We’re so excited to present our Twin Cities, Minnesota, Winter Festival Calendar for families – because festivals aren’t just for summer in this state! Most of our favorite winter traditions are back and ready to immerse you in the activities our snowy state is well-known for. Make sure to check back often as some winter festival information has yet to be announced. Then, bundle up and get out there! For more frosty fun, be sure to check our:
January 2024 Twin Cities winter festivals & fun days
Winter festivals the weekend of January 6-7, 2024
EDEN PRAIRIE Winter Blast
Staring Lake Park, 14800 Pioneer Trail, Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55347
Sledding, ice skating (BYO skates), crafts, outdoor games, and a bonfire. 2-4:30pm, FREE admission. January 6, 2024. RESCHEDULED FOR 2/3/24.
EDINA Winter Ice Festival
Centennial Lakes Park, 7499 France Ave S, Edina, MN 55435
Trolley rides, face painting, and skating for families – rent skates or bring your own. January 7, 2024, 1-5pm, FREE. CANCELLED – carriage rides rescheduled to Feb. 11.
NEW BRIGHTON Brave the BRRR
Brightwood Hills Golf Course, 1975 Silver Lake Rd NW, New Brighton
Between Jan 4-29 you can search for 15 gnomes hidden along the path (and enter to win a prize). Fri-Sun starting January 5 shop an indoor market (3-7pm) and try out activities with the parks dept ( weather dependent). A Bartz snow sculpture will arrive mid-January. January 6-7, 2024.
Winter festivals the weekend of January 12-14, 2024
BLOOMINGTON Winter Fete
Bloomington’s annual winter festival is back with fun winter activities spread out over the months of January and February. This weekend, these include ice fishing lessons ($20/pp) and a free open skate at Bloomington Ice Garden. January 14, 2024.
EAGAN Frosty Festival
Trapp Farm Park, 841 Wilderness Run Rd, Eagan, MN 55123
Sled to the DJ’d music, build a snowman, enjoy hot cocoa and cookies and get some great winter photos. As always, activities are subject to weather conditions so keep an eye on the official website if you’re interested in attending. January 12, 2024, 5:30-7:30pm, Tickets $5 and can be purchased here.
VADNAIS HEIGHTS Winter Shindig
641 E County Road F., Vadnais Heights, MN 55127
Featuring hot chocolate, cookies, ice skating, snowshoeing, and more winter activities. January 13, 2024, 2-4pm, FREE. CANCELLED – may be rescheduled.
WHITE BEAR LAKE White Bear Center For the Arts Winter Open House
4971 Long Ave, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Snow sculpting, dogsledding and more free activities at this winter festival for families. January 13, 2024, 1-3pm, FREE admission.
Winter festivals the week of January 15, 2024
EAGAN Winter SKOLstice at Viking Lakes
2685 Vikings Cir, Eagan, MN 55121
Activities at the winter festival include free open skate, hockey and curling on the ponds and and the large, front lawn skating rink (weather-dependent, BYO skates). These activities have already been delayed and may continue to be pushed out so you’ll want to check the Viking Lakes website for current status. The Minnesota Ice Maze has officially been cancelled due to the weather. Starts January 15, 2024. Mon-Fri, 4-10pm & Sat-Sun, 12-10pm.
Winter festivals the weekend of January 19-21, 2024
EXCELSIOR Arctic Fever
Kick off party Friday night in Shoreview features llamas, a DJ, geocaching and treats. Saturday events in Manitou Park include an ATV demo, K-9 unit, live reindeer and something called “human bowling”. The Kids Coloring Contest: print, color and drop off at Excelsior Library by January 19-20, 2024. FREE admission, some activities have a fee.
FRIDLEY Springbrook Nature Center Winterfest
100 85th Ave NW, Fridley, MN 55432
Outdoor family fun includes a medallion hunt, kick sledding, snowshoeing, fat tire biking, snow painting, a snowball launcher, storytime, bonfires, s’mores, a candy cane hunt, frozen bubbles and police K-9 demos. January 20, 2024.
HASTINGS Yeti Ice Sculpture Celebration
The Yeti reigns supreme in Hastings this weekend for the city’s annual ice sculpture celebration. Scout yetis all over town and post pics on your social channels to be entered in a grand prize drawing. Plus, an ice carving demo downtown, shopping and dining specials, tours of city hall and live music. January 20, 2024, 11am-4pm.
LAKEVILLE Ritter Fest
Ritter Farm Park, 19300 Ritter Pkwy Trail, Lakeville, MN 55044
The highlight of this winter festival are the exciting dogsled rides. There’s also the chance to ride a snowmobile, snowshoe and enjoy smores around the fire. FREE admission, fee for dogsled rides. January 20, 2024. THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED.
STILLWATER World Snow Sculpting Championships
Now that the snow sculptures have risen, find out the winners at the closing ceremony, followed by a block party. A small, free ice skating rink is nearby in the park and there are deals all weekend at area shops and restaurants with a festival button in honor of Minnesnowta Nice Day. January 20-21, 2024.
Winter festivals the week of January 22-25, 2024
ANOKA Winterfest
2800 Greenhaven Rd, Anoka, MN 55303
The entire festival runs 10 days. This week, there are luminary activities (5:30-7pm) and a moonlight skate at all ice rinks (7-8pm). January 25, 2024.
MAPLE GROVE Ice Castles
12500 82nd Ave N, Maple Grove, MN 55369
The magical Ice Castles will be held in Maple Grove this year. Once inside, explore the ice palaces for as long as you’d like! Open through early March or weather permitting. Read our review of Ice Castles here. $11-$23/pp. January 24-February 18, 2024. PLEASE NOTE: this event is weather dependent and may be postponed or cancelled.
ST PAUL Winter Carnival
See our Top Family Activities for this winter festival extravaganza, including family days, the favorite Vulcan Snow Park and traditional parades. Most family-friendly events are free to attend. Runs January 25-February 3, 2024.
Winter festivals the weekend of January 26-28, 2024
ANOKA Winterfest
Rick Sorensen Park 2015 State Ave, Anoka, MN 55303
The entire festival runs 10 days. This week, decorate Winterfest cookies. Please register. January 28, 2024. FREE.
COON RAPIDS Snowflake Days
The medallion hunt kicks off and runs until the medallion has been found (deadline February 11). More Snowflake Days events to come over the next two weeks. January 27, 2024.
ELK RIVER WinterLight Festival at Living Waters
21246 Meadowvale Rd NW, Elk River, MN 55330
Winter activities galore: horse-drawn trolley rides, ice skating, hot cocoa and soup, a Snow Olympics and nighttime glow games. January 27, 2024, 3-9pm. FREE.
GOLDEN VALLEY Winterfest
Wesley Park, Wesley Drive and Orkla, Golden Valley, MN 55427
Sledding, ice skating, hayrides, DJ, and a bonfire with marshmallow roasting. January 27, 2024, 12-2pm. FREE.
LINO LAKES Wargo Nature Center Snow Day
7701 Main St, Lino Lakes, MN 55038
Try out a variety of winter outdoor activities such as snowshoeing, ice fishing, kick sledding and cross-country skiing. January 27, 2024, 1-4pm, FREE.
MINNEAPOLIS Fire & Ice Family Skate Night
Linden Hills Park, 3100 43rd St West, Minneapolis MN 55410
Families can enjoy ice skating together and sip hot chocolate by the bonfire. January 26, 2024, 5:30pm-7:30pm. FREE.
MINNEAPOLIS Art Shanty Projects
4135 W Lake Harriet Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55409
Not only are these unique ice houses designed by local artists, they are strongly encouraged to be interactive and fun! Great for families with kids. Weekends only, January 27-February 11, 2024, 10am-4pm. FREE. CLOSED EARLY.
MINNEAPOLIS Powderhorn Art Sled Rally
Powderhorn Park, 3400 15th Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Bring a sled of your own creation and race it or have fun as a spectator! January 27, 2024, 2pm, FREE.
MINNEAPOLIS Lake Harriet Winter Kite Festival
4135 W Lake Harriet Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55409
The fun winter festival returns with frosty activities and a partnership with the Art Shanty Projects. Featuring colorful kites and FREE s’mores by the fire to warm up throughout the day. January 27, 2024, 12-4pm. FREE admission.
NEW BRIGHTON Brave the BRRR
Brightwood Hills Golf Course, 1975 Silver Lake Rd NW, New Brighton
This is the final weekend you can search for 15 gnomes hidden along the path (and enter to win a prize). Shop an indoor market (3-7pm) and try out activities with the parks dept ( weather dependent). The Bartz snow sculpture has arrived! January 27-28, 2024.
NEWPORT Winter Family Fun Night
Loveland Park, 1500 Glen Rd, Newport, MN 55055
Ice skating on the park rink, winter games and free refreshments for all. January 27, 2024, 6-8pm. FREE. CANCELLED.
SCANDIA Vinterfest
Winter festival activities include a pancake breakfast, sledding outing and a snow sculpture contest. Gammelgarden Museum hosts kid-friendly crafts in the community center with fireworks at 7pm. January 26-27, 2024. FREE admission.
STACY Wildlife Science Center Winter Festival
22830 Sunrise Rd NE, Stacy, MN 55079
Meet mushers and dog teams, watch demonstrations, listen to live music and maybe hear the wolves howl – very special. Dog sled rides are available for an extra fee. January 27, 2024. $10-$15/pp admission.
ST LOUIS PARK Bundled Up! Winter Fun Day
Oak Hill Park, 3201 Rhode Island Ave S, St Louis Park, MN 55426
Bonfires, skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, cocoa, hayrides, s’mores and music are the highlights of this free community winter festival. January 27, 2024, 12-3:30pm. FREE.
ST PAUL: Macalester-Groveland Frost Fest
2021 St. Clair Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55105
The big draw are the ice rinks – with skating and hockey, but also a puck hunt and puck decorating, an indoor movie, hot cocoa and a bonfire. January 27, 2024, 12-3pm. CANCELLED.
Winter festivals the week of January 29-February 2, 2024
ANOKA Winterfest
631 Lund Blvd, Anoka, MN 55303
The entire festival runs 10 days. This week, enjoy hot cocoa and smores with Anoka Public Safety. January 29, 2024, 5-7pm. FREE.
FEBRUARY 1: Winterfest Skate at Wilson Elementary. 5-8pm.
BROOKLYN PARK Zanewood Winter Fun Fest
7100 Zane Ave N, Brooklyn Park
Classic winter outdoor activities. February 1, 2024, 5-7pm. FREE.
COON RAPIDS Snowflake Days
Snowflake Days Community Parade counts fire trucks, police vehicles and city floats with lights and music in its lineup. January 30, 2024, 6pm.
HUDSON Hot Air Affair Torchlight Parade
Second Street, Hudson WI
“Rockin with the Coldies” is this year’s parade theme, capped off with fireworks over Lakefront Park. February 2, 2024, 7pm.
MINNEAPOLIS Fire & Ice at Matthews Park
Matthews Park, 2318 29th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Ice Skating, hot chocolate, bonfire with marshmallows to roast. February 2, 2024, 6-8pm. FREE.
ROBBINSDALE Fire & Ice
Sanborn Park, 42nd Ave N & Chowen Ave N., Robbinsdale, MN 55422
Skating party with bonfire, music, hot cocoa, and family-friendly activities! February 2, 2024, 6-8pm.
Winter festivals the weekend of February 3-4, 2024
APPLE VALLEY Mid-Winter Fest
Johnny Cake Ridge Park West, 14255 Johnny Cake Ridge Road, Apple Valley, MN
Activities include: snowshoeing, horse-drawn wagon rides, frozen kite flying, fire department open house, live music, fireworks and a scavenger hunt. There is so much to choose from at this winter festival in the Minneapolis-St Paul SE Metro. February 3, 2024.
CHANHASSEN February Fest (Feb Fest)
Lake Ann Park, 1456 W 78th St, Chanhassen, MN 55317
Winter festival activities include an ice fishing contest, concessions, door prizes, and family activities. February 3, 2024. Cancelled due to ice conditions.
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS SnowBLAST
Huset Park, 40TH Ave, Columbia Heights, MN 55421
Come by for fun winter outdoor activities like ice skating on the rink (pre-register for free rentals) and sledding on the hill, free popcorn and smores, the puppet wagon, music, free hot beverages and more to purchase. February 3, 2024, 3-6:30pm.
COON RAPIDS Winter Fun at Sand Creek
1008 Northdale Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55448
Part of the 10-day Snowflake Days festival, there is outdoor ice skating on the park rink plus snow painting, ice bowling and other games, a kids medallion hunt, canvas painting, cookies and hot cocoa. February 3, 2024, 10am-2pm. FREE.
CRYSTAL Winterlude
Valley Place Park, 6822 32nd Ave N, Crystal, MN 55427
This free winter festival features music and entertainment, Ice Bocce, a sledding contest, kicksledding, ice skating, and food trucks. February 3, 2024, 10am-Noon. CANCELLED.
HUDSON Hot Air Affair
Hot air balloon launches all weekend are the focus of the annual festival but there’s more to enjoy, too, including a parade, pancake breakfast, animal hunt for kids in the park and free tours of the Octagon House Museum. February 2-4, 2024.
MAPLE GROVE Wonders of Winter
Maple Grove Central Park, 2000 Central Park Way, Maple Grove, MN 55369
Classic winter festival activities include horse-drawn wagon rides, snowshoeing, a scavenger hunt, skating on the loop, s’mores, kite flying, a food truck from Rock Elm Tavern, and more. So many free winter outdoor activities! February 3, 2024.
MINNEAPOLIS City of Lakes Loppet Ski Festival
Be a spectator (for free) at the races. Kids up to 12 can participate in the free MN Youth Ski League Super Carnival – loaner ski equipment provided, but limited. February 3, 2024.
MINNEAPOLIS Luxton Park Fire & Ice
Luxton Park, 112 SE Williams Avenue, Minneapolis MN
This winter festival’s signature draw is the huge bonfire, but there’s also food, live music and horse-drawn hayrides. February 3, 2024, 5:30-8pm. FREE.
MINNETONKA Kids Fest
Hopkins Pavilion, 11000 Excelsior Blvd., Hopkins
Free stuff to do: dog sled rides, horse-drawn trolley rides, face painting, ice sculptures and crafts. Plus activities with Snapology, Kidcreate and Mathnasium. A sensory friendly room will be available for anyone who needs calm. February 4, 2024, 11am-2:30pm.
PLYMOUTH Fire & Ice Festival
Parkers Lake Park, 15500 County Road 6, Plymouth MN
Winter festival activities include hayrides, pony rides, recycle bin races, on-ice games, youth ice fishing contest, skating, and more. Food will be available to purchase. 3-7pm, FREE admission. February 3, 2024. CANCELLED DUE TO ICE CONDITIONS.
Winter festivals the weekend of February 9-11, 2024
BROOKLYN PARK Winterfest
8440 Regent Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
As always, weather permitting, activities run the gamut from sledding to ice skating to snow art. A limited number of free loaners will be available. February 10, 2024, 1-3pm. FREE.
BUFFALO Kites on Ice Festival
Sturges Park, 401 Lake Blvd S, Buffalo, MN 55313
Kites fill the sky above Buffalo Lake, kite building workshop for kids, food trucks, hot chocolate and treat vendors. February 11, 2024, 11am-3pm, FREE. CANCELLED.
BURNSVILLE Polar Fest
North River Hills Park, 11501 19th Avenue, Burnsville, MN 55337
An afternoon of free winter fun including ice skating, sledding, bonfires, music & more. February 10, 2024, 11am-2pm. FREE. Update: events requiring snow & ice cancelled.
MENDOTA HEIGHTS Frozen Fun Fest
Friendly Hills Park, Pueblo Ln, Mendota Heights, MN 55120
The chilly fest kicks off with an Ice Block Party Friday night and continues with ice fishing lessons on Saturday. February 9-10, 2024.
MINNEAPOLIS Frost Fest
Pearl Park, 5144 13th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN
A bit less frosty this year but still scheduled! Activities remaining will be a glowstick dance party, food trucks, a medallion hunt and bonfire with winter sports (hopefully) to return next year. February 9, 2024, 6-8:30pm.
RAMSEY Frost Fest
Central Park, 161st Avenue, Ramsey MN
Winter activities planned (that likely will not go through) sound super fun – a snow luge, snow maze and luminary ice skate. What may go on is the chili cook-off in the park – $5 to sample the entries. February 10, 2024, 12-6pm.
SOUTH ST PAUL Flannel Fest
Jefferson Park, 125 21st Ave N, South St Paul, MN 55075
Particularly kid-friendly, this day features a Starlight Skate & Sled event with ice bowling and hot cocoa served by the SSP police department. February 10, 2024, 5-7pm. FREE.
Winter festivals the weekend of February 17-18, 2024
COTTAGE GROVE Blizzard Bash
9653 Keats Ave S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016
Sample some fun, classic winter activities such as ice fishing, snowshoeing and kicksledding (all use of equipment free). Warm up at a bonfire and learn how to make an ice luminary. Food trucks onsite for purchase. February 17, 2024, 11am-4pm. FREE admission.
OTSEGO Winter Festival
Prairie Park, 13355 90th St NE, Otsego, MN 55330
Originally involving dogsledding, snowshoeing and a snowman-building contest, the festival will either be scaled back to a medallion hunt or cancelled for this year. February 17, 2024, 10am-2pm. FREE admission.
STILLWATER Winterfest
Wintry highlights appropriate for families are almost exclusively on the 17th and include kids activities at the Loft at Studio J, a hot air balloon basket and fireworks. February 17, 2024.
STOCKHOLM, WI Winterfest at Camp Pepin
YMCA Camp Pepin, W10915 East Lake Drive, Stockholm, WI 54769
A host of family-friendly activities including winter sports, story walk, camp fire, astronomy with Mike Lynch and an ice carousel. February 17, 2024, 2-8pm.
WEST ST PAUL Dodge Nature Center Winter Fun Festival
1701 Charlton Street, West St. Paul, MN 55118
Live DJ, bonfires and outdoor heaters, horse-drawn sleigh rides, icy games, snow sports, nature activities and crafts. Food & beer available. February 17, 2024, 2-5pm. FREE. CANCELLED.
Winter festivals the weekend of February 24-25, 2024
ST PAUL Phalen Freeze Fest
Phalen Lakeside Activities Center, 1530 Phalen Drive, Saint Paul, MN 55106
It won’t be the Freeze Fest you recall from years back, but the festival will go on with hot beverages, seed planting, bird watching, an orienteering activities and outdoor games. February 24, 2024, 1-4pm, FREE.
Not scheduled for 2024
Ham Lake Snow Bowl
Ham Lake Park
Snow sculptures, ice fishing, a snow hill and games for kids.
More winter outdoor family fun ideas
Sledding is another favorite outdoor activity in our neck of the woods. Where to find the best slopes from bunny hills to steep thrills? Check our Best Twin Cities Sledding Hills Guide.
Strapping on a pair of ice skating is one way to embrace the winter season! Hit up our ice rink-finder to seek out the free skating rinks across the Twin Cities.
Where can I ski and snowboard with the family?
Twin Cities year-round festivals and fun
- Check out our Twin Cities Year-Round Festival & Fairs Guide here.
- Find tons more things to do in Minneapolis & St Paul with kids!
Winter fun – indoors
- Find fun indoor games for kids when it’s chilly outside and we want to stay cozy.
- Indoor Play: Indoor Activities for Kids
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Funny, whenever I think of Boston, I think of the lyrics to Dismemberment Plan’s The Ice of Boston.
I think you do your share of embracing winter. Good Luck in the Super Bowl.
They are activities. This has been one of the longest, coldest winters and the cold has subsided yet as of April 30, 2023. Flying kites and sledding is cool but also really cold. Freezing cold. I do like how the events are planned and spread out all over so has an opportunity to get out and enjoy the beauty of winter, community, children at play, and laugh around the fire. ( I hope there is camp fires)
It’s too cold not to. I was gravely ill from Oct 2022 til Mar 2023. Life is short, enjoy every moment. I’ll be you at These Wonderful Events in Summer Fall & Winter 2023 & 2024. God Bless ❣️🙏
Thanks Dot.
We are also ready for spring and summer. I see the forecast is predicting 60s and 70s this coming week, and we have some great spring and summer festivals coming. I hope you can get to them!