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🗓️ Minneapolis · December 2026

Things to do in Minneapolis in December 2026

A few of the month's best holiday lights, markets, parades and nights out. Dates marked "expected" follow the event's usual pattern and haven't been confirmed yet.

6dates in December
2free picks here
THRU
27
DEC

A Christmas Carol at the Guthrie

Wed, Nov 11 – Sun, Dec 27 · Most days; matinees and evenings · Guthrie Theater · Downtown East

The Guthrie's holiday staging of Dickens, a Minneapolis tradition for decades, on its big thrust stage. Weekend performances near Christmas sell first.

🎡 Family & seasonal
THRU
27
DEC

Dayton's Holiday Market

Fri, Nov 13 – Sun, Dec 27 · The Dayton's Project · Downtown

Local makers fill the old Dayton's department store on Nicollet Mall for six weeks of holiday shopping, with nods to the store's holiday displays. Free to browse.

🧺 MarketFree
THRU
20
DEC

Minneapolis Christkindl Market

Fri, Nov 20 – Sun, Dec 20 · Fri 4–9 p.m., Sat 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.–7 p.m.; weekends only · North Loop Green · North Loop

A German-style Christmas market on North Loop Green across from Target Field: wooden vendor huts, glühwein, bratwurst and handmade gifts over five weekends. Free to walk in.

🧺 MarketFree
DEC
4
FRI

Julmarknad at the American Swedish Institute

Fri, Dec 4 – Sun, Dec 6 · Preview party Fri 5:30–8 p.m.; market Sat–Sun 10 a.m.–4 p.m. · American Swedish Institute · Phillips West

The American Swedish Institute's holiday handcraft market fills the Turnblad Mansion and grounds with Nordic makers, food and music. Timed tickets; Friday's preview party is separate.

🧺 Market
DEC
12
SAT

Loyce Houlton's Nutcracker Fantasy

Sat, Dec 12 – Sun, Dec 20 · Sat Dec 12 & 19 at 2 and 7 p.m.; Sun Dec 13 & 20 at 3 p.m. · State Theatre · Downtown

Minnesota Dance Theatre's long-running Nutcracker, danced to a live orchestra in the State Theatre on two December weekends. Matinees suit younger kids.

🎡 Family & seasonal
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FAQ

Minneapolis in December

What is there to do in Minneapolis in December?
Highlights include How the Grinch Stole Christmas! at Children's Theatre (Dec 1), A Christmas Carol at the Guthrie (Dec 1), Dayton's Holiday Market (Dec 1), Minneapolis Christkindl Market (Dec 1) and Julmarknad at the American Swedish Institute (Dec 4).
What free events are in Minneapolis in December?
Dayton's Holiday Market and Minneapolis Christkindl Market — all free.
Plan ahead

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