Best Winter Festivals in the Twin Cities

Best Twin Cities Winter Festivals

In the land of ice and snow, no one does Winter better than Minnesota! There are so many ways to get out and enjoy the frosty fun in the Twin Cities during the long, winter months…you won’t even notice the cold (maybe)! Check out our list of events.  If you don’t see your event, please add it below!

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Winter in the Twin Cities has a way of inviting families outside rather than sending them into hibernation. When the snow piles up and the lakes freeze solid, the metro comes alive with festivals that celebrate the season in ways that feel playful, welcoming, and wonderfully Midwestern.

One of the most beloved traditions is the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, a classic cold weather celebration that has been delighting families for generations. Sculptors transform blocks of ice and snow into towering works of art, while parades, live music, and kid friendly activities fill downtown Saint Paul. Children love spotting the larger than life ice carvings, and parents appreciate that many events are free and easy to wander at your own pace.

Across the river in Minneapolis, the Luminary Loppet offers a softer, storybook take on winter. Held along the Chain of Lakes, the event lights up frozen trails with glowing lanterns and ice luminaries. Families can walk or ski along illuminated paths, warm up with hot chocolate, and enjoy fire performances and music. It is a calm, magical experience that works just as well for toddlers bundled in sleds as it does for older kids who want to explore.

For families with sports-loving kids, the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships on Lake Nokomis is a winter highlight. Even if your family has never played hockey, the atmosphere is infectious. Teams from across the country compete on outdoor rinks while spectators gather along the shoreline. Food trucks, bonfires, and casual viewing spots make it easy to stop by for an hour or stay longer, depending on energy levels.

A favorite for younger children is the Minnesota Ice Castles, which typically pop up at rotating metro locations. These hand-built ice palaces feature tunnels, slides, and glowing sculptures that feel straight out of a fairy tale. Timed entry helps keep things manageable for families, and evening visits offer an especially magical glow.

Together, these winter festivals prove that cold weather does not have to slow families down. With layered coats, warm mittens, and a sense of adventure, the Twin Cities offer countless ways to make winter memories that feel cozy, active, and full of wonder.