Winter in the Twin Cities can be grey, cold, and gloomy, but thanks to some amazing Holiday-themed events, we can bring some joy to this chilling time of year! There are dozens of events available in the Twin Cities, and they cater to those seeking family-friendly, shopping, or even nightlife. We handpicked a few fun events that truly bring the holiday spirit to the Cities. Check them out if you can!
For the second year in a row, Twin Cities Collective is holding its Best of Awards Holiday Extravaganza & Holiday Market at Royal Foundry Crafts Spirits in North Minneapolis. Tickets are $40, but if you enjoy being a part of the local creative community in Minneapolis and St. Paul it’s a great event to get involved in. They have networking and meet & greets at the beginning and in the middle of the evening. Free parking, appetizers, and dessert are included. You can also do some holiday shopping at their local holiday market. The dress is semi-formal, and you will get to see those awarded the “Best Of” awards in categories such as Best Wedding Videographer and Best Small Business — all local nominations. If you are into networking events-turned-party, this is the place to be. Tickets are going fast, so get them before they sell out! The event is on December 18th, and you can buy tickets here.
For a super fun, family-friendly holiday event, you should definitely check out the New Year’s Eve Party put on by the Minnesota Children’s Museum. They will feature art projects, crafts, music, full access to the museum, and even a ball drop like Times Square! After the holiday hub-bub with the extended family, why not treat you and the kids to a fun night out with just your family. Babies under 1 get in free, and tickets for kids and adults are $15, but go up to $17 after December 6th. And don’t worry, the ball drops at 8pm, so you have plenty of time to get those kiddos to bed and watch the real ball drop if you can stay up that late 🙂
For more information, check out their website.
For decades, the Holidazzle Festival has been a beloved Minneapolis event, free to the public, that helps bring the holiday spirit to downtown. Holidazzle runs every Thursday thru Sunday night, November 29th until December 22nd. The festival has everything from a Fulton beer garden, to movie nights, an Alpaca petting zoo, and fireworks on Saturdays!
Like ice skating? The festival has an outdoor skating rink in the center of Loring Park that will be open daily, and even offer first-come-first-served complimentary skates to those who don’t have their own. Bundle up, grab some hot cider, or a cold beer, and cozy up with your Minneapolis neighbors for some weekends of holiday cheer, and to prove how hardy we are here in Minnesota. More information can be found here!
Every year, iHeartRadio Jingle Ball brings holiday music from the pros right to us in downtown St. Paul. Acts include Katy Perry, Camila Cabello, LAUV, 5 Seconds of Summer, and Why Don’t We. They sing hits, holiday songs, and maybe even surprise duets in there. It is sure to be a good time, and there are still plenty of tickets available! Dance the night away with some of the biggest stars. Get tickets here.
The Parkway Theatre located in South Minneapolis was first built in 1931 and recently restored just last year in 2018. With a new look and a redesign, the Parkway Theatre continues to show everything from live theatre to classic movies. December 14th they will hold an event and showcase multiple holiday films throughout the day, for FREE. Join your neighbors for a fun day of film and festivities. They will show A Charlie Brown Christmas, Elf, and White Christmas. They will also show Die Hard on 35mm December 19th, and It’s a Wonderful Life on December 21st. Bring in the holiday spirit with some classic holiday films on the big screen.
For a truly unique experience, you should check out the 6th annual European Christmas Market at Union Depot in St. Paul. This heritage market will happen for three weekends in December, ending the 22nd before the holiday. Open-air holiday markets like this one highlight those you may see in European countries like Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. If you’re from the midwest, this is like celebrating your roots and heritage! Enjoy vendors of food, arts, and crafts at this holiday bizarre. What can help you celebrate the holiday season than some pierogis and German bratwurst? Eat, drink, and be merry!
The midwest breeds hardy folks, who can handle the cold, and almost enjoy the snow. We have no excuse but to get out and enjoy some of the beautiful winter activities, festivals, and films our city has to offer. So put on your winter boots, your wool mittens, and clear off that car — it’s time to celebrate! Happy Holidays from Bigos!
