Stay, Play, B.L.A. - a blog

We're feeling merry & bright. 

There's no shortage of Christmas events this year in the Brainerd Lakes — head out and get into the spirit for the best time of year! 

Nisswa City of Lights

November 29th | DOWNTOWN NISSWA, MN

11:00am — Food Vendors open on Main Street near the Chamber

3:30pm — Main Street closes (no parking!) – Big Axe Brewery to Main Street Ale House

3:30pm — Polar Express Storytelling (limited seating) - Caboose (across the street from Pioneer Village)

4pm — Bonfires will be lit along the Paul Bunyan Trail

4pm — Blinky Lights for sale on Main Street

4-5pm — Wadena/CLC Community Bands Brass Ensemble - RW Jewelers Patio

4pm — Polar Express Storytelling (limited seating) - Caboose (across the street from Pioneer Village)

4-5:30pm — Santa & Mrs. Claus in the Nisswa Square Courtyard

4-6pm — Pequot Lakes High School Choir Carolers - Strolling

4-6:30pm — Live Reindeer - Turtle Track

4-7pm — Train rides - Nisswa Square

4-7pm  — S’more Holiday Fun - Up North Bike Rental

4:30pm — Polar Express Storytelling (limited seating) at the Caboose (across the street from Pioneer Village)

4:45pm — Luminary Walk at Pioneer Village

4:45pm — Free Mini Donuts at Pioneer Village

4:45-7pm  — Kids Crafts with Black Bear 4-H Club at Pioneer Village

5pm — Polar Express Storytelling (limited seating) at the Caboose (across the street from Pioneer Village)

5:45pm — Love Lights a Tree Ceremony at Pioneer Village

5-7 pm — Live Nativity Scene by Our Lady of the Lakes Parish Youth at Pioneer Village (show starts every 30 minutes)

5:30pm — COUNTDOWN FOR DOWNTOWN LIGHTING DISPLAY!

6pm — SANTA ARRIVES TO THE GAZEBO!

7pm — FIREWORKS! by North Star Fireworks at the Nisswa Community Center (no parking due to safety zone)

Christmas Acres 

NOV 29th - DEC 22ND | COPPER CREEK, NISSWA, MN

The perfect place to take the family! Enjoy an ice skating rink, Christmas crafts, food trucks, hay rides, bonfires, holiday shopping, letters to Santa, photo stations + more! Starting November 29th and open daily through December 22nd. More info on the Facebook page or the copper creek website.

Holiday Market at Roundhouse 

Nov 30th | Roundhouse brewery, NISSWA, MN

Start your holiday shopping early with some small business shopping! Shop vendors from all around the area from 1-8pm. 

Madden's Brunch with Santa

Nov 30th | MADDEN's on gull lake 

Start your holiday shopping early with some small business shopping! Shop vendors from all around the area from 1-8pm. 

Breakfast with Santa 

Nov 30th | CROSSLAKE AMERICAN LEGION 

Breakfast with Santa from 9-11am, Adults are $10, Kids $6 and under 4 are free! All are welcome!

Sertoma Winter Wonderland

Nov 28TH - DEC 31ST | NORTHLAND ARB, BRAINERD, MN 

See the Christmas light display starting at 5:30pm - 8:00pm every Thursday through Saturday during the holiday season. Purchase tickets here.

Hallmark in Hackensack 

Dec 7TH | HACKENSACK, MINN.

Hosted by Rendezvous Brewing and Second Home. Get into the spirit with holiday markets set up at each business. More info here! 

Snow Many Smiles

Dec 7TH | Crosby Memorial park, Crosby, MN

Join Cuyuna Regional Medical Center and Smiles for Jake for a day of festive fun. Family-friendly and free for all ages. Enjoy live music from The District, warm up with hot cocoa, popcorn, and chicken noodle soup. Be dazzled by fire dancing, an enchanting human snow globe, and exciting new features: a roaming magician and a build-your-own-bear station! Plus, enjoy a petting zoo, games, and a visit from Santa himself. See their Facebook page for more information on this event! 

Whoville in Crosslake Town Square

DEC 6th | CROSSLAKE, MN

Stay tuned for specific details on this event by visiting their Facebook event page.

Visit with Santa

Dec 7th, December 14th + December 21st | Copper Creek, Nisswa, MN

Located in the Greenhouse at Copper Creek! 

Cuyuna Range Farmer's Market

Dec 7th | Hallett Community Center, Crosby, MINN. 

Shop through a variety of winter goods at this indoor farmer's market! Teas, soaps, crafts, baked goods + more! From 10:00am - 2:00pm in Crosby. 

Santa and the Grinch 

Dec 7th | NORTHLAND ARBORETUM, BRAINERD, MINN.

Free craft and treats for kids while you take photos with Santa (and the Grinch!) 

Off the Rails Makers Market 

Dec 13TH - 14th | NORTHERN pacific center, brainerd, MN

Shop through 50+ booths of handmade crafts, cozy textiles, original artwork, home decor, and gourmet treats, kitchenware, clothing + more. Located in the Historic Northern Pacific Center building. Check their Facebook event page for more info. 

Parade of Lights "A Christmas Carol" 

Dec 14th | Pine river, Minn. 

Save the date for Pine River's winter celebration! This year's theme is "A Christmas Carol." Enjoy a parade through town, treats at the Chamber, a bonfire under the stars, and fireworks!

Brunch with Santa at MN Traders Co.

Dec 15th | MN Traders Co., Pequot Lakes, MN

Head over for brunch and visit with Santa, fireside at MN Traders Co. from 10-2pm! Write a letter to Santa, snag your annual Christmas photo and stay for the breakfast or bottomless mimosas! 

Christmas with Lorie Line

Dec 17th | Gichi-ziibi Center for the Arts, Brainerd, MINN.

Spend an intimate evening with Lorie around the piano as she shares heartwarming stories and celebrates the true meaning of Christmas. Purchase your tickets here.

Xtreme Music Bingo - Christmas Edition! 

Dec 18th | ROUNDHOUSE BREWERY, Nisswa, Minn.

Listen and sing along to your favorite Christmas tunes while playing BINGO! Prizes will be given to winners!

Santa's Workshop

Dec 20th - 21st | MN Makerspace, Brainerd, Minn. 

The first annual Santa's Workshop in Brainerd, Minnesota for a festive holiday experience! Get your photo with Santa, write him a special letter, and create your very own wood ornament kit. It's a fun-filled day for the whole family! Visit their page to learn more. Located at the Franklin Arts Center in Brainerd. 

Kringle Market at The Crossing Arts 

OPEN daily through DEC 28th | The Crossing arts alliance, Brainerd, Minn. 

Kringle Market will open to the public on Saturday, November 23rd at 10:00 am and will continue through the end of the year (with special holiday hours the weeks of Christmas and New Year’s Day). Support local artists, find unique gifts, and make your holiday even more special with handmade decorations! See their hours of business and learn more on their Facebook page.

Christmas Market at Zion Lutheran Church 

Dec 20th - 21st | ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH, BRAINERD, MINN.

Shop multiple vendors and homemade goods Friday and Saturday starting at 5pm. More information is listed on their Facebook event page.

Visit with Santa

Dec 21st | COPPER CREEK, NISSWA, MINN. 

Visit with Santa at Copper Creek in Nisswa, MN from 3-4:30pm! 

Kids New Years Eve Party

Dec 31ST | wondertrek children's museum, brainerd, MN 

Snacks and mock-tails for kids, in addition to some fun New Year’s Eve activities at the Children's Museum in Brainerd! More info here.

New Years Eve Bash

Dec 31ST | Gather on 3 Center, Brainerd, MInn. 

Live music and dancing by Duluth Transit Authority, a 3-course meal created by a gourmet chef, midnight champagne toast, late night bites, and more! Party attire encouraged but not required! Tickets are available individually or for tables of 8 - buy them here!

New Years Eve Dinner

Dec 31ST | THE CLASSIC GRILL, MADDEN'S RESORT 

Enjoy a 4 course meal at the Classic Grill at Madden's with complementary champagne! Cost is $75/person. To reserve your seat and to see the full menu, visit their Facebook page.

LEECH LAKE AREA

Christmas at Portage 

DEC 20TH - DEC 22ND | Portage brewing co., Walker, MInn. 

Christmas fun all week at Portage! Wear your ugly sweater for good deals + more! See their website for their weekly events as well. 

Bingo + Brats + Beer 

Every thursday night | Portage brewing co., Walker, MInn. 

Head to Portage every Thursday night 6-8 PM for bingo, brats, and beers! Play a few rounds of bingo for a chance to win Portage Beer while you enjoy tasty local brats. Updates posted here.

Live music at the Chase

DEC 27TH | Chase on the lake, Walker, Minn. 

Lice music from Chris Basden at Chase on the Lake. 

Yoga at Portage Brewing Company 

JAN 4TH | Portage brewing co., Walker, MInn. 

Cost is $22/person to participate, including a beverage of your choice after class! Beginners are welcome! Bring your own mat. Kindly pre-register for these classes in advance at northernyogaandwellness.com.