7 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays with Kids in Shakopee

Activities Attractions Best of Shakopee Dining Events Festivals Outdoors

This holiday season, Shakopee has festive activities for the whole family! Whether you want to meet Santa, see lights, or catch a show, here’s how to celebrate the holidays with kids in Shakopee.

  1. Admire a holiday lights display 

Watch festive lights dance in time to holiday tunes at Sever’s Holiday Lights. The half-mile, drive-through display features over 2.5 million lights, and you can park in the observation lot at the end of the route to enjoy the full program. You can also purchase seasonal treats from food and drink vendors. Sever’s Holiday Lights is open daily through December 25 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Tickets must be purchased online before your visit for a designated time slot.

  1. Kick off the Christmas season in Downtown Shakopee

Get in the holiday spirit at Holiday Fest in historic Downtown Shakopee. The family-friendly event on Saturday, December 7 runs from 2:00 p.m. from 5:00 p.m., with a tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. and fireworks at 6:00 p.m. Activities include photos with Santa at Pullman Club, cookie decorating at Bittner’s Bakery, ornament decorating at O’Brien’s Public House, a winter vendor market, and a walk-through parade.

  1. Have breakfast with Santa 

Meet Santa and enjoy a festive breakfast at Mallards on Saturday, December 14. Breakfast with Santa will be served from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and reservations are recommended. 

  1. Splash around and meet Santa

Combine a morning of swimming with holiday cheer at the Shakopee Parks and Recreation’s Santa Pool Party on Saturday, December 14 from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Expect fun activities, a photo op with Santa, and a chance to submit a letter to Santa (remember to include a self-addressed stamped envelope for a reply).

  1. See a holiday show

Enjoy a festive family-friendly production at Burnsville’s Ames Center. The Twin Cities Ballet will be performing A Minnesota Nutcracker from December 13-15, with evening and matinee performances. The classic Christmas ballet gets a MInnesota twist with costumes and choreography portraying the state’s iconic characters and landscapes. Who Brought the Humbug runs from December 20-21, and the kid-friendly, high energy musical includes singing, tap dancing, beatboxing, and more.

  1. Explore the outdoors

Walk through a winter wonderland at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum’s Winter Lights. The one-mile route features over a million lights and 15 stops, including animal-themed lights displays, a walk-through illuminated apple, and warming house with s’mores. Winter Lights is offered on select evenings through January 5. A special family night on December 19 includes hot cocoa, cookies, and a craft project. Purchase tickets in advance online for a specific time slot.

  1. Watch a classic holiday movie 

Catch your favorite holiday films on the big screen at Southbridge Crossing Cinema. Marcus Theatres’ Season’s Screenings film series runs from December 6 through December 19, with family-friendly films including How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Elf, and The Polar Express. 

Find family-friendly holiday festivities in Shakopee this season! Shakopee is home to Valleyfair, Canterbury Park and the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. It’s also conveniently located to area attractions like Chanhassen Dinner Theatres and Mystic Lake.

Book your stay in Shakopee today!