This Weekend at The Lake 12/19/25
Here’s a roundup of events, activities, and happenings around the Lake Minnetonka area for Friday, December 19 through Sunday, December 21, 2025
🎄 Ongoing & Seasonal Events Around Lake Minnetonka (Fri–Sun)
📍 Celebrating the Season – Downtown Excelsior (Saturday, Dec 20)
A community-wide holiday series with festive lights, local shop promotions, and seasonal cheer continues through Saturday, Dec 20 as part of Celebrating the Season. Downtown Excelsior’s charming streets will be lit for the holidays, ideal for shopping, strolling, and enjoying the small-town winter ambiance. excelsiorlakeminnetonkachamber.com+1
🖼️ Arts of the Holidays Show & Sale – University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Support local artists this weekend! The 2025 Arts of the Holidays Show & Sale runs through Saturday, Dec 20, featuring handcrafted art, jewelry, ceramics and more from over 100 Minnesota artists — a perfect spot for last-minute holiday gifts or holiday browsing. Gallery open 10 am–4 pm Fri & Sat in Wayzata. minnetonkaarts.org
🌟 Winter Lights – Arboretum Holiday Experience
The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum’s annual Winter Lights experience — a beautiful outdoor and indoor illuminated light display — continues select evenings through December 31, offering glowing gardens, themed installations, and seasonal ambience. Tickets usually required. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
❄️ Holiday-Style Activities & Suggestions (Dec 19–21)
Even if not unique to Lake Minnetonka proper, here are nearby winter-friendly holiday ideas worth considering:
🎁 Holiday & Gift Markets (Twin Cities Region)
There are ongoing holiday markets and pop-up artisan fairs throughout the Twin Cities metro — many offering seasonal crafts, local vendors, and festive shopping opportunities on Saturday and Sunday (Dec 20–21). racketmn.com
✨ Lights & Winter Walks
Take a drive or walk to enjoy neighborhood holiday lights (many around the Lake Minnetonka communities post local displays), or visit larger seasonal illuminations like Magic of Lights at Viking Lakes (Eagan) and similar Twin Cities holiday light experiences. Lake Minnetonka Magazine
🧘♂️ Ideas for Activities & Relaxed Fun
Holiday shopping & small business browsing in Excelsior, Wayzata & surrounding lake towns.
Explore local dining (e.g., waterfront restaurants and cozy spots around the lake towns).
Wintertime trail walks or park visits (Noerenberg Memorial Gardens) for serene outdoor time with views of Lake Minnetonka.