12 Days Of Cheer In Apple Valley: Making This A December To Remember

The holiday season is officially here, and there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the magic in and around Apple Valley. To help get you in the spirit, we’ve rounded up a dozen festive ideas you can enjoy throughout the month — each one a fun, joyful way to celebrate the season close to home.

From twinkling light displays and holiday markets to cozy treats, local shopping spots, winter activities and seasonal shows, these 12 picks highlight what makes Apple Valley feel especially merry this time of year. Whether you check off one or all twelve, it’s all about slowing down, supporting local businesses and making memories.

1. See a spectacular neighborhood light show synced to holiday music.

Porter’s Holiday Light Show brings more than 20,000 twinkling lights to life at 13596 Hollins Court in Apple Valley, creating a festive display that families return to year after year. The show runs nightly from Nov. 28 through Jan. 1, from 6:00 to 10:00 PM. Visitors can tune their radios to 87.9 FM to watch the lights dance in sync with the music, making it a fun, drive-up holiday experience. It’s a simple but magical tradition that’s perfect for families looking to enjoy the season close to home.

2. Enjoy year-round skating, hockey and community ice programs at Apple Valley Sports Arena.

Apple Valley Sports Arena offers public skating, open skate sessions and seasonal hockey opportunities for skaters of all ages and skill levels. The arena’s public skate hours are 3:30 to 5:00 PM on Sundays through Feb. 22, with an entry fee of $5 per skater ($3 skate rentals are available). Whether you're learning to skate, practicing for hockey or looking for weekend family fun, the arena delivers a well-rounded community experience.

3. Sip great coffee while supporting inclusive employment at Constellation Coffee Shop.

Constellation Coffee Shop on Galaxie Avenue pairs thoughtfully sourced organic coffee with a mission to provide meaningful employment opportunities for people with differing abilities. Guests enjoy a welcoming atmosphere with plenty of seating, making it a great spot for working, studying, or meeting friends. The menu includes a wide selection of hot and iced beverages, plus snacks and light bites at reasonable prices.

4. Browse Niche Books’ curated collection of new and used books for every reader.

Niche Books is a family-owned bookstore offering high-quality titles across all genres, including unique finds beyond bestseller lists. Located in downtown Lakeville, the shop features an inviting browsing experience, along with additional ways to buy through Bookshop and Libro.fm. Guests can explore books, music and gifts while also checking out seasonal events like cookie decorating workshops and story time with Santa.

5. Drive through a sparkling holiday light experience at Viking Lakes.

Now through Jan. 3, Magic of Lights transforms Viking Lakes in Eagan into a glowing winter wonderland filled with LED displays, animated scenes and classic holiday characters. This drive-through event lets guests enjoy the show from the warmth of their cars, making it an easy outing for families, couples or groups. Tickets are valid anytime within your chosen weekday or any-day category, offering flexible scheduling throughout the season.

6. Experience a traditional European-style holiday market in St. Paul.

Held at Union Depot’s East Plaza, the beloved European Christmas Market brings centuries-old holiday traditions to St. Paul through food, crafts, music and cultural experiences. Guests can shop from 80+ vendors offering handcrafted ornaments, wool goods, candles, artwork and seasonal treats like Glühwein and roasted nuts. The market runs Fridays through Sundays from Nov. 28 to Dec. 21, and admission is free.

7. Celebrate the season with a performance of ‘Nutcracker Fantasy’ at the State Theatre.

This cherished production brings Loyce Houlton’s imaginative choreography together with Tchaikovsky’s timeless music for a magical holiday performance at the State Theatre. Featuring local student and professional dancers, along with guest artists, the show includes stunning costumes and beautifully crafted scenic transformations. The show runs on select dates from Dec. 13 through 21, and tickets are available on the event website.

8. Step back in time for an old-fashioned holiday celebration at Christmas in the Village.

Christmas in the Village transforms the nearby Dakota City Heritage Village into a warm, nostalgic holiday scene with lantern-lit buildings, wood-burning stoves, and horse-drawn trolley rides. Visitors can enjoy Christmas music in the church, watch demonstrations of early 1900s winter chores and explore the gift shop and general store for old-fashioned treats and goods. Kids can send letters to Santa, visit him at the Depot and marvel at the holiday model railroad display. Held on select dates from Dec. 6 through 14, it’s a cozy and immersive experience for families.

9. Walk through a glowing botanical world at the Arboretum’s Winter Lights display.

Winter Lights turns the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum’s buildings, pathways, and gardens into a shimmering nighttime display celebrating winter plants and seasonal beauty. Guests can explore illuminated tunnels, glowing landscapes and nature-inspired installations, including the striking cuetlaxóchitl (poinsettia) tree and a new indoor forest of artfully decorated evergreens. Warm drinks, s’mores and chef-crafted meals are available, along with special theme nights, live music and holiday shopping. Open select evenings Nov. 20 through Dec. 31, it’s a vibrant blend of nature, artistry, and holiday celebration.

10. Find unique apparel, gifts and home décor at The Charming Lily.

Located on 148th Street West, The Charming Lily offers a wide selection of women’s clothing, accessories, jewelry and home décor, with many items handmade by local artists. The shop features everything from cozy winter accessories to candles, kitchen goods, fragrances and fun specialty gifts for kids, pet lovers and more. Guests can browse food items like soup mixes, jams and syrups or explore the boutique’s curated Minnesota-themed section.

11. Enjoy festive shows and dinner-theatre entertainment all season long at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres.

Chanhassen Dinner Theatres presents a full lineup of holiday programming, including musicals, comedy acts, seasonal concerts and special New Year’s Eve celebrations. This year’s offerings include “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas” and the comedy revue “Dashing Through the Snow Plows,” along with several limited-run holiday shows. You can enjoy a full dinner-and-show experience or select performance-only options.

12. Explore an indoor lantern festival filled with color, culture and family fun.

Illuminate Festival of Lights brings handcrafted Chinese lantern sculptures, acrobatic performances and interactive attractions to Maplewood Mall for a vibrant indoor event. Families can enjoy themed photo stations, a kids’ play zone with inflatables, a claw machine area, Hmong bricks and meet-and-greets with Bam Bam the giant panda. The Red Lantern Night Market offers local food vendors and unique gifts, making it a lively place to explore. Running now through Dec. 31, it’s a perfect festive winter outing for all ages.

Stay warm, shop local and enjoy every twinkling moment — happy holidays, Apple Valley!

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