The most wonderful time of the year is underway in North Dakota. From picturesque snow-covered landscapes to charming small-town festivities, North Dakota transforms into a winter wonderland that offers visitors the perfect backdrop for celebrating the holidays. The state invites visitors to experience the magic of the season in North Dakota, where cherished traditions and warm hospitality come together to create legendary memories.
Lights on Shriner Hill, Jamestown
Beginning Friday, November 24, from 5 p.m. to midnight daily, visitors can see more than 100 illuminated trees spread holiday cheer along Highway 281 in Jamestown with the Lights on Shriner Hill. In 2020, the four area Shriner groups came together to bring a little holiday magic to the trees on Mill Hill, now called “Shriner Hill”. With over 30,000 lights, this is a spectacle not to be missed.
Dickens Village Festival, Garrison
As the official Christmas Capital of North Dakota, Garrison and its Dickens Village Festival are a must for anyone looking to make the holiday season a special one. Now in its 30th year, the festival is a delight for visitors of all ages. Held on the weekends of 24-25 November, 1-2 December and 8-9 December, the festival is packed with festive fun, including live entertainment, a fruitcake toss, the Piccadilly Square Craft Vendor Show, street food vendors, carolers, a lighted parade down Main Street at dusk and a theatre production of A Christmas Carol. Visitors can also take a ride on an authentic English double-decker bus – affectionately known as the “Queen Elizabus” – or enjoy a lovely carriage ride around the city. Tickets are available now.
Mandan Lights on Main, Mandan
Mandan Holiday Lights on Main returns for its second year to bring holiday cheer to downtown with larger-than-life, interactive displays. Dykshoorn Park will become a beacon for the holidays beginning with a lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25. The vibrant, immersive holiday space is driven by the community’s desire for unique experiences and also serves as an opportunity to give back to the community. Local non-profits participate in a friendly tree decorating contest at the Morton Mandan Public Library, with voting for the best decorated tree open from Thanksgiving through New Year’s. Mandan Holiday Lights on Main is a free event open every night from 5-10 pm through Saturday, 6 January 2024.
Xcel Holiday Lights Parade and Winterfest, Fargo
Kick off the holiday season with a spectacular Holiday Winterfest in downtown Fargo. A tradition for thousands, the Xcel Holiday Lights Parade and Winterfest brings together neighbours and leaders from Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo. Held on Saturday, 2 December 2023, this magical evening features spectacular parade floats, marching bands, equestrian entries, sparkling lights, warm treats, ice skating, gift giveaways and more.
30th Annual Parade of Lights and Walk-A-Bout, New Town
Head to New Town on Saturday, 2 December 2023 for a full day of holiday cheer. With a host of events taking place throughout the day, from photos with Santa Claus to a Christmas Cultural Craft Fair, there is something for the whole family. Don’t miss the Town Walk-A-Bout, where visitors can check out the shops and sample delicious treats from participating merchants, as well as holiday sales and specials from 5pm to 8pm, followed by the Parade of Lights at 6pm.
Old Fashioned Cowboy Christmas, Medora
Join in a Christmas tradition fit for a cowboy. The annual Old Fashioned Cowboy Christmas, held Friday, December 8 through Sunday, December 10, is a fun-filled, weekend-long event for all ages in Medora. The entire town is decked out in beautiful decorations for hours of fun with plenty of street food, shopping and dancing. Live music by The Waddington Brothers: Badland Christmas show performances throughout the weekend highlight this western holiday celebration amidst the snow-capped Badland buttes.
Christmas at the Zoo, Minot
Enjoy a festive, family-friendly day at Roosevelt Park Zoo on Sunday, December 10. Bring a non-perishable food item or a gently used, disinfectable toy in exchange for admission. The event includes a holiday hayride, photos with Santa, hot chocolate and delicious cookie treats. The food is sure to fill bellies as zookeepers sort through the donations, keeping what they can for the animals, and anything the animals wouldn’t enjoy is given to a local food pantry.