Christmas Events and Holiday Ideas in Andover, MN, 2026

Andover's tree lighting is set for Friday, December 4, 2026. The city has announced the date, and the time and details are still to come on andovermn.gov. Last year it ran 6 to 8 pm at the Andover Community Center, 15200 Hanson Blvd NW.

The next day brings the Andover Christmas Craft & Gift Show, and the towns around Andover hold their own tree lightings that same weekend. Here is what is on, with the dates confirmed so far.

Andover tree lighting

In 2025 the tree lighting brought bonfire s'mores, cider, cocoa, music, and Santa and Mrs. Claus to the Community Center. The 2026 program has not been posted yet, so check andovermn.gov closer to the date.

Andover Christmas Craft & Gift Show

Carousel Craft Shows runs the Christmas Craft & Gift Show on Saturday, December 5, 2026, at the Andover Community Center, 15200 Hanson Blvd NW. Admission is free, and events sites list it from 9:30 am to 4 pm.

For crafts outside show weekends, Humble Bee Craft Studio is at 2547 140th Ave NW.

Tree lightings in nearby towns

• Blaine Winter Celebration: Sunday, November 29, 4 to 6:30 pm, Tom Ryan Park, 10802 Town Square Dr NE. Free, with bonfire s'mores, Santa, live music and a Winter Wonderland Walk.
• Anoka Tree Lighting: Saturday, December 5, 3 to 6:30 pm, Anoka City Hall, 2015 First Ave. Free, with trolley rides, bonfires and a Santa Shack.
• Ham Lake Hometown Holiday: Saturday, December 5, 3 to 6 pm, Lions Park, 1220 157th Ave NE. Free, with a tree lighting, Santa, alpacas, ornaments and cocoa.
• Coon Rapids Tree Lighting Festival: Saturday, December 5, 3:30 to 6 pm, with fireworks at 5:30. Check the venue on the city's site.

Anoka also holds Merry Grinchmas, a Stocking Stroll and a winter market in November and December. Their 2026 dates are not posted yet.

Ramsey Holiday Craft and Gift Expo

For the gifts still on the list late in the month, Ramsey's Holiday Craft and Gift Expo runs Sunday, December 20, 10 am to 3 pm, at the Ramsey Adrenaline Sports Center, 8310 147th Ln NW.

Sleigh rides at Bunker Hills

Bunker Park Stables at Bunker Hills offers sleigh rides from $120. Book at least 24 hours ahead on 763-757-9445, and note that the stables are closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Before you go

Several of the times above come from events listings rather than the cities' own calendars, so check each event's page before setting out. Andover's own details will appear on andovermn.gov.