December 2018 is here and that means you have to check out the best free holiday events in Minneapolis and St. Paul. As the Twin Cities get dressed up for the holidays, don’t miss out on these free winter attractions. Whether a longtime local, recent transplant, or visitor to the Bold North, you will have a great time at these free events.
Christmas at the Parkway
Enjoy Free Christmas Movies in Minneapolis
Grab Free Tickets to one of three Christmas movie classics, being shown at the recently renovated Parkway Theater on Chicago Avenue. Christmas at the Parkway is a free event that will be showing three movies on December 15, 2018. The family-friendly Charlie Brown Christmas kicks off the marathon at 4:00 PM that Saturday. Next up is the classic Home Alone at 5:00. A Cocktail hour begins at 7:00 before the showing of It’s a Wonderful Life at 8:00 PM. This event is sponsored by Restoration. But hurry because tickets are “selling” out fast! Claim your tickets now. If you miss out on the free tickets, you can still see some Christmas classics at the Parkway, but they won’t be free.
Holidazzle
Family-friendly outdoor Holiday Market
Once synonymous with a dazzling parade, the Holidazzle has transformed into a bustling family-friendly market place. There’s no cost for admission to this winter wonderland located in Loring Park. The Holidazzle is one of funnest free attractions this December, with ice skating rinks, local vendors, music and movies. Movies are shown on Thursday and Sunday evenings in December. You can see the line-up here. Bundle up and remember to bring your wallet. While entrance to this event is free, you may want to purchase something to eat or drink.
Skate the Star at MOA
First ever Ice Rink at the Mall of America
The Mall of America recently announced it’s newest winter attraction, Skate the Star Ice Rink. Admission is free if you bring your own ice skates. If you don’t have any skates, you can rent a pair for only $5. This opportunity extends beyond December so don’t worry if you don’t make it before the New Year. Head inside the MOA when you’re done skating to warm up and listen to one of the live Holiday Music performances. If you’ve got toddlers with you, visit the mall on Toddler Tuesday and check out the holiday-themed events. Your child can get a free meal on Tuesdays from a participating restaurant as well!
Wells Fargo Winter Skate
St. Paul’s City Skating Rink Option
Free for Wells Fargo cardholders (just show your card), this skate rink is nestled in beautiful downtown St. Paul. If you’re not a Wells Fargo customer, you’ll pay just $4 for skate rental. However, you’ll probably pay for parking downtown too. This is why I’m partial to the new rink at MOA this year. But if you’re looking for a more romantic and picturesque setting–the Wells Fargo Winter Skate Rink is where to go.
European Christmas Market
A Quintessential Market for finding Unique Gifts
The European Christmas Market, like one you’d find in Munich, is coming up December 7-10 at the Union Depot in St. Paul. This market offers handcrafted items, such as Christmas ornaments, nutcrackers, beeswax candles, decorative glass, wool mittens and scarves, jewelry and more. Of course beer and food will also be available on site.
Santa Clause is Coming… to Sociable?
Meet & Greet Santa at Sociable Cider Werks
Naughty or nice, it doesn’t matter. Go meet Santa Clause at Sociable Cider Werks either on December 16 or December 20, 2018. Bring your kids and/or pets and meet Santa in the taproom. Don’t forget your ID so you can enjoy a Fat Bike Hot Mulled Cider. Sociable Cider Werks is located Northeast Minneapolis, but it can be a little tricky to find. If this will be your first time, check out these directions.
Thanks for reading my suggestions about the Best Free Holiday Events in Minneapolis and St. Paul This December 2018. If this was helpful to you, please share it with someone you know. You might also like the post I wrote about the best experience gifts to give kids in the Twin Cities instead of toys this holiday season. Check it out!
If you’re looking for some unique adventure gifts, check out our annual adventure gift guides: for him, for her, and for kids. These gifts will be sure to excite and equip the one you love for their next adventure. They will make them feel loved and appreciated too!