Beginning in November, the North Shore and Gunflint Trail start to turn into a hub of holiday excitement, activities and events. Embrace the season and the holidays and harvest your own Christmas tree from the forest, have hot beverages by the fire, go alpine skiing, shop for gifts at our small and family-owned businesses, and, if the weather cooperates, go for your first ski or snowboard of the 24/25 season! Of course, your holiday season trip wouldn’t be complete without attending one of these events.

 

Jeweler of the North Shore Holiday Pop-Up, Nov. 10

The beloved Jeweler of the North Shore jewelry that once was located in downtown Lutsen, MN - is back for a pop-up at North Shore Winery! North Shore Winery will be offering a glass of wine with every purchase, and appetizers will be provided.  

 

Winterers' Gathering & Arctic Film Festival, Nov. 22 - 24

Celebrate the crafts, customs, and stories that have been inspired by winter at North House Folk School's annual Winterers’ Gathering & Arctic Film Festival, Friday, November 22 - Sunday, November 24, 2024. Featuring winter-centric coursework, a winter tent camp, gear sale, film festival, speakers, and more, this is a classic event to welcome the start of the chilliest season.

 

Lutsen Mountains Opening Weekend, Nov. 23 & 24

Lutsen Mountains opening weekend for the 2024/2025 ski season! Lutsen Mountains offers the Midwest’s only true mountain ski area experience. Four interconnected peaks overlooking Lake Superior bring big mountain skiing with Up North authenticity. Whether you’re looking for a family ski holiday, a romantic retreat, or a weekend ski or snowboard getaway with friends, you’ll discover a real mountain vacation at Lutsen.

 

Up on the Yonder Holiday Market, Nov. 23

Drink, shop and eat at this local artist and small business holiday market, happening from noon until 5 p.m. at Up Yonder on 61. There will be booths occupied by local makers next to your favorite small businesses, as well as food and drinks available. The first 50 customers will receive a free pint glass with your drink purchase!

 

North Shore Winery Christmas Market, Nov. 29

This annual market is returning to North Shore Winery in Lutsen. From 12:30-5 p.m., you’ll find holiday decorations, art, wreaths, garlands, maple syrup, wine gift baskets, warm winter beverages and more.

 

Oh Ole Night

Oh Ole Night - Parade, Tree Lighting & Fireworks, Nov. 29

It’s a festive Scandinavian time of year in downtown Grand Marais. Enjoy holiday music and watch the community holiday parade – or participate and walk in it! Line-up begins at The Hub/Senior Center parking lot ay 5 p.m., with a 5:30 p.m. parade start. The parade makes two loops through downtown and is followed by the lighting of the holiday tree in harbor park with fireworks over the harbor. Tune into WTIP at 6 p.m. for Oh Ole Night: The Radio Special.

 

Shop Local in Grand Marais, Nov. 29 - Dec. 1

Shop small and local in Grand Marais during Thanksgiving weekend, with shops and retailers offering limited sales and deals around town.

 

Hovland Winter Art Show, Nov. 30

Make a trip to Hovland for this annual art show that will feature local artists. You’ll be sure to find great gifts for your loved ones at this event, located at the Hovland Town Hall from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

 

Holiday Harbor Village, Dec. 6-7

This event will keep the excitement going after Oh Ole Night and turn Grand Marais into the Holiday Harbor Village. Experience unique holiday shopping at local businesses, sales and markets, while enjoying events and activities such as sauna experiences by the harbor, photos with Yeti Santa, lake view s’mores, frozen fish toss and so much more.

 

Winter Market @ Holiday Harbor Village, Dec. 7

Join us at the Hub in downtown Grand Marais from 10 am - 5 pm for a Holiday Market featuring over 15 local artisans. Shop Local! Support local artisans!

 

Northwoods Fiber Guild Open House & Holiday Market, Dec. 7

The Northwoods Fiber Guild will host their annual Open House & Holiday at Grand Marais Art Colony’s Studio 21 in downtown Grand Marais from 9 am - 2 pm. The sale is a well known tradition on the North Shore, featuring high quality one-of-a kind fiber art and crafts made by guild members, tasty holiday treats, take-home craft kits for kids and adults, plus fiber demos, music, and plenty of holiday spirit!

 

Pots for Presents Holday Sale, Dec. 7

The 4th annual Pots for Presents Holiday Sale will be held from 10 am - 3 pm at the Grand Marais Art Colony Founders Hall, featuring local potters Adrea Beres, Kari Carter, Joan Farnam, and Natalie Sobanja, along with special guest Crooked Spoon.  

 

Borealis Chorale & Orchestra Christmas Concerts, Dec. 13 & 14

Please join us for the Annual Borealis Chorale & Orchestra Christmas Concerts at 7 pm at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Admission is free to the public. A suggested donation of $10 to $20 per person is greatly appreciated and will contribute to the ongoing ability of the BCO to perform for the community.

 

December Film Screening of the Grand Marais Film Society, Dec. 14

Join the Grand Marais Film Society at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts in Grand Marais, Saturday, December 14th @ 4pm for a classic Christmas tale that promises to be inspirational, celebrational, and most of all muppetational!  The film is 85 minutes and is rated G. This screening is sponsored by Johnson’s Foods - Thank you!

 

North Shore Swing Band Christmas Show, Dec. 19

The fabulous North Shore Swing Band features a 15-20 piece big band with amazing players and vocalists. Catch their annual Christmas Show from 7-9 p.m. at Up Yonder on 61 in Grand Marais. Come to listen and/or dance! No cover charge.

 

No matter what events you choose to attend, you can pair them with the perfect place to stay during your getaway. Share your holiday experiences with us on our social media using the hashtag #donorthmn 

Holiday & Seasonal Events

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