This year, why not spend your Christmas traveling? Duluth makes the perfect holiday destination.

Duluth is a port city on Lake Superior. Exciting attractions include the Great Lakes Aquarium and the Lake Superior Railroad Museum. You can also hike the waterfront Lakewalk Trail which passes through Canal Park and offers views of the 1905 Aerial Lift Bridge.

Duluth is a great city to visit any time of year, but it really lights up for the holiday season. Here are some things you can enjoy when you’re in town.

Christmas City of North Parade

The Christmas City of North Parade is a Northern Minnesota tradition. It kicks off the holiday season. Santa will be making his first appearance. The parade also features nearly 70 groups, 20 bands, 12 dancing groups, pageantry, and a variety of lighted floats. It begins at Fitger’s 600 E Superior St. and travels along Superior St. ending at 5th Ave. West.

The Christmas City Express Train

The Christmas City Express runs from late November to mid-December. It takes off from the Lake Superior Railroad Museum and runs to Lake Superior. The 30-minute trip includes a reading of the new Christmas City Express Story, carolers, and a visit from Santa. Guests are served hot chocolate and cookies. Admission to the museum is included.

Bentleyville Tour of Lights

The Bentleyville Tour of Lights is a free walk-through event. Santa will be on hand. Guests can also roast marshmallows at the firepits and enjoy hot cocoa and popcorn. Children 10 and under will receive a free knit hat and a package of cookies after visiting Santa.

The lighted tunnels and pathways lead visitors past themed displays including one of Duluth’s famed Split Rock Lighthouse. Other themes include the Aerial Lift Bridge, a Nativity scene, the Island of Misfit Toys, and over 4 million lights in all.

Christmas at Glensheen

Glensheen is an early 1900’s 39 room mansion that offers insight into what 20th-century life was like for one of Minnesota’s wealthiest families. It includes over 12 acres of formal gardens and a boathouse with a pier to Lake Superior.

During the holiday season, the mansion lights up with 25 Christmas trees and other décor. Guided tours are available.

Holiday Shopping

If you are still working on your holiday shopping, Duluth is the city for getting those names crossed off your list. You can go to Fitger’s shopping complex which is housed in a former brewery. In addition to offering great shopping, they also have Santa and live reindeer coming in for visits on weekends during the holiday season.

You can also visit the Duluth Winter Village, an outdoor shopping event that’s held at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. Other hot shopping spots include Canal Park and Superior St. in downtown Duluth.

Duluth’s Farmer’s Market

The Farmer’s Market is always a terrific place to visit. During the Christmas season, it will be offering a variety of seasonal goods including trees and wreaths that are fresh cut and locally grown.

Ice Skating at Bayfront Festival Park

Bayfront Festival Park is located on the shores of Lake Superior. It offers terrific outdoor ice skating during the winter season. The area is decorated with holiday lights that add a festive glow.

Skiing at Spirit Mountain

Spirit Mountain is Duluth’s winter sports destination. It offers skiing, snow tubing, and more. The slopes are suitable for all levels. Lessons, Nordic trails, and cross-country experiences are available.

Duluth’s Children’s Museum

The Duluth’s Children’s Museum is a great place to learn and explore. It offers hands-on, interactive exhibits. Favorites include the children’s theater which provides costumes, props and a soundtrack, a mock-up iron ore boat, and various STEM stations.

Great Lakes Aquarium

The Great Lakes Aquarium is a terrific destination for learning about aquatic life. You can enjoy a two-story tank of alien Great Lakes fish or get hands-on with a dive cam. There’s are also otters playing in a recreation of their natural habitat, an aviary, and a forest treehouse.

During the holiday season, the aquarium hosts a Santa dive. Watch Santa as he submerges into the murky waters and interacts with the sea life.

Fairlawn Mansion’s Twinkling Holiday Events

Fairlawn Mansion is a historic mansion located in nearby Superior, WI. It served as a private residence from 1890 to 1920. It features vintage décor and lush gardens.

During the holiday season, guests can come by for guided tours that include unlimited cookies and hot chocolate. They can also enjoy the decorations and interact with costumed interpreters.

Adventure Zone

Adventure Zone provides exciting indoor entertainment on a cold winter’s day. It offers a mini-golf course, batting cages, and a climbing wall. There’s also plenty of snacks available at the café.

Lake Superior Maritime Museum

The Maritime Museum is in Canal Park close to the lake. It offers interactive exhibits on waterways, locks, and dams. There’s also a big ship wheel that young children will enjoy spinning.

Edgewater Resort

Edgewater Resort is a terrific place to stay if you have young kids. Your stay will include unlimited access to the resort’s indoor water park. It includes a variety of slides, a lazy river, a lily pad walk, shallow splashy pools for little ones, and more.

If you are planning on getting out of town for the holiday season, Duluth is the place to go. It offers the perfect amount of cheer and a wide range of activities to enjoy. Which will you be getting to first when you get to town?

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