Not many do winter better than Minnesota, so celebrate the snowy season like a true Midwesterner with ice mazes, yoga in the snow, snow sculpture competitions, sledding, beer, and more at the state’s many winter festivals.
Courtesy of Winter SKOLstice
Winter SKOLstice
Eagan, Through February 2026
Can’t wait for the first day of winter to enjoy the season? Winter SKOLstice is currently offering several winter experiences now through February! Enjoy drive-thru holiday light shows, a Beer Fest in January, and food trucks available throughout the season. The highlight of SKOLstice is the Viking Lakes Ice Festival, which boasts 8,000 square feet of space filled with ice sculptures and an ice bar. Upcoming events include National Cookie Day on Dec. 4, Live Music from Tyler Polzin on Dec. 5, College Football Saturday on Dec. 6, and a Football Sunday watch party on Dec. 7.
Saint Paul Winter Carnival
St. Paul, Jan. 22-Feb. 1, 2026
St. Paul will celebrate its 140th Winter Carnival in 2026! The festival is much more than a slew of fantastic winter events; it tells the story of the battle between winter and spring, depicting characters like King Boreas, Queen Aurora, the Vulcans, and more. One of the most popular festival attractions is the ice park, which also includes an ice-carving competition. Other fan favorites are the Vulcan Reveal and the King Boreas Parade. Check out the online storefront for 2026 merchandise.
Courtesy of Saint Paul Winter Carnival
Midwest Ride-In
Dayton, Jan. 30-31, 2026
A new location has been announced for the largest event in antique, vintage and classic snowmobiling. The Midwest Ride-In selected Dehn Pumpkins & Event Center for the 2026 show as it is both close to the Twin Cities and adjacent to 450-acre French Lake. Of course, event goers will still enjoy Ride-In classic like trail rides, judged show, and a heated event center. The show will also bring back crowd favorites like “cruising the lake.”
Frostival
Moorhead, Jan. 31, 2026
Celebrate winter at Viking Ship Park with Moorhead’s Frostival. The annual winter festival boasts open skating, a snowshoe nature walk alongside the Audubon Society, snowga, and more. Frostival will celebrate its 10-year anniversary in 2026, meaning the event will include additional family-fun activities; new updates will be announced in the coming weeks.
Ely Winter Festival
Ely, Feb. 5-15, 2026
Hosting the International Snow Sculpting Symposium, the Ely Winter Festival features a number of events for locals and travelers alike to enjoy over the course of 10 days. Visit Ely’s many local shops for the Ely Art Walk where downtown stores fill their windows with artwork. The Dorothy Molter Museum will be celebrating the life of “Root Beer Lady” Dorothy Molter on Feb. 6 with food, fun, and fellowship. A History Happy Hour will also be held at the museum on Feb. 11. Want to shop 2026 merch? Several products are available online now!
Hygge Festival
Grand Marais, Feb. 6-16, 2026
“Hygge” is a Danish concept of embracing life’s quieter moments, which many snowed-in communities tend to celebrate during the coldest, darkest months. Grand Marais’ Hygge Festival—put on by Visit Cook County MN—celebrates this Danish practice with several outdoor and indoor winter events and shopping experiences. In addition, The Winter Fireplace Tour of Cook County will be going on all month long, offering participants to experience some of the best aesthetically pleasing fireplaces across the region. Participating locations include restaurants, breweries, local B&Bs, public parks, and more. More events will be announced in the coming months.
Grumpy Old Men Festival
Wabasha, Feb. 27-28, 2026
The Grumpy Old Men Festival celebrates the 1993 comedy “Grumpy Old Men,” which is set in Wabasha. Participate in an ice fishing tournament, stroll on a luminary trail to downtown Wabasha, check out goodies at the outdoor market, take a carriage ride at the Flannel & Frost party, and so much more. The festival is currently scouting musicians for live music. Check out its Facebook page to keep up to date with event announcements and happenings.
Bockfest
New Ulm, March 7
Bockfest at Schell’s Brewery is the signal of spring’s arrival, with beer, brats, bonfires and more as you soak in the last days of winter. The festival is also known for its search-and-find style game that occurs on the brewery grounds—see if you will be one of the few to find the wooden boxes holding one of the Seven Bocks of Winter. Tickets are on sale now.
Courtesy of Bockfest
