Maple Grove, Your Home for the Holidays!
If you’re looking for a one-stop shop for everything you need this holiday season then Maple Grove is the place to be! The city has something for everyone whether you’re looking for a sit-down with Santa, holiday events, family activities, unique gift ideas and so much more! Read through and start planning out your Maple Grove Itinerary.
Santa Tracker
Trying to find out where Santa will be this holiday season? We’ve collected several places Santa will be at so you definitely find a chance to let him know what you want for Christmas in person.
Dec. 3
Hometown Holiday
Bundle up and slide on over to Main Street in Arbor Lakes for Hometown Holiday Celebration with Sleigh Bells and Sparkle Parade! Enjoy free horse-drawn trolley rides and music! Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and tell them what you want for Christmas this year!
Dec. 3
Breakfast & Lunch with Santa
With the cooler weather approaching, thoughts turn to the holidays and the fun they bring. Kids won’t want to miss out on their annual visit with Santa! This MGCO sponsored event takes place on Saturday, December 3. Included is breakfast, photo opportunities with Santa, Penguin Waddle, Ring the Snowman, crafts and fun, fun, fun!
Dec. 3
Santa at the Rustic Shack
Stop in on Saturday, December 3rd from 1-3pm and have cookies & a picture with Santa! Santa will have a little gift for all the girls & boys who come see him!
Dec. 10
Skate with Santa
It may be busy at the North Pole, but Santa and his helpers are making a special stop in Maple Grove! On Saturday, December 10 2022, from 5 to 8 p.m., join them for a free evening of skating and holiday music at Central Park, 12000 Central Park Way.
Also, enjoy the ceremony showcasing the Maple Grove Rotary holiday light display.
Dec. 11
Sensory Santa
There are many children who want to meet Santa but the lines and hustle and bustle of the holiday season is a bit too much. This free inclusive event provides families a chance to meet Santa in a low stress environment, no lines, and no crowds. Your family will be given exclusive access to Santa for 10 minutes.
Pre-registration required
Events
If you’re looking for holiday themed events or just events that fall within the holiday season we’ve got you covered!
Dec. 4
MiniDazzle
What’s the buzz about the MiniDazzle? Join the Minisota Play Cafe and the Gingerbread man for a dazzling Gingerbread Wonderland.
2 hours of play and activities include: Face Painting, Light Meal, Silent Auction, Photo Booth, Cookie Decorating, Gingerbread Man Crafts, Gingerbread Contest Voting! ALL proceeds will be donated to CROSS Services.
Throughout December
Fun & Games
There are a lot of things to do in Maple Grove throughout the holiday season and year! If you’re looking to go out with friends and family to a game night, Omni Brewing offers weekly cribbage tournaments and twice monthly trivia nights while Max’s on Main offers up a weekly Bingo game, and weekly trivia and Maple Tavern hosts a monthly murder mystery!
Throughout December
Live Music
“Live” is definitely the best way to hear music! If you’re looking for some great experiences with some awesome bands, Maple Grove has your back! Omni Brewing hosts twice weekly live music events in their heated outdoor tent while The Lookout Bar & Grill hosts popular Twin Cities bands 3 nights a week!
Family Activities
The holidays are all about family so if you’re looking for something to do with the kids or an idea for an evening our with your spouse this lists checks some boxes!
Throughout December
Elm Creek – Winter Sports
The Winter Recreation Area at Elm Creek features a lighted tubing hill with lifts and snowmaking, a beginner-level downhill ski and snowboard hill and almost 18K of cross-country ski trails. Fun in the snow is the best way to spend time in Minnesota’s winter months!
Throughout December
Central Park – Skating Loop
The ice loop is a 810 foot long and 20 foot wide trail and is one of the coolest places to skate in the entire state! The loop has refrigerated ice, and if you stay long enough, you might get a chance to see the Zamboni drive by.
Dec. 9
Festive Holiday Ornaments Class
Have fun learning how to use colorful acrylics and mess free pens to create a variety of beautiful holiday ornaments!
Throughout December
Parents Night Out
While family time is great, sometimes you need some time one-on-one with your significant other! Maple Grove has several options for you to consider whether its couples massages at Spavia or the Woodhouse Spa, or dinner and drinks at one of our cozy & fun bars! Minisota Play Cafe also offers up Parents Nights Out so you can drop off the kids and take the time to shop for Christmas presents at the Shoppes.
Food & Drink
Check out the listing below to get some ideas on a few things to do in Maple Grove if you’re looking for the best food and drinks in town.
Beer Tasting at Omni
Omni brings the community together by brewing quality beers and hosting events year round. Their seasonal beers are always delicious and worth a visit.
Throughout December
Winter Cocktails at Rush Creek
Rush Creek Golf Club is not just an unparalleled golfing experience. Their restaurant, The Highlander, offers up delicious meals and some mouthwatering seasonal cocktails in a warm welcoming atmosphere.
Best Brunch Spots
While breakfast might be the most important meal of the day, brunch is hands-down the best. Nothing beats the relaxed atmosphere of brunch combined with an amazing mix of breakfast and lunch staples, sweet and savory, diverse and delightful.
Create Your own Food Tour
Main Street has a wide collection of restaurants and bars with diverse culinary offerings. You can take a stroll down main street and grab some Mexican food at Riviera Maya, some greek food at the Great Greek, some Sushi at CRAVE or so much more
Shopping
You don’t need to stress about gift shopping this holiday season because whoever you’re shopping for the city has it all! Maple Grove has a large collection of big name brands and smaller local crafts that you shouldn’t miss out on. Here are some of our ideas:
Signature Scents at Olfactory
Olfactory scent studios has hand-poured natural soy candles in over 100 fragrances in amazingly unique combinations but that’s not their most unique feature. While you can buy a candle off the shelf, you can actually create your own signature scent at the blending bar! A perfect gift for a loved one!
Self-care
Gift your loved one (or yourself!) some peace and quiet, and a little bit of rejuvenation and relaxation. Why not look into the massages, treatments and packages at The Woodhouse or Spavia, or maybe some facials at the Face Foundrie!
Give the Gift of Music
Down in the Valley is a beloved institution in the community and has been for several decades. They sell vinyl records, turntables, gifts, collectibles and so much more! No matter what your taste in music is, they have something for you.
Dec.20
Local, Organic & Unique – Farmer’s Market
Take advantage of the last Farmer’s Market of the season and pick up some locally sourced produce to make your loved one a home cooked meal or pick up some of the unique products available like artisan small batch wool & yarn, gourmet dog treats, or some goats-milk soap or bath and body products!
Giving Back
As we all know, the holiday season isn’t just about presents, Santa and parades! It is the season of giving back to the community. Check out these events below to see how you can lend a helping hand.
Toys for Tots Drop Off
You can donate to Toys for Tots by dropping your donations off at Reviyah Massage & Med Spa on Main Street now through Dec 18.
The Santa Project
Donate a toy or gift card during the Santa Project for the kids and families at the Ronald McDonald House in time for Christmas! The Toy Box is located at the Breast Cancer Center of Maple Grove and accepts donations until December 16th.
Toy Drive Collection
Help a local kid have a bright holiday! Falcon National Bank is a Toys for Cross donation site through December 10.
