Get ready for nonstop fun and laughter this winter! Throughout the season, the Twin Cities and Minneapolis Northwest host a variety of events ranging from polar plunges and beer festivals to icy races. Get ready to make some magical memories! Here are festive winter events perfect for celebrating the season with family and friends.
Winter Lights
When: Now through Jan. 5, 2025
Where: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Explore the Arboretum’s annual Winter Lights from November to January on a self-guided, one-mile walking tour illuminated by over a million twinkling lights. Discover 15 dazzling displays, including a "winter woods" camp scene and a 16-foot weeping willow. Warm up in the cozy warming house with s'mores packs and snacks, or enjoy festive treats at the indoor bar. Rootstock will be serving up delicious dinner and snack options to keep you fueled for your winter wonderland adventure. Timed tickets are required for entry, so be sure to plan ahead and reserve your spot for this unforgettable holiday experience.
Ticket Prices: General admission tickets start at $10 for members, $30 for non-members, and free for children 15 and younger. Times range from 5-9 p.m. on specific weeknights throughout the season and 5-10 p.m. on weekend evenings.
Special Theme Nights: Curated theme night tickets, such as Family Nights are from 5-7 p.m. or 7-9 p.m. with activities and crafts offered for $5 per child, or date nights from 5-9 p.m., including dance classes. Other special theme nights are Opening Night, Photographer Nights, and the New Year’s Eve Celebration, all provided on certain days throughout the week. You can purchase tickets directly online by selecting the day and time of preference. Free parking at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum or a free bus ticket is included in your ticket. Dinner and snacks are offered at the Arboretum’s Rootstock cafe.
Holidays on the Hill Tour
When: Nov. 30, 2024-Jan. 5, 2025
Where: James J. Hill House
Stroll through Christmas past as you explore the James J. Hill House on a guided tour. Discover the history behind the America's Gilded Age railway director that dates back to 1910 then set off on your own self-guided adventure through the holiday-inspired exhibits. Tour times start at 10 a.m. and are available every half-hour with the last offered at 3:30 p.m.
Ticket Prices: While self-guided tickets are available at the door, it’s recommended to buy guided tour tickets online beforehand. Tickets cost $25 for adults and members receive 20% off. Senior, college, and military tickets are $20 and children 5-7 are $16. Kids 4 and under are free.
U.S. Pond Hockey Championships
When: Jan. 22-26, 2025
Where: Lake Nokomis
Be part of the 20th annual U.S. Pond Hockey Championships in January with daily tournaments and championship games starting at 7 a.m. and Youth Nights, beginning at 4 p.m. Food is available at the concession areas and beer can be purchased at the beer garden.
Cost: You must register to participate and prices can vary depending on the division starting at $250 for sledding and $950-$1,150 for hockey. You’ll need to create an account online first and sign in to register.
Saint Paul Winter Carnival
When: Jan. 23-Feb. 2, 2025
Where: Multiple Locations
Spend the holiday season at the 138th Saint Paul Winter Carnival. This 10-day tradition boasts a wide range of events (many are free) that are fun for the entire family. Events are held all day on weekends and weeknights in downtown Saint Paul near Rice Park and Landmark Center and at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.
View impressive snow sculptures at Vulcan Snow Park and stunning ice displays in Rice Park. Cheer on not one but two parades: the daytime King Boreas Grande Day Parade and the evening Vulcan Victory Torchlight Parade. Fishermen of all ages can enter the Ice Fishing Tournament for a chance to win prizes while jigsaw puzzle enthusiasts can test their skills at the two-day Puzzle Contest.
The Royal Dinner and Royal Coronation present the new Ice and Snow royal family to the public and require tickets to be purchased in advance online starting at $30. Around the World In A Day for Kids, Seniors and Families has arts and crafts for everyone while the Saint Paul Winter Carnival Fire & Ice Run gives the option to partake in many different runs. Other events include Bingo Blitz, Vulcan Reveal, Saintly City Cat Show, Orchid Show, and Klondike Kate’s Red Feather Cabaret & Casino Night.
City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival
When: Feb.1-2, 2025
Where: Multiple Locations
Celebrate the love of winter sports during the two-day City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival. Join a competitive race or take a more leisurely tour through Theodore Wirth Park by Cross-Country Ski, Fat Bike, Skijor, or Snowshoe. Other events include the Swedish-inspired lawn game Kubb Tournament and the Ski-Orienteering Loppet, a scavenger hunt done on skis. Don’t miss the following weekend either when the candlelit Luminary Loppet takes place along the Lake of the Isles which glows with more than 1,200 lights.
Ticket Options: Register online at each of the designated event pages. Prices vary depending on each event.
Winter Beer Dabbler
When: Feb. 22, 2025
Where: Minnesota State Fair’s Midway
Head to Minnesota State Fair’s Midway in February for the area’s most popular winter beer festival. The Winter Beer Dabbler is from 3-6:30 p.m. with early access at 2 p.m. During the festival, you can sip unlimited beer and cider samples, grab a bite from local food trucks, and listen to live music.
Tickets Options: Tickets can be purchased online, starting at $55 for general admission and going up to $75 for early access. Designated driver tickets are $20 with unlimited non-alcoholic samplings.
Polar Plunge
Various Dates & Locations
Feeling brave? Then grab your swimsuit and get ready to cool off for a good cause. The Polar Plunge is a fundraiser for Special Olympics Minnesota. Participants are challenged to collect enough money to entice them to jump feet first into the frozen waters of a lake nearby. If you’d rather stay bundled up, that’s okay–the Polar Plunge is fun to watch, and participants love to have a cheering section! All money raised benefits Special Olympics Minnesota’s health, leadership and athletic programs, which serve more than 8,000 local children.
January 25: Lake Minnetonka – Mound, White Bear Lake, Willmar/Spicer
February 4: Maple Grove, Otter Tail, St. Peter
February 8: Rochester, Waconia, Woodbury
February 15: Duluth, Prior Lake, Stearns County
February 22: Alexandria, Anoka County, South Metro
February 28-March 1: Corporate Hour, Executive Challenge, Law Enforcement Challenge, Frozen 5K, Minneapolis Plunge
March 1: Brainerd
March 8: Buffalo, Eden Prairie, Mille Lacs
March 15: Iron Range
May 3: Roseau
Twin Cities Auto Show
When: April 11-19, 2025
Where: Minneapolis Convention Center
Discover the world of automobiles during the Twin Cities Auto Show at the Minneapolis Convention Center in April. See classic movie-themed cars, such as the 1966 Batmobile at the Cars Against Crime collection and experience some of the most luxurious vehicles at Luxury Lane. Drive an exotic car at Adrenaline Avenue or ride in a Ram truck and Grand Cherokee at the Ride & Drive.
Ticket Options: Junior tickets can be purchased in advance online (11-15 years of age) for $6 while kids 10 and under get in for free. Adult tickets are $17 at the door.
