The Great Northern celebrates Minneapolis’ cold winters through 10 days of diverse programming to invigorate mind and body. With a full lineup of winter events and some serious FOMO (fear of missing out), we make sure to get out and experience the winter wonderland that encapsulates us for a few months out of the year. The three main events are the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships, City of Lakes Loppet/Luminary Loppet and the Saint Paul Winter Carnival.

The U.S. Pond Hockey Championships are played on frozen Lake Nokomis – the way hockey is meant to be played. The just-for-fun tournament brings out the best pond hockey players from all over the country to compete in our state’s favorite sport.

The City of Lakes Loppet is a cross-country ski festival for the whole family that includes ski races for all ages, skill levels and abilities.  Be sure to experience other fun events like the Minne-Loppet, skijoring, dog sledding, and the popular Luminary Loppet – the most magical event of the season with a candlelit trail winding across Lake of the Isles.

The Saint Paul Winter Carnival features a Torchlight Parade, Fire and Ice Winter Run, ice-carving competition, ice fishing tournament and more.

Experience the winter wonderland that is Minneapolis through the Great Northern, 10 days of winter events that invigorate the body and mind. Photo courtesy of Meet Minneapolis

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