Christmas in Excelsior!

Get ready to step into a real-life classic Christmas movie! The inaugural Christmas in Excelsior is happening on Friday, November 28th, and Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 10 a.m.– 6 p.m. in downtown Excelsior, Minnesota.

The event is being presented by the Excelsior Lions Club, turning downtown Excelsior into a beloved Christmas Village filled with plenty to delight families, friends, and holiday lovers of all ages.

Featuring:

• A holiday market featuring local artisans, crafts, unique gifts, and festive finds.
• A visit (and photo opportunity) with Santa Claus himself!
• Roaming carolers and live music to set the scene. 
• Real, live reindeer, llamas, and huskies to meet! 
• Delicious seasonal food from vendors and dining spots along Water Street. 

And the best part of all…The event is FREE to attend, which makes it accessible and fun for everyone.

Being the first annual edition, Christmas in Excelsior is setting the tone for a new town tradition. Excelsior brings a picturesque setting with lakeside charm and family-friendly streets. From young kids meeting reindeer for the first time to adults browsing the Holiday Market, the event is layered so that everyone in the family can find something to enjoy!

Tips and tricks from the locals!

• Parking & transportation: Downtown Excelsior will likely be busy, which is great! Consider car‐pooling or arriving to local parking lots early. Check out this link for a parking map: Locations | Excelsior Parking.
• Dress warm: Late November in Minnesota can get chilly, so with the event being outside, make sure you dress to the occasion!
• Support the local shops: With one of the days being Small Business Saturday, use this event as a gateway to support the local boutiques and restaurants nearby! Great for holiday gifting and finding unique items. (P.S., they are helping to make this event free for all of you to enjoy! View the full list of sponsors here.)
• Don’t forget to snap a photo! With this being the first ever Christmas in Excelsior, they need all the photos and candid moments they can get! Snap a photo of a reindeer, a horse-drawn carriage, Santa, festive lights, or the decked-out Christmas town.

Grab your mittens, invite friends or family, and plan for November 28–29, 2025, on Water Street in Excelsior. It’s a perfect kickoff to your holiday!

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS