Winter Fun in the Twin Cities: Activities for Families

Winter in Minnesota is not just about cold weather; it's a time for fun and excitement. The Twin Cities offer a variety of activities that can make the season enjoyable for everyone. From light festivals to train rides, there's something for every family to enjoy. One of the highlights is the Illuminate Festival of Lights, which runs through the end of December. This festival features hundreds of indoor lanterns and performances by the AmeriKing Yan Dong Chinese Acrobats. The festival is open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with special holiday hours on certain days. Tickets are required and can be purchased online. Another popular event is the GLOW Holiday Festival at CHS Field. This festival features over a million lights, a carousel ride, a zipline, and other family activities. Timed-entry tickets are required and must be purchased in advance. The festival is cashless, so make sure to bring a credit or debit card. For those who love trains, the Twin City Model Railroad Museum offers Night Trains. During this event, the main lights go down, and street lamps glow in the miniature villages, decorated with snow and holiday decor. Vintage model trains run through the carefully crafted cities, and visitors can admire them from 3 to 7 p. m. every Saturday, plus special dates in December and January. Afton Holiday Village is another great option for families. This event turns Afton into a winter wonderland with horse-drawn wagons, carolers, tree lighting, crafts, bonfires, treats, and more. Weekends have special themes, such as the Candy Cane Trail and Wrap It Up Festive Giving. Stillwater’s Hometown for the Holidays is a must-visit event. During Twinkle Weekend, kids can get free twinkle necklaces and meet-and-greet “Frozen” characters and Santa. During Candy Town Weekend, events include cocoa with Santa, a gingerbread man hunt, and a gingerbread house contest. During Furry Friends Weekend, there’ll be a pet parade and costume contest, plus treats from the Grinch for both pets and humans. The North Pole Express is a unique experience for families. Departing from Union Depot, the North Pole Express consists of real vintage trains that’ll take you to the North Pole — aka the far east end of the Union Depot property. Tickets tend to go very fast, so make sure to book in advance. Circus Juventas is presenting “Solstice, ” a holiday show that focuses on forest creatures’ quest to rescue Jack Frost and save winter. Tickets are available online and can be purchased in advance. The Grand Meander is a wintry open house event along Grand Avenue. Highlights include trolley rides, sugar cookie decorating, free caricatures, the annual Golden Ladle Soup Tasting Contest, and happy hour with Winter Carnival Royalty. Union Depot is hosting a tree lighting and movie night. The massive holiday tree will be lit, and the 2026 Winter Carnival buttons will be unveiled. There will also be a concert from the Mistletones and a screening of the movie “Elf. ” The Julmarknad Handcraft Market & Festival at the American Swedish Institute showcases local artists, plus music and food, with extra family craft projects and games. The festival runs 10 a. m. to 4 p. m. both days, but you’ll need to buy a timed ticket online. Christmas in Germany at the Germanic American Institute celebrates German holiday traditions with seasonal gifts, storytime, crafts for adults and kids, and a German model train exhibit. The event runs 10 a. m. to 4 p. m. both days, but tickets are timed. The Minnesota Transportation Museum is celebrating trains this winter with caboose rides, crafts, a scavenger hunt, storytime, and a Lego village. Timed tickets must be purchased online. The Celtic Holiday Hooley is a Celtic variety show featuring singers, musicians, dancers, and comedic sketches. Seven performances including matinees; online presale tickets are available. Santa’s Workshop at Landmark Center offers families a chance to take a photo with Santa, “time with festive animals, ” and gift-making. This event is free and open to the public. The Winter Skolstice Ice Festival at the Minnesota Vikings’ HQ in Eagan includes 8, 000 square feet of ice, custom sculptures, two “striking installations, ” and an ice bar. Tickets are available online. Ice Castles, a traveling attraction, has bounced around the metro in recent years but is headed for the second year to the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Find ice sculptures, slides, mazes, tunnels, and more.