Christmas in Southern Minnesota - Events & Traditions

(Mankato, MN) – Southern Minnesota has all the sparkle and magic you need to make your Christmas season memorable.

From lighted parades to holiday festival and craft bazaars, the region has activities for old and young alike.

Check out the festive list of events we’ve compiled. Keep checking back, as we’ll continue to add events as the holiday season progresses. Want to add an event to our list? Email us at [email protected] to tell us about your holiday event!

Kiwanis Holiday Lights
Friday, November 29th – December 31st
Sibley Park
900 Mound Avenue, Mankato
This celebration of holiday lights for the Greater Mankato area and region builds on past traditions and promotes the communities we serve, while raising non-perishable food donations for those in need.
MORE INFO

Sleepy Eye 2019 Light the Night Holiday Event
Saturday, November 30th
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Sleepy Eye Sportsmens Park
MN 68, Sleepy Eye
Santa will arrive by fire truck for kids to visit and take photos. Bring an unwrapped toy for Brown County’s Santa’s Closet. FREE carriage rides, yummy s’mores, cider & hot cocoa, popcorn, hot dogs, and more.
MORE INFO

Bells on Belgrade
Saturday, December 7th
2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Belgrade Avenue in Lower North Mankato
6th Annual Free Children’s Christmas Celebration
Enjoy trolley rides along Belgrade Ave, join a medallion hunt the week leading up to the event, Santa & elves, local caroling groups, reindeer games, a FREE goodie bag and book, make and take crafts and so much more! To end the event there will be a Winter Wonderland Parade at 6:30pm along Belgrade Ave. This event is for the children and brought to you FREE of charge by the Business on Belgrade Association, The City of North Mankato and MedExpress Urgent Care of Mankato.
Contact: [email protected]

Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, December 7, 2019
Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota
7 a.m. to 9 a.m.
It’s the museum’s 3rd annual Breakfast with Santa! Enjoy hot breakfast from the Wooden Spoon, special seasonal activities, and take your photos with Santa.
MORE INFO

Christmas in Lake Crystal
Saturday, December 7, 2019
Lake Crystal Area Recreation Center
621 W Nathan Street, Lake Crystal
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Shop for those special gifts or find something unique for yourself at this fun event. Over 60 vendors, silent auction, cookie bake sale, chili feed, pictures with Santa, drop-in daycare
MORE INFO

The Nutcracker
Saturday, December 7, 2019
1 p.m. and 5 p.m. shows
State Street Theater Co w/ Mankato Ballet Company
Join the Mankato Ballet Company at the State Street Theater for the opening weekend of “The Nutcracker” for this family-friendly holiday tradition.
MORE INFO

Holiday Craft and Vendor Show
Saturday, December 7, 2019
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Mankato National Guard Armory
Largest craft and vendor show in the Mankato area! Over 70 booth spaces. Food and beverages available on site
MORE INFO

Skate with Santa & the Steel
Sunday, December 8, 2019
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
New Ulm Civic Center
Skate with Santa, holiday friends, and hockey players from the New Ulm Steel. FREE admission with non-perishable items for the local food shelf. Bring your own skates or use ours!

Ho Ho Ho Holiday Greetings from Santa
Saturday, December 21, 2019
St. Peter American Legion Post #37
Sensory Sensitive North Pole Visiting Hours: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Open hours for everyone: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

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