Winter Events in Minneapolis Northwest:
Winter in Minnesota means getting out and embracing all the different experiences the cooler, snowier season has to offer. From recreational activities to outdoor festivals, Minnesotans are not ones to hibernate. Minneapolis Northwest, the area consisting of Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park and Maple Grove, is home to a variety of seasonal opportunities to keep winter boredom at bay.
Saturday, Dec. 7 and Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019: A Norwegian Christmas
Enjoy carols, crafts, ornament making and a visit from St. Nick. Eidem Homestead is a 10-acre farm, where visitors can travel back to the turn of the 20th century. Enjoy hot cocoa as you walk around the Victorian house, meet the farm animals, take a hayride, listen to storytelling and caroling.
Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019: Winter Wonderland at The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes
Winter Wonderland features festive activities to help your family get into the holiday spirit AND help you tackle the to-dos on your holiday gift list. Enjoy the live reindeer, visit with Santa, revel in the Shoppes’ spectacular holiday décor and of course, take advantage of all the discounts from the area’s finest retailers.
Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019: Hometown Holiday on Main Street
Enjoy holiday trolley rides, caroling and holiday crafts at this beloved community event. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and welcome back the Sleigh Bells & Sparkle Parade as it makes its way to the corner of Main Street and Arbor Lakes Parkway for the annual Maple Grove Holiday Tree Lighting. Stay warm with provided hot drinks, cookies and holiday music.
Saturday, Dec. 7: Minnesota Nordic Ski Opener
Skiers of all abilities and ages are invited to kick off winter at Elm Creek Park Reserve with free skiing, free rental equipment and free mini lessons. Participate in the Ski Tour with routes for the whole family and check out the Nordic Ski Expo with reps from ski suppliers, resorts, retailers and clubs. Activities are on and off the snow, so dress for the weather. The event is free and the first 2,000 visitors receive a free buff.
And of course, the Minneapolis Northwest Area is filled with unique experiences you can enjoy all season long:
Elm Creek Winter Recreation Area provides an abundance of winter activities including tubing, downhill skiing, snowboarding and cross-country skiing. The winter recreation area is located within Elm Creek Park Reserve, which is a top attraction in Minnesota, with an average of 1.3 million visitors annually! After some fun in the snow, head to the cozy chalet with hot cocoa and a gorgeous fireplace – guaranteed to warm the soul.
If you’re looking for a unique ice-skating experience, Maple Grove’s Central Park is skating circles around traditional ice rinks with Minnesota’s first ice-skating trail, a more peaceful experience than most public ice-skating venues.
See the full Senior Cruise and Travelers Magazine article here.
