The festive season is always and has always been my favourite time of year. I love wrapping presents, writing my Christmas list, listening to music and going to pick out the new additions to each years’ decorations. Even if it can be a bit cold outside. The snow and the ice (usually) keep things chilly this time of year, but when it comes to festivities – the colder weather doesn’t slow Minnesotans down.
Minneapolis always has a bountiful list of ways to spend the festive season. Whether you’re an indoor, sit by the fireplace with a mug of cocoa, kind of person, or a “let’s get outside whenever possible” kind of person – here’s a few ideas that can help get you started and in the holiday mood.
Christmas Markets
I LOVE Christmas markets. Everything from the food, to the cheeky bit of early Christmas shopping, the mulled wine and steaming drinks to warm your hands – everything about them makes me giddy. One that I really enjoy year after year is the Holidazzle market in Loring Park. This one can get a little chilly, as it’s primarily outdoors – but when you have companies like Sociable Cider Werks serving hot cider to warm you up, it’s hard to beat.
If you’re not so much the outdoor Christmas market type of person, this year there’s a new indoor market in town. The new Four Seasons in Downtown, Minneapolis is hosting a market on the 3rd and 4th of December – featuring scrumptious snacks from their own café, Socca Café, as well as little stands from local makers all around Minnesota. The indoor market options don’t end there, though. The Union Depot, Tattersall Distilling (a personal favourite!), and so many more spots have little market pop-ups throughout November and December that are work checking out.
A Christmas Carol at the Guthrie
Who doesn’t love a Christmas classic? Every year the Guthrie theatre in the Downtown Minneapolis mills district puts on A Christmas Carol during the festive season. It runs through the 31st of December and is finally back onstage after being a virtual performance since 2020. Tickets will run anywhere from $20 (sitting sitting in the balcony and the slopes) to $135 if you prefer to sit right up close in the orchestra stalls.
Image via www.guthrietheatre.org
The Ice Castles
If you’re a keen ice-lover, then look no further. The ice castles are a super cool (get it) spot to visit with your family or if you’re keen to go for date night. They’ve got live music, ice slides holiday treats and winter warmers, and if you can handle the cold – it’s a great spot to try. Starting in January, it’s on until the middle of March (weather dependent, of course!). Grab your tickets here.
Winter Solstice Celebrations
The Winter Solstice Celebration at the American Swedish Institute is an event that I can’t wait to attend every year. It’s so much fun, really tops off the festive season and really gets you in the mood for Christmas day. Filled to the brim with festive carolers and violinists wandering the mansion, sweet treats and a glögg market outside – you’ve got a little bit for everyone, including pictures with reindeer for the little kiddos (or the kid at heart for you)! Tickets are available on the ASI website, and the event takes place on 21st December.
Do you have any fun traditions for the festive season? I’d love to hear about them!
