Happy Minot Monday! You guys had such a great response to the Minot Fall Bucket List, I’ve decided to keep it going. Today I’ve got a list of 10 things to do in Minot this Christmas. It’s the 2020 Christmas in Minot bucket list. Minot Monday is made possible through a partnership with BeLOCAL Minot. Check out their publication and follow them on Instagram for lots of HELPFUL tips and tricks for living and thriving like a local!
Christmas in Minot is a magical time. This year, things look different. But that won’t stop our adorable, creative town from being festive. As usual, Minot has shown up and thought outside the box to give residents plenty to do–despite predictably cold weather and unpredictable COVID restrictions.
So, while several of our favorite events are cancelled (read: the CP Holiday Train)–there’s still plenty to fill your December calendar. Here’s my list of 10 things to do in Minot this Christmas. (Scroll to the bottom for a PDF version.)
The 2020 Christmas in Minot Bucket List:
1. Sertoma Christmas in the Park
Take a drive through Oak Park and take in Minot’s best light display. The entire park is lit up with characters and animated displays. Admission is $5 per car (proceeds benefit the Sertoma Club) and they are open every night through January 2nd. This is a perfect way to fill a dull evening…or a perfect way to pull the kids out of a cranky, cabin-fever frenzy. Grab some cocoa, turn on the Christmas tunes and enjoy the drive.
2. Private Light Displays
Besides Sertoma Christmas in the Park, Minot has two private light displays open for public viewing all season. Both are set to music and can be viewed all season from your vehicle.
Olson Decorations
Find this display south of town. All the details are on their website here.
Schlect Family Holiday Light Display
Find this display in the Northwest. All the details can be found on their Facebook page.
3. Participate in Downtown Events
There’s nothing better than a small town’s downtown at Christmas. This year Minot’s downtown has scaled back events that have drawn large crowds in the past. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t lots of fun happening.
Downtown Holiday Selfie Scavenger Hunt
Explore downtown, take some selfies and get entered into a prize drawing. But hurry, this event only runs through December 5th! See event details here. Click this link and enter your name and email address to see the list of photo-ops to search for.
Downtown Window Walk
Downtown businesses have decked out their windows with holiday displays. Stroll downtown and take them in for and evening window walk on December 11 or a daytime walk on the 12th. Then vote for your favorite!
4. Poinsettias at Lowe’s
Escape the cold weather and breathe in the warm, humid air of a greenhouse in bloom. Lowe’s Garden Center is a spectacular sight, filled to the brim with vibrant poinsettias, Christmas decor and trees. Don’t miss out on this one.
5. Try the Santa Skate
When thinking about Christmas in Minot, remember to get out and be active. There are lots of options, but I’m in favor of trying out the Santa Skate at Maysa Arena. On December 23 Maysa Arena will be showing The Santa Clause on the big screen to watch while you skate!
6. Watch a Holiday Movie at Oak Park Theater
Keep an eye on Oak Park Theater’s website or Facebook page to see what movies will be headed to the big screen. They are known for bringing holiday favorites and nostalgic classics (like White Christmas) in for the month of December.
7. Bake a Locally Loved Scandinavian Delight
Try one of the 10 Scandinavian recipes I shared here. Minot is known for it’s love of all things Scandinavian and Nordic. And Christmas in Minot won’t be complete until you have something made of about 50% butter. (If you aren’t up for baking one for yourself, look to buy them here.)
8. Take in a Live Performance
Many services and performances are limited this year, but they are still happening. Make a point to enjoy a live performance before Christmas passes us by. Watch listings on the Visit Minot calendar for Cantatas (like this one.) Get ticket to the Mouse River Players Christmas performance. Or take in a virtual concert, like those offered from the Minot Symphony Orchestra.
9. Taste Something Christmassy
Make a point to taste something that tastes like Christmas this month. Grab a coffee from one of our great shops, buy a baked good or cookie, order a swanky cocktail, get a piece of pie to go. It’s up to you. Find a local place (bonus points if it’s a place you’ve never been) and order up. If you’re feeling brave, just ask the person at the counter to pick out their most festive item for you to try.
10. Buy a Local Gift
I won’t tell you to do all your shopping at small businesses. Sometimes that’s just not possible. But add purchasing at least one gift from a local shop to your Christmas bucket list. Minot has so many great places to choose from–or you can take a class and make something yourself!
(BONUS) Attend a Christmas Eve Service
Minot is full of welcoming churches. If you don’t have a church home, do a little Googling to find a Christmas Eve service to attend. Or reach out to me and I’ll help you out! In my opinion there is nothing more special than a church decked out for Christmas and a Christmas Eve service ushering in the Day we’ve all been waiting for!
I hope this is a great season for you (even if it’s totally different than what you are used to doing!) I hope you’ll join me on Instagram and Facebook–I’ll be sharing a daily Advent meditation and an inside look at how my house is enjoying Minot this season in my Stories. What are you looking forward to this season?
