winter is the holiday festivities going on around us. Not only does it help us get into the holiday spirit, but it gets us out of the house, away from our routine, and having fun! If you live in or near Two Harbors or are planning a trip to northern Minnesota during the holiday season, you won’t want to miss out on all that’s going on in and around our wintry town!
5 holiday events happening near Two Harbors, MN
As previously stated, these holiday events are here to help us get into the holiday spirit, have some fun, and get us through the long winter that we have ahead! You won’t want to miss out on these:
1. Bentleyville – Duluth, MN
Duluth is well-known as the Christmas city and it’s because of the amazing Bentleyville “Tour of Lights.” If you’ve not heard of this spectacle, it’s the largest, free walk-through light display found along the edge of the Lake Superior harbor. You can get hot chocolate, delicious cookies, and popcorn, roast marshmallows, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, and enjoy the wide array of lights displayed throughout the festival grounds. Parking is $10 and all they ask is for you to bring a donation for their can drive!
They also have a spectacular gift shop where you can find tons of Bentleyville-inspired souvenirs to bring home from your experience! The entire event will be available from November 19th to December 26th. They will be open Sunday-Thursday from 5:00 pm-9:00 pm and Fridays and Saturdays from 5:00 pm-10:00 pm.
2. Christmas Tea on the Edna G. Tugboat
On Friday afternoons from 5-7:00, Saturdays from 1:00-7:00 pm, and Sundays from 3-5:00 pm, you can enjoy a cozy winter tea on the historic Edna G. Tugboat in Two Harbors. Still harbored in the bay of Lake Superior, this 125-year-old boat will keep you swaying with the waves while enjoying tea sandwiches, desserts, and tea or hot chocolate! This is a family-friendly event and all are invited to spend a serene afternoon on the wintry lake.
There’s a limit of 4 people per hour for tea with some exceptions, reservations are required, and a $50 donation for adults and a $25 donation for kids under 10 is needed for admission! You can find more information here.
3. Visit winter markets
There are various winter markets, holiday markets, and Christmas Villages that you can visit along the north shore of Minnesota throughout December! At these fairs, you’ll find traditional food, holiday treats, handcrafted goods, and other festive, Nordic finds that make amazing decorations, fun experiences, and beautiful gifts. Some of the most popular are:
- The Julebyen in Knife River (12/3-12/4)
- The Handcrafted Market in Two Harbors (12/10-12/11)
- Castle Danger Winter Market in Two Harbors (12/17)
- The Winter Village in Duluth (12/3-12/4)
These events are perfect for finding the holiday gifts you’ve been searching everywhere for as well as getting into the holiday spirit!
4. The Christmas Cookie Cabin
In Two Harbors, kids can visit the Christmas Cookie Cabin located in the Lake County Chamber of Commerce for a whole lot of fun! Some of this fun includes meeting Santa, taking a dog sled ride, enjoying delicious cookies, listening to lots of fun holiday music, and more. They’re also going to have live reindeer for everyone to meet! All of this fun is taking place on December 18th from 2:00 to 5:00 pm.
5. Christmas City Express
In Duluth, MN you’ll be able to hop aboard the Christmas City Express and take a magical ride through Duluth. The adventure will begin at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum where you can listen to carolers, a classic rendition of the new Christmas City Express story, and a visit from a “special guest.” You’ll then take a 30-minute train ride while you enjoy hot chocolate, Christmas cookies, and lots of holiday music!
You’ll be able to take advantage of this magical experience from November 25th until December 18th. You can find more information about run times, ticket costs, and more on their website!
In conclusion
There’s so much to do along the north shore even when winter finally hits! We hope that you can find something that helps you get into the holiday spirit and have some fun, too!
Contact us if you’re visiting Two Harbors and need a warm and cozy place to spend your stay. We’re conveniently located near lots of great shops and restaurants and provide our guests with a relaxing pool and sauna. We offer AAA, AARP, and senior discounts, and children under 18 stay free!
