We’ve also rounded up a list of local holiday markets and can’t-miss theater to get in the spirit of winter.
Holidazzle
Holidazzle is returning to Loring Park this year, with a wide array of food vendors, small businesses, and activities. Enjoy downtown Minneapolis while sipping hot apple cider and snacking on mini donuts. The event is cost free, and Metro Transit is offering free ride passes on Saturdays. Friday – Sunday, Nov. 26 – Dec. 18, holidazzle.com
Great Northern Festival
Celebrate all things Winter at the Great Northern Festival this January. The Festival is an ode to Minnesota winters, highlighting local artists, cultural traditions, and bringing in conversations about climate change. There’s something for everyone at this 10-day event. Jan. 5 – Feb. 5, thegreatnorthernfestival.com
Ice Castles
This year, the Ice Castles will be in New Brighton. Enjoy carefully crafted archways and caverns and head to the ice bar after for a drink. Tickets are on sale November 28, consider going on a weekday to save a little dough. icecastles.com
Glow Light Show
St Paul’s Glow light show is the perfect place to escape the winter blues. With a myriad of brightly lit attractions, it’s an easy way to get outside this winter. Food and Beverage vendors are sprinkled throughout the festival, including liquor and beer for adult attendees. Nov. 23 – Jan. 1, glowholiday.com
Sever’s Holiday Lights
Head down Hwy. 169, to where Sever’s field gets transformed into a winter wonderland, boasting a “2,500,000+ holiday light display” synced to great Christmas tunes, plus food and drink vendors. Nov. 24 – Jan. 1, seversfestivals.com
Luminary Loppet
It’s not often you get to walk on a frozen lake lit by 1200 lanterns. For a magical winter night, head to Lake of the Isles and walk, snowshoe, or ski the course. Grab a hot chocolate while taking in the night sights, and visit food trucks along the lake for a pre or post snack. Feb. 4, loppet.org
Arboretum
The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is home to plenty of holiday events, running from late November until Christmas. Check out their winter lights and stroll through the gardens, or attend one of their many holiday fairs. arb.umn.edu
Winter SKOLstice
Head to Viking Lakes for an ice maze, pond hockey, ice skating, curling, and adventure along the wintry trails. Jan. 6. – Feb. 19, explorevikinglakes.com
Ice Skating and Sledding
Looking to stay active this winter? Luckily for us, the Minneapolis and St. Paul parks sites offers a list of local ice rinks and sledding hotspots around the cities. minneapolisparks.org, stpaul.gov
Festival of Trees at Mall of America
Walk throug a winter wonderland of extraordinary trees decorated by various businesses at MOA, benefitting Special Olympics Minnesota. Through Jan. 4, mallofamerica.com
Pet Photos with Santa
To make sure everyone’s included in the holiday festivities, including four-legged friends, bring them to MOA for a picture with Santa. People are also welcome to join in the photos, but we all know who the real stars are. Dec. 4, mallofamerica.com
The Best Christmas Show in Three Years
Brave New Workshop, the improv group, brings back its holiday tradition returning for the first time since 2019. Fill the void of the winter doldrums with full-bellied laughter. Nov. 11 – Jan. 28, bravenewworkshop.org
British Arrows Awards
An annual tradition at the Walker Art Center, stop by the museum to view the best in British advertising. Dec. 2-Jan. 8, walkerart.org
Holiday Shows at Lush
Have a queer Christmas with the folks at Lush, with a bevy of different holiday-themed shows, including an evening of soulful holiday music and performances by local drag artists, a Queer Circus, and a night of jazz holiday music featuring The Champagne Drops. lushmpls.com
St. Paul Winter Carnival
Mark your calendar for parades, snow sculptures, a massive scavenger hunt, and more: This year’s festivities will take place between downtown Saint Paul near Rice Park and the Landmark Center, as well as at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Jan. 26 – Feb. 5, wintercarnival.com
Vintage Dayton’s Figurines
Hennepin Theatre Trust, Douglas Flanders & Associates Gallery and the 50th & France Business Association are teaming up for a display of five vintage figurines from Dayton’s Holiday Show events. The five figurines will be on display throughout the holiday shopping season in the windows of Douglas Flanders & Associates Gallery at 5025 France Ave. S. in Edina, through Jan. 12. hennepintheatretrust.org
Union Depot
North Pole Express
For little ones looking to get involved in the holiday spirit, the North Pole Express offers a festive ride on an authentic steam engine. Complete a visit from Santa, climb aboard for a memorable holiday night. Dec. 2-4, 8-11, 261.com
Anniversary Celebration, Tree Lighting and Movie Night
Head to Union Depot for their 10th annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Grab some cider and enjoy craft making stations while waiting for the tree to light up. Then, stay for a showing of Elf. Dec. 3, uniondepot.org
Holiday Bake Sale
For those of us with a sweet tooth, Union Depot is hosting a holiday bake sale. The event will host over 30 local bakeries and food vendors. Be sure to go early, because the first 200 attendees will walk away with a goodie bag. Dec. 10, uniondepot.org
Canadian Pacific Holiday Train
The Canadian Pacific Train will be rolling through Union Depot on December 12. The festive express will reveal a stage and play a concert, before getting on its way. Proceeds from VIP tickets will go to local food shelves. Dec. 12, cpr.ca