January 29, 2025
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Here are some free or low-cost activities to enjoy in the Twin Cities this weekend, November 30 to December 1, 2024:

1. Hmong New Year Celebration

  • Date & Time: Saturday, November 30, and Sunday, December 1; 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Location: Saint Paul RiverCentre, 175 W Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN 55102
  • Details: Immerse yourself in Hmong culture through traditional food, clothing, music, and dance at the 44th Annual Hmong New Year celebration.
  • More Information: Minnesota Parent

2. Holidayton Celebration

  • Date & Time: Saturday, November 30, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Location: 12260 Diamond Lake Road, Dayton, MN 55327
  • Details: Enjoy photos with Santa and the Grinch, a light parade, bonfires with hot cocoa, and hayrides at this community holiday tree lighting festival.
  • More Information: Family Fun Twin Cities

3. Gingerbread Wonderland at Norway House

  • Date & Time: Saturday, November 30, and Sunday, December 1; 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM
  • Location: Norway House, 913 East Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55404
  • Details: Tour intricate gingerbread creations and immerse yourself in the holiday spirit. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for children ages 6-17, and free for kids under 5.
  • More Information: Family Fun Twin Cities

4. Santa & Albert’s Holiday Play at Bachman’s

  • Date & Time: Saturday, November 30, and Sunday, December 1; showtimes throughout the day
  • Location: Bachman’s on Lyndale, 6010 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55419
  • Details: Enjoy a family-friendly holiday play, perfect for all ages. Santa’s reindeer will make an appearance on Saturday.
  • More Information: Family Fun Twin Cities

5. Como-Harriet Streetcar Line Holly Trolley

  • Date & Time: Saturday, November 30, and Sunday, December 1; 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM
  • Location: Como-Harriet Streetcar Line, 2330 W 42nd Street, Minneapolis, MN 55410
  • Details: Ride a historic trolley with Santa and toast marshmallows over a fire. Tickets are $5 per rider.
  • More Information: Family Fun Twin Cities

6. Holiday Night Trains at Twin City Model Railroad Museum

  • Date & Time: Saturday, November 30, 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
  • Location: Twin City Model Railroad Museum, 668 Transfer Rd Ste. 8, St Paul, MN 55114
  • Details: Marvel at model trains amid holiday decorations and lights. Admission is $15 per person.
  • More Information: Family Fun Twin Cities

7. European Christmas Market at Union Depot

  • Date & Time: Saturday, November 30, 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Sunday, December 1, 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Location: Union Depot, 214 4th Street East, Saint Paul, MN 55101
  • Details: Experience a traditional European Christmas market with handcrafted goods, festive foods, and holiday entertainment. Santa will be present on Saturday from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM.
  • More Information: Family Fun Twin Cities

8. Winter Lights at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

  • Date & Time: Saturday, November 30, and Sunday, December 1; 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Location: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska, MN 55318
  • Details: Stroll through dazzling light displays in the Arboretum’s gardens. Admission is $10 for members and children ages 15 and younger, $20 for non-members.
  • More Information: Family Fun Twin Cities

9. Free First Saturday at Walker Art Center

  • Date & Time: Saturday, November 30, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Location: Walker Art Center, 725 Vineland Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403
  • Details: Enjoy free gallery admission and family-friendly activities, including art-making and scavenger hunts.
  • More Information: Walker Art Center

10. Free Family Art Day with Rumriver Art Center

  • Date & Time: Saturday, November 30, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
  • Location: Rumriver Art Center, 2665 4th Ave #103, Anoka, MN 55303
  • Details: Families with children ages 4 and up can participate in free art classes. Advance registration is required due to limited space.
  • More Information: Rumriver Art Center

Please verify event details and availability before attending, as schedules may change. Enjoy your weekend exploring the Twin Cities!