For those of you who love an adventure and have a love for the outdoors despite the winter weather, or if you love the season but hate the cold. There is something for everyone and here is a list of some things to do in the Twin Cities. (Check back because I will continue to add events)
Tubing/Skiing/Cross Country Skiing:
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Website
Location: Three Rivers Park District
A great place to take your family tubing. Go down a lighted hill and ride the lift back up to go down again. Along with the tubing hill there is a beginner skiing hill and cross country trail. Warm up in the chalet where you can warm up and have a hot cocoa. The season typically starts in December and runs through mid-march so it is best to check their site or call if you are wondering if they are open yet.
The chalet also provides equipment rental, a fireplace and places to sit, and concessions.
Cost: You can purchase activity passes at the Elm Creek Chalet from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Cross country ski passes may be purchased online.
Fly Kites @ Lake Harriet Winter Kite Festival:
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Location: Lake Harriet, 4135 W. Lake Harriet Parkway
Location: Lake Harriet, 4135 W. Lake Harriet Parkway
Date: January 17th, 2015
This Lake Harriet Winter Kite Festival will be held on the north end of Lake Harriet near the band shelter. You will see kites of all shapes and sizes and bright colors will fly over the frozen ice of Lake Harriet.
There will be experts from the Minnesota Kite Society available with their maneuvering skills throughout the day. You can bring your own kite or purchase one at the lake the day of the event.
Also Tips Outdoors will be present to teach kids some tips on ice fishing skills and safety tips. Permits and equipment will be provided for the children.
This is a free event and open to the public.
U.S. Pond Hockey Championships:
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Website
Location: Lake Nokomis, 2401 E Minnehaha Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Date: January 15th – 18th
Date: January 15th – 18th
This is a fun event features outdoor hockey. Pond hockey is where hockey starts for most and it is where friendships are made along with the memories that the pond creates. Anyone who has played pond hockey knows that without the pond, hockey wouldn’t be what it is today in Minnesota. 2015 marks the 10th anniversary of this event. You can either put a team together or just come as a spectator. There are brackets for men, women, over 40 years old, over 50 years old, and rink rats. This event is very popular and what a better way to spend a winter week-end but is to be outdoors either playing the great sport of hockey or watching others play.
This fun venue was created to keep the sport of hockey alive no matter what your age is.
This fun venue was created to keep the sport of hockey alive no matter what your age is.
It is free event for spectators. Concessions will be available.
Loppet – The Urban Cross Country Ski Festival
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There are many vendors available including the new Surly Brewing Co. Fireworks are from 8-9:00 p.m. on Friday, January 30th along with many other fun events.
Loppet – The Urban Cross Country Ski Festival
Website
Location: City of the Lakes, Loppet, 1301 Theodore Wirth Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55422
Date: January 30th – February 1st 2015
There are many vendors available including the new Surly Brewing Co. Fireworks are from 8-9:00 p.m. on Friday, January 30th along with many other fun events.
Shopping @ the Holidazzle Village
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Website
Location: Nicollet Mall (Between 10th and 12th Streets)
When: November 28th through December 24th.
This new and exciting shopping experience along with the Minneapolis Holiday Market between Nicollet Mall between 10th and 12th streets. The Minneapolis Holiday Market is located at Peavey Plaza where you can enjoy shopping, fun activities, and food. The Holidazzle Village there will be a variety of fun things for you and your family to enjoy including story time for kids, special nights to see reindeer, bands performing, there is a carousel, holiday warming tent, unique crafts, skating and so much more. Bring your family for a fun shopping experience.
2014 Red Bull Crashed Ice
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Location: Cathedral of St. Paul
When: January 22 - 24
When: November 28th through December 24th.
This new and exciting shopping experience along with the Minneapolis Holiday Market between Nicollet Mall between 10th and 12th streets. The Minneapolis Holiday Market is located at Peavey Plaza where you can enjoy shopping, fun activities, and food. The Holidazzle Village there will be a variety of fun things for you and your family to enjoy including story time for kids, special nights to see reindeer, bands performing, there is a carousel, holiday warming tent, unique crafts, skating and so much more. Bring your family for a fun shopping experience.
Ice Castle in Eden Prairie:
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When: Open December 26th if weather permits through March
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When: Open December 26th if weather permits through March
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday 2:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Cost: (Monday – Thursday) $7.95 for children 4 -11 and $9.95 for general admission and (Friday-Sunday) $9.95 for children and $11.95 for general admission.
Cost: (Monday – Thursday) $7.95 for children 4 -11 and $9.95 for general admission and (Friday-Sunday) $9.95 for children and $11.95 for general admission.
This amazing attraction is brought to Minnesota from a company from Utah and will be open to the public on December 26th if weather permits. Tickets start to go on sale in November. 5,000 icicles are grown per day on “ice farms” which get “harvested” and thousands of LED lights illuminate the many icicles.
2014 Red Bull Crashed Ice
Website
Location: Cathedral of St. Paul
When: January 22 - 24
For the past three freezing-cold winters, Saint Paul has hosted the ice cross downhill competition, with a huge crowd of more than 100,000 people converging under the gaze of the imposing Cathedral of Saint Paul to witness the high-speed action that features skaters competing in four-man heats in a race to the bottom of a long ice track full of obstacles. The sport appeals to what Americans like most in sports – a physically challenging, rough, tough sport coupled with high-speed action and agility. Americans have done surprisingly well as neophytes in their first few years in the 15-year-old sport, despite having far less experience than established nations like Canada, Finland, Germany, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic.
The 2015 track will start in front of the Cathedral of Saint Paul and the riders will be propelled over a bridge. All skills will be needed in Saint Paul, as the skaters will require a steady momentum to face the obstacles, the last corner-jump, and the final sprint to the finish line.
Macy's Annual Santaland Display
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Location: Macy's, 700 Nicollet Mall (8th Floor)
When: November 22 - December 24 (see website for dates and times)
Take in the magical, animated display of "A Day in the Life of an Elf," telling the story of Santa's elves as they prepare for Christmas! Then, visit Santa and tell him all your wishes! Have your picture taken with the man himself! Photo packages range from $13.99 to $39.99. Before you go, make a stop at Mrs. Claus' bakery and Santa's toy shop.
Wells Fargo Winter Skate in Rice Park, St. Paul
Website
Macy's Annual Santaland Display
Website
Location: Macy's, 700 Nicollet Mall (8th Floor)
When: November 22 - December 24 (see website for dates and times)
Take in the magical, animated display of "A Day in the Life of an Elf," telling the story of Santa's elves as they prepare for Christmas! Then, visit Santa and tell him all your wishes! Have your picture taken with the man himself! Photo packages range from $13.99 to $39.99. Before you go, make a stop at Mrs. Claus' bakery and Santa's toy shop.
Wells Fargo Winter Skate in Rice Park, St. Paul
Website
Location: Downtown St. Paul
When: November 29 - February 1
St. Paul's outdoor ice rink every winter. The Winterskate rink is next to the Landmark Center and Rice Park, so it's surrounded by holiday lights and the city lights of downtown St. Paul. The rink is open every day, and open until late evening at the weekend.
When: November 29 - February 1
St. Paul's outdoor ice rink every winter. The Winterskate rink is next to the Landmark Center and Rice Park, so it's surrounded by holiday lights and the city lights of downtown St. Paul. The rink is open every day, and open until late evening at the weekend.
It's free to skate if you have your own ice skates, or you can rent skates for a couple of dollars.
Holiday Lights in the Park
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Location: Phalen Park, 1615 Phalen Drive East, in St. Paul
When: November 25 - January 1st 2015
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. daily
Cost: $8.00 vehicle ticket (online special); $10 in person
Holiday Lights in the Park is a joint venture of the St. Paul chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the St. Paul Police Foundation with the sole purpose of creating fun and affordable holiday events that raise funds to help meet basic life needs for children and adults in the Twin Cities metro area. This year’s events will include our drive-through event (with new LED light displays for 2014!) as well as two official music events: our official CD soundtrack “Holiday Lights Vol. 6″ and our one-night concert event at the Fitzgerald Theater with Season 3 finalist of NBC’s The Voice Nicholas David.
All of the net proceeds from these events will be distributed to Union Gospel Mission, the Saint Paul Police Foundation, and the Saint Paul Parks Conservancy.
Grand Meander
Website
Location: Grand Avenue, St. Paul
When: December 6th, Saturday
Grand Meander is a St. Paul tradition that captures the charm of historic Grand Avenue and the cozy communal spirit of the holidays! Pick out your Christmas tree, have breakfast with Santa, hear carolers meander from store to store, and hop on a classic trolley and ride the 20-block length of Grand Ave. Lots of fun events so be sure to check out their website above.
Santa Skate at the White Bear Lake Sports Center
Website
Where: White Bear Lake Sports Center
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Skating,crafts,games,presents,make a gift,face painting,DJ,concessions and more!
North Pole Express at the Depot
Website
When: December 5th through the 7th
Cost: Children $17.50 / Adults $19.50 / Under 2 Free
Holiday Lights in the Park
Website
Location: Phalen Park, 1615 Phalen Drive East, in St. Paul
When: November 25 - January 1st 2015
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. daily
Cost: $8.00 vehicle ticket (online special); $10 in person
Holiday Lights in the Park is a joint venture of the St. Paul chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the St. Paul Police Foundation with the sole purpose of creating fun and affordable holiday events that raise funds to help meet basic life needs for children and adults in the Twin Cities metro area. This year’s events will include our drive-through event (with new LED light displays for 2014!) as well as two official music events: our official CD soundtrack “Holiday Lights Vol. 6″ and our one-night concert event at the Fitzgerald Theater with Season 3 finalist of NBC’s The Voice Nicholas David.
All of the net proceeds from these events will be distributed to Union Gospel Mission, the Saint Paul Police Foundation, and the Saint Paul Parks Conservancy.
Grand Meander
Website
Location: Grand Avenue, St. Paul
When: December 6th, Saturday
Grand Meander is a St. Paul tradition that captures the charm of historic Grand Avenue and the cozy communal spirit of the holidays! Pick out your Christmas tree, have breakfast with Santa, hear carolers meander from store to store, and hop on a classic trolley and ride the 20-block length of Grand Ave. Lots of fun events so be sure to check out their website above.
Santa Skate at the White Bear Lake Sports Center
Website
Where: White Bear Lake Sports Center
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Skating,crafts,games,presents,make a gift,face painting,DJ,concessions and more!
North Pole Express at the Depot
Website
When: December 5th through the 7th
Cost: Children $17.50 / Adults $19.50 / Under 2 Free
Children and trains go together during the Holiday Season like colorful lights, brightly iced cookies, festively wrapped gifts and family and friends. This is your invitation to join us for North Pole Express at Union Depot St. Paul; an experience highlighted with vintage passenger cars and an operating steam locomotive.
Your ticket includes a mile long train ride to Santa’s village and then back to Union Depot. Once Santa is on board, children will have a chance to meet Santa on the way back to Union Depot.
