This Week at the Lake 12/8/25
Here are some events, activities, and holiday-season happenings around the Lake Minnetonka area between December 8–11, 2025
🎨 Arts, Shopping & Holiday Markets
Minnetonka Center for the Arts – 2025 Arts of the Holidays Show & Sale
Running now through December 20, 2025 — including Dec 8, 9, 10, 11. Explore Minnesota+2Explore Minnesota+2
Open Monday–Saturday, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. in the Laura H. Miles Gallery in Wayzata. Explore Minnesota+1
A great opportunity to browse handcrafted gifts (pottery, jewelry, glass, paintings, fiber arts, sculpture, etc.), support over 100 local artists. Minnetonka Center for the Arts+1
Why it’s worth it: If you’re looking for unique holiday gifts or want a cozy, arts-y outing, this show offers a peaceful, local-art alternative to the usual holiday shopping bustle.
🎉 Community & Holiday Events in Excelsior / Downtown Water Street
Girls Night Out Christmas Edition — Downtown Excelsior
Happens Thursday, December 11, 2025 from 4:00 PM–8:00 PM. excelsiorlakeminnetonkachamberofcommerce.growthzoneapp.com+1
Expect holiday-themed specials, treats, drinks, and shopping deals up and down Water Street and around downtown. excelsiorlakeminnetonkachamberofcommerce.growthzoneapp.com+1
Holiday Bake & Take — Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Chamber
Another holiday-spirited gathering listed for December 9 and December 11, 2025. business.excelsior-lakeminnetonkachamberofcommerce.org+1
A chance to make baked and no-bake goodies (10 dozen to take home!) — fun for people who like cooking, baking, or want to get ahead on holiday treats. business.excelsior-lakeminnetonkachamberofcommerce.org
Why these matter: Even though they’re modest, these local events offer a nice community vibe — good for grabbing gifts, getting into the holiday mood, or just strolling around downtown Excelsior.
🌲 Nearby Holiday Lights & Family-Friendly Activities
Christmas Lights: Family Nights — at Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (Chaska, ~15-20 min from Lake Minnetonka)
Scheduled for Thursday, December 11, 2025 from 4:30 PM–9:00 PM. Lake Minnetonka Magazine
Includes outdoor light displays, complimentary hot cocoa and cookies, winter-themed coloring for kids — and dinner available at the onsite restaurant (Rootstock) if you want a meal before/after strolling. Lake Minnetonka Magazine
Why it’s convenient: It’s close enough for a quick Christmas-lights outing if you want to get out of the house with family or friends and enjoy some holiday charm.