Santa Claus Visits the Twin Cities
Where to Find Santa in the Minneapolis-St Paul Metro Area
Christmas is coming in Minnesota, and it's time to make that annual visit to see Santa. It seems like he comes a little earlier every year, and this year you'll be able to visit with him as early as November 3 at the Maplewood Mall. Here's some of the best places to sit down with Santa in the Twin Cities metro area.
Macy's Downtown Minneapolis. (700 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis). If you're looking for the all-American visit with Santa in a downtown department store, this is it. This Macy's used to be the flagship store for Dayton's, which for years was the quintessential Minneapolis department store, and it's still a downtown landmark and shopping mecca. Santa will be visiting Macy's from November 10 through December 24 in the 8th floor auditorium. Be sure to stop by the adjacent Very Merry Gift Shop and Bakery for homemade gingerbread cookies.
Mall of America. (60 East Broadway, Bloomington). Santa Claus will be arriving on November 9 at 6:00 PM, pulled on his sleigh by his reindeer and accompanied by elves who have treats for visitors. He'll be staying until December 24 at Santaland Express, his new headquarters, which is located in the Park at MOA. For snacks, stop by Polar Bear Junction Cafe. The holidays bring eager shoppers into town from all over the U.S. and abroad, so Santa's going to be plenty busy and you can probably expect some long lines.
Ridgedale Center. (12401 Wayzata Boulevard, Minnetonka). Santa will be stopping by the Center Court at Ridgedale from November 17 to December 24, and you can avoid the lines by coming early to get a pager. You can also register to win a personal visit from Santa on Christmas Eve..
Burnsville Center. (1178 Burnsville Center, Burnsville). Burnsville will be welcoming back Santa on November 10 at 11:30 am with his own parade that travels throughout the mall. Then he'll be staying at his castle on the lower level in Macy's Court until December 24. Want to take a picture of you and your pet with Santa? Stop by on Santa's pet nights-- November 15 and 29 and December 13 and 20.
Maplewood Mall. If you simply can't wait to see Santa, come on out to Maplewood-- he'll be there starting on November 3 until Christmas Eve.
Winter Wonderland Weekend at the Shoppes at Arbor Lakes.(I-94 and I-694 at Hemlock Lane, Maple Grove). On December 9 and 10, Santa will be visiting to share this weekend holiday event, which includes caroling, a tree lighting, and free face painting.
See also:
Twin City Christmas Celebrations
Minnesota Winter Fun and Festivals
Twin City Nutcracker Performances 2007
