Written by Andrea Busche.
If you’re paying us a visit this upcoming holiday season, you’re in luck: Duluth offers SO many exciting activities to celebrate the holiday season. And there are plenty of enjoyable attractions for all ages, budgets, and interests.
A few of our faves include:
- The world-class (and FREE) walk-through lighting display, known as Bentleyville.
- A live ballet performance of The Nutcracker with a Duluthy twist.
- Christmas at Glensheen Mansion (beautifully decked out for the holidays).
- Take a train ride on the Christmas City Express.
- See SCUBA Santa at the Great Lakes Aquarium.
- Shop several of Duluth’s favorite local businesses at Duluth Winter Village.
We have curated a helpful list with details about each option to make planning your outings much easier. Don’t wait: start making plans for your Duluth holiday visit today!
Bentleyville Tour of Lights
Please join Bentleyville as they celebrate their 23rd anniversary!
The annual, walk-through holiday light display features over five million lights, live characters, refreshments, and a large variety of themed displays.
Bentleyville welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. While many are local residents, others come from far and wide to visit Bentleyville. There are plenty of great photo opportunities, and the kids will enjoy the chance to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus!
Here are a few things guests can enjoy during their visit:
- Complimentary hot chocolate, coffee, cookies, popcorn, and marshmallows to roast over the fire pits.
- Visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus nightly from November 21–December 23, 2026, from 5–9 p.m.
- A Bentleyville knit hat and a bag of cookies for children ages 12 and under who visit Santa.
- Holiday shopping at the Bentleyville gift shop.
The Bentleyville Tour of Lights opens November 21 and runs through December 26, 2026. The event is open from 5–9 p.m. Sundays–Thursdays and 5–10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Admission is free, and parking is $12 per vehicle, or $10 when paying with cash.
Planning a visit with Santa? His line closes in time for him to leave by 9 p.m., so make that stop early in your evening.
The Nutcracker: A Duluth Tale
Love the arts? You’ll adore The Nutcracker: A Duluth Tale.
This live performance by the Minnesota Ballet offers a magical, local twist on the cherished holiday classic. As Clara’s Nutcracker doll comes to life, she embarks on a whimsical journey through a world filled with leaping lumberjacks, dancing gingerbreads, and swirling snowflakes, all set against Duluth’s charming landscape.
The Nutcracker: A Duluth Tale will be performed at 7 p.m. on December 11 and 3 p.m. on December 12–13, 2026, at DECC Symphony Hall. This season features Tchaikovsky’s score performed live by the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra. Save on fees by calling the box office directly at (218) 733-7570.
Christmas City of the North Parade
Bundle up and join the holiday fun at the Christmas City of the North Parade! This Duluth tradition brings festive floats, marching bands, dance performances, and a visit from Santa to Superior Street in downtown Duluth.
The parade returns on Friday, November 20, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. Find a spot along the route and enjoy an evening of music, lights, and holiday cheer. Visit the parade event page for the route and parking information.
Glensheen Mansion
Glensheen Mansion, located at 3300 London Road in Duluth, is truly a sight to behold. Glensheen was once home to attorney and capitalist Chester Congdon.
Although today it is known as a “historic house museum,” Glensheen was the private home of Chester and Clara Congdon and their family for many years. It opened to the public in 1979 and is now available year-round for tours and other events.
Christmas at Glensheen Mansion is an immersive experience, perfect for all ages. There are several options to choose from: Christmas Candlelight Tours, a Classic Mansion Christmas Tour, and more.
Daytime Christmas tours begin November 13, 2026, with evening Candlelight Tours beginning November 27. Dates and ticket prices vary. Please visit Glensheen’s Christmas tours page to learn more and book your visit.
Christmas City Express
The Christmas City Express is a storybook train ride experience recommended for families with children under 10 … and for the young at heart. The experience runs on weekends from November 27–December 20, 2026.
The performance begins in the Lake Superior Railroad Museum, where you’ll be treated to a book reading of the new Christmas City Express story. Guests will also enjoy carolers and a visit from a special guest.
Then guests will climb aboard the train for a short 30-minute ride along Lake Superior’s shore. Once onboard, guests will enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, cookies, and holiday tunes. Allow about 90 minutes for the full experience, including the story performance and train ride.
Space is very limited, and reservations are strongly encouraged. More info can be found here.
Great Lakes Aquarium
In addition to its amazing creatures and exhibits, the Great Lakes Aquarium will have a special guest this holiday season.
SCUBA Santa will be making his appearance on-site at the Aquarium every Saturday and Sunday from 11–11:20 a.m., November 28–December 20, 2026. The program is included with standard aquarium admission; parking charges apply.
To learn more, please visit glaquarium.org, or follow them on Facebook.
A Christmas Story: The Musical at the NorShor Theatre
Looking for a little holiday nostalgia? A Christmas Story: The Musical brings the beloved holiday film to the stage. Follow young Ralphie Parker and his Christmas wish in a musical filled with humor, imagination, and familiar moments from the classic story.
Duluth Playhouse presents select performances December 4–20, 2026, at the NorShor Theatre. Visit the official show page for performance times and tickets.
Zoo Lights at the Lake Superior Zoo
Love critters? You won’t want to miss Lake Superior Zoo’s annual Zoo Lights event!
This year, the event is back and better than ever. Here is what guests can expect:
- Giant animal inflatables.
- Charming, intimate light display.
- Free s’mores.
- Free craft activity.
- Tons of photo ops.
- Visits from Santa EVERY night.
- Hot chocolate and treats in the Safari Cafe.
- Live holiday music (schedule to be announced).
The event will be held December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, and 20, from 5:00 – 7:30 pm. To learn more, please visit Zoo Lights – Lake Superior Zoo.
Duluth Winter Village
The Duluth Winter Village is back! On Saturday, December 5, and Sunday, December 6, 2026, guests can patronize some of their favorite local businesses in a fun, festive environment overlooking the Aerial Lift Bridge and harbor.
The event runs from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. both days, with festivities indoors and outdoors at the DECC along Harbor Drive. Admission is free, and parking at the DECC is $10.
While you shop, plan to enjoy hot beverages, local drinks, and exciting menus from places like Scenic 61 by New Scenic Cafe, DECC Catering, Yes Cheese, Love Creamery, and more. Delicious baked goods will be available from TBSP Waffles and Duluth’s Best Bread, and there will be plenty of coffee, cocoa, and cider.
In addition to all the shopping and dining, guests can:
- See live animals.
- Warm up at the fire pits.
- Enjoy live caroling.
Enjoy the pop-up holiday bar, Tinsel Tavern, with drinks crafted by Vikre Distillery. Craft beer will also be available. Visit Duluth Winter Village to learn more.
Start Making Plans Today!
The holiday season will be here in a flash. So, don’t wait — make your holiday plans today! Click the links above for more information on these wonderful Duluth attractions.