Twin Cities Winter Festivals

Yes, Minnesota is cold in the winter. Very cold. And yes, we get a lot of snow. However, instead of hibernating in our hygge homes, we take it in stride. We venture outside, we embrace our weather and even celebrate it with festivals and outdoor events all season long. Whether you’re an outdoor winter sports enthusiast, a spirited spectator, a craft beer fan, or looking for family fun, there is a winter festival and event for you to enjoy in the Twin Cities!

Saint Paul Winter Carnival (St. Paul, January 25–February 10, 2018)

The Saint Paul Winter Carnival has been around since 1886, making it the oldest winter festival in the United States. The 2018 Saint Paul Winter Carnival will feature more than four dozen events and new attractions that are fun for the whole family, including a new (albeit temporary) addition to the Saint Paul Skyline, a 70-foot Ice Palace! Historic Rice Park acts as the center stage of the festival with ice carving competitions and displays, musical acts, the Ice Bar, and more. The 17-day festival also features three parades – Moon Glow Pedestrian, Grand Day, and Torchlight. Vulcan Snow Park is the place to go for all things snow: the Snow Stomp, the Minnesota State Snow Sculpting Competition, the Amateur Snow Sculpting Contest, Barstool Ski Races, and the Giant Snow Slide.

City of Lakes Loppet (Minneapolis, January 27–February 4, 2018)

City of Lakes Loppet is an urban cross-country ski festival that spans four days with a variety of cross-country skiing, speed skating, fat-tire bike racing, and snow-shoe challenges. Whether participating as an avid skier or cheering on those taking on the challenges, a few not-to-be missed events are the Loppet Challenge, which tests cross-country skiers with two long-distance races over two days; skijoring, where dogs are meant to pull their skiing human behind them; and the Luminary Loppet, which is a leisurely 5K lit entirely by candles on Lake of the Isles. Be sure to attend the REI Luminary Party following the Luminary Loppet – this outdoor party features a concert, dancing, local Surly beer, prizes, and tons more. It is definitely one of the “coolest” parties in town!

The Beer Dabbler (St. Paul, February 24, 2018)

The Winter Beer Dabbler is the largest outdoor beer festival in Minnesota. Hardy Midwesterners and craft beer enthusiasts head to the Minnesota State Fairgrounds for unlimited samples of craft beer, live music,and fun activities. There will be over 150 breweries pouring more than 400 beers so there is surely something new for you to taste. The event also features a Homebrew Contest, where amateur brewers compete showcasing their brewing skills.

The Twin Cities boast something special year-round, but we have to admit we love our winter festivals. Be sure to pack your boots, hat, and gloves, and embrace the Twin Cities like a true Minnesotan! Which festival are you going to join us for this winter?

Guest Blogger