City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival

Minneapolis’s Iconic Celebration of Winter

Growing from a once humble cross-country ski race in 2003, the City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival has come to be the staple event of winter in the North.

2026 MN AG Expo

Reunite with the agriculture community January 20-21, 2026 during MN Ag Expo at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center in Mankato. Over the course of two days, Minnesota’s marquee winter agriculture gathering sets our sights on the future by offering networking opportunities; educational sessions; a full trade show floor; dynamic speakers; fundraising events – and more!

Winter Solstice Walk

The Winter Solstice Walk will bring some light and cheer to the longest night of the year. The trail will be lit at 5:30 pm and glow until 8 pm. This is a special way to experience the beauty of a riverfront park in December. Pre-registration is not required.

Choose your own adventure: Walk the illuminated paths as many times as you want! The short loop is about a half mile, the longer loop is about a mile. After your walk, warm up by the fireplace! A map will be posted soon on River Keepers Facebook event page. 

Scuba Claus

See "Scuba Claus" dive with sea creatures at SEA LIFE at Mall of America this holiday season. On Fridays and Sundays at 11:30 A.M. and 1:30 P.M., Scuba Claus will finish up his naughty or nice list, then guests are invited to participate in a scavenger hunt and write a holiday letter!

Rent

The vibrant musical Rent has been entertaining audiences on Broadway for over 20 years. Follow an unforgettable year in the lives of seven artists struggling to follow their dreams without selling out. This inspiring production is a timeless celebration of friendship, creativity, and love.

KS95 Clouds Choir

Sing "Clouds" with KS95 in the Huntington Bank Rotunda and help to raise money for Children's Cancer Research Fund and the Zach Sobiech Osteosarcoma Fund. The 11th annual "Clouds" Choir for a Cause is open to the public and will also feature the Twin Cities Community Gospel Choir and the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra.

Holiday Music Festival

School groups, church groups, and professional musicians perform in the Huntington Bank Rotunda throughout the Holiday Music Festival. Take a break from holiday shopping to relax and enjoy beautiful music!

Handmade Holidays

Let your creative side shine this holiday season at Crayola Experience. Crayola is decked out with festive decor and craft stations so you can get in the holiday spirit while making gifts for loved ones. There's even a seasonal scavenger hunt!

Excelsior Apple Days

Experience Excelsior Apple Days – a cherished lakeside festival that unites our community, art, local flavors, and a classic street dance. Since 1935, this event has delighted fans with a day packed full of activities like craft booths, a kids corner, food vendors, history tours, Apple Pie contests, live entertainment from local talents and renowned bands, and a lively beer and wine garden at the heart of it all! Don't miss out on this lakeside extravaganza! Please visit our website for the most up-to-date information.

Silvae Spiritus Northwoods Nature Retreat

Nestled in the Minnesota Northwoods halfway between Minneapolis / St. Paul and the scenic North Shore of Lake Superior, this inviting guest house is part of a quiet nature retreat within 15 minutes of Banning State Park (hiking, white-water rafting), within 7 minutes of the Finlayson entrance to the Willard Munger state bicycle trail, and within 20 minutes of Sandstone’s Robinson Park (rock and ice climbing).