Winterapolis: Where the Fun Never Hibernates

In Minneapolis, winter is not a reason to stay home.

It’s the reason to get out. The reason to visit. The reason to stay.

Winter Essentials

Festivals & Events

Outdoor Adventure

Indoor Fun

Food & Drink

Hotels

Mpls Parking & Driving

American Swedish Insitute Exhibit: Tomte Tales: Legends of Winter

November 8, 2025 - January 26, 2026

Tis the season to embrace the fantastical. Traverse the castle into a magical realm led by Tomte and all his friends. It’s time to hear his side of the story. The American Swedish Institute’s annual Holiday Experience takes visitors on a journey that explores the Legends of Winter. Explore the Turnblad Mansion with Tomte to discover iconic holiday characters, each with their own spectacular space.

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Dayton's Holiday Market

November 13 - December 27

Dayton’s Holiday Market Returns for Its 5th Glorious Year! Shop from over 100 local makers, and grab a bite or beverage while you browse! Relive cherished memories wild rice soup, hot popovers, ginger cookies and pair your bites with a glass of wine or a cold beer for the perfect seasonal treat.

On the other side of the market, Earl Giles invites you to the Jingle Giles Holiday Bar, serving up festive cocktails and mocktails that sparkle with holiday cheer.

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Minneapolis Christkindl Market

November 21 - December 21, 2025

The Minneapolis Christkindl Market is a celebration for all ages! Come enjoy on five weekends in November and December. As the holiday season approaches, there’s no better way to embrace the festive spirit than by visiting the Minneapolis Christkindl Market. Inspired by traditional European Christmas markets, this outdoor wonderland transports you to a world of twinkling lights, alpine style wooden huts, and the cozy aroma of mulled wine.

Image Credit: @kayleelamoine

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The Little Door Store

November 28 - December 21, 2025

At The Little Door Store, children become gift givers! With the help of friendly volunteers, each child is encouraged to choose a gift for a special grownup in their life and package it with care. It’s a heartwarming way for children to learn about generosity.

The Little Door Store – where children experience the magic of giving!

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Holidays on Hennepin

November 28 - December 31, 2025

Uptown is back and brighter than ever! From Black Friday to New Years, grab your Holiday Passport and explore dazzling light displays, sip seasonal drinks, shop for unique gifts, and savor special deals.

Each stop offers something new, from quirky surprises to cozy winter vibes, all while supporting the incredible local businesses that make Hennepin Avenue shine.

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Polar Bear Pub Crawl - Presented by MN Lottery

December 20, 2025

This holiday season, the Minnesota Lottery is bringing cheer to Minneapolis with the Polar Bear Pub Crawl! Join us as we visit downtown bars and restaurants, each serving up festive libations to warm your holiday spirit!

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MN Orchestra: Nordic Soundscapes Festival

January 10-18, 2026

A celebration of hygge and Scandinavian stories: enter a warm, comfortable and welcoming space, designed for exploring the sounds of Nordic countries alongside your favorite winter escapes. A glass of glögg, a candinavian spirit, a taste of nostalgia and an invitation to togetherness are prepared—just for you—at your musical home, Orchestra Hall.

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Art Shanty Projects

January 17 - 21, 2026

Art Shanty Projects is a four-weekend experimental winter art program on a frozen lake in Minneapolis (or in the occasional case of unsafe ice conditions, on shore). Artists create temporary structures and interactive, engaging art experiences and performances, turning the monochromatic scene of winter into a vibrant, colorful, public art community.

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U.S. Pond Hockey Championships

January 23 - 25, 2026

Hockey. The way nature intended. Outdoors in the crisp winter air, skate blades gliding on the fresh ice below, with the sounds of clacking sticks and the smell of grilling bratwurst filling the air.

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Lake Harriet Winter Kite Festival

January 24, 2026

The Winter Kite Festival is a beautiful festival that fills the sky with colorful kites, offers winter activities for all, delicious local food trucks and free s’mores by the fire to warm up throughout the day.

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The Great Northern Festival

January 28 - February 1, 2026

The Great Northern's annual winter festival invites people to change their perspective on the coldest months of the year. The five-day festival includes world premiere performances, food events, art, panels and speakers, films, regional craft, commissioned writing, storytelling, and outdoor activations - including the wildly popular Sauna Village.

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Luminary Loppet

February 7, 2026

Come out to Lake of the Isles and enjoy the Luminary Loppet where you can walk or cross country ski on the candlelit trail. Experience 1,200 luminaries lining the trail with unique ice features and much more – all in the heart of Uptown.

Find refreshments such as hot cocoa and s’mores along the lake as you take in the beauty of the luminaries. Food trucks, Utepils Brewing beer, and music are located at the Luminary Party.

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