Deck the Halls With Duluth’s Best Holiday Events & Attractions
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.
- Explore the Zoo Lights (and meet the critters) at the Lake Superior Zoo.
- 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 22nd anniversary!
The annual, walk-through holiday light display features over five million lights, live characters, refreshments, and a large variety of themed displays.
Bentleyville typically welcomes an astonishing 300,000+ visitors per 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!
Founder, creator, and namesake, Nathan Bentley, shared this year’s highlights:
- A new 6,000 square foot gift shop.
- New lollipop and Candy Land front display.
- The age to receive a Santa hat is now 12 and under (previously 10 and under).
- New popcorn building.
- The Apple Cider Building is returning for its second year.
- Tons of new light displays, including Minnesota scenes, a Christmas pickle, new photo opportunities, and a Chinese dragon.
The Bentleyville Tour of Lights opens November 22 and runs through December 27, 2025. The event is open from 5-9 pm Sundays – Thursdays, and 5-10 pm Fridays and Saturdays. Fireworks will happen on closing night at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 27.
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 7:00 pm on December 12, and 3:00 pm on December 13-14, 2025, at DECC Symphony Hall. Save on fees by calling the box office directly at (218) 733-7570.
Glensheen Mansion
Glensheen Mansion, located at 3300 London Road in Duluth, is truly a sight to behold. Glensheen was once home to one of Minnesota’s, and certainly Duluth’s, wealthiest men — attorney and capitalist, Chester Congdon.
Although today it is known as a “historic house museum,” Glensheen was the private home to Chester and Clara Congdon and their family for many years, until it was donated to the University of Minnesota in 1979. The home is now available year-round to the public 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. Dates and ticket prices vary. Please visit glensheen.org to learn more.
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 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 up to Lake Superior. Once onboard, guests will enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, cookies, and holiday tunes.
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 at 11:00 am from November 29 – December 21. You can find SCUBA Santa in the Isle Royale exhibit. To learn more, please visit glaquarium.org, or follow them on Facebook.
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 6 and Sunday, December 7, guests can patronize some of their favorite local businesses (plus some new additions) in a fun, festive environment overlooking the Aerial Lift Bridge and harbor.
While you shop, plan to enjoy hot beverages, local drinks, and exciting menus from places like 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.
- Indoor open skate both days.
- Enjoy the Duluth East Choralaires, who will be singing carols on Saturday.
New this year is a pop-up holiday bar, Tinsel Tavern, with drinks crafted by Vikre Distillery. Craft beer will be available near the Yule Hall, and there will be themed cocktails at the indoor and outdoor bars, made with Vikre spirits and other local favorites. 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.