Tips & Tricks guide for the outdoor Duluth Winter Village festival Posted on November 24, 2021May 1, 2023 by Lucie Duluth Winter Village now outdoors at the DECC (Duluth Entertainment Convention Center) Date: Saturday, Dec 4 & Sunday, Dec 5 Time: 10am – 5pm Where: DECC, 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth The Skinny: Duluth Winter Village festival outgrew its former home at Glensheen (the historic estate was simply not designed to be loved that intensely). So now those charming wooden cabins — featuring regional Duluth vendors– will be set up along the harbor behind the DECC (Duluth Entertainment Convention Center). We think the Lift Bridge and harbor views will create some real northshore magic. Here’s what you need to know to get the most out of it. Dress to be outside (mostly) – The festival will retain its European market vibe with 26 decorated cabins, 5 fire pits, a HUGE Markers Tent, and, of course, the famous llamas and goats –all outdoors. (Is it really the holidays until you scratch the llama?) This is all nearby the S.S. William A. Irvin and the Lift Bridge adding to our Northshore ambiance and general Duluth-y-ness. New this year is a large Yule Hall with…indoor bathrooms! There will be 40+ vendors at the event, including Hucklebeary, Duluth Coffee Company, Frost River, Blue Heron Trading Company, Anna Bailey Art, Lake Superior Art Glass and many more. Food and drink will be available from New Scenic Cafe, Hungry Hippie, TBSP Waffles, Love Creamery, the DECC and others. Come Hungry! There will be 7 food vendors set up in our Yule Hall (with 20 ft decorated tree!) serving up the tastes of the region. Offerings include mac and cheese with candied bacon, grilled cheese on cranberry wild rice bread, tomato and squash soups, award-winning chicken chili and lots more options. The hall offers plenty of seating inside and standing barrels outside as well. Enjoy a Cup of Cheer! (Adult and other beverages) While there will be local cocoa, coffee, and other soft drinks, the festival also offers signature Bloody Mary’s, local spirits, and holiday-inspired like Christmas Cookie Cream Ale from Bent Paddle and hot Tom & Jerrys and adult cocoa. PRO TIP: Look for the bar inside at the back of Yule Hall. You might want to hit it first before a line forms. Parking One of the nicest things about the move to the DECC is parking. And while the DECC has a ramp and lot, there are lots of other places to park including across the Minnesota Slip Bridge (the Blue Bridge) in Canal Park and also Downtown with skyway walking to the festival. This link leads to a printable map. Off-Peak Hours Looking for a little more elbow room? Come Sunday and/ or Late Afternoons of the weekend. Things are a little quieter on the second day and as it gets nearer to the 5PM close time. BYO Large Bag After doing this for a few years, this is one of the best tips we have. While vendors will have sacks for their wares, it’s really convenient to have a large bag from home to tote all your purchases around – making it easier to eat a grilled cheese or sip some drink. Family / Friends Photo Background Make sure there’s space in your camera for a family/friend photo at the Photo Backdrop, sponsored this year by Glensheen. We love seeing all your pictures online. Please consider tagging #duluthwintervillage and #deccduluth SKATING?! Yes!!! New this year is FREE ICE SKATING in the DECC Arena. You can bring your own skates or use our lender pairs for a truly unique festival experience.
