Readers browse exhibitor tables at the 2025 Twin Cities Book Festival at Union Depot. The free festival returns Nov. 7, 2026.
November brings concerts, theater, food festivals, holiday celebrations and free family outings across Minnesota—plus one stop just across the Wisconsin border. Whether you’re planning a weekend road trip or looking for something close to home, here are 30 things to do in November 2026.
Events are listed by date, with ongoing exhibitions first.
Cream of the Crop: The Second Harvest
Date: Throughout November, through Nov. 29
Location: Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis
See standout crop art from the 2026 Minnesota State Fair, including intricate designs made from seeds, grains and other plant materials. This exhibition is free.
Securian Financial Free First Sunday
Date: Nov. 1, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Location: Minnesota Children’s Museum, St. Paul
Explore the museum’s hands-on exhibits during its monthly free-admission day. Check the museum’s website for ticket availability and reservation details.
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
Date: Nov. 3–Jan. 3, 2027
Location: Children’s Theatre Company, UnitedHealth Group Stage, Minneapolis
The Grinch plots to steal Christmas from the Whos of Whoville in this holiday musical based on the Dr. Seuss story.
GnomeMade Market
Date: Nov. 6–8; hours vary by stop
Location: Multiple locations in New Ulm
Explore artisan market stops around New Ulm during its annual Shopping Opener weekend, with handmade gifts and local creations.
Twin Cities Book Festival
Date: Nov. 7
Location: Union Depot, St. Paul
Rain Taxi’s annual gathering brings readers, writers, publishers and booksellers together. Browse exhibitors and the used book and record sale. Admission is free.
See & Be Seen Opening Day
Date: Nov. 7, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Location: Minnesota History Center, St. Paul
Celebrate the opening of this new exhibition with hands-on art activities and a photo booth. The all-ages opening day activities are included with museum admission.
FEAST! Local Foods Marketplace
Date: Nov. 7
Location: Mayo Civic Center, Rochester
Discover regional food and beverage makers at this marketplace celebrating locally produced foods. Find new favorites and edible holiday gifts.
First Saturday Science: Robotics
Date: Nov. 7, 10 a.m.–noon
Location: Jason R. Carter Science Education Center, Metro State University, St. Paul
Explore robotics during this free science event featuring hands-on activities for kids of all ages. The program is open to the public.
Hoċokata Ṫi Fashion Show
Date: Nov. 7, 4–9 p.m.; fashion show 6–8 p.m.
Location: Hoċokata Ṫi, Shakopee
Celebrate Indigenous fashion and creativity with nationally recognized designers, a performance by neo-soul and R&B artist LOV, and a market featuring Native-made goods. This year’s theme is “Ṗéta: The Fire Connects Us.” Tickets are $20 plus fees, with proceeds benefiting Dream of Wild Health and the Minneapolis American Indian Center Boys & Girls Club.
The Musical Tales of Hans Christian Andersen
Date: Nov. 8
Location: Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis
The Minnesota Orchestra brings classic fairy tales to life during an hourlong family concert. The relaxed format welcomes audiences of all ages, including those with sensory sensitivities.
Edmund Fitzgerald: A Great Lakes Memorial
Date: Nov. 10
Location: Split Rock Lighthouse, near Two Harbors
Remember the 29 crew members lost aboard the Edmund Fitzgerald during this annual memorial at Split Rock Lighthouse. Advance tickets are available through the Minnesota Historical Society.
A Christmas Carol
Date: Nov. 11–Dec. 27
Location: Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis
The Guthrie’s holiday tradition returns with the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and the ghosts who help him reconsider his life.
Public Sky Observing at Oxbow Park
Date: Nov. 13; check the organizer’s website for the current time
Location: Oxbow Park, Byron
Look at the moon, planets and stars through telescopes with guidance from Rochester Astronomy Club members during this free public observing event. Check for weather cancellations before leaving.
Rice Park Tree Lighting Ceremony
Date: Nov. 14
Location: Rice Park, St. Paul
Kick off the holiday season with a free outdoor celebration as thousands of lights illuminate Rice Park.
Everclear with American Hi-Fi
Date: Nov. 15
Location: Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, Prior Lake
Everclear brings its Lucky 7 Tour to Mystic Lake with American Hi-Fi for a night of alternative rock.
Maybe Happy Ending
Date: Nov. 17–22
Location: Orpheum Theatre, Minneapolis
The Tony Award-winning musical follows two retired helper robots whose unexpected connection leads them on a new adventure.
Disney On Ice Presents Find Your Hero
Date: Nov. 19–22
Location: Grand Casino Arena, St. Paul
Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and other Disney characters bring stories of courage and adventure to the ice during this family show.
Mystery at the Museum
Date: Nov. 20, 6–10 p.m.
Location: Science Museum of Minnesota, St. Paul
Help solve a fictional murder by dusting for fingerprints, examining evidence and questioning suspects played by Science Live actors. Tickets include museum exploration and the mystery experience.
Twin Cities Con
Date: Nov. 20–22
Location: Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis
Celebrate comics, television, movies, art, cosplay and games during this three-day pop culture convention.
European Christmas Market
Date: Nov. 20–22 and 27–29; continues select December weekends
Location: Union Depot East Plaza, St. Paul
Browse an outdoor holiday market featuring European-inspired gifts, local crafts and seasonal food and drinks. Admission is free; purchases cost extra.
Winterers’ Gathering & Arctic Film Festival
Date: Nov. 20–22
Location: North House Folk School, Grand Marais
Welcome winter with films, speakers and activities exploring the crafts, customs and stories of northern places.
Christmas City of the North Parade
Date: Nov. 20
Location: Downtown Duluth
Duluth kicks off the holiday season with its annual Christmas City of the North Parade.
Made in Minnesota Expo
Date: Nov. 21, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Location: River’s Edge Convention Center, St. Cloud
Meet Minnesota makers and browse more than 100 booths featuring locally made goods, artisan products and holiday gifts. Admission is free.
Free Minnesota State Park Day
Date: Nov. 27
Location: Minnesota state parks and state recreation areas statewide
Spend the day after Thanksgiving outside. Minnesota waives vehicle entrance permit requirements at all state parks and state recreation areas for the day.
Red Wing Holiday Stroll
Date: Nov. 27
Location: Downtown Red Wing
The Holiday Stroll celebrates its 25th year with a traditional downtown holiday celebration. The 2026 theme gives a nod to “Friends” and the event’s early years.
Night We Light Festival
Date: Nov. 27
Location: Downtown Bemidji and the waterfront
A parade begins at 6 p.m., followed by the lighting of downtown and waterfront displays, including the area around Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox.
Christmas in Excelsior
Date: Nov. 27–28, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Location: Water Street, downtown Excelsior
Explore an artisan holiday market, meet live reindeer and llamas, visit Santa and enjoy roaming carolers and musical performances. Admission is free.
Sam’s Christmas Village & Light Tour
Date: Nov. 27–29; continues select dates through Jan. 3, 2027
Location: Somerset, Wisconsin
Head across the border to walk through millions of holiday lights, visit Santa and live reindeer, and browse the Christmas market. Private S’more Cabins are available to reserve for an additional cost.
Minnesota Hmong New Year
Date: Nov. 28–29, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
Location: Saint Paul RiverCentre, St. Paul
Celebrate Hmong culture with singing and dance competitions, traditional and contemporary performances, cultural arts, food and vendors during this two-day gathering.
A Gilded Age Christmas
Date: Nov. 28–29; continues select dates through Jan. 3, 2027
Location: James J. Hill House, St. Paul
Visit the historic Summit Avenue mansion during its seasonal Christmas program. Admission is $15 for adults and $8 for children ages 5–17; MNHS members and children 4 and younger enter free.
Plan Your November Outing
Some events require advance tickets or reservations, and schedules can change. Click each event’s heading for current details before heading out.
While you’re here, take a moment to read how I adapted after losing both parents before I was 25 years old and my journey with epilepsy.
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