Holiday Greetings from Our Community

Editors Note - For a number of years, we've been fortunate to have Becky Fillinger spotlight local businesses, entertainers and artists, non-profit leaders, elected officials and others. She reached out to people she's connected with along the way, asking them to share their Holiday greetings and thoughts for 2026. Here they are, in no particular order:

This is the time of the year when I take time to reflect on how much I have been blessed, even in the face of adversity. I have learned that adversity forges character and builds perseverance in individuals and in communities. May we all see our challenges as opportunities to grow and to prosper – individually and collectively – in 2026. Melvin Tennant, President and CEO, Meet Minneapolis

This holiday season, I hope everyone finds moments of joy, connection, and wonderful food! I’m grateful for our community and look forward to seeing people come together at the restaurant. As we head into the new year, I wish for happiness and health for all. And of course, more dessert, because who needs New Year’s resolutions when there’s pastries? Diane Moua, Executive Chef & Owner, Diane’s Place

On behalf of the Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association, we want to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season. We hope everyone takes advantage of all the holiday offerings and events that downtown Minneapolis has to offer! Here’s to a prosperous 2026! Dan Brophy, President, Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association

On behalf of our team and the local farms, food producers, and artists who nourish and inspire us, we hope your holiday season is filled with good friends and GREAT food! Check out our Indoor Winter Markets to find local, organic ingredients and unique gifts for yourself and those you love – between November and April, we host 35+ vendors in the Mill City Museum on the first and third Saturdays of each month from (9am-1pm.) Ella Daniels, Executive Director, Mill City Farmers Market 

Only in Minneapolis do we name our snowplows and actually root for them. Here’s to a city that meets the cold with adventure, humor, and heart. Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season. Mayor Jacob Frey 

As we celebrate the holidays, I’m grateful for the unity and strength that define our city. Here’s to a New Year filled with opportunity, progress, and deeper connection within our community. Together, we can make 2026 our most impactful year yet. Chef David Fhima (Fhima's, Maison Margaux, Mother Dough Bakery, Artisans & Spice, Vagabondo)

My hopes for the holiday season are for our communities to have their basic needs met: to have food, shelter and safety, and perhaps a little more. My wish is for people to know they matter and to experience joy. There is such joy in giving, and if you can, then do so. Even if the gift is a genuine smile, or hello to say, "I see you." I would like to offer a Scrooge quote "...honor Christmas in [your] heart and try to keep it all the year." Happy Holidays! Happy Chanukah, Merry Christmas, and Happy Kwanza! Regina Marie Williams, Ghost of Christmas Present, Guthrie Theater

A big thank you to the residents of Ward 3 for their trust in reelecting me. Please know that as we start this season of peace that I am here to help you and welcome your calls/emails. The City is on a very positive, upward trajectory. Michael Rainville, Minneapolis City Council, Ward 3 

Sometimes it happens when you’re looking through family photos with winter scenes, or you smell hints of pine or cinnamon spices in the air. Or you hear Christmas songs playing in the background. But something will eventually trigger the words, “OK, now it feels like Christmas.” Ginger Commodore

Happy Holidays from the North Loop! We invite you to share in the holiday spirit with us! So much to see and do throughout the neighborhood... from great shopping, happy hours and dining to special events and activities. The North Loop welcomes you to join us - follow us on Instagram! Diane Merrifield, President, Board of Directors, North Loop Neighborhood Association

Here’s to peace, joy, and inspiration in the year ahead, and to finding beauty in unexpected places. Katie Luber, the Director & President at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.

As I think about the new year, I am so excited for the opportunity to create more space for healing and hope to continue serving the community in a way that provides sanctuary. I believe that being in ritual and in community magnifies healing. Nell Rueckl, Founder at Watershed Spa, Spot Spa & Nell's Remedies

Warm holiday wishes from the Minneapolis Parks Foundation! As we enter a new year, I hope our city’s parks offer you moments of joy, renewal, and community. If these shared spaces have inspired you, please consider supporting our mission with a holiday gift at MplsParksFoundation.org/Donate. Thank you for your generosity, and I look forward to seeing you in a Minneapolis park in 2026! Martin Wera, Executive Director, Minneapolis Parks Foundation

Happy holidays from the team at The Cedar, and cheers to another incredible year of making cultural connections through music and dance. We hope to see you on the West Bank soon! James Taylor, Program Director at The Cedar Cultural Center

Dear friends, we are elated that so many of you have ventured to The Main Cinema - over 150,000 attendees in 2025 alone! - to enjoy films from across the globe with your friends and neighbors. We are proud to open hearts and minds through the power of film and to contribute so actively to the vitality of our city. We do it for you. We can't do it without you! Susan Smoluchowski, Executive Director of MSP Film Society, and The Main Cinema/MSPIFF Staff

In my family, the holidays were always about remembering who we are and who we could become. We are an echo of our past, but we get to rewrite our futures. Wishing you a season full of gratitude, community, and new dreams. Chef Yia Vang

In Minneapolis, the darkest days of winter are brightened by the warmth of our people - and by the boundless hope we see in our children. As we look to the year ahead, may we continue building a Twin Cities where every young person can dream boldly and grow up feeling supported, inspired, and at home. Wishing everyone a season filled with light, community, and possibility. Rick Dildine, Artistic Director, Children’s Theater Company

Minneapolis is a welcoming, thriving City - one where we embrace the idea and ideal that all can find a sense of belonging here. Our wish in the coming year is centered on hope and determination - hope that we can continue to express and embody the best that is within us and our shared humanity, and determination that Minneapolis will continue to lead as a City that fosters inclusion and opportunity for all. We look forward to 2026 as a new chapter in our commitment to being a Welcoming City, together. Michelle Rivero, director of the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs for the City of Minneapolis

We are thrilled to look ahead to 2026 when we will begin the restoration of Owámniyomni. The Dakota-led vision for Owámniyomni emphasizes Ičikoyake - or interconnectedness - and uplifts the intrinsic relationship between land, water and other relatives. We're excited to welcome Dakota people and downtown neighbors back to the River to celebrate this interconnectedness, foster greater understanding between communities and create a place of healing for generations to come. Shelley Buck, president of Owámniyomni Okhódayapi