BOOK THE BLA: Holiday Events Guide
November 28, 2025
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!
BOOK THE BLA’s Winter Events & Holiday Happenings
Your seasonal guide to the best of the Brainerd Lakes Area, from glowing lights to lakefront memories.
Whether you’re visiting for a cozy weekend or spending the season up north, we’ve rounded up the most magical happenings around the Brainerd Lakes Area to help you plan your stay. From small-town traditions to holiday markets, festive drinks to tree shopping, here’s your go-to guide for winter magic in the B.L.A.
Sertoma Winter Wonderland Opening Weekend
5:30 PM – 8:00 PM | Northland Arboretum, Brainerd
Drive through more than 80 dazzling light displays in this annual animated light show tradition. Now in its 18th year, Sertoma Winter Wonderland is a must-do for locals and visitors alike. Proceeds benefit local nonprofits and community causes.
Additional 2025 Dates:
December 4–6, 11–13, 18–20, and every night December 24–31.
Learn More »
Nisswa City of Lights Celebration
11:00 AM – 7:00 PM + Fireworks | Downtown Nisswa
Our favorite annual holiday event in downtown Nisswa is back — and it’s pure magic. Santa’s crew, food vendors, decorated streets, cozy bonfires and community gathering together make this small-town hallmark celebration feel like a Hallmark movie brought to life.
Friday, November 28th
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)
3:30-6:30pm Santa’s Petting Zoo – Main Street near the Chamber
4pm Bonfires will be lit along the Paul Bunyan Trail
4pm Blinky Lights for sale at the Nisswa Chamber office
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
4-7pm Train Rides through town- Turtle Track
4-7pm S’more Holiday Fun – Up North Bike Rental
4:30pm Polar Express Storytelling (limited seating) – Caboose (across the street from Pioneer Village)
4:45pm Luminary Walk – Pioneer Village
4:45pm Free Mini Donuts – Pioneer Village
4:45-7pm Kids Crafts with Black Bear 4-H Club – Pioneer Village
5pm Polar Express Storytelling (limited seating) – Caboose (across the street from Pioneer Village)
5:45pm Love Lights a Tree Ceremony – Pioneer Village
5-7 pm Live Nativity Scene by Our Lady of the Lakes Parish Youth – Pioneer Village (show starts every 30 minutes)
5:30pm COUNTDOWN FOR TREE LIGHTING! – Pocket Park
6pm SANTA ARRIVES TO THE GAZEBO!
7pm FIREWORKS! by North Star Fireworks – Nisswa Community Center (no parking due to safety zone)
*Subject to change
Woods to Water will be participating with our annual Giving Tree at our downtown office.
Stop in to grab a gift tag and help us bring the Best Christmas Ever to a local family in need.
NOVEMBER 28 – DECEMBER 21 (Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays)
Copper Creek Garden Center, Nisswa
Wander through twinkling displays, pick out your Christmas tree, and sip hot cocoa while kids enjoy ornament-making and photos with Santa.
Acres of holiday displays & glowing trees
Ice skating rink (weather permitting)
DIY wreaths, crafts & gifts
Santa & Mrs. Claus on select Saturdays
Explore Christmas Acres »
MN Traders Co. – Downtown Pequot Lakes
Come experience the Traders Tinsel Bar, a limited-time holiday transformation of our cozy cabin-style café and cocktail bar.
Over-the-top festive decor
Christmas-themed coffees, cocktails & snacks
Cozy holiday vibes all month long
FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE
Special Event: Santa Brunch – Sunday, December 7
Fireside visits with Santa during a cozy brunch at Traders. Perfect for families and festive photo ops!
Off the Rails Holiday Market
Northern Pacific Center, Brainerd
Shop handmade gifts, sip festive drinks, and support local makers at this cozy indoor holiday market.
Friday, Dec. 12: VIP Night (6–9 PM) with early shopping + cocktails
Saturday, Dec. 13: Open market (9 AM–3 PM)
More Info »
Santa’s Bobbin Into Town
3:00 – 7:00 PM | Downtown Pequot Lakes
Celebrate the season Pequot-style with this family-friendly evening of lights and laughter.
Jolly Pops concert
Dinner with Santa
Light Up the Night Parade at 6:00 PM
Bonfires, sleigh rides, and more!
Event Info »
Lorie Line Christmas Concert
7:00 PM | Gichi-ziibi Center for the Arts, Brainerd
Experience the elegance and holiday spirit of Lorie Line’s annual Christmas performance.
Tickets »
The Nutcracker Ballet
Gichi-ziibi Center for the Arts, Brainerd
A timeless holiday classic performed by local dancers in a magical setting.
Tickets »
Make it a tradition! Whether you’re chopping your own or picking up a fresh-cut, here are local spots to grab your holiday tree:
Copper Creek Garden Center (Nisswa)
Christmas Acres (Nisswa – trees + lights + photo ops)
Heartland Tree Sales (Brainerd)
Cornerstone Pines (Grey Eagle – cut-your-own)
(Tip: Bring a blanket for the roof and a thermos of cider. Bonus points for turning it into a full-day family adventure!)
Supporting a Local Brainerd Lakes Family in Need
Each year, our Woods to Water Real Estate and Vacation Homes team takes on one of the most meaningful traditions we have: serving as captains for Best Christmas Ever (BCE). This nonprofit partners with community leaders to surprise local families who have fallen on hard times through no fault of their own, bringing hope, relief, and a Christmas they never saw coming.
We are once again rallying the Brainerd Lakes Area behind a family in need — and every year, your generosity reminds us why this community is so special.
This season, we have 30 days to raise $10,000 through the Woods to Water BCE Fund, and every dollar goes directly to a local family right here in the Lakes Area. No overhead. No outside allocation. Just true, local impact.
Your support helps provide:
• Holiday gifts
• Winter essentials
• Household needs
• Financial relief
• And a moment of joy during an incredibly difficult time
Donate: Every contribution stays in our community.
https://bcemovement.kindful.com/2025-bce-families/2025-woods-to-water-bce
Share: Spread the word to help us reach more hearts.
Follow along: We’ll share updates as we work toward surprising this year’s BCE family.
Thank you for helping us deliver a true Best Christmas Ever to a deserving local family.
This community makes miracles possible — and we’re grateful to do this with you.
— The Woods to Water Team
Support Woods to Water in the 2025 Best Christmas Ever
