Winterapolis - A Citywide Celebration of Minneapolis’ Brightest Season

Winterapolis 2025–26 is a collaborative campaign designed to celebrate the people, events, and experiences that make winter in Minneapolis extraordinary. The initiative connects event creators, cultural organizations, and local businesses to promote seasonal experiences citywide from November through March.

The goal of Winterapolis is to elevate Minneapolis as “America’s Winter City” by connecting new and existing arts and cultural events. Launching November 28 with the Light Up & Winter Kickoff event in the IDS Center, Winterapolis is a partnership between Minneapolis Foundation, Meet Minneapolis, and the Mpls Downtown Council. It is funded by the Minneapolis Foundation, Xcel Energy, and the Pohlad Family Foundation.

From Hennepin Arts’ winter performances to the Dayton’s Holiday Market, the Minnesota Orchestra’s Nordic Soundscape series to The Great Northern Festival’s outdoor adventures, and the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships to the City of Lakes Loppet, Winterapolis 2025–26 will showcase dozens of happenings under one shared umbrella from November 2025 through March 2026. New events in the works include the Polar Bear Pub Crawl on December 20 and a curling plaza to coincide with the Winter Olympics.

Melvin Tennant, President & CEO of Meet Minneapolis, explained the concept: “Winter in Minneapolis can be truly magical. That’s why Meet Minneapolis created Winterapolis in 2024 to highlight our festivals, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences. This season, we’re excited to expand Winterapolis into a citywide collaboration to further celebrate all the great things happening in Minneapolis that help draw visitors, support local businesses and workers, and energize the entire city. I’m especially excited for the events and activations in our Cultural Districts that will shine a spotlight on fun taking place across our neighborhoods.”

Adam Duininck, President & CEO, Mpls Downtown Council and Downtown Improvement District, adds: “Downtown Minneapolis thrives when we work together. Winterapolis is a perfect example of what happens when our partners across arts, culture, business, and hospitality come together with a shared vision, to make downtown come alive all winter long. Collaboration is what turns ideas into experiences and spaces into destinations.” He also noted there will be several “Downtown Deals” during Winterapolis that highlight retailer and restaurant discounts and special parking rates at select ramps and lots.

R.T. Rybak speaks at the Winterapolis press conference. Photo: Mpls Downtown Council

Per R.T. Rybak, President & CEO of the Minneapolis Foundation: “America’s Winter City will be even brighter this year. We’re kicking off with a ‘light up’ celebration that will become Minneapolis’ traditional welcome to our best season.”

Winterapolis Light Up & Winter Kickoff — November 28

When the days get dark, America’s Winter City lights up! Join friends and family on Friday, November 28, from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. for the Winterapolis Light Up & Winter Kickoff - a free, all-ages celebration officially marking the start of the winter season in downtown Minneapolis.

Enjoy live entertainment, mingle with beloved Minnesota mascots, and take in the festive atmosphere filling the Crystal Court and Nicollet Mall. A cash bar and coat check will be offered, and $5 evening parking will be available at participating ramps.

The highlight of the evening will take place at 6:05 p.m., when skyscrapers, businesses, and streetlights across downtown Minneapolis - along with the holiday tree in the IDS Crystal Court - will be ceremoniously lit.

After the lighting ceremony, visitors are encouraged to dine locally and explore extended hours at The Dayton’s Holiday Market, Holidays on Nicollet, and Chameleon Shops. Children can shop for gifts at The Little Door Store.

Spotlight Winterapolis Events 

• Dayton’s Holiday Market (November 13 - December 27)
• Holidays on Nicollet Market (November 13 - December 27)
• Chameleon Market (November 13 - December 27)
• Christkindl Market at North Loop Green (November 21 – December 21)
• Little Door Store (November 28 - December 21)
• The American Swedish Institute Holiday Experience (November 8 - January 25)
• Holidays on Hennepin, Uptown (November 28 – December 31)
• Downtown Polar Bear Pub Crawl (December 20)
• Orchestra Hall's Nordic Soundscapes Festival (January 3 - 17)
• Art Shanty Projects (January 17 - February 8)
• U.S. Pond Hockey Tournament (January 23 - 25)
• Lake Harriet Winter Kite Festival (January 24)
• The Great Northern (January 28 - February 1)
• Luminary Loppet (February 7)
• Small S'mores V-Day Cafe (February 14)
• Curling on Nicollet Mall (Dates coming soon)