Winterapolis Light Up & Winter Kickoff
Schedule
Fri Nov 28 2025 at 05:00 pm to 07:30 pm
UTC-06:00Location
IDS Center Crystal Court | Minneapolis, MN
About this Event
When the days get dark, America’s Winter City lights up. Join us the evening after Thanksgiving for the Winterapolis Light Up & Winter Kickoff, a celebration marking the start of the winter season in downtown Minneapolis. Gather with friends, family, and neighbors as we flip the switch to light up the city and officially welcome winter. Enjoy live entertainment, mingle with beloved Minnesota mascots, and take in the festive atmosphere filling the Crystal Court and Nicollet Mall.
Dine out at downtown restaurants and explore the holiday markets (The Dayton’s Holiday Market, Holidays on Nicollet Market, and Chameleon Shoppes will all stay open late for the occasion) and kids can shop for their grownups at The Little Door Store.
A cash bar and coat check will both be available.
$5 evening parking at participating ramps.
Come help us kick off Winterapolis and celebrate the season that shines brightest.
Winterapolis Light Up & Winter Kickoff
Friday, November 28 | 5:00–7:30 PM
IDS Center Crystal Court
Free & Family Friendly | Dress Festive!
Winterapolis is made possible through the generous support of and partnership with the following organizations:
Minneapolis Foundation
Meet Minneapolis
Minneapolis Downtown Council | Downtown Improvement District
Hennepin Arts
IDS Center | Accesso
Best Buy
Xcel Energy
US Bank Volunteers
Pohlad Family Foundation
Marquette Hotel
NOA
Cardigan Donuts
People's Organic Cafe
Spotlight Winterapolis Events
Dayton’s Holiday Market (Nov 13 - Dec 27)
Holidays on Nicollet Market (Nov 13 - Dec 27)
Chameleon Market (Nov 13 - Dec 27)
Little Door Store (Nov 28 - Dec 21)
Downtown Pub Crawl (Dec 20)
Orchestra Hall's Nordic Soundscapes Festival (January)
US Pond Hockey Tournament (Jan 23 - 25)
ASI‘s Holiday Rooms (Nov 8 - Jan 26)
Art Shanty Projects (Jan 17 - Feb 8)
Lake Harriet Winter Kite Festival (January)
The Great Northern (Jan 28 - Feb 1)
Luminary Loppet (Feb 7)
Small S'mores V-Day Cafe (February)
Curling on Nicollet Mall (Dates coming soon)
Where is it happening?
IDS Center Crystal Court, 717 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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