Minnesota Winter Festivals for Families in the Twin Cities

Winter in the Twin Cities doesn’t mean hibernation it means festival season! From dazzling light festivals to snowy outdoor celebrations, Minneapolis and Saint Paul come alive with family‑friendly winter events that make cold weather feel magical. Below, I’ve rounded up some of the best winter festivals and seasonal celebrations families can enjoy together perfect for weekend outings and memory‑making moments.

GLOW Holiday Festival — St. Paul’s Light Wonderland

One of the season’s must‑visit events is the GLOW Holiday Festival in downtown St. Paul. Held at CHS Field, this immersive experience features millions of twinkling lights, art installations, and winter scenes that captivate kids and adults alike. It’s one of the most Instagrammable winter events around and a great way to kick off the holiday season with your family. GLOW Holiday Festival

Saint Paul Winter Carnival — Classic Minnesota Fun

A true Minnesota tradition, the Saint Paul Winter Carnival brings winter to life every year with parades, ice sculptures, and outdoor activities that have been celebrated for generations. This ten‑day festival features competitions, snow art, and even ice palaces around Rice Park making it a perfect weekend adventure for families looking to experience classic winter culture in the Twin Cities. Winter Carnival

Minneapolis Christkindl Market & Holiday Events

The Minneapolis Christkindl Market is another seasonal favorite for families. This traditional European‑style market welcomes visitors with holiday stalls, handcrafted gifts, and festive foods all wrapped in twinkling lights and cheerful cheer. Alongside other holiday markets and parades in Minneapolis, it’s an excellent way to enjoy the season while exploring local vendors and artisans with the kids. Christkindl

North Pole Express & More Family Festivities

Don’t miss out on events like the North Pole Express at Union Depot, seasonal craft fairs, and holiday light celebrations scattered throughout the Twin Cities. These small‑town‑feeling events are perfect for little ones, often paired with storytimes, Santa meet‑and‑greets, and cozy winter surprises that add up to a truly memorable day out for families. Twin Cities Family

Art Shanty Projects — Creative on Ice

For something uniquely Minnesota, check out the Art Shanty Projects on frozen Lake Harriet. This creative festival transforms ice fisher shanties into interactive art installations with live performances, quirky sculptures, and hands‑on fun a cool blend of art and winter tradition families will love exploring together. Art Shanty Projects

Bonus Tips for Winter Family Fun

Even beyond festivals, the Twin Cities offer tons of seasonal activities families love: winter markets, outdoor skating rinks, sledding hills, and cozy indoor events. Whether you’re grabbing cocoa after ice skating or laughing through a holiday performance, these experiences make Minnesota winters truly special. Twin Cities Family

Winter in Minnesota doesn’t slow down it sparkles. Bundle up the kids, plan a weekend adventure, and make the most of our seasonal celebrations around the Twin Cities!

📸 Want to capture your family’s snowy memories forever? I’d love to photograph your Minneapolis or Saint Paul winter moments!

Get in touch here: https://www.mqnphotography.com/contact

mQn Photography, led by Michele Quattrin, is a trusted Minneapolis family photographer known for capturing real, heartfelt moments with timeless style. Based in the Twin Cities, Michele brings over 15 years of experience turning everyday family connections — from maternity and newborn sessions to joyful family gatherings — into beautiful, elevated portraits that feel genuine and effortless.

Michele’s photography stands apart because she blends a calm, thoughtful approach with a deep understanding of how families naturally interact. Her background in photojournalism informs her style — focusing on authentic emotion, gentle direction, and imagery that truly reflects the personalities of the people she photographs. Over the years, her work has been featured in magazines, books, and blogs, but her greatest honor is seeing her images displayed in clients’ homes and treasured for generations.

Clients appreciate not only Michele’s artistic eye but also her ability to make sessions feel relaxed and joyful, even with little ones in tow. Whether she’s guiding families through an outdoor session in the snow or helping moms look and feel their best with curated wardrobe styling, Michele creates an experience that feels supportive from start to finish.

For families in the Twin Cities looking to capture memories that reflect who they truly are, mQn Photography offers a blend of refined portraiture, heartfelt storytelling, and images that become heirlooms.

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