We get it. Down here in Minnesota—the State of Hockey—the crisp winter air, the sound of skates carving ice, and the dream of a championship run are practically in our DNA, just like they are for you. So when Team Canada comes to town for the World Juniors, it feels less like an international rivalry and more like a big, loud family reunion with some friendly chirping on the side.

And when you’re not in the stands, there’s plenty to explore off the ice. From Boxing Day bargains and after-holiday deals at Mall of America - North America’s largest shopping and entertainment complex - to tax-free shopping on clothing and shoes across the city, Minneapolis is a dream for fans who like a little retail therapy between games.

This New Year’s Eve, we’re hosting a one-of-a-kind celebration where the countdown to puck drop is just as exciting as the countdown to midnight. And as all good neighbours should, we'll show you how to experience the best of our city's winter holiday sparkle without breaking the bank. Consider this your playbook for the ultimate New Year’s hockey adventure.

The Minnesota winter spirit hits you the moment you land at MSP. Hop on the light rail and watch the snow-covered landscape zip by as you head for the heart of the action: the University of Minnesota campus. For your holiday home base, you have choices. If you want the full immersion, you can’t beat the Graduate Minneapolis. It’s mere steps from Mariucci, and its lobby is a beautiful, hockey-themed homage to Minnesota culture that will make you feel right at home. But if you’re watching that exchange rate, the Hilton Garden Inn Minneapolis University Area is a fantastic, wallet-friendly choice that’s still an easy walk from the arena. Prefer a downtown vibe? The slick Marquette Hotel connects you to campus via a quick light rail ride, or you can opt for the Hewing Hotel, a boutique stay in the nearby North Loop complete with a rooftop hot tub and sauna—the perfect way to warm up from the Minnesota winter chill.

Once you've dropped your bags, grab lunch as you dive into the buzz of Dinkytown and Stadium Village, Minneapolis's quintessential college town neighbourhoods. The energy at Sally’s Saloon on a game day is electric; it's a sea of jerseys and buzzing TVs, the perfect place to soak in the fan atmosphere. For a taste of history, grab a booth at Stub and Herbs, a no-frills institution that has been fueling Minnesota Golden Gophers fans with incredible burgers, wings, and local craft beer for decades. And for some of the best budget-friendly authentic Cantonese food in the city, don't miss Shuang Cheng.

With a solid base of burgers and beer, you’re ready for an afternoon dedicated to the game. Depending on what kind of fan you are, you can choose your own adventure:

• Catch More World Juniors Action: Settle in at a fan hub like Stub & Herbs to watch the day's other games (1 and 3:30 p.m.), or grab last-minute tickets to see the action live at the arena.
• Take a Gopher Hockey Pilgrimage (and Plenty of Photos): Stroll the historic University of Minneapolis campus grounds and feel the energy outside 3M Arena at Mariucci, a true cathedral of college hockey. Right next door is Ridder Arena, a landmark in its own right as the first facility in the United States built specifically for a women’s college hockey team.
• Live the Movie Magic: If you’re a movie buff, you can’t come to Minneapolis without a Mighty Ducks nostalgia tour. So many iconic scenes were filmed right here, and you can live out your childhood dreams by visiting the key locations.
• Visit a Hockey Shrine: Consider a side quest to our sister city, St. Paul. There, you can pay your respects at the Herb Brooks statue, have lunch at the aptly named Herbie’s On The Park, and grab a pint at Tom Reid’s Hockey City Pub, a legendary hockey bar that’s a shrine to the sport.

As the sun sets early on a Minnesota winter evening, the city's hockey heart really starts to beat. Make the short trip to Roseville for the John Rose MN OVAL, North America’s largest outdoor sheet of refrigerated ice, where pickup games often break out among the locals. Or to get a real peek into the soul of Minnesota hockey, find a youth or high school game at a classic community rink like Parade Ice Garden (located close to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden a puck’s throw from downtown). It’s a pure form of the sport, and one of the best entertainment values in town.

For dinner, you can keep it casual at the North Star Deli, a retro-style sandwich deli inspired by the legendary Minnesota North Stars. Wherever your eyes look, you'll see a different vintage trinket or piece of sports memorabilia. The menu is filled with sandwiches named after hockey legends and other fun hockey references. Take your sandwich to-go, or snag one of eight green and gold seats from the old Met Center itself, home of the North Stars that closed in 1993. For another casual spot with more food options, head to a modern food hall experience at Market at Malcolm Yards, which is surrounded by fantastic drinking options like Surly Brewing and O’Shaughnessy Distilling. Or, for a classic winter evening, warm up with a pint by the massive fireplace at Brit’s Pub downtown.

You’ll want to start Game Day right, and there’s no place more Minneapolis than Al’s Breakfast. This legendary Dinkytown greasy spoon is a cultural landmark. You’ll squeeze into one of the 14 stools at the narrow counter and watch the cooks work their magic inches away from you. The line is part of the experience, the pancakes are life-changing, and remember to bring cash—it’s a charming quirk of this beloved institution.

To walk off those legendary pancakes, take a stroll across the Stone Arch Bridge. It's completely free and offers the best panoramic view of the city skyline and the partially frozen Mississippi River. The crisp winter air and the incredible scenery will get you energized for the night ahead.

As afternoon turns to evening, the energy in Dinkytown reaches a fever pitch. It's the perfect storm of world-class hockey passion and New Year's Eve excitement. Join the sea of jerseys at The Kollege Klub or Blarney Pub & Grill for a pre-game beer, sharing a toast to the year ahead and the game ahead. Then, make the short, cold, exhilarating walk to the arena.

Inside Mariucci, the atmosphere is pure electricity, and you can feel the history. This is the main event. Find your seat and get ready for the drop of the puck at 7:30 p.m. When the final horn sounds—hopefully after a big Team Canada win—the celebration is just getting started. It’s New Year’s Eve, after all, and it’s time to ring in 2026! If you love music almost as much as you love hockey, you can catch a show at the legendary First Avenue, Fine Line, 7th Street Entry, or the Dakota Jazz Club. For a different kind of party, look for breweries and distilleries hosting lively toasts, or get dressed up for dinners and dance parties at the city's top hotels and restaurants. As the trip draws nearer, watch the Meet Minneapolis calendar for updated event options. Wherever you end up in Minneapolis, you’ll be ringing in the New Year surrounded by the best kind of energy.

Wake up to the first day of 2026. New Year’s Day in Minneapolis is for sleeping in and finding a fantastic brunch spot to recount the highlights of the game and the night's celebrations. For a great option right in Dinkytown, grab a craft coffee at the cozy non-profit cafe Bordertown Coffee. If you're craving a classic, bustling brunch experience, take a short ride to Hen House Eatery downtown, a local institution famous for its massive menu and lively atmosphere. Since it's a holiday, be sure to check hours online and consider making a reservation! Once you’ve recovered, consider one last hockey pilgrimage to one of the area’s storied community rinks, like Braemar Arena or the Hippodrome, the oldest arena in the Twin Cities. When it's time to head home, MSP Airport is an easy 20-minute ride away, giving you just enough time to start planning your next trip back to the State of Hockey.

• Ride the Rails: Your best friend is the METRO light rail. A day pass is only about $5 USD and connects the airport, Downtown, the U of M campus, and even St. Paul.
• Stay Near Campus: Booking a hotel in the University Area saves you money on rideshares and puts you within walking distance of the arena and great, cheap eats in Dinkytown.
• Embrace Happy Hour: Before the game, hit up campus-area spots for great deals. Sally's Saloon and Stub & Herb's are known for affordable pitchers and discounted appetizers that will fill you up.
• Pack an Extra Bag for Shopping: One of Minnesota's best perks is that there's no sales tax on clothing or shoes. That’s right—zero. It’s the perfect excuse to visit the massive Mall of America (a short light rail ride away) or the unique boutiques in the North Loop to stock up.
• Find Free Fun: Some of the best Minneapolis experiences cost nothing. Walk the Stone Arch Bridge for epic skyline views, explore the outdoor Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, or lace up your skates at a city park rink.

• The Cold: We know you're Canadian and can handle it. Expect temperatures between -10°C and -1°C (14°F to 30°F). Pack layers, a warm toque, gloves, a scarf, and proper winter boots.
• Currency: Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere. It’s wise to have some U.S. cash on hand for smaller spots like Al's Breakfast.
• Your Phone: Check with your Canadian carrier about a U.S. roaming package before you leave to avoid any surprise fees on your bill.
• Getting Around: You don’t need a car. The METRO light rail is your best friend and there are plenty of rideshare options.
• Passport: Remember, Canadian citizens don’t need a visa for short tourist visits, just your valid passport. Enjoy the trip!

Before and after New Year's, there are a lot more hockey games in the Minneapolis area to check out. Here's just a small sample of some of the high school and college games at arenas across the region: