33 Things to Do in Minneapolis in Winter (2024)
Are you looking for the best things to do in Minneapolis in winter? You’re in the right place!
Minnesota turns into a winter wonderland during the colder months. Snow-covered trees, magical holiday lights, and an abundance of outdoor activities are at your fingertips.
Getting out and embracing the season is one of the best ways to make the most of the cold and not be wishing that it were summer, stat!
I live in Minnesota and am a regular visitor of Minneapolis year-round, but I especially love the city during the winter months!
Here I’ve compiled a list of the best winter activities in the Twin Cities for you to give a try this year.
Best Things to Do in Minneapolis in Winter
1. Watch ‘A Christmas Carol’ at the Guthrie Theater
The Guthrie is a beautiful theater in the heart of Downtown Minneapolis, located right on the Mississippi River.
What better way to kick off the holiday season than to enjoy a performance of the timeless holiday classic, ‘A Christmas Carol’ at the theater?
This show is put on every year at the Guthrie Theater and is such a classic Christmas tale that everyone will love it.
Watching shows at the local theaters is one of my favorite ways to spend a chilly day when I’d rather not be outside.
2. Attend the European Christmas Market
Around the holiday season, the Minneapolis and St. Paul area has an abundance of holiday markets, with the European Christmas Market being the best.
It’s hosted at the Union Depot, and you’ll find a variety of locally made gifts, foods, and more from local vendors, and it’s free admission.
I visited last year and had such a fun time touring the traditional wooden stalls, just like they have over in Europe.
A few of my favorite vendors included Burbach’s European Pancakes, iPierogi, and Spatzi. You have to try the authentic schnitzel from Burbach’s – it’s so good!
3. Downhill Ski at the Local Resorts
Downhill skiing is a great activity to do this winter season, and with so many local ski resorts close to the Twin Cities, it’s easy to hit the slopes.
Whether you’re a skier or snowboarder, you’ll find everything from easy to difficult groomed runs to check out.
Afton Alps is just 40 minutes from Minneapolis, making it a perfect day trip, and Wild Mountain is another great choice that’s close by.
If you’re up for some late-night skiing, head to my favorite resort, Trollhaugen just across the Wisconsin border. I love being able to be on the slopes after dark on Friday nights!
4. Do the Polar Plunge
Jumping into ice-cold water in the middle of a cold Minnesota winter may not be everyone’s idea of a good time… But, when it’s all for such a great cause… why not go for it?!
The Polar Plunge is a fundraiser for Special Olympics Minnesota. You can take part by jumping into a cold lake and help raise money for people with developmental disabilities.
Growing up, my dad played a big role in our local special olympics teams, so I love seeing money raised for such a great cause.
Not even some of the most extreme Minnesotans will dare to jump into the frigid lake waters in the winter! But if you’re up for the challenge… do it!
5. Tour the Magical Ice Castles
If you’re anything like me, you’ll be absolutely fascinated by Ice Castles in New Brighton.
Located only 15 minutes north of the heart of the cities, you’ll find one of the most mesmerizing winter events where professional ice artists create an experience using hundreds of thousands of icicles.
There are LED-lit sculptures, walkways, slides, and more to explore, making it one of the best things to do in Minneapolis in winter.
This amazing one-of-a-kind experience opens up depending on the weather conditions but typically is open for a few months starting in January.
6. Play Pond Hockey on Lake Nokomis
Minnesota is known as ‘The State of Hockey,’ but the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships takes it a step further!
Each year, a number of “rinks” are set up on Lake Nokomis in Minneapolis each January, and are laid out for players to compete!
The goal of these winter events is for participants and attendees to enjoy hockey the way that it was intended to, in nature, on a lake.
One of my favorite winter activities growing up was going down to our local skating rink and playing hockey with my brother. I know that this would be such a fun time!
7. See the Lights at the GLOW Holiday Festival
The GLOW Holiday Festival is another great way to celebrate the Christmas season in Minnesota, starting just after Thanksgiving and running until Christmas.
The event used to be held at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, but now it’s found at CHS Field in St. Paul each winter.
With over a million Christmas lights, a GLOW palace, and fantastic food to enjoy, you’ll never be bored here!
Seeing holiday lights is my favorite way to celebrate the holidays, and GLOW makes it easy to do, all in one place!
8. Attend the St. Paul Winter Carnival
This fun, event takes place every February in a few locations around St. Paul in winter. Most of the winter events are free!
Gather the family and enjoy a variety of events including scavenger hunts, an ice fishing tournament, and a puzzle contest.
One of the best parts is the snow sculpture contest, in which you can check out tons of epic sculptures made of, you guessed it, snow.
My favorite event is the parade, where you can see dozens of decorated floats as they parade down the streets of Minneapolis. It’s such a fun family event that I love attending.
9. Ice Skate at the Central Park Skating Loop
Ice skating is one of the best winter activities in Minneapolis, and the Central Park Skating Loop in Maple Grove is a fantastic place to do it!
The loop is 810 feet long and 20 feet wide, perfect for grabbing your sweetheart and enjoying a nice day out together.
The Central Park Skating Loop is the perfect place for those who enjoy skating at a leisurely pace, since no hockey pucks or sticks are allowed.
I grew up figure skating, and think it’s such a great way to get more people on the ice. Plus, it’s a beautiful location to get out!
10. Ski at the Loppet Winter Festival
What started as just a small cross-country ski race has become one big festival in Minneapolis.
The City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival includes competitive and recreational cross-country ski events, a candlelit trail, and more.
Participants of all ages can partake in events such as a 37K Classic Ski Loppet, a 5K ski Loppet, and a Skijor Loppet.
The Luminary Loppet is a nice trail to walk, ski, or snowshoe across Lake of the Isles, which is lit by candlelight. It’s really beautiful after dark!
11. Go Snow Tubing
What better way to get outside this winter and get your adrenaline pumping than to fly down a hill on a snow tube?!
There are many hills around the Twin Cities to spend an evening out snow tubing, which is the perfect activity for even the small kiddos in your family.
A popular spot for it is Theodore Wirth Park, where a tow rope operates on select days to bring tubers back to the top of the hill.
Green Acres is located about 25 minutes east of Minneapolis and also features a tow rope for easy access to the sliding hill.
And if you’re at Buck Hill or Wild Mountain for some skiing, then you might as well check out their snow-tubing hills while you’re at it!
12. Take a Trip to See the Kiwanis Holiday Lights
Bundle up your family and friends into a warm car and drive about 1.5 hours south of Minneapolis to Mankato to view some beautiful holiday lights at Sibley Park.
The Kiwanis Holiday Lights show is a free event that started in 2012, completely run by volunteers, collecting food for local food shelves.
The light show typically opens just after Thanksgiving with a fun, holiday-themed parade where Santa will flip the switch for the almost 2 million holiday lights.
You’re able to either walk or drive through the lights display, as you listen to holiday tunes that are synced to the lights.
13. Visit the Mall of America
With over 5 million square feet of shopping, the Mall of America is the largest mall in the United States.
Around Christmas time, there’s a variety of fun things to do at the Mall of America to celebrate the holidays, besides viewing the amazing decorations!
The mall is decorated beautifully for the holidays with trees, glitter, lights, and bulbs. Plus, Santa comes to visit the mall around the holidays.
And of course, with over 520 stores, there are Black Friday deals galore during November.
Visiting the mall is a great way to escape the cold and have plenty to do indoors this winter in Minneapolis.
14. Go Cross Country Skiing
Cross-country skiing is a classic winter activity here in Minnesota. There are hundreds of miles of groomed trails all over the state.
Getting out on the trails is a great way to enjoy Minnesota’s nature, and there are plenty of places to go in the Twin Cities.
Fort Snelling State Park, Afton State Park, Pike Island, and Theodore Wirth Regional Park are just a few of the best places to get out and ski.
If you need to rent skis, many of the state parks, The Loppet Foundation, and the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board offer rentals.
15. Go Ice Fishing on the Nearby Lakes
Minnesota is known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, and we don’t waste a winter without putting those lakes to use!
One fun way to visit these lakes this winter is to cast your pole for some ice fishing!
Whether you decide to go all out with an ice house and set up camp for the day, or you just walk a few steps onto the frozen lake and make do there, it’s all great fun!
There are so many different lakes that you can get out on including Lake Minnetonka, Lake Elmo, and Lake Pepin.
16. Try Your Hand at Hockey Stick Golf
The Chilly Open in Wayzata is a unique golf experience to give a try this winter.
Instead of golf clubs and golf balls, participants will use hockey sticks and tennis balls, while on a lake. What could be more Minnesotan?
Other activities during the Chilly Open include Snowga (yoga in the snow), and a chili cookoff.
Lake Minnetonka turns into an infinity skating loop for the day, so you’re able to experience skating on a lake.
This event is definitely one of the most unique things to do in winter in the Twin Cities!
17. Participate in a Local Race
Many local organizations hold 5k or 10k runs/walks throughout the year. And the cold weather here in Minnesota doesn’t stop that from happening in the winter!
I encourage you to be “that” family that does a race on a holiday! My family definitely is! We run a 5k nearly every Thanksgiving. (The photo above is myself and my mom after a race!)
In St. Paul in winter, the Turkey Trot takes place on the morning of Thanksgiving, which is a fundraiser for food and toy drives.
The UGLY Sweater Dash is the perfect opportunity to show off your Christmas cheer with an ugly sweater.
And after the New Year hits, hold up those resolutions at the Resolution Run in Woodbury.
18. Bundle Up at a Local Coffee Shop
Another of my favorite ways to stay warm during the cold winter months is to bundle up and go relax at a local Minneapolis coffee shop.
There are so many options out there, and many of them have such a cozy vibe where you can sit back and read, get some work done, or just relax.
My personal favorite is Spyhouse Coffee in the Emery Hotel because it has such a large work area that is surrounded by beautiful green plants.
19. Rent a Snowmobile for the Day
Most people will head up north to get that thrill of riding a snowmobile over a trail of freshly fallen snow.
But did you know that there are places around southern Minnesota that also rent out snowmobiles for you to enjoy?!
Minnesota Snowmobile Rentals (MSR) is located in Shakopee and offers a variety of rentals to choose from.
And not too far away, you’ll find miles and miles of trails to bring that rental out on!
Snowmobiling is one of Tyler and I’s favorite winter activities, and you’ll find us on a sled what feels like every weekend! I really recommend everyone give it a try!
20. Book a Staycation
I totally understand that sometimes it just feels miserable to be cooped up in your house during winter in Minnesota.
So if you’re looking for some way to get out of the house without having to pack up and head out to an expensive trip, book yourself a staycation!
This can seriously be as simple as booking a hotel or home that’s across town, just to get out and have some new scenery.
The beautiful Portland Place offers 3 bedrooms in a Victorian home that was built in 1900 with a balcony and gorgeous outdoor space.
Or, stay at this newly remodeled home near Minnehaha Regional Park with a full kitchen, a comfortable living room, and a large backyard.
21. Watch a Professional Sports Game
Minnesota is home to multiple professional sports teams from hockey to football to basketball.
In the winter months, it can be a great idea to attend one of the games to still have fun while staying indoors and keeping warm.
The Minnesota Wild is definitely the most popular sports team to watch during the winter since they are a hockey team, but we also have the Minnesota Vikings at US Bank Stadium and the Timberwolves at Target Center.
I’ve been to many Vikings and Wild games, and know that they’re such a fun time. Even if you aren’t a sports fan (trust me, I don’t understand football!) they can be a lot of fun!
22. Grab Dinner Somewhere Delicious
The Twin Cities has a huge food scene, so finding somewhere delicious to grab dinner for the night isn’t tough.
From popular chain restaurants to local family-owned places, there is something that everyone in the family will enjoy.
If you’re looking for one of Minneapolis’ most popular foods, check out Matt’s Bar for the famous Juicy Lucy.
One of my family’s favorites is Snuffy’s Malt Shop, where you can get burgers and of course, delicious malts!
Other local favorites include Spoon and Stable, Red Rabbit, Butcher & The Boar, Fogo de Chao, and Manny’s Steakhouse.
23. Try Fat Tire Biking
Fat tire biking is a unique winter activity that isn’t as popular as some of the others.
But this means that you should definitely give it a try because you’ll be able to escape from some of the busyness of the city.
Theodore Wirth Regional Park has a variety of fat tire bike trails in Minneapolis that are also shared with snowshoers and hikers.
You can also find more than 10 miles of trails at Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve in Savage, and Lebanon Hills has a variety of trails.
Rental bikes are available at Tangletown Bike Shop and Tonga Cycle & Ski, both in the Twin Cities.
24. Stay Warm While Brewery Hopping
Another way to enjoy time indoors as adults, especially if you’re with a group of friends or family, is to go brewery hopping.
Minneapolis and St. Paul have so many amazing breweries that you can string together to create a great brewery tour. Just be sure to have a designated driver!
A few local favorites are Surly Brewing Co., Modist Brewing Co., and Utepils Brewing.
25. Enjoy Dinner in an Igloo
A few years ago, many restaurants came up with the idea for igloo dining, so people can dine outdoors while staying warm.
You can still try out igloo dining at many restaurants around the Twin Cities, including NineTwentyFive, Dukes on 7, Broken Clock Brewery, and Waldmann Brewery.
Many of them have fireplaces to sit by, and are nice and cozy as you enjoy dinner and drinks inside of an igloo! This is such a fun and unique way to dine!
Free Things to Do in Minneapolis in Winter
Below you’ll find some of the best things to keep you busy during the winter months that won’t cost you any money.
26. Visit the Frozen Minnehaha Falls
Minnehaha Falls is one of Minnesota’s most iconic waterfalls and becomes even more beautiful in the winter.
You would never guess that this magical place is right in the middle of the city!
In the summertime, Minnehaha Falls flows 53 feet down from the Minnehaha Creek. The lush greens fill the area with color.
In the wintertime, the falls freeze and create a magical-looking ice cavern.
The falls viewing area is just a short walk from the parking lot, making it easy to get to, which is great for those brutally cold days.
27. Snowshoe at Local Parks
Snowshoeing is a fairly easy and inexpensive activity for people of all ages and skill levels, and it can be done all over Minneapolis.
Theodore Wirth Regional Park has it all! Apart from great hiking, a snow tubing hill, and a sledding hill, they also have great trails for snowshoeing!
Snowshoeing along the Dalles of the St. Croix River is such a beautiful experience at Interstate State Park in Taylors Falls.
I love snowshoeing because it’s a great way to enjoy the trails without having to worry about finding a packed trail. Plus, it’s easy enough for anyone to learn!
28. Get in the Christmas Spirit at Holidazzle
There are many fun holiday-themed things to do in Minneapolis in winter to get you in the spirit! Holidazzle is one of those, held in Loring Park in downtown Minneapolis.
Enjoy trees lit up with fantastic, glimmering lights, ice skating, holiday music, and fireworks to end the night. Plus there’s a market with local vendors selling food and handmade goods.
I loved visiting Holidazzle last year, and it was so nice to see a free winter event in Minneapolis being held for the holidays. I plan to visit again this year, and I’m so excited!
29. Go Sledding
Sledding is another great opportunity to get outside this winter that is usually cheap or free, and easy to find.
A few locations that offer designated sledding hills include Theodore Wirth Regional Park, Columbia Golf Club, and Valley View Park.
Just bring your own sled or tube, gather some friends, and enjoy the winter in Minneapolis!
30. Visit the Weisman Art Museum
If you’re looking for something free to do in Minneapolis in winter but are hoping to stay inside, check out the Weisman Art Museum.
This museum is always free. You’ll know you’ve made it when you see the unique, metal building that houses the art museum.
Inside the museum, you’ll be able to see beautiful pieces of art that represent different cultural, social, and historical contexts.
Even just seeing the museum from the outside is quite impressive and gives you something fun to do for a while!
31. Go for a Hike
Just because there’s snow on the ground doesn’t mean that you can’t find somewhere to hike around southern Minnesota!
There are plenty of great places to still hit the trail and enjoy nature, even when it’s cold outside.
Whether it be around Theodore Wirth Regional Park, which has multi-use trails all around the park, or a bit further north at Interstate State Park in Taylors Falls.
Hiking as a winter activity in the Twin Cities is a great way to get out and take advantage of the warmer days that we have, in between the cold ones.
A few of my personal favorite hikes for winter include Minnehaha Falls, the Theodore Wirth Wildflower Trail, and the Quaking Bog Loop in Theodore Wirth Park.
32. Make Your Own Holiday Lights Tour
As I mentioned above, I love visiting places with holiday lights around the Christmas season, and there are so many great places to go.
But if you’re looking to save some money and not pay for GLOW or another event, you can create your own holiday lights tour!
Bundle up in the car, turn on some holiday tunes, enjoy a hot chocolate, and drive around town in search of light displays.
Many local residents put together extravagant displays at their homes and welcome you to stop by and see them. Especially in larger cities, you’ll find tons of them!
33. Visit Local Holiday Markets
Aside from the main holiday markets, there are dozens of small ones held around the city that you can stop and enjoy for free.
Visiting these markets is a great way to finish up your Christmas shopping or get some fun holiday decor for your home.
Many of them are held at hotels or event centers and they vary from year to year where you’ll find them.
What Can Kids Do in Minneapolis in Winter?
If you have little kiddos that are going to come along with you for some of these activities, you may be looking for the most kid-friendly activities.
Many of the things to do on this list are kid-friendly, but here is a list of my top recommendations:
- Go sledding or snow tubing at Theodore Wirth Regional Park
- Take a holiday light tour
- Visit the Mall of America for indoor fun
- Visit the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory or the Minnesota Zoo
- Watch a show at the Guthrie Theater
- Go snowshoeing as a family on the many trails
What is the Weather like in Minnesota During Winter?
While you’re planning on participating in one of these things to do in winter in the Twin Cities, you may be concerned about the weather.
We all know that Minnesota can get pretty cold!
The average temperatures in December, January, and February are between 10° F and 30° F.
These can fluctuate quite a bit, and oftentimes dip below 0° F. February is typically the coldest month of the year.
Minneapolis also gets an average snowfall of around 50 inches each year!
What to Wear in Winter in Minneapolis
When you’re out exploring Minnesota this winter, it’s important to dress appropriately.
If you don’t do so, you’ll likely be cold and miserable. Plus, there is a risk of frostbite.
Now, this isn’t to scare you off from being outside! There are plenty of clothes out there to keep you warm. Layer, layer, LAYER!
Use this as a baseline for choosing what to wear and how to layer.
Where to Stay Near Minneapolis and St. Paul
When you’re ready to find somewhere to stay for the night, consider booking a stay at one of these hotels in the Twin Cities.
Graduate Minneapolis: The Graduate is a beautiful boutique hotel that is decorated in a very unique way. It’s located near the U of M and has multiple places to eat on-site.
Moxy Minneapolis: With a view of the US Bank Stadium, beautiful rooms, and pet-friendly rooms, the Moxy is a great place to stay.
Millennium Minneapolis: The Millennium in Minneapolis features an indoor pool and offers a restaurant and bar on-site.
FAQs
There are plenty of things to do in Minneapolis in winter. From holiday festivals to ice skating to sledding or just visiting the Mall of America, there are plenty of activities.
Some of the best things to do in Minneapolis in December are visiting holiday markets, attending a show at the Guthrie Theater, seeing the holiday lights, or attending the Holidazzle Festival.
Wrap-Up: Things to Do in Minneapolis Winter
Whether you’re a local looking for a night out, or a visitor planning a visit to the Twin Cities, there is something here for everyone, even in the cold months.
I love getting out and visiting holiday markets in December, going for a snowmobile ride, snowshoeing through the forest, and relaxing at a coffee shop.
With so many things to do in Minneapolis in winter, you’ll understand why us Minnesotans choose to stay here, even with the snow and cold!
Read More About Visiting Minneapolis:
- When is the Best Time to Visit Minnesota?
- What to Pack for Minnesota by Season
- What are the Twin Cities in Minnesota?
- Is Minneapolis Safe?
- Is Minneapolis Worth Visiting?
- Do You Need a Car in Minneapolis?
- How Big is Minneapolis?
- Is Bloomington, MN Safe to Visit?
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