Holiday Events in Cook County, MN

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.

50th Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner, Nov. 28

The 50th annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner, free and open to all, takes place Thursday, November 28, beginning at 1 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall at First Congregational Church in Grand Marais. The doors open at 12 noon. The meal is free, but donations gratefully accepted.

Betsy Bowen Studio & Gallery Holiday Art Underground, Nov. 29 - Dec. 30

Betsy Bowen makes woodblock prints from her studio in an historic former Lutheran church in Grand Marais. Her art shows us a glimpse of life in the north woods. Open 11-5 daily May through mid-October, Fridays and Saturdays through the winter, and by chance or appointment.

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.

North Shore Artists League Holiday Art Sale, Nov. 29

The North Shore Artists League will host their annual Holiday Art Sale at the Waves Cafe at Surfside on Lake Superior in Tofte. Browse the work of North Shore artists and find that perfect gift.

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 Arts Festival 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 17+ 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 the Grand Marais Art Colony 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 is a 15 - 20 piece big band featuring amazing local players and vocalists. Don't miss their annual Christmas Show Thursday,  December 19 from 7-9 p.m. at Up Yonder on 61 in Grand Marais. You can catch this great band live at Up Yonder in Grand Marais every third Thursday of the month. It's Third Thursday Jazz with The North Shore Swing Band baby!  Free.

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