Best Outdoor New Year’s Eve Events in the Twin Cities

Outdoor New Year’s Eve Events

There are endless options for ringing in the New Year here in the Twin Cities. You’ll find big parties just for the adults, kid events with confetti, and fun galore. But sometimes these events can feel overwhelming for families who have already been cooped up with holiday events. Why not take the party outside this year?

The Twin Cities has many nature centers and parks that are hosting amazing outdoor New Year’s Eve events, with ice skating, hiking, sledding, s’mores, and so much more. Your family is sure to find a fun and unique way to welcome the New Year in the great outdoors.

Upload your event to the Twin Cities Family Event Calendar here!

NYE Celebration & Fireworks Show | Buck Hill

When: Wednesday, December 31, 2025 – all day at the slope

Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, or snow‑tubing down the slopes under the winter sky, a fun outdoor way to finish the year. As night falls, join others for a fireworks show to ring in the New Year.

New Year’s Eve Celebration | Winter Lights at Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

When: Wednesday, December 31, 2025 – 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Stroll through magical outdoor (and indoor) holiday light displays along a gentle 0.75‑mile walking route — a lovely way to enjoy nature in winter. Inside, there will be live music (from 6–9 p.m.), family‑friendly games, arts & crafts, and a festive “New Year Wish Tree.” On the hour (6, 7, 8, 9 p.m.), they’ll host mini countdowns / “ball drops” — a great alternative if you want celebration + family‑friendly vibes without staying out ‘til midnight.

New Year’s Eve Party | Lebanon Hills Regional Park

When: Wednesday, December 31, 2025 – 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Enjoy candle‑lit trails, snowshoe or hike depending on snow conditions, and explore snowy woods under a winter sky. Activities may include a lit sledding hill (bring your own sled), skating or kicksledding on a lit lake bay (weather permitting), cozy bonfires, hot cocoa, and s’mores stations. The evening culminates in an early “ball drop” at 7:59 — a fun way to ring in the evening without staying out too late (great for families).

Candlelight and Ice NYE Celebration | Wood Lake Nature Center

When: Wednesday, December 31, 2025 – 5:00 PM – 9:00 AM

The Wood Lake Nature Center’s Candle Light and Ice event offers a family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration from 5-9 p.m. on December 31, featuring marshmallow roasting, hot chocolate, nature art, and a luminary walk—including a new longer boardwalk option. The outdoor event keeps attendees warm with heaters and fires, costs $6 per person, and registration is required.

New Year’s Eve Sledding and S’Mores | Richardson Nature Center

When: Wednesday, December 31, 2025 – 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Welcome the new year with family and friends while enjoying the thrill of sledding. Bring your own s’mores to roast by a fire. Limited supply of sleds and roasting sticks available. Participants ages 11 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult.