Winter Festivals in Minneapolis- MINNeSTAY

Winter in Minneapolis gives MINNeSTAY guests a wonderful reason to gather, bundle up, and make memories together. During the 2026–2027 season, the Twin Cities comes alive with glowing holiday traditions, ice and snow adventures, outdoor sports, art, music, and welcoming community events. We are excited to share these special Minnesota experiences with your family, whether you are planning a festive afternoon, a weekend adventure, or a cozy getaway between outings.

Event schedules and prices can change, so check each festival’s official website before you leave your MINNeSTAY home base. We have gathered the details families need most, including dates, admission planning, parking ideas, and ways to make a cold-weather day feel comfortable from the first layer to the last cup of cocoa.

Winter is our favorite time of year and our staff has hand picked some of our favorite winter experiences we love sharing with MINNeSTAY guests. We hope you this will help you choose the festival that fits your family’s pace, interests, and appetite for outdoor adventure.

Holidazzle: Holiday Lights and Local Cheer, 2026–2027

Couple shopping at Holidazzle a winter festival in Minneapolis

Holidazzle brings a bright, welcoming spark to winter in Minneapolis. Families can wander among glowing lights, local makers, seasonal food, music, and kid-friendly activities while the city feels gathered around them. It is the kind of evening that invites everyone to slow down, take photos, and enjoy one more stop before heading back to a warm MINNeSTAY vacation home.

Plan extra time for outdoor activities and dress in warm layers so children can stay comfortable while they explore. Free programming may sit alongside separately priced attractions, food, or skating, so check the official schedule and activity fees before heading out. A warm drink, hand warmers, and a simple plan for indoor breaks can turn a chilly evening into a favorite family memory.

Winter SKOLstice: Outdoor Ice Skating and Vikings Spirit

Skolstice carved in ice one of the many winter festivals in Minneapolis

Winter SKOLstice brings Minnesota Vikings spirit to the cold season with outdoor skating, themed activities, and family-friendly programming. The carved ice, team energy, and chance to move together outdoors make this a memorable stop for guests who want a little extra excitement in their winter getaway. The 2026–2027 schedule and pricing should be confirmed before publishing; activity fees may vary, and skate rental may cost extra.

For a smoother visit, check session hours, ticket availability, skate rental pricing, and parking directions in advance. Outdoor ice activities depend on weather, so families should review updates on the day of their visit. Give younger children time to warm up between activities, then return to the fun when everyone is ready.

Minnesota Vikings’ Winter SKOLstice

The Great Northern Festival, January 27–31, 2027

Person enjoying the winter outdoor festival of Great Northern

The Great Northern turns the coldest part of the year into a celebration of art, music, dining, outdoor activities, sauna experiences, and cold-weather traditions across Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Families can build a day around one activity or follow their curiosity from one neighborhood to the next. Pass prices vary by access level; published options include a $125 Festival Supporter Pass and a $495 Winter Circle Pass. Many individual events may have their own ticket prices.

Highlights include:

Sauna Village: Pop-up saunas provide a cozy retreat for visitors.
Art Installations and Performances: Including Indigenous musician Jeremy Dutcher’s performance and engaging climate-themed discussions.
Outdoor Adventures: Fat tire biking, guided nature walks, and luminary-lit trails.
Culinary Experiences: Ice bars, pop-up food halls, and dinners featuring seasonal menus. The festival also emphasizes environmental awareness through its Climate Solution Series, fostering discussions about sustainability and climate action.

Minnesota Ice Festival and Ice Castles: Confirm Before You Go

Great Minnesota Ice Festival showing several people skating

The Minnesota Ice Festival and Ice Castles can turn a winter outing into something that feels pulled from a storybook, with glowing ice walls, winding paths, slides, skating, and plenty of moments for family photos. Weather and event operations can change, so check the official schedule before you go. Published Ice Castles pricing has included adult tickets around $18 off-peak and $26 peak, but 2026–2027 dates, venue, parking, and final ticket tiers should be checked before your visit. The 2026–2027 Carver Cup date has not been confirmed by the event organizers.

Attractions Include:

The World’s Largest Ice Maze.
Ice Slides and Skating Rinks.
The Carver Cup.

Make it a MINNeSTAY!

These winter festivals show why Minnesota embraces the cold. Each one gives your family a chance to share art, skating, outdoor adventure, and community traditions at a pace that feels right for you. MINNeSTAY guests can use this guide to choose an event, plan the practical details, and return to a comfortable home base at the end of the day. Check official event pages for final 2026–2027 schedules, prices, parking, and weather updates before you go.

2026–2027 Festival Prices at a Glance

Festival pricing depends on the event and activity. Some community celebrations are free, while ticketed experiences, races, skating, performances, and multi-event passes require advance planning. The latest published prices we found include Minnesota Ice Castles admission starting around $18 off-peak and $26 peak for adults, City of Lakes Loppet race options from about $24 for youth classic ski events to $89 for several adult ski events, and Great Northern passes including a $125 Festival Supporter Pass and a $495 Winter Circle Pass. Check the official event pages for current prices, taxes, fees, and availability before purchasing.

Saint Paul Winter Carnival, Holidazzle, Winter SKOLstice, Minnesota Ice Festival, and Bold and Bright may include free public programming alongside separately priced activities. Check each official event page for the 2026–2027 ticket release, activity fees, and any family packages or timed-entry requirements.

Parking Tips for Twin Cities Winter Festivals

Parking is part of the winter plan, especially when you are traveling with children, strollers, winter gear, or grandparents. Downtown Minneapolis and Saint Paul usually offer the most predictable experience in a ramp or garage, with indoor routes that can make a big difference on a snowy day. Arrive early, check event-day rates, save the parking location in your phone, and keep a backup plan in case a surface lot fills.

The Great Northern: Festival venues change by event. Use the official venue directions and compare nearby ramps before heading out. Published nearby garage rates can range roughly from $9 to $41 depending on timing and duration.
City of Lakes Loppet: Event guidance directs participants and spectators to the Mortenson Parking Lot at Theodore Wirth Park. Review race-day arrival instructions before leaving your MINNeSTAY home.
Saint Paul Winter Carnival: For Rice Park and downtown events, use a downtown ramp and walk rather than relying on street parking. Check Saint Paul snow-emergency rules before parking on the street.
Ice Castles and outdoor ice events: Follow the venue’s posted lot and entrance instructions. Weather can change walking routes, so allow extra time and bring traction-friendly shoes.

Minneapolis Winter Festivals 2026–2027: Quick Guide

We do our best to keep this article updated to the most current pricing and dates, but things change from time to time. Please remember to check the Festival schedules, ticket tiers, venue details, and parking rates before you go. Weather can also affect event schedules so makes sure you confirm final details with each organizer before you leave your MINNeSTAY home base. Then choose the outing that gives your group the right mix of wonder, fresh air, and time together.

The Great Northern, January 27–31, 2027: Art, music, food, outdoor activities, and sauna experiences across Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Passes and individual event tickets vary.
Saint Paul Winter Carnival, January 28–February 7, 2027: Ice sculptures, parades, family programming, and winter traditions around Saint Paul. Admission and parking vary by event.
City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival, February 6–7, 2027: Skiing, fat biking, skijoring, snowshoeing, and family-friendly winter activities. Race and activity fees vary.
Minnesota Ice Festival and Ice Castles: Add the event once organizers confirm the 2026–2027 dates, venue, admission tiers, and parking plan.
Holidazzle and Winter SKOLstice: Check the official schedule for final dates, ticket requirements, activity fees, and weather updates.

Festival Prices and Parking Costs

Published prices in this guide are planning estimates or currently listed rates, not guarantees. Great Northern passes include options around $125 for a Festival Supporter Pass and $495 for a Winter Circle Pass. Ice Castles admission has recently been listed around $18 off-peak and $26 peak for adults. City of Lakes Loppet race pricing varies by event, with recent listings ranging from about $24 for some youth races to $89 for several adult ski events. Check the official ticket page for current taxes, fees, ticket tiers, and availability before purchasing.

Family Parking Tips for Minneapolis and Saint Paul Winter Events

Families often need more time for coats, boots, strollers, car seats, and winter gear. Arrive early, choose a ramp or lot with a clear indoor route when possible, save the parking location in your phone, and keep a backup plan for a full lot or weather delay. Review accessibility information and transit options if walking outdoors may be difficult for young children or grandparents. A calm arrival gives everyone more energy for the festival itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best winter festivals in Minneapolis for families?

The Great Northern, Saint Paul Winter Carnival, City of Lakes Loppet, Holidazzle, and Winter SKOLstice each offer a different way to enjoy Minnesota winter. Choose based on your family’s interests, walking tolerance, ticket budget, and comfort with outdoor weather, then plan a warm place to regroup between activities.

How much do Minneapolis winter festivals cost?

Costs range from free public programming to paid races, attractions, performances, and multi-event passes. Review the current festival ticket page for admission, service fees, equipment rental, timed entry, and parking before you buy. Planning ahead helps you spend more time enjoying the day together.

Does the Minnesota Ice Festival have a 2026–2027 Carver Cup date?

The February 1, 2025 Carver Cup date is outdated. This guide does not have a verified 2026–2027 date yet, so check the Minnesota Ice Festival’s official announcement before making plans.

Planning Note

Festival dates, admission prices, parking rates, venues, and weather policies can change. Check each organizer’s official website before leaving, especially for the Minnesota Ice Festival and Carver Cup, where the 2026–2027 schedule is not yet verified. We want your MINNeSTAY winter plans to feel easy, so use the official event details as your final stop before heading out.

Winter Festivals in Minneapolis: 2026–2027 Family Guide