Nestled on the curve of a Lake Minnetonka bay, the village of Excelsior (population 2,300) is, perhaps, the best town for having yourself a merry little, old-fashioned Christmas in Minnesota.

Excelsior embraces the holiday spirit like few other towns do, with a calendar of events and activities out of proportion to the community’s size.
Excelsior - Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
Of course, the Excelsior - Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce promotes local businesses with its annual “Christmas in Excelsior” event.
Excelsior - Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
Water St. may just be the most festive shopping destination in the state.
The historic Excelsior Streetcar Line gets decked out for the holidays, turning the trolley into a Christmas train.
Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt/Facebook
Streetcar passengers can even spend some quality time with Father Christmas during the holiday season.
Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt/Facebook
Every year, the town hosts the Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt, styled after the Christmas markets popular in Europe.
Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt/Facebook
Visitors to Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt will find food, shopping, and entertainment that’ll put the whole family in the holiday spirit.
Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt/Facebook

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On nearby Lake Minnewashata, the Northern Express, Excelsior Village, serves up more family-friendly holiday fun.
Amanda Nippoldt/Google
The holiday village is located on the grounds of Camp Fire Minnesota, and includes kids’ activities, food and drink, and even shopping.
A J/Google
Kids will love close encounters with Christmas critters like reindeer and, er… llamas.
A J/Google
Meet elves, toy makers, and if you’re on the nice list, maybe even the big man, himself.
The Northern Express, Excelsior Village/Google
Excelsior’s Old Log Theatre, along with its Cast and Cru eatery, turn an old log cabin into a pop-up bar during the holiday season.
Old Log Theatre/Facebook
Be sure to pop into Jingle Bar for some glad tidings and Christmas cheer to top off your holiday excursion to Excelsior.
Old Log Theatre/Facebook

Visit the City of Excelsior website or Facebook page for more information about their holiday events.

Have you experienced all Excelsior has to offer during the holiday season? If you haven’t got your fill of holiday food and drink during all the festivities, stop by North Coop for a delicious, down-home style meal.

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Excelsior, MN 55331, USA