The World of Hockey
What: 2026 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship
When: Dec. 29-Jan. 5
Where: 1901 Fourth St. SE, Minneapolis and 199 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul
The world of hockey gathers in the state of hockey for one of the sport’s most anticipated annual events—the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship. Hosted at premier local arenas including Mariucci Arena in Minneapolis and Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, the 10-nation tournament features the best players in the world under 20 years of age.
IIHF world Junior Championships
New Years Under Northern Lights
What: New Year’s Eve Under the Lights at Gunflint Lodge
When: Dec. 31, 5 p.m.
Where: 143 South Gunflint Lake, Gunflint Trail, Grand Marais
Ring in the new year below the enchanting Northern Lights at Gunflint Lodge’s first annual New Year’s Eve Under the Lights. Held in its brand new Northern Lights Lounge, Gunflint Lodge welcomes visitors to a cozy celebration in the Northwoods, including New Year’s Eve dining at Justine’s, appetizers and cocktails, and a midnight champagne toast.
Escape to Wonderland
What: Can Can Wonderland’s Birthday Party
When: Dec. 31, 7 p.m.
Where: 755 Prior Ave. N., St. Paul
Celebrate Can Can Wonderland’s ninth birthday with an immersive New Year’s Eve bash, featuring two stages with five local DJs spinning tracks. Before the clock strikes midnight, enjoy a range of goodies and games, including vintage pinball machines, Queer Circus performances, a Caricature artist, glitter bar, New Year’s Eve Photo Booth, and of course, a nationally awarded 18-hole mini golf course.
Skyline Celebrations
What: Crystal Ball New Year’s Eve
When: Dec. 31, 8 p.m.
Where: IDS Center—80 S. Eighth St., Minneapolis
Celebrate New Year’s Eve among Minneapolis’ dazzling skyline—at the 2026 Crystal Ball New Year’s Eve Party. Hosted on the 50th floor of IDS Center, the 21-plus event includes DJ performances, dueling pianos, dinner packages, optional hotel stays, and midnight fanfare. Boasting floor-to-ceiling city views, the distinctly Minneapolis event is a can’t-miss for party-goers, dance and music lovers, and anyone looking to ring in 2026 among the clouds.
Crystal Ball Minneapolis
A Minnesota Tradition
What: Minnesota Bobber Drop at Midway Saloon
When: Jan. 31, 8 p.m.
Where: 1567 University Ave. W., St. Paul
In New York City, the ball drops. In Minnesota, the bobber drops. Celebrate this uniquely Minnesotan New Year’s Eve pastime at Midway Saloon in St. Paul, a ticketed night-long event filled with stellar blues music by the Dylan Salfer Band, dancing, ice-cold drinks, and of course the dropping of the bobber. Gather at midnight as a massive 7-foot bobber is lowered to the ground in celebration of 2026.
Midway Saloon
A Day to Dance
What: New Year’s Day Celebration at Lake Marion Ballroom
When: Jan. 1, 1-4 p.m.
Where: 11431 MN-15, Brownton
Swing into 2026 at Lake Marion Ballroom, where an elegant New Year’s Day Celebration will ensure an energetic start to the year. Bring your dancing shoes and sway to the upbeat tunes of Kris and the Riverbend Dutchmen, an immersive window into old-fashioned polka.
Kris & the Riverbend Dutchmen
Top Dog
What: Land O’Lakes Kennel Club Dog Show
When: Jan. 2-4
Where: 175 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul
One of the Twin Cities’ premier dog shows returns to the Saint Paul RiverCentre this weekend, assembling more than 1,200 dogs across 197 breeds. Presented by Land O’Lakes Kennel Club, the three-day show will include several events—some competitive and some strictly educational and stress-relieving—including a “puppy party,” handling clinic, meet the breeds educational session, nonprofit presentations, and a ringside market. The festivities all culminate in the Midwest Junior Regional Showmanship competition, where impressive shows of agility, intelligence, and speed will crown the winning dog.
