5 Northland Annual Holiday Must See Traditions To Experience

Glensheen is already an amazing tour with it's 39 rooms, but during the holidays even more so.  They go all out decorating those rooms, they put up 25 Christmas trees and lay 500 feet of garland.  See if you can find all 25 elves they have on display.  Plus, before your tour you can go to the Carriage House for free hot chocolate and a sample of shortbread that was made from Clara Congdon's recipe.

Bentleyville has the dubious honor of being "America's Largest Free Walk Through Lighting Display" and makes great winter use of Bayfront Festival Park.  It takes many volunteer hours to put the display up and even more to keep it open nightly throughout the holiday season.  But, the community comes together to make it happen.  Many family memories are made, some engagements happen and there's always free cookies, cocoa, popcorn and marshmallows for roastin'.  Not to mention frequent visits by Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The Twin Port Lighting Challenge in Duluth is fun for those that put up the lights in their house and yard and is usually jaw dropping for those that view them. After the online votes are tallied the winner of the competition will be announced December 23.

The Superior's Lighting Contest is through the Superior -Douglas County Area Chamber  with judging taking place December 8-14, 6-10p and the awards announced on December 16.

Every year the Minnesota Ballet performances an amazing Nutcracker.  Old and young alike are entranced by the graceful moves of the artists and the amazing music accompaniment as they tell the story of the Nutcracker.  It's truly a holiday tradition for many Northland families.

The Christmas City Express is another must experience from the North Shore Scenic Railroad.  This will be especially memorable for the little ones.  While you are enjoying an enchanted train ride you'll be treated to a reading of the Christmas City Express and carolers.