Christmas in Duluth, MN: Things to Do in 2024
Are you looking for the best things to do to celebrate Christmas and the holidays in Duluth, Minnesota?
Luckily for you, I’ve celebrated the holidays for many years around Duluth, and have done things like light shows, parades, and more to enjoy the holidays.
There are so many fun activities, and after living just an hour away for my entire life, I’ve experienced it all, and am ready to share my favorites!
Here are the best things to do in December in Duluth, MN!
Things to Do for Christmas in Duluth, MN
1. Bentleyville Tour of Lights
The top thing to do in Duluth in December is tour the Bentleyville Tour of Lights.
This magical stop located in Bayfront Festival Park features a path of lights, with over 5 million twinkling lights to explore.
My personal favorite part is the free hot chocolate, cookies, popcorn, and marshmallows to roast.
The lights illuminate the entire park, and you can see the Aerial Lift Bridge in the distance. It’s truly a beautiful sight, and the perfect way to celebrate the holidays.
Plus, the kids can meet Santa, Mrs. Clause, and snap pictures with other characters like snowmen and reindeer. We’ve even met the Grinch at Bentleyville!
I’ve been going since I was just little, and it’s always been a favorite Christmas stop for us. And the best part is that it’s great for all ages. We’ve seen people from newborn to elderly!
2. Christmas City of the North Parade
Growing up, my parents told stories of taking us to the Christmas City of the North Parade and how it was always the kick off to the holidays for us.
This fun parade makes its way down Superior Street, right near Canal Park.
There are all sorts of floats, from high school bands to local businesses and the entire parade closing out with Santa on his sleigh.
It’s really such a fun experience to be there, but if you’d rather stay bundled up indoors, you can also watch it online every year on WDIO.
This is what we’ve started doing, since it can be so chilly down by the lake! Either way, it’s a great way to enjoy the kick off to the holidays in Duluth.
3. Duluth Winter Village
If you love Christmas markets as much as I do, then you’ll love visiting the Duluth Winter Village during the first weekend of December.
It’s always located at the DECC, and you’ll be able to walk through several outdoor stalls, filled with your favorite brands, stores, and foods.
They have dozens of local businesses set up outdoors, as well as plenty of food to enjoy from local restaurants. There are also fire pits to warm up at, indoor skating, and of course, holiday themed cocktails and drinks.
Christmas markets are one of my favorite parts of the holidays, since I’m always able to find some great gifts for family and friends.
The Duluth Winter Village is no exception – just remember to dress warm since it’s near Lake Superior. When I went last year, I forgot a hat and was quite chilly, so learn from my mistake!
4. Duluth Christmas Lighting Challenge
Every year, neighborhoods in Duluth get together and light up their houses for everyone to drive around and see.
There are dozens of houses around Duluth that take part in the Christmas Lighting Challenge – trying to see who can decorate and light up the best!
The best part of this for you, is that you can hop in your car with a cup of hot cocoa and drive around, looking for the best lights.
Some homes even have walk through light displays that you can hop out and see, and some might have treats like candy canes or even Santa to visit. Just be sure to get permission before entering someone’s property.
5. Christmas City Express
Perhaps one of the best bucket list items for spending winter in Duluth is taking a ride on the Christmas City Express.
During December, the North Shore Scenic Railroad turns into a holiday spectacular, starting with a Christmas story read to you before you leave the station.
Then once on board the train, you’ll take a ride a short ways up Lake Superior where you’ll get to enjoy hot cocoa, cookies, and holiday music.
And word is, that you might even be lucky enough to get a visit from a special guest!
My family has taken a ride on the classic North Shore Scenic Railroad, but have yet to hop on the Christmas City Express, and it’s on the list for this year!
6. Zoo Lights
While the Lake Superior Zoo is fun all year round, it’s even more fun after dark in Duluth, during the fall and winter months.
After regular zoo hours, the zoo grounds turn into an amazing light display with GIANT animal inflatables and beautiful holiday light displays.
Plus there are free s’mores, photo opps, live holiday music on certain nights, and visits from Santa himself.
This is a really great place to celebrate Christmas in Duluth with little ones, and adults will love it too!
7. Glensheen Holiday Tours
If you’re looking for a romantic time in Duluth, taking a Glensheen holiday tour is a great option.
The Glensheen Mansion hosts classic Christmas tours of the grounds, and all of the rooms are deocrated floor to ceiling with holiday decor.
From lights to garland and massive Christmas trees, the entire mansion is beautifully lit, and makes for a great date night.
I actually really recommend the Candlelit Christmas tours, where you walk through Glensheen with only the light from a candle and holiday lights.
This is a stunning experience, and one that you’ll truly enjoy.
8. Check Out Local Christmas Markets
If you’d rather spend some time indoors, rather than be outside during the chilly December weather, check out some of the smaller, local Christmas markets.
They are popping up constantly throughout November and December, where you can go to support small, local businesses and check off some of your holiday list.
My favorite way to spend time in December in Duluth is to take a weekend, and find as many holiday markets as we can.
While the Duluth Winter Village is great, it can be busy and really cold, so sometimes these smaller markets are even better!
And you can usually find some fun treats or gifts from lesser known local artists, and sometimes they’re hosted at some pretty great hidden gem locations!
9. Find Santa Around Duluth
If you have kiddos, then finding Santa during the holiday season is a must – and lucky for you, he’s all over in Duluth!
From the Miller Hill Mall to Bentleyville and Split Rock Lighthouse, there are tons of photo opportunities to visit and let him know what’s on their wish list.
My brother and I used to visit Santa at the Miller Hill Mall every year, and we have tons of photos and memories of meeting him and then strolling through the mall afterwards!
Conclusion: Duluth in December
Whether you’re looking to kick off the holiday season or are trying to find a way to spend Christmas Eve/Day, there are plenty of activities in Duluth in December!
Our favorites include Bentleyville, Glensheen Mansion tours, and the Duluth Winter Village.
Amongst what I’ve listed, there are also constantly small pop-ups happening around the city, that are great for spending some time at.
No matter how you do it, there is plenty to do for the holidays in Duluth!
