MPLS Spots Holiday Edition
Follow our guide for the best places in the Twin Cities to feel the holiday spirit.
Where to Get Your Christmas Tree
Photo courtesy @haleslynch
Kreuger’s Tree Farm
Lake Elmo, Minnesota
kruegerschristmastrees.com
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The Kreuger family in Lake Elmo, MN has been proudly growing Christmas trees in the St. Croix Valley since 1954 and farming this land since 1916. 2020 is our 66th year! Best yet, your tree purchase covers free wagon rides, shaking, baling, fresh cuts, tree handling, and tying your tree on your vehicle. Before COVID-19, the tree farm also had hot cider, Santa visits, tootsie rolls (a longtime tradition), coloring books, and also gave out a free annualized ornament each year.
Photo courtesy @jonkreye
St. Croix Valley Trees
Somerset, Wisconsin
stcroixvalleytrees.com
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St. Croix Valley Christmas Trees in Somerset, WI offers that romantic, old-fashioned tradition of cutting your own tree, so you can spend time together in the outdoors. There’s a straw mountain to climb, tunnels to crawl through, hot cocoa, and our “fine dining specialties”, Gooey O’s and Donillas to keep your warm and happy.
Covid-19 has changed almost everything. Due to the constraints of social distancing, the farm will not be able to offer wagon rides, or building access with all their activities. But something is better this year – a brand new, beautiful, magical castle play area! Appropriate distancing and masks required in the play area for visitors ages 4 and up.
Photo courtesy of Happy Land Tree Farms
Happy Land Tree Farms
Sandstone, Minnesota
happylandtreefarms.com
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This tree far was started back in 1963 and has grown immensely over the years. Now, Happy Land is comprised of over 600 acres planted with a wide variety of coniferous and deciduous trees. And since 2011, Happy Land has consequetively been named the Minnesota State Fair’s Grand Champion for its Christmas trees.
This year their Christmas tree building will be closed to keep patrons and employees safe, but you’re still able to grab a sled or tree cart and a hand saw from the white barn and go in search of your tree.
Where to See Christmas Lights
Photo courtesy of Sam’s Christmas Village and Light Tour
Sam’s Christmas Village & Light Tour
Somerset, Wisconsin
samschristmasvillage.com
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Running from November 27 to January 2, Sam’s Christmas Light Tour now offers over 6 million lights on display; in 2020, they’ve added 2.5 million lights. There’s also a new 50-foot animated tree and 25 new light displays.
Photo courtesy of GLOW Holiday Instagram
GLOW Holiday Festival
Minnesota State Fairgrounds
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GLOW Holiday Festival is Minnesota’s newest holiday light experience and must-see holiday attraction at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds this winter through January 3.
The Great Minnesota Holiday Get-Together is a one mile drive-thru with a dozen stops featuring over a million holiday lights, illuminated trees, icicle and art installations, a festive gingerbread house and more.
Photo courtesy of Christmas in Color
Christmas in Color
Valleyfair
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This Christmas light display lasts through January 3. As one of the biggest light shows in the country, Minnesota was picked among five other locations in the nation. Drive through millions of lights synchronized to holiday music you’ll hear right through your radio. Drive by giant candy canes, snowmen, arched pathways and more.
Where to Get the Best Cup of Hot Cocoa
Support these local small businesses throughout the holiday season. Here are just some of Minnesota Monthly’s top picks for hot cocoa.
Bread & Chocolate
Grand Avenue, St. Paul
Kopplin’s
Merriam Park, St. Paul
Rustica Bakery
Bde Maka Ska, Minneapolis