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 2026 Twin Cities winter festivals & fun days
GLOW Holiday Festival
Date: 11/20/2025 - 01/04/2026 SEE TIMES
Location: CHS Field, 360 Broadway Street, Saint Paul, MN, 55101CHS Field is GLOW headquarters for the holiday season! Grab a map and follow the walking trail of dazzling holiday decorations and lights plus a meet with Santa, a thrilling slide and zip line ride, a s’mores station, concessions and more. Tickets: $12.75-$21.75/pp (Use our exclusive discount code to get 20% off). Starts November 20, 2025, and runs select dates through January 4, 2026.
12/25/25 Update: Special Offer 12/26/25-1/4/26: 4 PACK – 4 tickets for $60* (*plus applicable fees and tax)
1/1/25 Update: Special Offer 1/2-4/26: ALL IN – $21 adult and $12 youth all-in* tickets (*plus tax)
Winter SKOLstice at Viking Lakes
Date: 11/21/2025 - 02/21/2026 SEE TIMES
Location: Viking Lakes, 2685 Vikings Circle, Eagan, MN, 55121
Winter SKOLstice at Viking Lakes, Eagan, is a collective celebration of the season of ice and snow in Minnesota. Find here a hub of both chilly and cozy entertainment: free outdoor ice skating, hockey, an ice maze and drive-thru holiday lights display alongside a comfortable Warming Haus with hot drinks, snacks, live music and other pastimes. The winter festival is held on the site of the Minnesota Vikings training facility. See the link for all the extra details and special event schedule! Full event runs November 21, 2025-February 21, 2026. CLOSED: January 4-15. Warming house & rink open Wed-Sun, opening time varies depending on special events scheduled – see link.
Bloomington Winter Fete
Date: 12/01/2025 - 02/22/2026 SEE TIMES
Location: Bloomington Winter Fete, Multiple locations, Bloomington, MN, 55431Family-friendly events at Bloomington’s annual Winter Fete include a winter lights tour, NYE skate, the Winter Fete Medallion Hunt beginning January 13th, snowshoeing, ice fishing and Sledstravaganza – see our full scheduled of winter activities at the link.
Ice Castles
Date: 12/26/2025 - 02/21/2026 SEE TIMES
Location: Minnesota State Fairgrounds, 1265 Snelling Avenue North, Saint Paul, MN, 55108
The magical Ice Castles will be held at the State Fairgrounds again in 2026! Once inside, explore the glittering ice palaces for as long as you’d like, crawling through tunnels and even taking a slide or two. December 26-February 21, 2026 (weather permitting, of course). Tickets $13-$26.
Eden Prairie Winter Blast
Date: 01/10/2026 12:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Location: Staring Lake Park, 14800 Pioneer Trail, Eden Prairie, MN, 55347Family friendly activities at Eden Prairie’s Winter Blast include ice skating, sledding, snowshoeing, art activities, carriage rides. Free use of outdoor winter equipment and more free activities await!
Vadnais Heights Winter Shindig
Date: 01/10/2026 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location: Community Park, 661 County Rd F E, Vadnais Heights, MN, 55127Vadnais Heights celebrates the season with their family-friendly Winter Shindig: Family friendly: chocolate, cookies, ice skating and snowshoeing. All ages welcome to this free event.
Anoka Winterfest
Date: 01/12/2026 - 01/16/2026 SEE TIMES
Location: Anoka City Hall, 2015 S 1st Avenue, Anoka, MN, 55303The entire Anoka Winterfest runs 5 days. Please see link for complete details and any required registrations. Sneak peek: expect puzzle competitions, luminary trail, arts activities and a glow skate-and-sled. January 12-16, 2026.
World Snow Celebration & Sculpting Championships
Date: 01/14/2026 - 01/18/2026 SEE TIMES
Location: Lowell Park, 201 Water St N, Stillwater, MN, 55082The public is invited to watch the sculptors at work starting Wednesday with the awards and closing ceremony scheduled for Saturday. During the run of the festival, kids can enjoy a snow slide and, weather permitting, a small, free ice skating rink. There are deals all weekend at area shops and restaurants with a festival button.
Shorewood Arctic Fever
Date: 01/16/2026 - 01/17/2026 SEE TIMES
Location: City of Shorewood, Twin Cities Southwest Metro, Shorewood, MN, 55331Kick off party Friday night at the Shorewood Community & Event Center features llamas, free pizza, cookie decorating, smores, kids entertainment and a magic show. Saturday events in Freeman Park include wagon rides, snowshoeing, kicksledding, a gnome trail and dogsled rides (weather dependent). The Kids Coloring Contest: print, color and drop off at Excelsior Library by December 31. Full event runs January 16-17, 2026. Fri, 5:30-7:30pm & Sat, 11am-1pm. FREE admission, some activities have a fee.
Viking Lakes Ice Festival
Date: 01/16/2026 - 01/25/2026 SEE TIMES
Location: Viking Lakes, 2685 Vikings Circle, Eagan, MN, 55121One of the coolest components of the annual Winter SKOLstice, the Viking Lakes Ice Festival returns to add a little challenge and whimsy to the outdoor offerings. The entire 8,000 square-foot walking experience is outdoors and features more than a dozen custom ice sculptures. Plus themed bars, food trucks, live music and other entertainment – all in addition to the free outdoor ice skating next to the Xfinity Warming Haus. Full festival runs January 16-25 (see our schedule) and tickets run $13/weekends, just $8/weeknights.
Art Shanty Projects (FREE)
Date: 01/17/2026 - 02/08/2026 SEE TIMES
Location: Lake Harriet Park, 4135 W Lake Harriet Parkway, Minneapolis, MN, 55409
Art Shanty Projects is an annual pop up festival mixing art with us hardy, lake-loving Minnesotans. The public is invited to bundle up and venture onto frozen Lake Harriet to explore these unique icehouses designed by local artists. Weekends only, January 17-February 8, 2026. Admission is free; donations are how the event stays running.
White Bear Center for the Arts Winter Open House (FREE)
Date: 01/17/2026 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location: White Bear Center Center for the Arts, 4971 Long Ave, White Bear Lake, MN, 55110Drop in for the annual winter open house at White Bear Center for the Arts. Weather permitting, families can enjoy snow sculpting, meet sled dogs, warm up with cocoa, and make-and-take art. Admission is free.
Hastings Ice Sculpture Celebration
Date: 01/17/2026 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: Downtown Hastings, Downtown, Hastings, MN, 55033Scout ice sculptures all over Hastings, tour city hall, enjoy live music and watch an ice carving demo downtown as the city gears up for its annual ice sculpture celebration.
Powderhorn Art Sled Rally (FREE)
Date: 01/17/2026 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location: Powderhorn Park, 3400 15th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN, 55407Bring a sled of your own creation and race it or just have fun as a spectator at this annual winter event in Powderhorn Park. Free to race and spectate!
South St Paul Flannel Fest
Date: 01/18/2026 - 01/24/2026 SEE TIMES
Location: Jefferson Park, 125 21st Ave N, South St Paul, MN, 55075Particularly kid-friendly at South St Paul’s Flannel Fest, is a “snow day” event with snowshoes and cross-country skis to borrow for free and a finale event in the park with ice bowling and hot cocoa served by the SSP police department. Full event runs January 18-24, 2026 – see our schedule.
St. Paul Winter Carnival
Date: 01/22/2026 - 02/01/2026 SEE TIMES
Location: Saint Paul Winter Carnival, Multiple locations, Saint Paul, MN, 55102Fun, frosty traditions abound at the spirited and historic Saint Paul Winter Carnival, spread over 10 days in January and February! Highlights include the ice sculptures in Rice Park, Ice Castles and Vulcan Snow Park at the State Fairgrounds, signature parades and days sprinkled with free family activities – see our full schedule.
Scandia Vinterfest
Date: 01/24/2026 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Location: Vinterfest, Multiple Locations, Scandia, MN, 55073Winter festival activities at Scandia’s annual winter festival include a pancake breakfast, sledding outing and a snow sculpture contest. Gammelgarden Museum hosts kid-friendly crafts; fireworks at dusk. See our full schedule of Vinterfest events. Full festival runs January 23-25, 2026.
Richardson Ice Harvesting Day (FREE)
Date: 01/24/2026 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location: Richardson Nature Center, 8737 E Bush Lake Rd, Bloomington, MN, 55438At Bloomington’s Ice Harvesting Day, learn how ice was traditionally harvested as part of the city’s annual winter festival. Cut and weigh ice blocks, try a kicksled, learn how food was historically preserved and more icy activities. Dress for Minnesota winter on ice. Activities on the ice are weather dependent and will be modified for safety. Note: this is a free, very popular event.
Golden Valley Winter Fest
Date: 01/24/2026 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Location: Wesley Park, 8305 Wesley Drive, Golden Valley, MN, 55427Sledding, ice skating, horse-drawn hayrides, DJ, and a bonfire with marshmallow roasting and hot chocolate are all activities you can find at Golden Valley’s Winter Fest in the park.
Lake Harriet Winter Kite Festival
Date: 01/24/2026 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location: Lake Harriet Park, 4135 W Lake Harriet Parkway, Minneapolis, MN, 55409The fun and colorful winter festival on Minneapolis’s Lake Harriet returns with frosty activities, colorful kites and free s’mores by the fire to warm up throughout the day.
MORE FUN ON LAKE HARRIET: Art Shanty Projects
St Louis Park Bundled Up! Winter Fun Day (FREE)
Date: 01/24/2026 12:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Location: Oak Hill Park, 3201 Rhode Island Ave S, St Louis Park, MN, 55426If the weather agrees, St Louis Park’s Bundled Up! Winter Fun Day includes bonfires, skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, cocoa, hayrides, s’mores and music. Admission is free, all ages are welcome.
Living Waters WinterLight Festival (FREE)
Date: 01/24/2026 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Living Waters Elk River, 21246 Meadowvale Road NW, Elk River, 55330Winter activities galore. Outdoor activities include horse-drawn trolley rides, walking trails, ice skating, snowshoeing by candlelight and a bonfire. Indoors enjoy a game of BINGO. Warm up with hot cocoa, mini donuts and soup.
Coon Rapids Snowflake Days
Date: 01/30/2026 - 02/08/2026 SEE TIMES
Location: City of Coon Rapids, Various sites, Coon Rapids, MNThe medallion hunt kicks off and runs until the medallion has been found. More family highlights include the annual Police vs Fire hockey game, a chili challenge, outdoor winter fun at Sand Creek Park and family ice skating at Coon Rapids Ice Center. January 30-February 8, 2026.
Burnsville Polar Fest
Date: 01/31/2026 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location: North River Hills Park, 11501 19th Avenue, Burnsville, MN, 55337An afternoon of free winter fun at Burnsville’s North River Hills Park including ice skating, sledding, bonfires, music & more.
Eagan Frosty Festival & Fishing (FREE)
Date: 01/31/2026 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location: Blackhawk Park, 1629 Murphy Parkway, Eagan, MN, 55122All kinds of frosty winter fun to be had here: try ice fishing, play hungry hippos on the ice, build a snowman in the Snow Sculpture Zone and warm up by a bonfire with smores and hot cocoa. Equipment and bait provided for the free ice fishing while supplies. As always, available activities will be weather-dependent. Call the weather hotline at 651-675-5511 for program updates.
Maple Grove Wonders of Winter (FREE)
Date: 01/31/2026 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location: Maple Grove Central Park, 12000 Central Park Way, Maple Grove, MN, 55369Bundle up and embrace the chilly season with free ice skating on the refrigerated Central Park Ice Loop, horse-drawn wagon rides, smores around the fire, dogsledding (weather permitting), scavenger hunts, art projects and more. All activities are free.
Wargo Nature Center Snow Day (FREE)
Date: 01/31/2026 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main Street, Lino Lakes, MN, 55038Try out a variety of winter outdoor activities at Wargo Nature Center such as snowshoeing, ice fishing, kick sledding and cross-country skiing. All equipment is provided – free!
Macalester-Groveland Frost Fest
Date: 01/31/2026 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location: Groveland Recreation Center, 2021 St. Clair Avenue, Saint Paul, MN, 55105The big draw at the Mac-Groveland neighborhood’s annual Frost Fest are the ice rinks – with skating and hockey, but also sledding, snow painting, indoor crafts, and a food truck.
February 2026 Twin Cities winter festivals & fun days
Winter SKOLstice at Viking Lakes
Date: 11/21/2025 - 02/21/2026 SEE TIMES
Location: Viking Lakes, 2685 Vikings Circle, Eagan, MN, 55121Winter SKOLstice at Viking Lakes, Eagan, is a collective celebration of the season of ice and snow in Minnesota. Find here a hub of both chilly and cozy entertainment: free outdoor ice skating, hockey, an ice maze and drive-thru holiday lights display alongside a comfortable Warming Haus with hot drinks, snacks, live music and other pastimes. The winter festival is held on the site of the Minnesota Vikings training facility. See the link for all the extra details and special event schedule! Full event runs November 21, 2025-February 21, 2026. CLOSED: January 4-15. Warming house & rink open Wed-Sun, opening time varies depending on special events scheduled – see link.
Bloomington Winter Fete
Date: 12/01/2025 - 02/22/2026 SEE TIMES
Location: Bloomington Winter Fete, Multiple locations, Bloomington, MN, 55431Family-friendly events at Bloomington’s annual Winter Fete include a winter lights tour, NYE skate, the Winter Fete Medallion Hunt beginning January 13th, snowshoeing, ice fishing and Sledstravaganza – see our full scheduled of winter activities at the link.
Ice Castles
Date: 12/26/2025 - 02/21/2026 SEE TIMES
Location: Minnesota State Fairgrounds, 1265 Snelling Avenue North, Saint Paul, MN, 55108
The magical Ice Castles will be held at the State Fairgrounds again in 2026! Once inside, explore the glittering ice palaces for as long as you’d like, crawling through tunnels and even taking a slide or two. December 26-February 21, 2026 (weather permitting, of course). Tickets $13-$26.
Art Shanty Projects (FREE)
Date: 01/17/2026 - 02/08/2026 SEE TIMES
Location: Lake Harriet Park, 4135 W Lake Harriet Parkway, Minneapolis, MN, 55409Art Shanty Projects is an annual pop up festival mixing art with us hardy, lake-loving Minnesotans. The public is invited to bundle up and venture onto frozen Lake Harriet to explore these unique icehouses designed by local artists. Weekends only, January 17-February 8, 2026. Admission is free; donations are how the event stays running.
St. Paul Winter Carnival
Date: 01/22/2026 - 02/01/2026 SEE TIMES
Location: Saint Paul Winter Carnival, Multiple locations, Saint Paul, MN, 55102Fun, frosty traditions abound at the spirited and historic Saint Paul Winter Carnival, spread over 10 days in January and February! Highlights include the ice sculptures in Rice Park, Ice Castles and Vulcan Snow Park at the State Fairgrounds, signature parades and days sprinkled with free family activities – see our full schedule.
Coon Rapids Snowflake Days
Date: 01/30/2026 - 02/08/2026 SEE TIMES
Location: City of Coon Rapids, Various sites, Coon Rapids, MNThe medallion hunt kicks off and runs until the medallion has been found. More family highlights include the annual Police vs Fire hockey game, a chili challenge, outdoor winter fun at Sand Creek Park and family ice skating at Coon Rapids Ice Center. January 30-February 8, 2026.
Minnetonka Kids Fest
Date: 02/01/2026 11:00 am - 2:30 pm
Location: Minnetonka Community Center, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd, Minnetonka, MN, 55345Free stuff to do at Minnetonka’s Kids Fest: horse-drawn trolley rides, kicksledding & dogsledding (weather permitting), face painting, ice carving, games and crafts.
Silverwood Midwinter Melt: Moon Glow (FREE)
Date: 02/02/2026 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Silverwood Park, 2500 County Road E, St. Anthony, MN, 55421
Celebrate the half-way mark to spring at Silverwood Park with a fun evening of winter activities – kicksledding, a luminary trail, ice bowling and stargazing with a telescope. Indoors, try out art activities like shadow puppet making and a planetarium show. Don’t miss the hot air balloon illumination starting at 7pm on the lake!
Brooklyn Park Winter Fun Fest (FREE)
Date: 02/05/2026 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Zanewood Recreation Center, 7100 Zanewood Avenue North, Brooklyn Park, MN, 55429A night of sledding, kicksledding, a scavenger hunt and bonfires with s’mores & hot cocoa outdoors. Indoors, enjoy a disco, a selfie booth, snowflake graffiti, and art activities. FREE, but registration encouraged.
Hudson Hot Air Affair
Date: 02/06/2026 - 02/08/2026 SEE TIMES
Location: EP Rock Elementary School, 340 13th St S, Hudson, WI, 54016“Sky Walkers Return to Rock” is this year’s theme complete with hot air balloon launches all weekend (see our schedule). Full event runs February 6-8, 2026.
North St Paul Fire and Ice
Date: 02/06/2026 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Casey Lake Park, 2101 17th Avenue East, North St Paul, MN, 55109North Saint Paul’s annual celebration of winter includes, skating, bonfires and free hot chocolate! This event is weather-dependent. Fun, free and appropriate for all ages.
Hudson Hot Air Affair: Torchlight Parade
Date: 02/06/2026 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: EP Rock Elementary School, 340 13th St S, Hudson, WI, 54016“Sky Walkers Return to Rock” is this year’s theme complete with hot air balloon launches all weekend (see our schedule). Full event runs February 6-8, 2026.
Apple Valley Mid-Winter Fest
Date: 02/07/2026 9:00 am - 7:15 pm
Location: Johnny Cake Ridge Park West, 14255 Johnny Cake Ridge Rd, Apple Valley, MN, 55124Frosted outdoor activities at Apple Valley’s Mid-Winter Fest include: horse-drawn wagon rides, garden cart rides from the police department, snowshoeing, frozen kite flying, fire department open house, live music, and fireworks. There is so much to choose from at this winter festival in the Minneapolis-St Paul SE Metro – see our schedule.
Hudson Hot Air Affair
Date: 02/07/2026 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
Location: EP Rock Elementary School, 340 13th St S, Hudson, WI, 54016“Sky Walkers Return to Rock” is this year’s theme complete with hot air balloon launches all weekend (see our schedule). Full event runs February 6-8, 2026.
Otsego Winter Festival
Date: 02/07/2026 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Location: Prairie Park, 13355 90th Street Northeast, Otsego, MN, 55330Otsego’s Winter Festival spins winter as a lot of fun with snowshoeing, skating, sledding, hayrides, a medallion-hunt, geocaching, smores, indoor crafts and games. Warm yourselves up with some hot cocoa.
Wildlife Science Center Winter Festival
Date: 02/07/2026 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: Wildlife Science Center, 22830 Sunrise Road NE, Stacy, MN, 55079Meet mushers and dog teams at the Wildlife Science Center, watch demonstrations, listen to live music and maybe hear the wolves howl – very special. Admission: $10-$15/pp admission.
Chanhassen February Fest
Date: 02/07/2026 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location: Lake Ann Park & Beach, 1456 West 78th Street, Chanhassen, MN, 55317Winter festival fun at Chanhassen’s annual February Fest include an ice fishing contest (fee to participate), concessions, door prizes, and free family activities.
Mendota Heights Winter Whirl
Date: 02/07/2026 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Location: Rogers Lake Park, 1000 Wagon Wheel Trail, Mendota Heights, MN, 55118A refreshed version of the city’s annual winter festival includes a medallion hunt, an afternoon of outdoor activities at Rogers Lake Park (Sat, 12-2pm) and puzzle competition.
Springbrook Winterfest (FREE)
Date: 02/07/2026 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location: Springbrook Nature Center, 100 85th Ave NW, Fridley, MN, 55432Outdoor family fun at Springbrook Nature Center includes a medallion hunt (cash prize!), kick sledding, snowshoeing, fat tire biking, storytime, bonfires, s’mores, games, free winter gear to try out and more. Event and activities are free.
Brooklyn Park Winterfest
Date: 02/07/2026 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location: Brooklyn Park Central Park, 8440 Regent Avenue North, Brooklyn Park, MN, 55448Classic winter outdoor activities await you at Brooklyn Park’s Winterfest: ice skating, sledding, snowshoeing plus a DJed dance party, bird-feeder making and hot cocoa and smores.
Winterfest at YMCA Camp Pepin
Date: 02/07/2026 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Location: YMCA Camp Pepin, W10915 East Lake Drive, Stockolm, WI, 54768Drop in to Camp Pepin to celebrate winter during this afternoon of fun outdoor activities, a bonfire with s’mores and winter-themed arts and crafts. Plus, check out Lake Pepin’s largest ice carousel. Pay what you can. $5/pp suggested. All Ages. Drop In.
Plymouth Fire & Ice Festival
Date: 02/07/2026 3:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Location: Plymouth Creek Park, 3625 Fernbrook Lane North, Plymouth, MN, 55447Winter festival activities at Plymouth’s Fire & Ice event include hayrides, pony rides, recycle bin races, on-ice games, youth ice fishing contest, skating, and more. Food will be available to purchase.
Ramsey Frost Fest
Date: 02/07/2026 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Ramsey Central Park, 7925 161st Ave NW, Ramsey, MN, 55303Winter activities planned sound super fun at Ramsey’s Frost Fest – a snow maze, sledding hill, and a luminary ice skate. Just $5 to sample the entries in the festival’s annual chili cook-off.
Columbia Heights SnowBLAST
Date: 02/07/2026 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Huset Park, 3965 Jefferson St NE, Columbia Heights, MN , 55421Come by Columbia Heights’ winter festival SnowBLAST for fun 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.
Hudson Hot Air Affair
Date: 02/08/2026 7:30 am - 3:00 pm
Location: EP Rock Elementary School, 340 13th St S, Hudson, WI, 54016“Sky Walkers Return to Rock” is this year’s theme complete with hot air balloon launches all weekend (see our schedule). Full event runs February 6-8, 2026.
Buffalo Kites On Ice Festival
Date: 02/14/2026 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location: Sturges Park, 505 2nd Ave S, Buffalo, MN , 55313Kites fill the sky above Buffalo Lake, kite building workshop for kids, food trucks, hot chocolate and treat vendors. Free and open to all ages.
Embrace the North Festival (FREE)
Date: 02/14/2026 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location: Mississippi Gateway Regional Park, 10360 West River Road, Brooklyn Park, MN, 55444Enjoy a fun family day of outdoor winter activities, including snowshoeing, fat tire biking, a medallion hunt and winter games. Warm up around a campfire with snacks.
Dodge Winter Fun Fest
Date: 02/14/2026 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location: Dodge Nature Center - Farm Entrance, 1701 Charlton Street, West St Paul, MN, 55118Back for another frosty year: Dodge Nature Center’s Winter Fun Fest heats up with a live DJ, bonfires and outdoor heaters, horse-drawn sleigh rides, icy games, snow sports, nature activities and crafts. Food & beer available.
Hyland Winter Play Day Festival (FREE)
Date: 02/21/2026 11:00 am - 3:30 pm
Location: Hyland Lake Park Reserve, 10145 Bush Lake Road, Bloomington, MN, 55438Lakeville Ritter Fest
Date: 02/21/2026 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location: Ritter Farm Park, 19300 Ritter Trail, Lakeville, MN, 55128The highlight of Lakeville’s Ritter Fest are the exciting dogsled rides. There’s also the chance to ride a snowmobile, snowshoe and enjoy smores around the fire. FREE admission, $25 fee for dogsled rides if possible. Must pre-register for rides – see link.
Phalen Freeze Fest
Date: 02/21/2026 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location: Phalen Lakeside Activities Center, 1530 Phalen Drive, Saint Paul, MN 55106Depending on the weather, the annual festival will go on and may have one, all or a combination of the following: ice fishing, fire building, arts & crafts, orienteering, s’mores and beverages, snow shoeing, nature activities, boot hockey and outdoor games.
Wabasha Grumpy Old Man Festival
Date: 02/28/2026 SEE TIMES
Location: ,Celebrate winter like Grumpy Old Men in Wabasha with an fishing tournament, a Flannel & Frost Party including Cinderella carriage rides, a polka dance party, a plaid parade, lumberjack lore, and of course, screenings of Grumpy Old Men at the National Eagle Center.
Crosby Farm Winter Play Day (FREE)
Date: 02/28/2026 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location: Crosby Farm Regional Park, 2595 Crosby Farm Rd, Saint Paul, MN , 55116
During Crosby Farm’s annual Winter Play Day, families can snowshoe, hike, birdwatch and play winter games. Enjoy a winter sound garden and warm up s’mores. Free and all ages are welcome, but registration is requested for planning purposes and keeping attendees informed regarding changes due to weather.
MontiArts Glow Fest (FREE)
Date: 02/28/2026 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Monticello Community Center, 505 Walnut St, Monticello, MN, 55362
Usher in brighter days ahead with the annual winter Glow Fest featuring a light-up parade of puppetry, lanterns, other illuminated objects and fire performers capped off with a party in West Bridge Park. Glow Parade route starts at Monticello Community Center and continues down Walnut Street to the park. Community members are invited to join in what amounts to a roughly 25-minute walk. Plus hands-on art activities for all ages. Event is free.
Twin Cities winter festivals not announced for 2025
CRYSTAL Winterlude
Valley Place Park, 6822 32nd Ave N, Crystal, MN 55427
This free winter festival featured music and entertainment, Ice Bocce, a sledding contest, kicksledding, ice skating, and food trucks.
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.
HAM LAKE Snow Bowl
Ham Lake Park
Snow sculptures, ice fishing, a snow hill and games for kids.
NEW BRIGHTON Brave the BRRR
Brightwood Hills Golf Course, 1975 Silver Lake Rd NW, New Brighton
Search for 15 gnomes hidden along the path (and enter to win a prize). Fri-Sun shop an indoor market (3-7pm) and try out activities with the parks dept ( weather dependent). A Bartz snow sculpture was part of the 2024 event.
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.
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
We would love to have our WinterFest include next year!
1st Saturday in December each year, this year is our 5th year.
Thank you for the consideration!
Courtney Wiest
Hi Courtney: We include Winterfest on our Twin Cities Holiday Festivals List, which covers November and December festivals. This list includes events in January, February and early March.
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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!