The holiday season in the Twin Cities is like someone shook our snowglobe and reminded us that winter in Minnesota can be fun! There are always so many things to do, but the plethora of options can be overwhelming. Here, I provide my top “musts” of the season, and a full Bucket List for you to download and print for your own use!
*Full disclaimer: There are two items on the bucket list that are not in the Twin Cities, but totally worth the drive to see!
See a Yeti and try the “Thwing” at Holidazzle
What it is
Think of it as Minnesota’s Winter State Fair. With the Magical Minneapolis Holidazzle extravaganza, you get theme days (the “Yeti” and “Paint Your Pet” themes topping my list), local flare including food and crafts for sale, a heated beer garden, weekly movie nights featuring classic holiday titles, a refrigerated skating rink, illuminated art exhibits, and more for FREE! Can you believe?!
What’s New
- Yeti Art Installation: First it was the Wolf and the Moose, this year they’re adding the Yeti! I’m unclear as to whether the other two will still be there, but the Minneapolis Downtown Council claims this is a must-see. Judging by the other two? I’d have to agree.
- Silent Disco Skating: Every Thursday from 5 – 9 p.m. you can grab a headset and listen to your favorite tunes while skating with your pals!
- Thwing: Located behind the Holidazzle Trees, the “Thwing” is an art installation/playground miracle where you hop on a swing, and as your swing moves, the centerpiece art installation moves!
- Open-Air Sleigh on Wheels: A sleigh pulled by a truck, running between Loring Park and the corner of 6th Street and Nicollet Mall about every 20 to 30 minutes.
- Sunday Brunch: Featured menu items only available on Sundays for my fellow brunch enthusiasts.
Getting There
Parking in Loring Park is horrendous. Here’s how you can avoid the honking, tight squeeze and frustration of driving there.
- I live close to Minneapolis: Take and Uber/Lyft. There’s a specific pickup/dropoff location at Holidazzle for rideshare, and it’s very simple.
- I live pretty far away: Take a FREE bus or light rail ride on Saturdays with MetroTransit, open 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. All you have to do is take a short, 3-question survey. Passes are available here.
- I just have to drive myself: Try one of these parking locations.
Watch the Holiday Train Roll through St. Louis Park/Minneapolis
What it is
The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train is an illuminated train (well, there are a couple of them) that rolls through Canada and the USA each year. It is completely decked out with custom lights, and there’s just something about a train around the holidays that feels extra magical. We’ve all seen Polar Express, right?
Why it’s worth checking out!
Fighting hunger, raising awareness and collecting donations for local food shelves? What’s not to love? While the events across the Twin Cities are free, donations are highly encouraged! Plus there will be performers at every stop, so be sure to stick around and enjoy some entertainment while you’re “ooh-ing” and “ahh-ing” at the lights.
Getting There
Check out the scheduled stops in Minnesota to find the event closest to you!
Shop for gifts in Europe (Well okay…at the European Christmas Market)
What it is
Holiday shopping and twinkle lights. What could be better? Oh yea, a Christkindlmarket! At the European Christmas Market you’ll find handcrafted holiday delights that will put a smile on your loved one’s face. Each night you’ll find an array of performers including Polish dancers, German singers, and Austrian folklore creatures to name a few!
Why it’s worth checking out!
One thing I absolutely adore about this event is the cultural traditions it brings to us in the Twin Cities. Sharing European arts and heritage are at the core of this event’s purpose, and I think that’s pretty amazing! Not to mention you’ll get a chance to see plenty of local artists and small businesses. #Yay
Getting There
- I can drive: If you must drive, check out the parking situation. Union Depot has plenty of spots, but if you’re going on a busy night, you may want to re-think it. I suggest parking in a nearby ramp and walking.
- I need a ride: Metro Transit wins again with free bus and Green Line passes! Get your free pass.
Burn My Retinas with 1.8 million LED lights at the Kiwanis Holiday Lights
What it is
A drive-thru holiday lights spectacular! Taking place in Sibley Park in Mankato, MN, the lights here are phenomenal. It’s quaint and charming and everything you’d want from a holiday display, for FREE, and they take donations for local food shelves. When you’re looking to get into the holiday spirit, this is it. Okay, so it’s not in the Twin Cities. But it’s totally “MN-stagram” worthy.
What’s New
- 2,100 white strobe lights giving the big tree a great sparkle effect!
- Text-to-donate feature! When you text “katolights” to 44321, you’ll receive a link to make a one-time donation, or set up monthly donations.
- Live Holiday Train ice carving. From December 20-21 you can watch talented ice sculptors carve out a holiday train!
- #OnlyinMN monument photos.
- And more!
Getting There
Hop on Highway 169, and it’s pretty much a straight shot! When you arrive, it’s a drive-through. Hooray!
Visit Elsa’s Castle in Arendelle…or the closest thing to it
What it is
The Ice Castles in Minnesota are every Frozen-lover’s dream – Gorgeously placed icicles that transform into beautifully built interactive castles. You’ll find tunnels, slides, thrones, and a few friends along the way if you’re lucky. And at night? They’re illuminated!
What Else?
Right now, I can’t figure out when exactly they’re going to open based on their website. I’m subscribed to their e-newsletter and know that presale tickets are available, but there are no dates attached to those tickets. Typically, they open up in December and run through February/March. But to get in, you can snatch your pre-sale vouchers!
There are so many other wonderful opportunities I’ve added to my FREE DOWNLOADABLE bucket list. Here are some links to check out!
- Gingerbread Wonderland
- Walk through the Holiday Flower Show at Como Conservatory
- See a Holiday Show
- Fly in Santa’s Sleigh
- Take a Guided Christmas Traditions Tour at the James J. Hill House
- Visit Bentleyville’s “Tour of Lights” (okay, this isn’t in the Twin Cities, but dangit I’ve wanted to go for years!)
