MINNEAPOLIS — From the glow of Nicollet Mall to the sounds of the Minnesota Orchestra, winter in Minneapolis is about to get brighter. Local leaders announced Winterapolis 2025–26 on Monday, a citywide collaboration designed to showcase seasonal arts, culture, and outdoor events while strengthening Minneapolis’ brand as “America’s Winter City.”
The initiative is a joint effort by the Minneapolis Foundation, Meet Minneapolis, and the Mpls Downtown Council. It officially launches Nov. 28 with the Light Up & Winter Kickoff at the IDS Center — a free public celebration funded by the Minneapolis Foundation, Xcel Energy, and the Pohlad Family Foundation.
“Winter in Minneapolis can be truly magical,” said Melvin Tennant, president and CEO of Meet Minneapolis. “That’s why we created Winterapolis — to highlight our festivals, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences. This year, we’re expanding it into a citywide collaboration that draws visitors, supports local businesses and workers, and energizes the entire city.”
The campaign brings together dozens of winter staples under one banner, from Hennepin Arts performances and the Dayton’s Holiday Market to outdoor favorites like The Great Northern Festival, U.S. Pond Hockey Championships, and the City of Lakes Loppet. New additions include a Polar Bear Pub Crawl on December 20 and Curling on Nicollet, a public curling plaza that coincides with the Winter Olympics.
Event organizers citywide are encouraged to participate through a new online platform that will allow producers to submit events for inclusion on the official Winterapolis calendar.
“Downtown Minneapolis thrives when we work together,” said Adam Duininck, president and CEO of the Mpls Downtown Council and Downtown Improvement District. “Winterapolis shows what’s possible when our arts, culture, business, and hospitality partners unite with a shared vision. Collaboration is what turns ideas into experiences and spaces into destinations.”
R.T. Rybak, president and CEO of the Minneapolis Foundation, said the kickoff celebration will set the tone for the entire season. “America’s Winter City will be even brighter this year,” Rybak said. “We’re kicking off with a light-up celebration that will become Minneapolis’ traditional welcome to our best season.”
The Light Up & Winter Kickoff runs from 5–7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 28, in the IDS Crystal Court and along Nicollet Mall. The event will feature live entertainment, Minnesota mascots, a cash bar, coat check, and $5 evening parking at select ramps. The highlight comes at 6:05 p.m., when skyscrapers, businesses, and the IDS holiday tree will be illuminated in unison across downtown.
Afterward, visitors are encouraged to explore extended holiday shopping and dining options at The Dayton’s Holiday Market, Holidays on Nicollet, and Chameleon Shops.
Spotlight Winterapolis Events
- Dayton’s Holiday Market — Nov. 13–Dec. 27
- Holidays on Nicollet Market — Nov. 13–Dec. 27
- Christkindl Market at North Loop Green — Nov. 21–Dec. 21
- Little Door Store — Nov. 28–Dec. 21
- American Swedish Institute Holiday Experience — Nov. 8–Jan. 25
- Holidays on Hennepin (Uptown) — Nov. 28–Dec. 31
- Downtown Polar Bear Pub Crawl — Dec. 20
- Orchestra Hall’s Nordic Soundscapes Festival — Jan. 3–17
- Art Shanty Projects — Jan. 17–Feb. 8
- U.S. Pond Hockey Tournament — Jan. 23–25
- Lake Harriet Winter Kite Festival — Jan. 24
- The Great Northern Festival — Jan. 28–Feb. 1
- Luminary Loppet — Feb. 7
- Small S’mores V-Day Café — Feb. 14
- Curling on Nicollet Mall — Dates to be announced
Winterapolis runs from November 2025 through March 2026, connecting dozens of seasonal celebrations under one unified brand.
For event details or to submit winter happenings for inclusion, visit winterapolis.org or minneapolis.org/submit-winterapolis.
