The Winter SKOLstice is BACK for a second year! Riding on the popularity of last year’s event, the Twin Cities’ newest winter festival is opening on January 6th at Viking Lakes. This outdoor winter event at the Viking Lakes campus in Eagan features nearly 45 consecutive days of things to see and do from January 6th – February 25th. The event calendar has a complete list of events and even more details!
Check out these highlights!
Minnesota Ice Maze – Closed in 2024 due to warm temperatures
Things we learned: Minnesota is home to Minnesota Ice…the leading producer of sculpture-grade ice in the United States. That is just fitting, isn’t it? And to our benefit, this year Minnesota Ice is partnering with Winter SKOLstice and Viking Lakes to bring the Twin Cities its largest ice maze to date. Minnesota Ice is on a mission to transform how Minnesotans think about ice. The Minnesota Ice Maze will feature nearly a half mile of twists and turns, over a million pounds of ice, and 8-foot-high perimeter walls. “We are thrilled to create this unforgettable experience for families across the metro at Viking Lakes,” says CEO of Minnesota Ice, Robbie Harrell. The fully lit maze is perfect for families and suitable for kids of all ages. It will also feature ice thrones, scavenger hunts, fire pits, and weekend theme nights. Smores, hot chocolate, and an ice bar will also be available.
Hours: 4:00-10:00 pm, Monday through Friday, and 11:00 am-10:00 pm, Saturdays and Sundays.
Location: Viking Lakes Campus, 2645 Vikings Circle, Eagan MN 55121
Tickets: Adults – $24.99, Kids (5-14) – $12.99, 4 and Under – FREE
Warming Haus
Location: On the south side of the hotel, just outside of Kyndred Hearth
Hours: Daily from 5-10pm
The Warming Haus is a fully-heated 40×100-foot tent located adjacent to the Omni Hotel and right next to the Minnesota Ice Maze. The warming house is sponsored by Xfinity and will feature televisions and Wi-Fi in an upscale Nordic Environment. Enjoy food and beverage and yummy desserts like their s’more kit! The Warming Haus will have live music on the weekends and is also available for parties and group rentals.
Skate the Omni
Due to unseasonably warm weather, the ice rink is hoping to open on January 5th. Please check the website before you head out! All Minnesotans are invited to come and Skate the Omni – a 30×60 foot skating rink – at no cost! The skating rink is located on the Omni Hotel’s front lawn and is available for parties and group rentals. Skaters need to register in advance and bring their own skates.
USA Curling Experience
USA Curling will be offering FREE curling on the Viking Lakes North pond beginning January 5th-February 25th. On weekends, USA Curling will be providing equipment and staff for those that want to try this hardy winter sport on the multiple sheets of ice specific for curling during Winter SKOLstice. The curling sheets are also available to be rented for groups or party rentals!
The SKOLstice Showdown
The SKOLstice Showdown, a brand-new pond hockey tournament, is set to debut on the Mauer GMC Pond at Viking Lakes! This exciting event will bring together adult teams from all over the region to compete for the championship title.
The SKOLstice Showdown will be held on February 8th – 11th and feature multiple adult divisions, so there is something for everyone. You can sign up to play here!
