If, like Bing Crosby, you're dreaming of a white Christmas, then a holiday vacation in Minnesota may be just the thing for you. The magnificent scenery sets the right mood and Minnesota's lakeside resorts provide the accommodations. Several resorts offer package vacations with a full itinerary of Christmas activities.
Located on Gull Lake in Brainerd, Cragun's Christmas package vacation offers opportunities for snowshoeing, ice skating, cross country skiing, ice fishing, bonfires, a magic show and dog sled rides. The resort features an indoor pool, sauna, spa and massage. Guests can take the "Walk of Lights" each night and attend a Christmas Eve candlelight service. A breakfast buffet is served on Sunday and continental breakfast is served on Christmas Day. All can gather for the traditional Christmas Dinner buffet. 2-night packages start at $310.
Cragun's Resort
11000 Craguns Drive
Brainerd, MN 56401
800-272-4867
craguns.com
The Good Ol' Days Family Resort is located on Lower Cullen Lake. For December they boast a "Norman Rockwell Style Christmas Celebration" that includes a cabin with a decorated tree, continental breakfast and a Christmas feast featuring a spiral ham, potatoes, gravy, yams, corn, buns, relish, Christmas cookies and egg nog. A 3-night stay starts at $660.
Good Ol' Days Family Resort
Box 358
Nisswa, MN 56468
218-963-2478
800-227-4501
goodoldaysresort.com
The Gunflint Lodge sits by a lake on the Gunflint Trail of northeastern Minnesota. The resort offers a quiet holiday by the fireplace with opportunities for moose viewing, horseback riding and fishing. The December holiday packages include decorating workshops, bistro dinners, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Rates for 5 or 6 night vacations start at $390.
Gunflint Lodge
143 S. Gunflint Lake
Grand Marais, MN 55604
800-328-3325
gunflint.com
