From budget-friendly family activities to hidden waterfalls to recommendations from locals, check out our blog for trip ideas and to learn more about what makes Duluth so special.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Santa is excited to return to Split Rock Lighthouse this holiday season! Stop by and visit with Santa on Saturday, December 13, and Sunday, December 14, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Children ages 5–17 receive free admission both days. Adults can also explore the lighthouse grounds for free by bringing a donation for the Silver Bay Veterans Home. And don’t forget to snap a photo with Santa during your visit!
Immerse yourself in an evening of creativity and connection. Beginner-friendly and perfect for partners, this experience includes a professional clay demonstration, hands-on experience at the throwing wheel, and personalizing your own mug. End the night with a selection of delicious wines and appetizers. Each person will receive their own personalized mug from the evening once they have been fired, roughly two weeks following class. $160 per couple.
Duluth has brought the most recent spotlight to the North Star State with Hulu’s new original holiday movie, “Merry Kiss Cam,” which was both filmed and set in Duluth. Live a day in the life of the movie’s main characters Jess Woods, a local artist, and Danny Carmody, a local bar owner, with this self-guided tour of the sights featured in this holiday love story.
Noon Year’s Eve Date: Wednesday, December 31st 2025 Time: Session 1: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm OR Session 2: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm Location: Duluth Children’s Museum (2125 West Superior Street) Ring in 2026 a little early at the Duluth Children’s Museum! Our Noon Year’s Eve celebration is back and filled with festive, hands-on fun for the whole family. Kids can craft party hats, make their own noise makers, set New Year’s resolutions, and snap photos in our playful photo booth — all leading up to a countdown to the new year complete with a burst of confetti excitement. It’s a joyful way for little ones to experience the magic of New Year’s without staying up late! Activities Include: Confetti Countdown (11:00 am for session 1, 2:00 pm for session 2) Hat making Noise makers New Year’s resolutions Photo booth Admission: General Admission: $10 per person DCM Members: Free…
Join us for Zoo Lights at the Lake Superior Zoo, our annual after-hours event filled with holiday cheer. Stroll through light displays and see the giant animal inflatables that make this event special. Enjoy free s’mores, take part in a craft activity, and warm up with hot chocolate and treats from the Safari Café. Santa will be here every night to hear holiday wishes, and live music will be featured on select evenings. Be sure to visit the Tiger’s Paw Gift Shop for light-up items to remember your night at the zoo. This year, we’re adding something new to Zoo Lights — guests 21 and older can enjoy cocktails, beer, wine, or seltzers on the Tiger Deck or as they stroll through the beautifully lit pathways, now that the zoo is officially licensed to serve alcohol.
Join us for Zoo Lights at the Lake Superior Zoo, our annual after-hours event filled with holiday cheer. Stroll through light displays and see the giant animal inflatables that make this event special. Enjoy free s’mores, take part in a craft activity, and warm up with hot chocolate and treats from the Safari Café. Santa will be here every night to hear holiday wishes, and live music will be featured on select evenings. Be sure to visit the Tiger’s Paw Gift Shop for light-up items to remember your night at the zoo. This year, we’re adding something new to Zoo Lights — guests 21 and older can enjoy cocktails, beer, wine, or seltzers on the Tiger Deck or as they stroll through the beautifully lit pathways, now that the zoo is officially licensed to serve alcohol.