The 2025 Winter and Holiday Season is upon us! For those planning to visit Lake Superior’s North Shore this December, there will be plenty of things for you to see and do while you are here that will help bring in some seasonal cheer. From a world renowned light display to holiday markets to unique events, December on the North Shore is filled with winter wonder.
2025 Holiday Events in Cook County
Studio 21 Holiday Market | December 6 | 9am-2pm
The Grand Marais Art Colony kicks off the 2025 holiday market season with their North Woods Fiber Guild holiday sale! Visit Studio 21 located right on Highway 61 in Grand Marais from 9am until 2pm on December 6 for a unique holiday market including artwork by local ceramicists, the Art Colony Gallery Store, music and much more!
Grand Portage Christmas Craft Show | December 6 | 10am-3pm
Also on December 6th the Grand Portage Lodge and Casino is hosting their Christmas Craft Show! Here you will find Handmade Crafts, Christmas Decoration, Vintage Items, Local Jewelry, & Much More! When you’re done shopping swing by the Island View Restaurant or the gaming rooms and extend your day in Grand Portage.
Dark Sky Festival | December 11-13 | Various Times
Cook County, home to the towns of Grand Marais, Lutsen, Schroeder, Tofte, Hovland, and Grand Portage, has one of the darkest skies in the entire world! Thanks to the absence of large cities and light pollution from our small northern county, visitors can enjoy clear views of the skies most nights. The Boundary Water’s Canoe Area Wilderness is one of only 15 certified Dark Sky Sanctuaries in the entire world! We celebrate this designation and area beauty with the Dark Sky Festival.
Borealis Chorale & Orchestra Presents “Angels” | December 12 & 13 | 7pm
The Borealis Chorale and Orchestra will present its annual winter concerts on Friday, December 12 and Saturday, December 13 at 7pm at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Grand Marais. This year’s program, themed “Angels,” features works by several acclaimed local composers. Admission is free to the public, with a suggested donation of $10–$20 to support the Chorale’s continued work in the community.
“What We See in the Stars” Author Meet | December 13 | 11am-1pm
Drury Lane Books, in partnership with Visit Cook County’s Dark Sky Festival, warmly welcomes Minnesota artist and author Kelsey Oseid! Kelsey’s beautifully illustrated children’s book “What We See in the Stars” is a great companion to the Dark Sky Festival. Come down anytime during this special two hour event to meet the author and have your book signed.
Holiday Art & Craft Sale at The Hub | December 13 | 10am-4pm
Another large holiday craft sale is being hosted at The Hub in downtown Grand Marais on December 13 from 10am-4pm. Swing on by for homemade crafts, locally made art, jewelry, and other handmade items. Get all of your holiday shopping done through local North Shore crafters!
North Shore Swing Band Christmas Show | December 18 | 6:30pm-8:30pm
Enjoy the fabulous North Shore Swing Band’s annual Christmas show, Thursday, December 18 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm at Up Yonder in Grand Marais! The North Shore Swing Band is a 15 – 20 piece big band featuring amazing local players and vocalists. You can catch this great band live at Up Yonder. Free!
The “Late” Christmas Sale! | Saturday December 20 | 1pm-4:30pm
Cornerstone Community Church Presents The “Late” Christmas Sale featuring Crafts, Gifts, Jewelry, Collectible Rocks, a Cookie Sale, and so much more! Plus, a chance to win 2 Gift Certificates to Cedar Grove Veterinary Clinic and a Gas Card from Marathon! FREE Treats and Beverages, and Christmas Candy. All Proceeds go to Arrowhead Animal Rescue and Fountain of Christ School in Haiti.
Apres Ski Holiday Jazz with Glen Helgeson | December 20 | 4pm – 6 pm
Get cozy as the North Shore Winery in Lutsen presents Apres Ski Holiday Jazz with Glen Helgeson, Saturday, Dec. 20, from 4 – 6 p.m. Glen will be making a setlist and playing it twice as your Apres Ski entertainment, playing seasonal music in his distinctive jazz guitar style.
2025 Holiday Highlights in Duluth
While most of our guests will visit us in the Cook County area, most visitors will need to pass through Duluth and the rest of the North Shore to reach us. Along the way, check out these Holiday Highlights in Duluth! We couldn’t possibly list all of the markets and events happening around Duluth, so be sure to check out Perfect Duluth Day for a calendar full of Holiday fun!
Bentleyville Tour of Lights | Through December 27 | Times Vary
A Duluth holiday must-visit! Head down to the Duluth Harbor for the world renowned Bentleyville Tour of Lights! Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, coffee, cookies, popcorn, and marshmallows to roast at one of the many fire pits. Children 12 and under who visit Santa will receive a Bentleyville knit hat and a bag of cookies. This season, they’re celebrating 22 years of lights!
Spirit of the Lights | December 1-31 | 5pm-9:30pm
Merryweather Inn on the First Street in Duluth is again hosting Marcia Hales’ holiday light display from December 1-31. Light gawkers are asked to stick to the path and be careful not to slip. Letters to Santa are accepted in the green mailbox. Include a return address and the elves might write back.
Duluth Winter Village | December 6-7 | 10am-4pm
Creepmas Parade | December 6 | 5pm-8:30pm
If traditional holiday events aren’t your thing, here’s another offbeat bit of holiday fun on the North Shore. The Creepmas Parade is an annual outdoor costume parade that takes place in early December in Duluth. The Creepmas Parade mission is to provide the community with an annual event where participants can learn about folklore, while admiring traditions and creating new memories. This year’s event will take place December 6 from 5-8:30pm and will start at the Dovetail Cafe on W Superior Street in Duluth.
