December is a festive time on Lake Superior’s North Shore. Towns decorate their main streets in lights, Christmas trees go up in town centers, and special events run from Thanksgiving to New Years to help you get into the spirit of the holidays. This year, there are two North Shore Holiday villages you cannot miss! The Duluth Winter Village and the Holiday Harbor Village in Grand Marais.
Duluth Winter Village
For one weekend only, from December 7-8, the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center (DECC) hosts an outdoor holiday wonderland! There will be hot beverages and local craft beverages plus, of course, plenty of piping hot beverages to keep you cozy warm. This includes hot cocoa, hot cider, and coffee. Enjoy custom holiday menus from New Scenic Cafe, DECC Catering, Hungry Hippie Tacos, and many more uniquely Duluth eateries. After your meal grab some dessert or after-dinner treats from Yes Cheese, Love Creamery, TBSP Waffles, Duluth’s Best Bread, and The Minnesota Marshmallow. Top it off with craft beers and ciders from local craft breweries and holiday themed cocktails from Vikre Distillery.
Enjoy interacting with live animals, gather around and warm up at the fire pits, and enjoy live music by the Duluth East Choralaires (Saturday only). There will also be indoor open skating with a DJ.
Once you’ve enjoyed a meal and taken in the entertainment, head on over to the North and Shore Market for all of your holiday shopping needs. The market is filled with so many popular North Shore crafters and businesses you are sure to check many names off your list. Check out the Duluth Winter Village website for a full list of market vendors.
After your time at the Duluth Winter Village, head on over to nearby Bentleyville Tour of Lights or Duluth’s Canal Park to finish off your Duluth Holiday evening. The Winter Village is walking distance to both.
And that is just one of two North Shore Holiday villages you cannot miss! Head on up to Grand Marais for the second!
Holiday Harbor Village
On December 6-7, Grand Marais will transform into the annual Holiday Harbor Village! This even started in 2023 and became an instant success. Events and activities abound at this new North Shore holiday attraction.
On Friday, kids can enjoy writing letters to Santa at the Lake Superior Trading Post. Sis & Loyly Sauna will have sauna experiences in both Grand Marais and Lutsen at the North Shore Winery. Enjoy shopping and strolling through downtown Grand Marais with many local favorites participating. Enjoy a Lütsauna Build Demo in Harbor Park. In the evening, head up to Up Yonder for the Snowshoe Ball and live music.
On Saturday, kick off the morning with the photos with the Yeti at Joynes Ben Franklin. Enjoy some goat yoga and goat cuddles in downtown Grand Marais. Create some homemade presents with the Art Colony at the Founders Hall. There’s also a sled dog meet and greet, rock skipping contest, frozen fish toss, and sunset Smores happening around downtown Grand Marias. Not to mention even more shopping and strolling to find your perfect holiday gift!
This event is brought to you by Visit Cook County. Check out their website for more information and a full list of events, times, and locations.
So, Come on up to the North Shore…
…and get into the holiday spirit with these two North Shore holiday villages you cannot miss!