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.
Holiday Dining in Cook County
'Tis the season for amazing and memorable holiday dining around Cook County! Want to know who's serving holiday meals and when? We've got you covered! Just follow the link above.
Up on the Yonder Holiday Market, Nov. 22
Up on the Yonder Holiday Market is BACK for the 2025 holiday season, Saturday, November 22nd from 11 am - 5 pm! This year's holiday market, in addition to the amazing shopping experience with 15+ local and regional vendors, we are again offering free pint glasses to the first 50 guests who purchase a beverage.
Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner, Nov. 27
The 51st annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner, free and open to all, takes place Thursday, November 27, 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. 28 - 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 Thurs - Sat 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. 28
The North Shore Artists League will host their annual Holiday Art Sale at the Waves Cafe at Surfside on Lake Superior in Tofte, Friday, November 28 from 10 am - 3 pm . Browse the work of North Shore artists and find that perfect gift.
Oh Ole Night - Parade, Tree Lighting & Fireworks, Nov. 28
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. 28 - Nov. 30
Small Business Saturday is November 29th! Support your local community! Shop small and local in Grand Marais during Thanksgiving weekend, with shops and retailers offering sales and deals around town.
Hovland Arts Festival Winter Art Show, Nov. 29
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.
Northwoods Fiber Guild Open House & Holiday Market, Dec. 6
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 Holiday Sale, Dec. 6
The annual Pots for Presents Holiday Sale will be held at the Grand Marais Art Colony Studio 21 in downtown Grand Marais from 9 am - 2 pm.
Studio 21 Holiday Market, Dec. 6
Join us at Grand Marais Art Colony Studio 21 during the Grand Marais Holiday Market for the annual North Woods Fiber Guild holiday sale, Pots for Presents with local ceramic artists, the Art Colony Gallery Store, music and much more!
Grand Portage Christmas Craft Fair, Dec. 6
Join us at the Grand Portage Lodge & Casino Event Center from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. for our annual Christmas Craft Fair, featuring handmade crafts, Christmas gifts & decorations, vintage items, local jewelry, & much more!
Holiday Art & Craft Sale at The Hub, Dec. 13
Join us from 10 am - 4 pm for our annual Holiday Art & Craft Sale at the Hub in downtown Grand Marais, featuring local artists and artisans.
Borealis Chorale & Orchestra Annual Winter Concerts, Dec. 12 & 13
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. 19
The Grand Marais Film Society hosts monthly film screenings through the winter at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts in Grand Marais. For more details, including the name of the films and to purchase tickets visit - https://gmfilmsociety.simpletix.com/
North Shore Swing Band Christmas Show, Dec. 18
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 18 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Up Yonder on 61 in "uptown" Grand Marais. You can catch this great band live at Up Yonder in Grand Marais every third Thursday of the month. 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
Holiday & Seasonal Events
Scroll to see all upcoming holiday and seasonal events in Cook County, MN
