The city of Minneapolis is decking its parks with an array of festive activities as the winter chill sets in. According to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, the season's revelry kicks off with Winter Family Night on Thursday, December 5th, at Harrison Park, promising an evening of family fun from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. And if you're looking to get your hands on some unique ceramic gifts, make sure to drop by the Winter Pottery Sale at Powderhorn Park on December 7th, open from noon until 4:30 pm.
Minneapolis isn't simply about snagging freebies or shopping for holiday crafts; it's also keen on promoting wellbeing among its senior residents. The NE Athletic Field Park hosts a Healthy Holidays Talk and Lunch specifically for those aged 55 and over on December 16, from 10:30 am to noon. Fast forward to December 30, and the New Year's Eve Family Skate Party at Windom NE Park is set to offer a pre-New Year's bash, free for ages five and older from 4 to 6 pm.
In the heart of the festive period, on Wednesday, December 18, Kenny Park is introducing a bit of candy-striped adventure with a free Candy Cane Scavenger Hunt that's open to children and those still young at heart. The button to "Read More" invites interested parties to garner more details about the 6 to 7 pm event. Transitioning from active pursuits to more relaxed entertainment, family swim and holiday movie night on December 20 at Creekview Park combines splashes and cinema for a $2 fee for residents, doubling to $4 for non-residents.
As midwinter approaches, Minneapolis parks continue to embrace the cold with open arms. The Winter Whirl on December 21 at Phelps Park and the Winter Solstice Celebrations across Stewart Park and Carl W. Kroening Nature Center both pledge to bring free fun to people from all walks of life—a wholesome lead-up to 2023's curtain call. Celebrators can also lace-up for the New Year's Eve Skating Party at Parade Ice Garden on December 31, with an entry cost of $10 for residents and $15 for non-residents.
For families challenged by school closures over the holiday season, Minneapolis Public Schools will be shuttered on December 13 and again from December 23 to January 3. To keep kids engaged, the parks are offering a buffet of camps, programs, and field trips, details of which can be found at the Minneapolis Parks website. And let us not overlook the gingerbread connoisseurs and ornament aficionados—the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board has a scarf-full of activities listed, including gingerbread house making and ornament crafting sessions. Topping it off, the Nicollet Island Pavilion plays host to a holiday market on December 15 and 21, showcasing more than 50 local craft vendors, alongside live music and food. For more information on these merry gatherings, visitors are encouraged to click the links provided in each listing's "Read More" button.
With all the merrymaking magic floating through the crisp Minneapolis air, residents and visitors alike are poised to close out the year wrapped in the warmth of community festivities. For details and to plan your December outings, head over to the official Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board's announcement.
