Touted by Travel + Leisure as “One of the world’s top winter festivals” – The Great Northern is kicking off on January 23. The 10-day winter celebration takes place across the Twin Cities and will run through February 2, 2025. Attendees will be able to spectate some amazing winter sports – like pond hockey, skijoring, and fat-tire bike racing – along with a chance to enjoy ice and snow sculpture competitions.
This year there will be over 60 events that fall within one or more of The Great Northern’s five primary pillars: food and drink, ideas, public art, music and performance, and outdoor experiences.
The festival kicks off with The Great Northern Launch Party on January 23rd from 6 PM – 8 PM at The Market at Malcolm Yards.
Kate Nordstrum, executive and artistic director of The Great Northern, stated: “When the temperatures plunge, residents in the North are intentional about seeking community, fresh air, art, inspiration, good words and nourishing food – building fire from within. Our cold, snowy winters shape our culture, and they are at risk as the climate continues to warm. With The Great Northern, we want to motivate festival-goers to take steps to preserve the gift of winter.”
The 2025 festival features more than 60 performances, art installations, outdoor activations (including saunas!), and solutions-focused climate talks. For a full list of events, take a look at the Great Northern’s event calendar.
The Great Northern Festival is a vibrant celebration of Minnesota’s winter culture, blending art, food, and outdoor adventure in a uniquely northern style. Held annually across the Twin Cities, this festival offers a dynamic mix of experiences, from stunning ice sculptures and immersive art installations to culinary events featuring local chefs and warming beverages. Visitors can embrace the season with winter sports, cozy bonfires, and thought-provoking panel discussions focused on climate and sustainability. Whether you’re skating under twinkling lights, savoring Nordic-inspired flavors, or simply soaking in the crisp, snowy landscapes, the Great Northern Festival invites you to experience the beauty and resilience of winter like never before. Perfect for all ages, it’s an unmissable highlight of the season!
Check out these family-friendly events at The Great Northern Festival!
January 25th: The Great Northern Festival Sauna Village: Family Day | 10:30 AM – 12 PM
February 2nd: Midwinter Melt – Silverwood Park | 5 PM
February 2nd: The Great Northern Festival Sauna Village: Family Day | 10:30 AM – 12 PM
Full list of events
For a full list of events, take a look at the Great Northern’s event calendar.
Their Mission
The Great Northern celebrates our cold, creative winters through ten days of diverse programming that invigorate mind and body. In an era of changing climate that threatens our signature season, we seek to create community, inspire action, and share the resilient spirit of the North with the world.
