Between the parades and light displays, ice castles and Santa visits, Minnesota comes alive at Christmastime. There is always something to do during the holidays, making it the perfect time to explore the lesser known places that you didn’t get to over the summer. Minneapolis has a lot going on, but there are a few towns surrounding the city that are not to be missed during Christmas. These five towns have gorgeous Main Streets that are pure magic during the holiday season.
- Stillwater
Discover Stillwater/Facebook Stillwater is often cited as one of the most charming towns in Minnesota. It really proves that during the Christmas season, when the Main Street is decked out in lights and wreaths. Stillwater has plenty of festive activities to partake in during this season, from old-fashioned carolers strolling downtown to local shops offering great deals. If you’re only going to visit one Christmas Main Street, make it this one.
- Hopkins
City of Hopkins/Facebook Hopkins is another town near Minneapolis with a charming downtown. During the holiday season, it is lined with wreaths and lights, making it look particularly festive on a winter evening. Like Stillwater, Hopkins is full of local restaurants and shops. Pop in to support small businesses, and you’re guaranteed to walk away with something special.
- Northfield
City of Northfield, Minnesota/Facebook Northfield is another of Minnesota’s most charming towns. Most people know it for its summer tradition, Defeat of Jesse James Days. But this little town comes alive in December as well. The Winter Walk is an event that takes visitors through the lit-up Main Street. It is complete with horse-drawn carriages, flickering candles, and steaming cups of hot cocoa.
- Anoka
City of Anoka, Minnesota/Facebook Anoka may be the Halloween Capital of the World, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t celebrate Christmas with a bang. The biggest event is the lighting of the Christmas tree, when the town gathers to see the towering tree twinkle for the first time in the season. But even if you don’t make it to the lighting ceremony, you can still see the tree - and the rest of the historic downtown - throughout the holiday season.
- Excelsior
Excelsior - Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce/Facebook Excelsior is a beautiful town surrounded by lake, but its downtown area is also full of charm. This Minneapolis suburb lights up during the Christmas season, with wreaths and bows strung along the main street. It’s truly a sight to be seen, and a lovely way to spend an evening as you wander through the local shops.
Do you know of any other beautiful main streets near Minneapolis during Christmastime? Feel free to share your favorites in the comments below, and if you’re looking for even more festive fun, check out the nearby Polar Express train and Christmas lights road trip around Minneapolis.
Discover Stillwater/Facebook
Stillwater is often cited as one of the most charming towns in Minnesota. It really proves that during the Christmas season, when the Main Street is decked out in lights and wreaths. Stillwater has plenty of festive activities to partake in during this season, from old-fashioned carolers strolling downtown to local shops offering great deals. If you’re only going to visit one Christmas Main Street, make it this one.
City of Hopkins/Facebook
Hopkins is another town near Minneapolis with a charming downtown. During the holiday season, it is lined with wreaths and lights, making it look particularly festive on a winter evening. Like Stillwater, Hopkins is full of local restaurants and shops. Pop in to support small businesses, and you’re guaranteed to walk away with something special.
City of Northfield, Minnesota/Facebook
Northfield is another of Minnesota’s most charming towns. Most people know it for its summer tradition, Defeat of Jesse James Days. But this little town comes alive in December as well. The Winter Walk is an event that takes visitors through the lit-up Main Street. It is complete with horse-drawn carriages, flickering candles, and steaming cups of hot cocoa.
City of Anoka, Minnesota/Facebook
Anoka may be the Halloween Capital of the World, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t celebrate Christmas with a bang. The biggest event is the lighting of the Christmas tree, when the town gathers to see the towering tree twinkle for the first time in the season. But even if you don’t make it to the lighting ceremony, you can still see the tree - and the rest of the historic downtown - throughout the holiday season.
Excelsior - Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
Excelsior is a beautiful town surrounded by lake, but its downtown area is also full of charm. This Minneapolis suburb lights up during the Christmas season, with wreaths and bows strung along the main street. It’s truly a sight to be seen, and a lovely way to spend an evening as you wander through the local shops.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
