How to Celebrate Christmas in Duluth
Home to Bentleyville's sprawling light displays, the Christmas City Express, festive mansion tours and holiday markets, Duluth offers plenty of ways to celebrate the season. Here is how to plan the perfect Christmas getaway along Lake Superior, from complimentary cocoa beneath the lights to shopping for locally made gifts.
Bentleyville Tour of Lights
Nov. 21–Dec. 26, 2026
Each winter, the Bentleyville Tour of Lights transforms Bayfront Festival Park into an illuminated winter wonderland with Christmas music and more than 5 million lights. According to organizers, it’s the largest free walk-through holiday lighting display in the country.
As you stroll through the sprawling display, sip complimentary coffee and hot cocoa, munch on popcorn and holiday cookies, or roast marshmallows over a campfire. Santa and Mrs. Claus welcome visitors nightly from Nov. 21 through Dec. 23, from 5–9 p.m. Children 12 and under who visit Santa receive a Bentleyville knit hat and a bag of cookies. The Santa line closes in time for him to leave at 9 p.m., so plan that stop early in your visit.
Bentleyville is open from 5–9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5–10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Admission and treats are free, but on-site parking costs $12 per vehicle, or $10 when paying with cash. Monetary donations are appreciated, and guests are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy or nonperishable food items for the Salvation Army.
Bundle up for the outdoor walk along Lake Superior, where wind can add an extra chill. Check Bentleyville’s visitor information for parking, accessibility and its Crowd-O-Meter before heading out.
Christmas City of the North Parade
Nov. 20, 2026
Duluth kicks off the season with the Christmas City of the North Parade, a nighttime procession through downtown on the Friday before Thanksgiving. This longstanding holiday tradition brings marching bands, colorful floats, dance groups and Santa to Superior Street.
The festivities continue throughout the season, with the warm glow of decked-out historic mansions and a bustle of holiday events, from performances and ballet to fairs featuring locally made gifts.
Christmas City Express
Select dates, Nov. 27–Dec. 20, 2026
A vintage train wrapped in holiday lights brightens an inky night along Lake Superior as families eagerly climb aboard the North Shore Scenic Railroad’s Christmas City Express.
The experience begins at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum inside Duluth’s historic Depot. Families gather for a reading of “The Christmas City Express,” enjoy carolers and welcome a visit from Santa before boarding the train.
Then it’s time for a cheerful 30-minute ride along Lake Superior’s shore, complete with holiday music, hot chocolate and cookies. Allow about 90 minutes for the full experience and reserve tickets in advance.
Planning to visit Bentleyville, too? The Christmas City Express passes the light display but does not stop there, and the railroad’s separate Bentleyville shuttle train is not operating in 2026.
Christmas at Glensheen
Daytime Christmas tours begin Nov. 13, 2026
Candlelight tours begin Nov. 27
Glensheen Mansion dresses the former Congdon home in elaborate Christmas trees, sparkling lights and other glittering decor that add to its rich and historic surroundings. Explore during a self-guided daytime Christmas tour or see the mansion glow during an evening Candlelight Tour.
Choose a Classic Tour of the first and second floors and lower level, or a Full Mansion Tour covering all five floors. Families can also search for 25 hidden elves scattered throughout the mansion and collect a prize at the Museum Shop. Book ahead, especially for Candlelight Tours.
The Glensheen estate was completed in 1908. The Congdon family’s rich history and wealth date back to the influential iron mining industry in the north, reflected in the craftsmanship and architectural details throughout the home.
Holiday Shopping in Duluth
The Fitger’s shopping complex brings together unique shops, restaurants and overnight stays with views of Lake Superior. Browse for gifts, enjoy a meal or make the historic lakefront property your home base for a holiday weekend. Check Fitger’s event calendar for seasonal activities.
Other popular spots for unique, regionally made products include Canal Park and downtown Duluth, along Superior Street.
Duluth Winter Village
Dec. 5–6, 2026, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. both days
The popular Duluth Winter Village brings festive wooden shopping cabins to Harbor Drive outside the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, with more activities indoors. Browse locally made gifts, warm up with hot food and drinks, and enjoy carolers, bonfires and views of Lake Superior and the Aerial Lift Bridge. Admission is free; parking at the DECC costs $10.
Find more things to do in Duluth and check out 10 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays.
