The Spirit of Winter

Select dates now through December 29th, 2024 | The Winery at Sovereign Estates

The Winery at Sovereign Estates invites you to light up the season with their Spirit of Winter: Festival of Lights. The Estate is transformed into a majestic, illuminated winter wonderland, with over twenty miles of musical, synchronized lights strung over 20 acres of their lakeside vineyard. Guests can stroll the grounds and enjoy a variety of attractions like their Candy Cane Lane, life-size Nativity scene, photo opportunity at Santa's Sleigh, real winter Llamas, inflatable Snowman Social, children's Snow Maze, kid's Boot Hockey Arena, and Nana's Gingerbread House!

Once you arrive, guests also have the opportunity to purchase Holly Trolley rides for $5 per person in our Wine Store for a special guided tour of the decorated grounds. Trolley Tickets can only be purchased on the property and are determined based on weather. Limited seating is available.

The real-life Santa will be arriving every night from November 22nd - December 23rd from 5 PM to 7:30 PM during the Christmas season. All guests will enjoy the pleasure of meeting the famous Mr. Claus as he wanders our Spirit of Winter event.

This is a family-friendly event that everyone is sure to love with a range of hot treats to keep you warm and toasty! Grab a hot chocolate, cookies, or roast a s'more at our S'more Station! Adults can enjoy mulled wine, boozy hot cocoa, local brews, and their full range of wine at the Polar Bear Bar! The Blizzard Bistro will also be serving up items like chili and their famous flatbreads. Be sure to check out their Wine Store for the perfect holiday gift including, holiday and sovereign merchandise, stuffed Christmas Llamas, and, of course, bottles of their Sovereign Estate Wine!

Looking for more holiday fun? Check out their NEW Nutcracker Suite! A 21+ holiday cocktail bar located inside our winery during the Spirit of Winter. Festive drinks, decor, and great food will await guests with admission to the light show.

You can also warm up in your very own Christmas Cabana which includes admission to the Spirit of Winter for eight people and a heated outdoor retreat.

Winter Lights

Now through January 5th | Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

Stroll through the Arboretum's gardens decked out with light displays highlighting flowers, trees, and the beauty of nature on a one-mile, self-guided walk. New this year, visitors can explore a woodland-themed display. Plus, revisit the 16-foot Weeping Willow and walk through a giant apple. Roast marshmallows over an open fire at the S'mores Village or visit the Oswald Visitor Center for beverages and dinner options.



Annual Holiday Tree Lighting

Thursday, December 5th, 5 PM - 7:15 PM | Minnetrista City Hall

Take part in Minnetrista's 2nd Annual Tree Lighting with Santa Claus, decorated fire trucks, apple cider and hot cocoa sponsored by the Minnetonka Orchard, a wine and beer tent sponsored by the Northwest Tonka Lion's Club, cookies and brownies from Cathy Mackethun's, fire troughs to keep warm, food for purchase from Mackentun's Fine Foods Minnetrista, a firework show and of course, the tree lighting ceremony! There will also be a donation box for Toys for Tots and parking shuttles at WRA.

Celebrating the Season

Dec. 7th, 14th, and 21st | Downtown Excelsior

Celebrating the Season is a month-long series of events kicking off with Small Business Saturday the weekend after Thanksgiving, followed by seasonal activities focusing on small and local shopping throughout the holiday season. Festivities continue each weekend until Christmas.

Come enjoy the community, local shops, restaurants, and holiday spirit with Santa!

Breakfast with Santa

Dec. 7th-8th, 14th-15th, and 21st-22nd | Birch's on the Lake

Santa Sid is back at Birch’s on the Lake! Visit and take photos with Santa Sid and enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet for the grown-ups and a special buffet for Santa’s Little Helpers with all the favorites for little ones. Brunch is served from 10 AM - 2 PM with multiple dates to choose from in December. Reserve your Santa Brunch date today!

Santa Brunch

Dec. 8th, 15th, 21st, and 22nd | Lord Fletcher's Old Lake Lodge

Skip the cookies and grab a seat at the Santa Brunch - he's making a list that includes all your mouth-watering favorites including Fletcher's Walleye, chef-carved Prime Rib, smoked brisket, and more! Pricing is as follows: Adults $35.95, Kids (6-12): $19.95, and 5 and Under are free!

BCB Holiday Market + Santa

Saturday, December 14th, 11 AM - 2 PM | Back Channel Brewing

Get ready to celebrate the holiday season at Back Channel Brewing along with some of your favorite small local vendors! Our Holiday Market is the perfect place to sip, shop, and spread more cheer! There will also be pictures with Santa, food from Brick Oven Bus food truck, live music from Westonka Mad Jazz, and warm beverages!