Historic Holiday and Winter Events from the Minnesota Historical Society

ST. PAUL, Minn. (December 10, 2025) – Beat the cold (or join it), there’s plenty to do this winter at Minnesota Historical Society historic sites and museums! Join us January 10 as we provide greater access to history with our next free admission day. Check out the events at our historic sites across Greater Minnesota, and be sure to keep an eye on our calendar because new events are being added all the time.

Minnesota History Center, St. Paul

Rothchild Family Concert Series, December 12 & February 13

The Laurel School of Music is hosting free concerts featuring the music school's faculty. The first winter event highlights Osip Nikiforov and Daniel Orsen playing a beautiful, classic pairing piano and viola. The Paper Clips Trombone Quartet connects classical and contemporary sounds in their fun, engaging, and informative performances.

North Star Voices: Gentlemen of the Woods, December 13

Join Dr. Willa Hammitt Brown in reviewing old lumberjack songs, stories, and firsthand tales to understand what life looked like for these burly men of the woods.

“There is No Time Here”: Jun Fujita’s Legacy Through Visual Poetry, December 13

Dawn Wing debuts her visual poetry chapbook inspired by the legacy of Jun Fujita, a poet-photographer and environmental advocate. Dawn narrates the story of her inspiration behind the project and her traveling to important places in Jun Fujita’s life.

Needle Felted Food Fight, December 18

Drop into this workshop where you’re given the freedom to play with shape and color. Create plush snacks that turn into a mess-free food fight!

Pedacito de Tierra: World Premiere Concert, January 15

MNHS is proud to host the premiere of Pedacito de Tierra, a powerful new work that weaves oral histories from the Puerto Rican diaspora in Minnesota into a contemporary chamber music performance.

North Star Voices: The Malling of Minnesota, January 17

Join University of Minnesota Professor Thomas Fisher in his analysis of Minnesota’s malls, their history, and what the path forward looks like for the future of these spaces.

Being Black and Betty Crocker, February 14

Join culinary visionary Barbara Jo Davis for a free program featuring a screening of TPT’s Being Black and Betty Crocker, a moderated conversation, Q&A session, and reception with light refreshments.

Historic Fort Snelling, St. Paul

Coffee Chat: Series, Through Winter

Enjoy intimate lectures about a variety of military history lessons ranging from POW Camps in Minnesota during World War II, to the Military Intelligence Service Language School, to the 25th Infantry assigned to Fort Snelling.

Snowshoe Tours, Through Winter

Tours follow the path of famous fur trader Martin McLeod. Snowshoe your way to beautiful views and trace back historic stories at Fort Snelling. Equipment available for guests.

Author Event: “Enmity and Empathy” with Ka F. Wong, February 21

Join author Ka F. Wong for a discussion of his book, Enmity and Empathy: Japanese Americans in Minnesota During World War II, exploring the eviction and confinement of Japanese Americans after Pearl Harbor in 1941 and the effect on Japanese Americans in Minnesota.

Mill City Museum, Minneapolis

Millers' Tour, December 14 & 27

Join this 60-minute, in-depth tour of the Washburn A Mill Complex. Gain special insights on who worked at the mill and how it ran.

Split Rock Lighthouse, Two Harbors

Christmas at the Lighthouse, Through December 28

Explore the restored keeper’s house while learning about how families lived at the station during the winter and holiday season in the 1930s.

Santa at the Lighthouse, December 13 & 14

Santa is coming to the Split Rock Lighthouse for a family photo opp! To spread joy this holiday, support the Silver Bay Veterans Home by donating upon entry.

Keeper's Tour, January 1–4

Step into the life of a lighthousekeeper with a private 60-minute guided tour of the historic lighthouse, keeper’s house, and grounds. Hear the real stories of the keepers and their families as you explore the site just as they did.

Forest History Center, Grand Rapids

Holiday Season Sleigh Rides, Through December 30

Experience a winter wonderland from a horse drawn sleigh. Join loved ones, family members, or make new friends on this magical ride though a snow-coated forest. A wheeled trolley may be used in the absence of snow.

Christmas in the Logging Camp, December 13

‘Tis the season for hot chocolate, bonfires, and Christmas carols at the Forest History Center! Come celebrate the season, and even meet Santa in the northland.

Winter Lecture Series, Throughout Winter

Explore a variety of topics relating to the history of Minnesota's north woods. Guest lecturers share expert perspectives on nature, conservation, environmental history, and more.

Saturday Snowshoeing, Throughout Winter

Escape into a snowshoe hike through Minnesota’s beautiful forest. Snowshoes are available with admission to the site.

Oliver Kelley Farm, Elk River

Farmers' Christmas Celebration, December 6 & 13

Travel back in time to experience how families living on a farm would celebrate Christmas. Visitors can learn about traditions, decorations, and even have a chance to write a letter to Santa and visit with the big man himself. Santa will be at the farm from 1-4 pm on December 6 and 10 am-1 pm on December 13.

Introduction to Beekeeping 101, January 17

Enjoy this beginner friendly class on how to care for and maintain a hive of the busiest pollinators. Beekeeping 101 is a great place to start if you’re curious about the process and want a taste of this complex craft.

W. Mayo House, Le Sueur

Candlelight Christmas Tours, December 12 & 13

This intimate private tour of the historic W. W. Mayo House radiates the warm feeling and coziness of the holiday season. Explore the home by the light of a candle and experience how its inhabitants would have celebrated the holidays.

Funding for free admission is provided by the State of Minnesota's Legacy Amendment, through the vote of Minnesotans on Nov. 4, 2008, and our generous donors and members.

About the Minnesota Historical Society

The Minnesota Historical Society is a non-profit educational and cultural institution established in 1849. MNHS collects, preserves and tells the story of Minnesota’s past through museum exhibits, libraries and collections, historic sites, educational programs, and book publishing. Using the power of history to transform lives, MNHS preserves our past, shares our state’s stories, and connects people with history.

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