COLD WEATHER ANNOUNCEMENT
Christmas in the Village Event Cancelled Due to Severe Cold

The Dakota City Heritage Village Board of Directors has been closely monitoring the weather forecast for this weekend’s Christmas in the Village event scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, December 13 and 14. Due to the forecasted extremely cold temperatures and dangerous wind chills, the event has been cancelled.

Dakota City Heritage Village is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for our visitors, volunteers, staff, and the horse and carriage teams.

Dakota City Heritage Village is a 501c3 non-profit corporation. We rely on our fundraising events to support our mission of connecting through education and interpretation, current generations to the life and agricultural heritage of early twentieth century rural Dakota County. If you would like to support this effort, please see our donation info on our website at: 

Dakota City Heritage Village (DCHV) | GiveMN

We encourage you to follow our Facebook page and website for updates, announcements, and exciting programs coming in 2026.

Thank you for your support and for those of you that were able to support Christmas in the Village on December 6 and 7. 

December 6 & 7, 13 & 14, 2025 (3-8 PM)

CHRISTMAS
IN THE VILLAGE

Stroll through historic buildings filled with holiday displays, music, crafts, and family activities, and enjoy festive treats!
Admission: $5 cash / $5.50 card • Children under 5 free!

Christmas in the Village
December 6, 7, 13 & 14 • 3–8 PM
Dakota County Fairgrounds, Farmington, MN

EVENT CALENDAR (LINK)
2025 PROGRAM (PDF)
MAP (LINK)

Celebrate the season with a festive walk through Dakota City’s historic village! Enjoy beautifully decorated buildings, horse-drawn trolley rides, seasonal treats, and activities for all ages. Warm up in our heated buildings and take in the sights, sounds, and scents of Christmas.

Event Highlights

  • Tree Lighting Ceremony: Saturday, December 6 at 6 PM at the Bandstand featuring Farmington High School’s New Dimension choir and a special St. Nicholas arrival by Model T car!
  • Live Music: Choirs, musicians, and caroling  throughout the village.
  • Seasonal Treats: Hot chocolate, cider, soups, baked potatoes, cider donuts, popcorn & ice cream.
  • Visit St. Nicholas (Depot).
  • Activities for Kids: Photo booth, crafts, letter drop-off for St. Nicholas (includes a special return letter after the event).
  • Dakota Garage: Hosted by IMCA car club.
  • Train Display: Popular G-scale model trains (Library).
  • School House Fun: Free Making Minnesota activity books, paper chain decorating & chalkboard signing.
  • Demonstrations: Carpenter Shop, Harris House, McMenomy House & Blacksmith Shop.

Admission
$5 cash / $5.50 card • Children under 5 free
Tickets available at the gate or online. Online link will open by 9 a.m. day of event.

Volunteer Opportunities
Help host buildings, scoop ice cream, demonstrate a craft, or share your musical talent. Volunteers receive free parking and orientation.
Call (651) 460-8050 or visit our volunteer links at dakotacity.org/volunteer.

Questions?
Call (651) 460-8050 or email info@dakotacity.org.
Follow us on Facebook for updates!

Christmas in the Village Frequently Asked Questions

Enter on 2nd Street from 220th. Parking is FREE!

Snacks and beverages available throughout the village. The Drug Store accepts cash or cards. Cash only at the Dakota City Garage, Gift & Sweet Shop, and General Store. ATM is located in Ahlberg Hall. No alcohol is allowed in the village. 

Kids! Bring a letter to St. Nick/Santa in a self-addressed, stamped envelope and mail it to the North Pole from the special post office box in Dakota City Garage. There will be a letter writing station available as well.  St. Nick/Santa will respond from the North Pole!