7 Ways To Experience A Magical Duluth Christmas

As the snowflakes begin to fall and the temperature drops, the city of Duluth transforms into a winter wonderland, offering a plethora of activities and attractions that will make your Christmas season truly magical. Whether you're a local or just visiting, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this charming Minnesota town. From festive lights and decorations to fun-filled events and activities, here are 7 ways to experience a magical Duluth Christmas.

1. Bentleyville Tour of Lights

The Bentleyville Tour of Lights is a must-visit attraction during the holiday season in Duluth. This annual event features a dazzling display of over 5 million lights, animations, and festive decorations that will leave you in awe. Take a stroll through the beautifully lit park, enjoy some hot cocoa, and get into the holiday spirit. The event is free and open to the public, making it an excellent activity for families and friends.

What to Expect

• Over 5 million lights and animations
• Festive decorations and displays
• Free admission
• Hot cocoa and treats available for purchase
• Open from late November to late December

2. Glensheen Historic Estate Holiday Tours

Experience the magic of Christmas past at the Glensheen Historic Estate, a stunning 27-room mansion that dates back to the early 1900s. During the holiday season, the estate is transformed into a winter wonderland, featuring beautifully decorated rooms, festive lights, and period-specific decorations. Take a guided tour of the estate and get a glimpse into the lives of the wealthy families who once called Glensheen home.

What to Expect

• Guided tours of the 27-room mansion
• Beautifully decorated rooms and festive lights
• Period-specific decorations and artifacts
• Insight into the lives of the wealthy families who once lived at Glensheen
• Open from late November to late December

3. Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center

The Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center is a great place to learn about the maritime history of Duluth and the surrounding region. During the holiday season, the center is decorated with festive lights and decorations, making it a great destination for families and history buffs. Take a tour of the center, explore the exhibits, and learn about the important role that the maritime industry played in the development of Duluth.

What to Expect

• Festive lights and decorations
• Exhibits on the maritime history of Duluth and the surrounding region
• Guided tours available
• Open year-round, with extended hours during the holiday season

4. Duluth Winter Village

The Duluth Winter Village is a magical holiday destination that features a variety of activities and attractions for all ages. Take a stroll through the beautifully lit village, visit with Santa, and enjoy some hot cocoa and treats. The village also features a variety of local vendors selling handmade crafts and gifts, making it a great place to find unique holiday presents.

What to Expect

• Beautifully lit village with festive decorations
• Visit with Santa
• Hot cocoa and treats available
• Local vendors selling handmade crafts and gifts
• Open from late November to late December

5. Polar Express Train Ride

All aboard for the Polar Express Train Ride, a magical holiday experience that's fun for the whole family. Take a scenic ride through the beautiful Minnesota countryside, enjoy some hot cocoa and treats, and get into the holiday spirit. The train ride features festive decorations, music, and even a visit from Santa himself.

What to Expect

• Scenic train ride through the Minnesota countryside
• Festive decorations and music
• Visit from Santa
• Hot cocoa and treats available
• Open from late November to late December

6. Duluth Christmas Market

The Duluth Christmas Market is a holiday shopping destination that features a variety of local vendors selling handmade crafts, gifts, and treats. Take a stroll through the market, browse the vendors, and find some unique holiday gifts for your loved ones. The market also features festive decorations, music, and even a visit from Santa.

What to Expect

• Local vendors selling handmade crafts, gifts, and treats
• Festive decorations and music
• Visit from Santa
• Open from late November to late December

7. Lake Superior Zoo's ZooLights

The Lake Superior Zoo's ZooLights is a magical holiday destination that features a variety of festive lights and decorations throughout the zoo. Take a stroll through the beautifully lit zoo, visit with the animals, and enjoy some hot cocoa and treats. The zoo also features a variety of holiday activities and events, making it a great destination for families.

What to Expect

• Festive lights and decorations throughout the zoo
• Visit with the animals
• Hot cocoa and treats available
• Holiday activities and events
• Open from late November to late December

As you can see, Duluth is a magical holiday destination that offers a variety of activities and attractions for all ages. From festive lights and decorations to fun-filled events and activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this charming Minnesota town. So why not make Duluth your holiday destination this year and experience the magic for yourself?