The Great Northern

Get ready for The Great Northern this winter. Ten days of frosty outdoor events and dining experiences.

Chilly days find Minnesotans rosy-cheeked, bundled up, and eager to enjoy the outdoors. Couch dwellers, we are not. With a full line-up of winter events and some serious FOMO (fear of missing out), we make sure to get out there and experience the winter wonderland that encapsulates us for a few months out of the year. We can’t wait for another year of The Great Northern festival, which celebrates the beauty of the North and the excitement of winter. Click here to see a full schedule of events.

When: January 27 to February 6, 2022

Where: Various locations

This year will highlight three big events (among many smaller activities). Events bundled up in the Great Northern Festival include:

U.S. Pond Hockey Championships

When: January 21-23 & 28-30, 2022

Where: Lake Nokomis

Playing hockey the way it's meant to be played, the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships claims the title of the nation's premier outdoor hockey tournament. The strictly amateur, just-for-fun tournament brings out the best pond hockey players all of over the country to compete in our state's favorite sport. Learn more about how to participate or watch from the sidelines.

U.S. Pond Hockey Championship, by BLK WLF Photography

U.S. Pond Hockey Championships

City of Lakes Loppet

When: February 5th-6th, 2022

Where: Theodore Wirth Park & Lake of the Isles

A cross-country ski festival for the whole family! Ski races for all ages, skill-levels, and abilities. Be sure to experience other fun events like the Minne-Loppet, skijoring, dog sledding, and don't miss out on the popular Luminary Loppet on February 5th.

The Luminary Loppet returns to Uptown this year. Enjoy “the most magical event of the season” and walk, snowshoe, or ski on the candlelit trail winding across Lake of the Isles. Experience 1,200 luminaries lining the trail with unique ice features such as Ice Henge, The Spires, Ice Cropolis, as well as Ice Music, Fire Dancers, and much more.

City of Lakes Loppet, by Krivit Photography

Luminary Loppet, by BLK WLF Photography

Saint Paul Winter Carnival

When: January 28th-February 6th, 2022

Where: Various locations

This year's Saint Paul Winter Carnival will feature a Torchlight Parade, Fire and Ice Winter Run, snow park, multi-block ice carving competition, ice fishing tournament, Fireworks in Rice Park and more family-friendly special events and fun activities.

Most activities are free and open to the public, take place in downtown Saint Paul, the Landmark Center, and at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, see all the events planned for this year here.

St. Paul Winter Carnival, by BLK WLF Photography

St. Paul Winter Carnival, by BLK WLF Photography

More Great Northern Events:

The Great Northern celebrates our cold, creative winters through 10 days of diverse programming that invigorate mind and body. In an era of changing climate that threatens our signature season, festival programming seeks to create community, inspire action, and share the resilient spirit of the North with the world. The 2022 festival features more than 50 performances, art installations, outdoor activations, and solutions-focused climate talks. Here are just a few we think you should check out:

  • Get tips from an expert on how to more fully embrace winter with a Winter Mindset Workshop (Sat, Jan 29, 12-2pm)
  • Enjoy an invigorating ski at Theodore Wirth State Park that culminates in a gourmet breakfast buffet at Waffles and Ski (Sun, Jan 30, 11 am)
  • Learn about science through a pop culture lens with Dope Labs (Wed, Feb 2, 5:30 pm)
  • Dance out your cabin fever at First Ave with Dance Church (Sat, Feb 5, 10 am)
  • End the night with performances from Kara-Lis Coverdale, Lyra Pramuk, Naeem, and Annie Humphrey at Icehouse. (February 1-5)

See the full list of events on The Great Northern website.

See What Else is Happening in Minneapolis and Make it a Weekend!

World-class museums, craft beer festivals, top-notch restaurants, miles of bike trails, too many lakes to count on your hands, a vibrant nightlife, an incredible music scene. Sure, you could fit it all into one day—if you’re superhuman. When you come to Minneapolis, make it a weekend. Enjoy your time during The Great Northern Festival and soak it all up by staying at one of our convenient hotels. Sleep over, it’s more fun (we promise!)

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