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Holiday Hideaways: Discover the magic of Alexandria this Holiday Season.

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October 15, 2025 / Samantha Rushing /
A family sits together in a cozy living room, exchanging and opening gifts in front of a decorated fireplace. As they enjoy the moment, their laughter suggests excitement to explore Alexandria MN after the holiday celebrations.

When it comes to unforgettable holiday getaways in Minnesota, Alexandria offers the perfect blend of cozy charm, festive cheer, and small-town magic. Whether you’re gathering with family for Thanksgiving or looking for a winter weekend escape, Alexandria’s wide variety of private vacation homes and cozy resort cabins make it easy to celebrate together and stay a little longer to roll right into the Christmas season.

Alexandria Transforms into a Real-Life Hallmark Scene

Starting the Friday after Thanksgiving, downtown Alexandria comes alive with the sights and sounds of the holidays. Christmas trees hang at every intersection, twinkling lights line the streets, and the community gathers for Lights on Broadway, a beloved Christmas light parade that marks the official start of the holiday season.

Festive Holiday Events in Alexandria, MN

There’s no shortage of things to do during the holidays in Alexandria! Families, couples, and visitors of all ages will find something magical to enjoy:

Christmas in the Fort at the Runestone Museum invites guests to step back in time for an old-fashioned holiday celebration, complete with visits from Santa, Christmas choirs, and live music and warming stations at Copper Trail Brewing, as well as refreshments. This event takes place on Friday, November 28th from 2-6pm.

The Parade of Trees is another favorite featuring beautifully decorated Christmas trees sponsored by local businesses. Visitors can grab a cup of cocoa, stroll through, and admire the creative themes and vote for their favorite. This event takes place on Friday, November 28, from 2-6pm.

And don’t miss the Garden of Lights at Legacy Gardens, a peaceful, walk-through light display that glows with holiday spirit and offers a perfect backdrop for your instagramable-photos. You can enjoy the light display from November 28-December 28, open Fridays-Sundays from 5-8pm (including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day).

A young child in a dark coat stands under an archway decorated with white holiday lights at night, smiling and reaching out both arms joyfully—ready to explore Alexandria, MN. Colorful lights twinkle warmly in the blurred background.
A nighttime holiday parade in Alexandria features brightly lit floats decorated with Christmas lights, a large crowd lining both sides of the street, and festive lights strung overhead, with a large Christmas tree in the background.

Shop, Dine, and Enjoy the Season

Kick off your holiday shopping at Alexandria’s downtown boutiques, where you’ll find one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your list. During Black Friday and Shop Small Saturday, many stores offer special deals and extended hours to make your shopping experience even more enjoyable.

On November 29, Carlos Creek hosts their MN Made Christmas Market from 12-5 where you can shop local vendors and artisans!  Bring a food-shelf donation and get a $2 off anything on property!

Round out your trip with dinner at a local restaurant or catch a live performance of A Christmas Story at the Andria Theatre.. or both!

Event flyer with festive graphics and schedule for Alexandria, MN, listing events from November 28 to December 28, 2025, including Christmas In Alex celebrations like Christmas in the Fort, Lights on Broadway, and Garden of Lights.
Event poster for “Garden of Lights: Walking Light Tour” at Legacy of the Lakes Gardens, Alexandria, MN, part of Christmas In Alex, featuring festive Christmas lights, glowing arches, a person in a reindeer costume, and event details.
A festive event poster for the "Lights on Broadway Holiday Light Parade"—part of Christmas In Alex—on Nov 28, 2025, in Alexandria, MN, featuring colorful parade photos, event details, prize categories, and entry instructions with holiday decorations.
Vintage-style holiday poster featuring a decorated Christmas tree with ornaments, holly border, and festive “Christmas in the Fort” text: Runestone Museum, November 28, 2025, 2-6 PM.
Two women in winter coats smile and wave on a snowy street under a festive "Merry Christmas" banner, capturing the joyful holiday spirit. The overcast sky, buildings, and trees set a cozy winter scene in the background.
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