Winter in Minnesota is made brighter by a rich lineup of performances, storytelling, and cultural experiences that bring the season to life. From beloved theater productions and world-class dance to immersive history and vibrant community stages, the region’s arts institutions offer something for every kind of audience.
Photo by Dan Norman
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres
952-934-1525 | chanhassendt.com
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres brings warmth, laughter, and world-class entertainment to Minnesota winters with a lineup that appeals to every kind of theatergoer. On the Main Stage, the romantic musical comedy “Guys and Dolls” returns for the first time in 35 years beginning Feb. 13. In the more intimate Playhouse Theatre, audiences can catch a special final engagement of the Pulitzer-nominated “Love Letters,” performed by beloved local media icons Nancy Nelson and Don Shelby, Feb. 4-22. Winter weekends also come alive with Stevie Ray’s Comedy Cabaret, offering interactive improv every Friday and Saturday, along with a full slate of tribute concerts in the Fireside Theatre, celebrating artists from the Eagles to Michael Bublé.
What sets Chanhassen apart is its signature combination of dinner service and live theater, creating an all-in-one experience where guests enjoy a meal while taking in a professional production. Established in 1968, it remains one of the oldest and largest dinner theaters in the country, known for high production values, intimate seating, and exceptional hospitality. Guided by values of Respect, Hospitality, Creativity, and Collaboration, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres strives to create inspired entertainment and unforgettable memories for every guest. Tickets are available at chanhassendt.com or by calling the box office at 952-934-1525.
Courtesy of Minnesota Historical Society
Minnesota Historical Society
651-259-3000 | mnhs.org
There’s so much to see and do and learn. Choose a historic location and start planning your next adventure today!
The Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) was established in 1849—the fifth official act of the newly formed Minnesota Territorial Legislature, nine years before Minnesota became a state. What began as a small effort to preserve the stories of a growing territory has evolved into one of the largest and most respected historical organizations in the nation. Today, MNHS operates 26 museums and historic sites across the state, each offering a distinct window into Minnesota’s people, places, and past.
From grand Victorian homes and frontier forts to interactive museums and scenic landmarks, every MNHS site invites visitors to explore history in meaningful, hands-on ways. Stroll through a battlefield that changed the course of local history, step inside the home of a pioneering Minnesotan, or walk the grounds of a historic mill along the Mississippi River. Each visit reveals a new story and deepens the connection to the state’s diverse heritage.
At the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul, the rotating exhibits bring national stories to life with local perspective. Currently on view, “Julia Child: A Recipe for Life” invites visitors to explore the remarkable journey of America’s first celebrity chef—tracing how her passion for French cuisine transformed the way we cook, eat, and think about food. The exhibit is as flavorful as it is inspiring, offering an intimate look at the woman who taught a nation to find joy in the kitchen.
With new exhibits, events, and programs added year-round, there’s always something to discover at MNHS sites across the state. Plan your next adventure and explore Minnesota’s history, culture, and community by visiting mnhs.org/events.
Photo by Brianne Bland
Twin Cities Ballet
952-452-3163 | twincitiesballet.org
Get ready to be swept into two unforgettable worlds as Twin Cities Ballet (TCB) continues its thrilling 2025-2026 season. Minnesota’s premier professional ballet company showcases its powerful dancing, imaginative storytelling, and bold, original productions that have earned TCB its pinnacle place in the dance community.
The triumphant premiere of TCB’s “Romeo & Juliet: The Rock Ballet” last season, widely hailed as Minnesota’s crowning dance event of the year, returns by popular demand to the Fitzgerald Theater in February. TCB’s electrifying reimagining of Shakespeare’s iconic love story pairs its dynamic choreography with the legendary music of Queen performed live. This groundbreaking production features spectacular projections that plunge audiences into a dystopian world. It’s an immersive, multimedia performance unlike anything else on Minnesota stages.
In May, audiences will journey through the wardrobe with “Narnia: The Ballet,” TCB’s magical, family-favorite adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ beloved tale. Enchanting characters, imaginative staging, and a spirit of wonder bring the world of Narnia vividly to life for both new and returning audiences. Don’t miss your chance to experience these extraordinary productions from Twin Cities Ballet—where imagination, artistry, and innovation meet live on stage.
Photo by Rick Spaulding
History Theatre
651-292-4323 | historytheatre.com
History Theatre brings Minnesota’s past to life through bold, original storytelling that educates, entertains, and inspires. This winter, audiences can experience “Whoosh!” (Jan. 31-Feb. 22), an award-winning solo production that blends Irish folklore, local history, and live music to illuminate the spirit of St. Anthony Falls. Then comes “Hungry Like the Wolf” (March 21-April 12), a fast-paced, ’80s-infused comedy about the real-life Willmar Eight and their groundbreaking fight for women’s labor rights. Dedicated to exploring diverse voices and pivotal Minnesota stories, History Theatre offers a uniquely engaging way to understand our shared past.
Courtesy of St. Catherine University
The O’Shaughnessy at St. Catherine University
651-690-6700 | oshag.stkate.edu
The O’Shaughnessy offers a dynamic winter lineup, featuring events like “Letters Aloud: Be the Change,” Kevin Kling’s “The Love Show,” acclaimed violinist Kelly Hall-Tompkins, and CEO of The Barack Obama Foundation, Valerie Jarrett, on March 5. Located in St. Paul’s Highland Park, the 1,800-seat venue pairs world-class performances with the ease of free parking and a welcoming campus atmosphere. Programming centers women’s voices, BIPOC artists, and themes of leadership and social justice, reflecting the university’s mission. Tickets are available at oshag.stkate.edu, with a Pick 3 Subscription option for added flexibility.
