Your Magical Journey from the Twin Cities to Duluth Through Small-Town Holiday Wonder

There’s something different about Christmas in Minnesota.
Maybe it’s the way the snow doesn’t just fall — it glows, catching the light of every porch bulb, every shop window, every flickering candle in a frosted sill. Or maybe it’s how every town, no matter how small, finds its own way to celebrate.

But there is one route that feels like stepping straight into a Christmas movie —
Highway 65, stretching from the Twin Cities all the way to Duluth, weaving through Mora and some of the most charming holiday stops in the state.

If you’ve ever wanted a December adventure that feels like hot cocoa in your hands, music in the air, snow crunching beneath your boots, and the warmth of holiday spirit settling in your chest —
this is your map. This is your Christmas Trail.

Begin in the Twin Cities — Where the Magic Starts

Your Christmas journey begins with the excited energy of the metro.
Stop at the train station and create your memories with 1,000 ft of lit up lights on a train! It is a city tradition. A wonderful sight to see the MN Holiday Train at the depo station lit up, the largest tree I have ever seen, hot coco and treats! The best part is this is a free event to go and see. I love spending the time with the children and a little bit of money to see them smile! Memories made!
https://www.exploreminnesota.com/holiday-train-minnesota

And then — you point your car north.
The cities fade. The road opens up.
And Christmas starts to feel quieter, cozier, more real. Turn on the Christmas music and enjoy the small side of life!

First Stop: Isanti – Illuminate Isanti

Just a short drive-up Highway 65, you pull into Illuminate Isanti, where the whole town lights up like a snow globe that’s been shaken just for you.

Walk through tunnels of lights.
Hear the crunch of snow as kids run ahead, pointing out displays.
Warm your hands on a cup of cocoa from a local vendor.

It’s the kind of place where couples lean in close for photos and families take the picture that becomes next year’s Christmas card.

You don’t rush here — you stroll.
Because Christmas is meant to be slow. Illuminate Isanti

Cambridge – Craft Shows, Cocoa, & Holiday Treasures

As you continue north, Cambridge greets you like an old friend.
Craft shows open their doors, filled with the scent of cinnamon, pine, and fresh-baked sugar cookies. Light parade that lasts about an hour and the memories to last for a lifetime! LIGHT FESTIVAL AND PARADE

You wander the aisles:

• Locally made ornaments
• Hand-poured candles
• Cozy knit hats
• Unique gifts you can’t find anywhere else

You hold a gift in your hands and think… this is the one.
Not because it’s perfect — but because it’s personal.

A vendor smiles at you, proud of what they’ve made.
This is what Christmas shopping is supposed to feel like.
Not rushed. Not stressful.
But special.

Mora – Small Town Christmas Magic

Then you reach Mora, where Christmas feels like the heartbeat of the whole community.

You pull up to the fire station where Santa climbs down from the truck, waving at excited kids.
The fire trucks shimmer with lights.
Music plays.
Parents huddle with their children — little faces shining red and joyful in the cold air. As the Dalla Dazzle begins after a day with shopping, movie, and meeting Santa. Fire in the streets to warm up. The hot coco to warm your hands with a fresh cookie.

It feels like stepping into your own childhood again.
Simple.
Beautiful.
Pure.

MORE EVENTS TO BE ADDED TO THE LIST! I LOOK FORWARD TO ALL THE EVENTS! GOING UP NORTH IS OUR NEXT STOP!