Free Family Holiday Events in Minneapolis/St. Paul
Thanksgiving is fast approaching and you’re probably already preparing your homes in Prior Lake MN for the big feast. Still, it’s good to have some time to just enjoy the holidays as a family, without the stress that often accompanies them. Fortunately, there are a number of free family events in Minneapolis and St. Paul that are the perfect way to begin the holiday season.
Start the festivities off at the inaugural WinterSkate at Rice Park in the heart of St. Paul. This grand rink will be open from November 18 to February 4, giving you plenty of opportunities to enjoy skating this winter — and it’s free! There are even skating lessons available. However, you won’t want to miss the grand opening on November 18, starting at 3:30 p.m. There will be live reindeer with a sleigh, the Teddy Bear Band, and skating performances, followed by fireworks at 6:30 p.m. and the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 7 p.m.
Holidazzle is a wonderful winter festival at Loring Park in Minneapolis. It takes place November 24-26, November 30-December 3, December 7-10, 14-17, and 21-23, starting at 5 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays and 11 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. On opening night, the day after Thanksgiving, there will be a ceremony, followed by fireworks at 6:30 p.m. After that, there will be fireworks every Saturday at 6:30 p.m. As well as the fireworks, the festival will include local vendors, two free movies a week, various forms of entertainment, as well as visits from Santa. There’s also a special Holidazzle Kids’ Zone. Entrance is free, but bring money for food and other purchases.
Finally, there’s the Tree Lighting Ceremony and Winter Market taking place at 50th & France, in Edina, Minneapolis. The festivities start on November 25, with carolers strolling through the area singing all of your favorite holiday songs. You can also visit with Santa near the Christmas Tree from 3-5 p.m. and then take in the lighting of the tree at 5 p.m. The Winter Market will also begin on November 25, and then continue December 2, 9, & 16. During the market, the College Nannie’s elves will have special children’s activities between 12 and 4 p.m. to keep kids entertained while their parents shop.
These are just a few of the many holiday events kicking off after Thanksgiving. Don’t forget that if you’re heading to the Mall of America to find the perfect gifts and decorations for homes in Prior Lake MN, there’s the Holiday Music Festival in the mall’s Rotunda, with several performances each day from November 26 to December 26. With so many entertaining options, it’s easy to be thankful and get into the holiday spirit.
