Tips & Tricks for Duluth Winter Village 2023 Posted on November 27, 2023November 30, 2023 by Lucie Duluth Winter Village 2023 Date: THIS Saturday, Dec 2 & Sunday, Dec 3 Time: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, both days Where: Outside by the harbor at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth and inside our Yule Hall in Pioneer Hall . What is Duluth Winter Village? It’s the magic of a European Market but with a Northland vibe. We’re talking local shopping, warm beverages (some adult), ice skating and bonfires. There are 25 charming wooden cabins brimming with goods from your favorite local vendors. Plus MORE vendors inside. And a whole new Kids Area (more below). Want to see more? Here’s a Quick Video Here courtesy of Story North Productions . Come Hungry! And thirsty, too. This year, there are even more food vendors than before serving more snacks, treats, and beverages to chase away the HANGRIES as you go about the important business of holiday shopping. And a Bloody Mary might help you from overthinking those decisions, too. (Note: Not every food vendor takes cash.) Dress to be outside (mostly) The cabins, some animals like the beloved llamas, Stoked firewood bonfires, and a beverage bar are located alongside the harbor behind the DECC. The event stretches all the way to our festive red freighter – the William A. Irvin. This is the dress warmly part of the Winter Village. . …But there’s a Yule Hall! Inside our Yule Hall, you’ll find a 25-foot tree, food & beverages, MORE vendors and even the new kids’ area Candy Cane Lane. A new food item is a Roast Beef Sundae made with mashed potatoes. More for Kids! New this year is Candy Cane Lane — an indoor kids’ area with a corn pit, art, activities, and “Hug a Holiday Hen.” (Other animals are outside) . And then there’s special kid’s shopping with Hollybeary by Hucklebeary. This tiny shop has a child-sized door. Inside are a selection of presents for adults displayed for the child to consider. How it works is that children come in and a Santa’s Helper assists with picking out the present. It’s all flat fee, so there’s no issue with pricing and the child emerges with a wrapped gift for their big person! Also NEW – VIP TENT The VIP experience ticket will get you access to the Cedar Bound VIP Tent with private lounge seating AND a custom Duluth Winter Village flight paddle with FOUR signature drink samples. There are only 100 VIP tickets available per day. So snag yours quick before they are gone! VIP TICKETS HERE A Large Bag saves the Day! After doing this for a few years, we know that bringing your own large bag is gold. 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 a Bent Paddle. BYO-Skates Atomic Ice Skating is BACK! This free event is located in DECC Arena and runs from 3:00 – 5:00 PM on both afternoons. There are limited, no-cost ice skates courtesy of Duluth Parks & Rec. Bring ’em if you got ’em! Family Area Our friends from Duluth Mom’s Blog are once again sponsoring the Family Area. This is the perfect place for nursing and changing, but also just a quiet place for kids who need a little less stimulation to finish a snack or just be for a bit. Parking your Sleigh One of the nicest things about the DECC is parking right on site. The DECC offers paid parking ($10) in its ramp and lot. However, it’s a busy weekend and it’s good to know where alternative parking is at. There are other lots across the Minnesota Slip Bridge (the Little Blue Bridge) in Canal Park, and also many ramps in Downtown with skyway walking to the festival. Directions DECC Parking Nearby Parking Looking for a little less hustle & bustle? If you’d like more elbow room, the afternoons slow down some. This might also be a great way to extend the holiday fun to include an evening stroll through Bentleyville Tours of Lights. This free event starts at 5PM, just as the Duluth Winter Village closes. Lastly, a Map! Click for a larger PDF version
